Lucozade Original Ingredients
A complete breakdown of Lucozade Original — the UK's iconic glucose energy drink, including its controversial Southampton Six colours.
Quick Facts
~140 Calories Per 380ml Bottle
A standard 380ml bottle of Lucozade Original contains approximately 140 calories, mostly from glucose syrup. The sugar content was significantly reduced in 2017 following the UK soft drinks industry levy.
Contains Glucose Syrup & Caffeine
The main active ingredients are glucose syrup (17%) for quick energy and caffeine (~46mg per bottle) for alertness. The glucose provides a rapid energy source as it enters the bloodstream faster than sucrose.
Allergens: None of the 14 Major Allergens
Lucozade Original does not contain any of the 14 major allergens that must be declared under UK food law. It is free from gluten, milk, nuts, soya, and all other major allergens.
Full Ingredients List
Here is the complete list of ingredients in Lucozade Original, as listed on UK packaging:
Carbonated Water, Glucose Syrup (17%), Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Flavouring, Preservative (Potassium Sorbate), Caffeine, Antioxidant (Ascorbic Acid), Colours (Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R).
Breaking Down the Ingredients
Lucozade Original has a relatively short ingredients list compared to many soft drinks. The formulation is built around glucose syrup dissolved in carbonated water, with acids for tartness, preservatives, caffeine, and artificial colours for its distinctive orange appearance.
Carbonated Water & Glucose Syrup
The base of the drink is carbonated water with glucose syrup making up 17% of the total product. Glucose (also known as dextrose) is a simple sugar that the body can absorb very quickly — this is why Lucozade was originally marketed as a recovery drink for illness. The glucose syrup provides the majority of the calories in the drink.
Acids & Flavouring
Citric acid and lactic acid provide the slightly tart, tangy flavour profile. The generic "flavouring" listed on the label creates Lucozade's distinctive taste. Under UK food law, flavourings do not need to be individually named unless they are allergens.
Southampton Six Colours
Lucozade Original contains two of the so-called "Southampton Six" artificial colours: Sunset Yellow FCF (E110) and Ponceau 4R (E124). These are the food colourings identified in a 2007 University of Southampton study as potentially linked to increased hyperactivity in some children. Under UK and EU law, products containing these colours must carry the warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."
It is worth noting that the FSA considers these colours safe for general consumption at the levels used in food and drinks. The mandatory warning is a precautionary measure, particularly aimed at parents of young children.
Additives Explained
| Additive | E-Number | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potassium Sorbate | E202 | Preservative | Prevents mould and yeast growth. One of the most widely used food preservatives. Generally considered safe by the FSA and EFSA. |
| Ascorbic Acid | E300 | Antioxidant | Also known as vitamin C. Prevents oxidation and helps maintain freshness. Considered safe — it is an essential nutrient. |
| Sunset Yellow FCF | E110 | Colour (orange) | Synthetic azo dye. One of the Southampton Six colours. Requires mandatory warning label in the UK. The FSA considers it safe at permitted levels. |
| Ponceau 4R | E124 | Colour (red) | Synthetic azo dye. One of the Southampton Six colours. Requires mandatory warning label in the UK. Combined with E110 to create Lucozade's orange colour. |
Other Notable Ingredients
- Caffeine — Approximately 12mg per 100ml (46mg per 380ml bottle). This is less than a cup of tea (~50mg) and significantly less than coffee (~95mg). Provides mild stimulant effects.
- Citric Acid — A naturally occurring acid found in citrus fruits. Used for flavour and as a preservative. Generally considered safe.
- Lactic Acid — Naturally produced during fermentation. Adds a slightly sour note to the flavour. Generally considered safe.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition values for Lucozade Original, shown per 100ml and per 380ml bottle:
| Nutrient | Per 100ml | Per 380ml Bottle |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 155kJ / 37kcal | 589kJ / 140kcal |
| Fat | 0g | 0g |
| - of which saturates | 0g | 0g |
| Carbohydrate | 8.9g | 33.8g |
| - of which sugars | 8.9g | 33.8g |
| Fibre | 0g | 0g |
| Protein | 0g | 0g |
| Salt | 0.03g | 0.11g |
Nutritional Context
A 380ml bottle provides 33.8g of sugar — about 38% of the adult reference intake for total sugars (90g). The drink contains zero fat and zero protein, making it essentially flavoured sugar water with caffeine. The sugar content was reduced from around 62g per bottle prior to 2017, when Lucozade reformulated ahead of the UK soft drinks industry levy.
Lucozade Original vs Other Drinks
How does Lucozade Original compare to other popular energy and soft drinks in the UK?
| Product | Serving | Calories | Sugar | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucozade Original | 380ml | 140 kcal | 33.8g | ~46mg |
| Lucozade Sport (Orange) | 500ml | 70 kcal | 15.5g | 0mg |
| Red Bull | 250ml | 112 kcal | 27.5g | 80mg |
| Monster Energy | 500ml | 220 kcal | 55g | 160mg |
| Coca-Cola | 330ml | 139 kcal | 35g | ~32mg |
Lucozade Original sits in the middle ground — higher in sugar than Lucozade Sport but lower than Monster Energy. Its caffeine content is modest compared to dedicated energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster. For those looking for a lower-sugar option, Lucozade Zero contains artificial sweeteners instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much caffeine is in Lucozade Original?
Lucozade Original contains approximately 12mg of caffeine per 100ml, which works out to around 46mg per standard 380ml bottle. To put this in context, a cup of tea typically contains around 50mg of caffeine, and a cup of coffee around 95mg. So a bottle of Lucozade has less caffeine than a single cup of tea.
Is Lucozade Original a sports drink?
No. Despite the brand association, Lucozade Original is classified as a glucose energy drink, not a sports drink. Lucozade Sport is the separate product line designed for sports hydration — it is isotonic, lower in sugar, and caffeine-free. Lucozade Original was historically marketed as a recovery aid for illness, not athletic performance.
How much sugar is in Lucozade Original?
A 380ml bottle contains approximately 33.8g of sugar (8.9g per 100ml). This was reduced significantly in 2017 from around 62g per bottle when the manufacturer reformulated ahead of the UK soft drinks industry levy (sugar tax). The sugar comes entirely from glucose syrup.
What is the Southampton Six warning on Lucozade?
Lucozade Original contains two of the six artificial food colours identified in a 2007 University of Southampton study: Sunset Yellow (E110) and Ponceau 4R (E124). The study suggested a possible link between these colours and increased hyperactivity in some children. UK law requires products containing any of these six colours to display the warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children." The FSA notes that this is a precautionary measure and these colours are considered safe at permitted levels for the general population.
Scan Any Product Yourself
Use NutraSafe to scan any drink, snack, or grocery item and get a full ingredient breakdown — including E-number explanations and allergen alerts.
Download NutraSafe Free