Carbonated drinks are enjoyed by people all over the world. Some count the calories, while some only count on the fizz.
To give calorie-conscious consumers a non-guilty alternative, Pepsi Max was introduced in 1993. This is an alternate to the classic Pepsi, minus the calories and the abundant sugar.
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Pepsi Max Ingredients
Pepsi Max is said to be very low in calories and has zero sugar in it. This is a combination that screams Good for the body.
The composition of Pepsi Max is mostly similar to Pepsi but it mainly does away with the sugar component and fructose corn syrup.
It also doubles its caffeine which goes up to 69mg while Pepsi just has 38 mg.
Another ingredient that is unique to Pepsi Max is the ancient Chinese Ginseng. Found in the root of genus plants, it is rich in ginsenosides and gintonin. Ginseng is said to improve the physical and mental well-being of a person.
Pepsi Max Calories
Though Pepsi Max is said to be a low-calorie drink, it is definitely not free of it.
A small bottle of Pepsi Max is 330ml and has 1k Calories. This comes mainly from the 0.2g carbohydrate that is present in the same serving of the drink.
Does Pepsi Max have carbs?
Though Pepsi Max is low in calories, it has a small number of carbs in it. This is way lesser than the 41 grams of carbohydrate found in regular Pepsi.
Pepsi Max vs Pepsi Zero – What’s the difference?
Pepsi Max and Pepsi zero are two variants of the original Pepsi, each claiming to be healthier in different ways.
While Pepsi Zero is said to have no calories, Pepsi Max is mainly fewer calories than most carbonated drinks.
Where Pepsi Max triumphs are its no sugar rule. Both drinks use the artificial sweetener, Aspartame, but Pepsi Zero uses a higher concentration of it.
Another key ingredient in both is caffeine, which is used in a larger amount in Pepsi Max than Pepsi Zero.
Is Pepsi Max zero sugar?
Pepsi Max has zero sugar, but it is replaced by a low-calorie sweetener like aspartame and Acesulfame K.
This is definitely not a deal-breaker as it is very low in calories and carbohydrates and most importantly does not compromise on the taste of the beverage.
Does Pepsi Max contain sucralose or artificial sweeteners?
Pepsi Max contains aspartame and Acesulfame K which contributes to the sweetness of the drink. Aspartame is a non-sugar artificial sweetener that is about 200 times sweeter than regular sugar.
So, a small amount of it is enough to reach the sweetness targeted, while keeping the calorie count to a minimum.
Does Pepsi Max have fructose?
Pepsi Max does not contain High Fructose corn syrup which is the most commonly used sweetener in many carbonated drinks.
Fructose is cheaper and sweeter than regular sugar and is quickly absorbed into the body. This contributes to gradual obesity and diabetes among other diseases.
Is Pepsi Max caffeine free?
No, Pepsi Max is not caffeine-free. On the contrary, it contains nearly double the amount of caffeine that is present in regular Pepsi.
If this is a deal-breaker, you may check out Pepsi Max No Caffeine, which is essentially Pepsi Max with no caffeine.
Does Pepsi Max have aspartame?
Pepsi Max uses aspartame as a replacement for sugar. Though aspartame is generally safe as an artificial sweetener, a high intake over time increases chances of brain tumor, cancer, and premature birth for pregnant women.
Does Pepsi Max contain sorbitol?
Yes, Pepsi Max contains Sorbitol as a preservative in the drink. Sorbitol is a white salt that easily dissolves in water. This keeps the drink from going bad and retaining its fizz.
Does Pepsi Max contain gluten?
Pepsi Max does not contain any gluten. As a matter of fact, most carbonated drinks are considered gluten-free while beer and other malted drinks contain gluten from the barley or wheat ingredient in them.
Does Pepsi Max have sodium?
Yes, Pepsi Max contains sodium in the form of sodium benzoate. Sodium benzoate is a preservative and helps minimize the growth of microbes in the beverage.
Does Pepsi Max cause weight gain?
Although Pepsi Max is zero-sugar, it is not a healthy beverage to replace water with.
The artificial sweetener used in Pepsi Max tends to confuse your body and causes sugar cravings. This in turn disrupts the metabolic process and slowly leads to higher blood sugar and higher blood pressure in the system.
While Ginseng is known to regulate blood sugar levels, it is important to note that long-term use can cause nervousness and insomnia.
Another point to note is that the ‘low calorie’ label on Pepsi Max tends to make people lower their guard and can lead to serious overeating. This is not good from a weight-control perspective.
Does Pepsi Max cause bloating?
Pepsi Max contains carbonated water to give the drink a fizz. This causes bloating like every other carbonated drink. This carbonation is mainly gas mixed with water and can give your stomach a puffy look.
Does Pepsi Max count as water intake?
Pepsi Max is not a replacement for water intake.
Drinking water helps regulate sugar and sodium levels in your blood. However, given the presence of sodium and artificial sweeteners, Pepsi Max can elevate sugar and sodium levels, and this is counter-intuitive to what you expect from drinking water.
Does Pepsi Max damage your liver?
Any type of Carbonated drink can lead to liver damage and Pepsi Max is no different. Consuming Pepsi Max regularly over a period of time can lead to fat build-up around the liver causing serious liver diseases.
Why is Pepsi Max bad for you?
Is Pepsi Max healthier than good ol’ Pepsi? Probably.
But here is the thing.
Pepsi Max is still an aerated beverage that contains loads of sweetening agents and other ingredients that are harmful to the body. While it is alright to have a fizzy drink once in a while, Pepsi Max is not a substitute for water and it definitely is not good for your body.
References:
- https://pepsi.co.uk/products/pepsi-max
- https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/012000018794-PepsiMaxCola/
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