Unveiling Hidden Sugars in Beverages
A recent study conducted on soft and energy drinks available in Morocco has revealed startling findings regarding products marketed as zero-sugar. According to the research, these beverages can contain up to 5.81 grams of simple sugars per 100 milliliters, contradicting consumer expectations based on product labeling. This study highlights a troubling trend: the presence of undeclared sweeteners, sugars, and preservatives that consumers rely upon to make informed choices about their beverage consumption.
Published in the journal Scientific African, this investigation marks the first of its kind in Morocco to combine a chemical analysis of beverage additives with a survey of consumer behavior. Led by Aimen El Orche from Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health in Casablanca, the research team conducted their analysis between February and May 2025, examining 46 commercial soft and energy drinks sourced from two prominent Moroccan retail chains.
Consumer Awareness and Labeling Issues
The methodology involved utilizing ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography to detect six additives, including acesulfame K, aspartame, sodium saccharin, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and caffeine. Additionally, infrared spectroscopy was employed to quantify sugars and organic acids present in the beverages. Alongside this chemical analysis, a survey of 412 students at the Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences provided insight into consumer awareness and behaviors regarding these products.
The findings regarding sugar content were alarming, revealing significant discrepancies between the labeled ingredients and the actual content of the drinks. Regular carbonated sodas averaged 10.2 grams of simple sugars per 100 milliliters, with some exceeding 14 grams. Meanwhile, drinks labeled as zero-sugar or light averaged around 0.6 grams, yet several contained undeclared fructose levels reaching 4.07 grams per 100 milliliters. In a disturbing instance, one drink that did not disclose any sugar information contained 8.51 grams, while another reached 15.55 grams per 100 milliliters. Such discrepancies raise serious concerns about the transparency and accuracy of labeling practices within the beverage industry.
The study also uncovered a variety of undeclared additives, with acesulfame K found in 69.5% of samples, and aspartame detected in 10.8% of drinks. The presence of undeclared aspartame poses particular risks for individuals with phenylketonuria, a genetic disorder requiring strict avoidance of phenylalanine, a byproduct of aspartame metabolism. Furthermore, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate were identified as common preservatives, with potential health implications due to their cumulative exposure when consumed regularly.
In terms of caffeine content, one energy drink recorded an astonishing 298.03 mg/L, nearing the European limit of 320 mg/L for energy beverages. Alarmingly, several products either failed to declare caffeine or listed it in an incorrect order, contravening Moroccan regulations that mandate ingredient disclosure in descending order of proportion. Overall, only 28.3% of the beverages analyzed complied with labeling requirements, raising significant concerns about consumer safety.
The survey among students revealed a stark lack of awareness regarding sweeteners, with only 61.2% able to identify aspartame, and a considerable portion admitting to rarely or never reading ingredient labels. Yet, nearly half expressed that clearer risk information would motivate them to reduce consumption of these beverages, while a substantial majority supported the idea of natural alternatives to synthetic additives. The researchers concluded that the Moroccan beverage market exhibits frequent labeling non-compliance, potential overexposure to additives, and a general lack of consumer literacy.
To address these pressing issues, the researchers advocated for enhanced regulatory oversight, routine chromatographic testing to screen for multiple additives, clearer labeling practices, and educational initiatives targeting adolescents and young adults.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
