Most people know Coca-Cola and Pepsi aren’t health foods. In the United States, attention has turned to a caramel colorant used to give those drinks their dark hue: 4-methylimidazole, known as 4-MEI. This compound forms when certain sugars are roasted with ammonia during the production of caramel color, one of several colorants used in soft drinks. Some animal studies have suggested a possible cancer signal at very high exposure, which has drawn scrutiny from regulators and pushed manufacturers to adjust processes to lower 4-MEI while preserving the familiar taste. Regulatory bodies broadly agree that, at typical levels of consumption, the risk is uncertain and likely small, especially when compared with other risk factors tied to diet and lifestyle. The broader takeaway is that beverages are only one piece of the nutrition puzzle, and moderated intake matters. — FDA, Health Canada
Company efforts include switching to alternative heating methods, using different types of caramel colors that produce the same shade with less 4-MEI, and refining filtration techniques. In the United States, reformulated versions have appeared in California first, then rolled out to other markets as part of ongoing product improvements. Canada has not announced a nationwide rollout of the same changes as of today. These moves reflect industry efforts to reduce potential risk without sacrificing color or taste. — FDA, Health Canada
To put the risk into perspective, several agencies emphasize that the amount of 4-MEI found in beverages is small, and risk from ordinary consumption is not well supported as a cancer driver in humans. The amount in a single can is far below levels associated with clear harm in humans, according to major regulators, who also point out that other everyday choices contribute more to health risk. Nevertheless, some consumers prefer to limit exposure and watch soda intake as part of a broader approach to healthy eating. — FDA, National Cancer Institute
Another part of the discussion concerns aspartame, an artificial sweetener used in many diet drinks. Critics have raised questions about potential health effects, but major health authorities such as the U.S. FDA and EFSA say there is no conclusive cancer risk at typical consumption. Readers should read labels, consider total sugar and calorie intake, and remember that moderation remains a sensible guideline for all sweetened beverages. — FDA, EFSA
When choosing beverages, water stays the safest option for regular hydration. If flavor is desired, 100 percent fruit juice can be a satisfying alternative in moderation, and plain milk or fortified non-dairy beverages offer other routes to balance. In any case, keeping hydration simple and varied supports overall well-being. — Health Canada