Shoprite, caffeine free soda, root beer, root beer

high fructose corn syrup

Linked to obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease; often contains mercury from chlor-alkali processing.

artificial flavor

Catch-all for synthetic flavor chemicals; regulatory threshold does not address cumulative exposure

caramel color

Ammonia-process caramel coloring; may contain 4-MEI; ultra-processed marker.

sugar

High glycemic index; promotes inflammation and metabolic disease.

sodium benzoate

Combines with vitamin C to form benzene (carcinogen); linked to ADHD in children.