Is Ribena Actually Good for You? A Closer Look at Its Ingredients and Nutrition

Recently updated on October 24th, 2024 at 10:22 pm

Ribena is a popular drink renowned for its brightly coloured formula. Although children love it, many parents aren’t sure if it is healthy or not.

In order to find out whether Ribena is good or bad for you, we’ve researched its ingredients and scrutinised its nutritional profile.

In Summary: Ribena provides Vitamin C and antioxidants, which are good for you, but most versions contain both sugar and artificial sweeteners. The “no added sugar” version removes added sugars but still includes natural sugars and sweeteners. It’s best to enjoy Ribena occasionally as part of a balanced diet.

Ribena carton drink

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What are the Ingredients in Ribena?

Before we look at the ingredients list, keep in mind that Ribena is a squash, so any flavours will be condensed down into a powerful enough formula that it still manages to emit a strong taste when diluted.

Ribena comes in a carton already diluted with water, or in a bottle as a concentrate. They also now offer ready to drink bottles to make it easier to enjoy Ribena on-the-go. They have been making their cordials since 1938.

The main flavour of Ribena enjoyed in the UK is the original blackcurrant flavour. The blackcurrant version is also available as Ribena Light. Another popular flavour in the UK is Strawberry and Strawberry Light Ribena.

The pre-mixed bottles of Ribena are available in sparkling Blackcurrant & Raspberry flavour. They also offer multipacks of their cartons and smaller bottles.

Ingredients

Before diving into Ribena’s nutritional profile, let’s first take a look at the ingredients used across different versions of this popular drink. Understanding the ingredients can help you make more informed choices, especially if you’re concerned about added sugars, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners.

RIBENA DRINKINGREDIENTS
Ribena Blackcurrant SquashWater, Blackcurrant Juice from Concentrate (30%), Sugar, Thickener (Polydextrose), Acidity Regulator (Sodium Gluconate), Acid (Citric Acid), Vitamin C, Natural Blackcurrant Flavourings, Extracts of (Carrot and Hibiscus),
 Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Bisulphite), Sweeteners (Acesulfame K, Sucralose)
Ribena No Added Sugar Blackcurrant SquashWater, Blackcurrant Juice from Concentrate (18%), Acids (Malic Acid, Citric Acid), Acidity Regulator (Sodium Gluconate), Extracts of Carrot and Hibiscus, Vitamin C, Sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame K), Natural Flavourings, Preservative (Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Bisulphite)
Ribena Blackcurrant CartonWater, Blackcurrant Juice from Concentrate (6%), Sugar, Thickener (Polydextrose), Acidity Regulator (Sodium Gluconate), Vitamin C, Acid (Citric Acid), Natural Blackcurrant Flavourings, Sweeteners (Acesulfame K, Sucralose)
Ribena Blackcurrant No Added Sugar CartonWater, Blackcurrant Juice from Concentrate (6%), Thickener (Polydextrose), Vitamin C, Natural Blackcurrant Flavourings, Sweeteners (Acesulfame K, Sucralose), Acid (Malic Acid)
Ribena – Blackcurrant (Bottle)Water, Blackcurrant Juice from Concentrate (7%), Sugar, Thickener (Polydextrose), Acidity Regulator (Sodium Gluconate), Extract of Carrot and Hibiscus, Vitamin C, Natural Blackcurrant Flavourings, Acid (Citric Acid), Sweeteners (Acesulfame K, Sucralose)
Ribena Light – Blackcurrant (Bottle)Water, Blackcurrant Juice from Concentrate (7%), Acids (Malic Acid, Citric Acid), Acidity Regulators (Calcium Hydroxide, Calcium Carbonate), Extract of Carrot and Hibiscus, Vitamin C, Sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame K), Stabiliser (Xanthan Gum), Flavouring

Blackcurrant Juice Content

Notably, Ribena Blackcurrant Squash contains 30% blackcurrant fruit juice from concentrate. This percentage varies depending on the Ribena product. For instance, Ribena Light contains only 7% blackcurrant juice when in its pre-mixed bottle form.

Blackcurrant juice is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants like anthocyanins, which are known to help reduce inflammation and boost immune health. However, the lower juice content in some versions means fewer of these natural benefits.

Notable Ingredients in Ribena

There are some ingredients in Ribena that might not be familiar to the average person. Here’s a breakdown of those that stand out:

  • Polydextrose – Used as a thickener in Ribena, this is a chemically created carbohydrate that is also used as a prebiotic, meaning it helps promote good bacteria in the gut. However, in high amounts, it may cause bloating or digestive discomfort for some people.
  • Citric Acid – A common ingredient in soft drinks, citric acid serves as a flavour enhancer and preservative.
  • Sodium Gluconate – Functions as an acidity regulator, keeping the pH level of the drink stable. While generally considered safe, people with sensitive systems may experience mild irritation from acidity regulators in large quantities.

Are There Preservatives in Ribena?

Yes, Ribena contains preservatives to extend its shelf life. These are particularly important in preventing microbial growth and spoilage over time. Here are the key preservatives used:

  • Potassium Sorbate – An odorless and tasteless salt, potassium sorbate prevents the growth of molds, yeast, and other microorganisms. While generally considered safe, overconsumption of preservatives in processed drinks can sometimes lead to digestive discomfort.
  • Sodium Bisulphite – This preservative is used to control pH levels in Ribena and prevent discoloration. However, some people, particularly those with asthma or sulphite sensitivity, may experience allergic reactions to sodium bisulphite.

What Sugars are Added to Ribena?

Ribena contains both natural sugars from blackcurrant juice and added sugars. Additionally, artificial sweeteners are used across various products to enhance sweetness without the added calories. Here’s a closer look:

  • Acesulfame K, said to be 200 times sweeter than sugar but without the calories. However, some studies suggest long-term consumption of artificial sweeteners may be linked to increased cravings for sweet foods, potentially contributing to overeating.
  • Sucralose, also known as ‘Splenda’, is said to be 600 times sweeter than sugar. Though it’s calorie-free, some research suggests that artificial sweeteners like sucralose could disrupt gut bacteria, which may affect digestive health over time.
  • Aspartame – Used in Ribena Light, aspartame is the most popular sweetener in sugar-free drinks. While it has been approved for safety, some concerns exist about its potential effects on metabolic health and weight gain when consumed frequently.

It’s important to note that while the “No Added Sugar” version of Ribena contains less sugar than the original version, it still contains artificial sweeteners, which come with their own health concerns. Limiting your intake of drinks with artificial sweeteners is generally advised.

Ribena Nutritional Facts: Is It Really Good for You?

Ribena contains no fat, which might lead you to believe that it is good for you. It does contain sugar and some salt, though.

The salt content ranges from 0.01g per 250ml in the No Added Sugar version (carton) to 0.11-0.15g per 250ml in a classic Ribena. 

RIBENA DRINK
(250ml diluted serving)
KCALCARBSSUGARSALTVITAMIN C
Ribena Blackcurrant Squash 4711g10.6g0.15g80mg
Ribena No Added Sugar Blackcurrant Squash 60.9g0.7g0.09g80mg
Ribena Blackcurrant Carton4811g10.7g0.14g80mg
Ribena Blackcurrant No Added Sugar Carton101.4g1.1g0.01g80mg
Ribena – Blackcurrant (Bottle)4711.1g10.7g0.14g 80mg
Ribena Light – Blackcurrant (Bottle)91.7g1.3g0.11g80mg

How Many Calories Are in Ribena?

The calorie content of Ribena depends on whether it’s the full-sugar or no-added-sugar version. Full-sugar Ribena drinks contain 47 or 48 calories per 250ml, while the no-added-sugar versions provide just 6 to 10 calories for the same serving size.

For comparison, a typical 250ml serving of orange juice has around 118 calories, and a Capri Sun drink has about 71 calories. This makes Ribena a lower-calorie option, especially if you are mindful of your calorie intake.

Sugar Content

The sugar content in Ribena drinks varies significantly across the different products.

  • Highest Sugar: Full-sugar versions like the Blackcurrant Squash and Ribena Bottle contain around 10.6 to 10.7g of sugar per 250ml, which is roughly 2.5 teaspoons of sugar. This includes natural and added sugars.
  • Lowest Sugar: The No Added Sugar versions contain as little as 0.7g of sugar per 250ml.
  • Ribena Light: With 1.3g of sugar per 250ml, Ribena Light is a middle-ground option, significantly lower in sugar than the regular versions.

How Much Vitamin C Does Ribena Have?

Ribena is a good source of Vitamin C, providing around 80mg per 250ml serving. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin C ranges between 45-120mg depending on your age, sex, weight, and height. A single serving of Ribena can meet between 67% to 178% of your daily Vitamin C needs, depending on individual requirements.

However, while Ribena can contribute to your Vitamin C intake, it’s best to get most of your nutrients from whole fruits and vegetables, as processed drinks may lose some of their nutritional value during production.

So, Does Ribena Have Any Health Benefits?

Ribena does offer some health benefits, mainly due to its high Vitamin C content. Vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals in the body, which can cause damage to cells if left unchecked.

One of Ribena’s key ingredients, blackcurrant juice, comes with numerous health benefits. However, keep in mind that Ribena is made from diluted and heavily processed blackcurrant juice, which means many beneficial compounds are lost during processing.

That said, Ribena still retains some antioxidants, specifically anthocyanins, even after processing. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that may protect against several diseases, including heart disease, and have been linked to various health benefits like reduced inflammation and improved immune function.

While Ribena contains beneficial nutrients, it’s important to note that the drink also contains added sugars and artificial sweeteners. Excess sugar intake is not recommended, so it’s best to enjoy Ribena in moderation, as part of a balanced diet.

Additionally, keep in mind that artificial sweeteners come with their own concerns, and are not entirely risk-free.

FAQs about whether Ribena is bad for you

In this section, we have outlined the commonly asked questions we hear about Ribena.

Is Ribena Good for Babies?

Babies should be kept away from sugary drinks, including Ribena. They are bad for their teeth and if babies get used to drinking sweet drinks regularly, they are more likely to refuse plain water which is much healthier.

Is Ribena Safe in Pregnancy?

According to the Ribena website, there’s no specific reason to avoid Ribena during pregnancy. The drink provides Vitamin C, which is beneficial for overall health. However, if you’re concerned about sugar intake, you might consider opting for the no added sugar version.

That said, the no added sugar version contains artificial sweeteners, which can be harmful if consumed in excess. It’s always best to consult your healthcare provider to ensure that Ribena, or any other drink, fits safely into your pregnancy diet.

Is Ribena Light Good for You?

Ribena Light is a healthier option compared to regular Ribena, primarily because it contains less sugar and fewer calories. It has no fat and provides a good amount of Vitamin C (80mg per serving), making it a better choice than many sugary soft drinks.

However, it’s important to note that Ribena Light contains artificial sweeteners, which have been linked to potential health concerns, including weight gain and poor gut health. Like all artificially sweetened beverages, it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

Related content:

Is Robinsons Squash bad for you?

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