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Amul

Amul Kool Badam

Name: Amul Kool Badam
Brand: Amul

Use in moderation SafeShelf · review pending

NOVA 4ultra-processedhigh sugarartificial coloursartificial flavourshigh added sugargluten-freepregnancy-safeenjoy in moderation

Serving

200 g

Pack

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Ingredients

Barcode

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01 — Ingredient mix

What’s in the box, ranked from most concerning.

Each ingredient gets a tier from our researched dossier. The list sorts worst-first; the donut summarises the distribution. Tap any ingredient for its full dossier.

Caution · 3 ingredients shown

Caution3 of 5 ingredients

SugarCaution

Synthetic food colours (110, 122, 150d, 102)Caution

Artificial flavouring substances (badam, caramel)Caution

Cleared 2▾

Toned milkCleared

Milk solidsCleared

02 — Claims audit

Every label claim, fact-checked.

We treat each claim as a question — does what’s inside back it up? Tap a claim for the reasoning.

1/2

claims fully supported

“UHT Treated Flavoured Toned Milk”true

The product description in EXTRA INFORMATION explicitly states 'UHT Treated Flavoured Toned Milk', and the ingredient list confirms toned milk as the base with added flavours and colours.

“The Taste of India”unverified

This is a subjective brand/marketing slogan; no nutritional, sensory, or certification data in any of the four sources can confirm or deny a claim of cultural taste representation.

03 — The fuller picture

Read the whole thing if a one-line verdict isn’t enough.

What’s in favour, and what’s working against it

In favour

Provides ~12.4 g protein per 200 ml serving from toned milk
Zero trans fat declared
UHT treatment ensures microbiological safety and extended shelf life
FSSAI licensed product from a reputed cooperative (GCMMF)

Working against

Very high sugar: 50 g total sugar per 200 ml serving
High added sugar: 31.2 g per serving (31% of daily RDA)
Contains four synthetic food colours (E102, E110, E122, E150d)
EU/UK regulations require hyperactivity warning for E102, E110, E122
High saturated fat per serving: 7.4 g (17% RDA)
Artificial flavouring substances; ultra-processed (NOVA 4)
E122 (Carmoisine) is banned or restricted in several countries

Who should approach with care

Children — Three of the four synthetic dyes (E102, E110, E122) carry EU/UK mandatory warnings that they 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children', and a single serving delivers 31.2 g of added sugar, far exceeding WHO's recommended daily free sugar limit for children.

Infants — Cow's milk is not recommended as a primary drink for infants under 12 months (FSSAI/FDA); additionally, E110 has no established safe level for infants, E150d exposure could approach the ADI due to low body weight, and the almond flavouring may contain trace amygdalin-derived compounds.

Diabetes — Each 200 ml serving contains 50 g of total sugar, including 31.2 g of added sucrose, which causes sharp postprandial blood glucose spikes and is highly inappropriate for individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Lactose Intolerance — Both toned milk and milk solids contribute naturally occurring lactose (~4.5–4.8%); individuals with lactase deficiency will experience bloating, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps per FSSAI and FDA guidance.

Heart Disease — A single serving delivers 7.4 g of saturated fat (17% RDA) and 50 g of sugar; both high saturated fat and excess free sugar intake are independently associated with elevated cardiometabolic risk per WHO evidence reviews.

Hypertension — High free sugar intake from sugar-sweetened beverages is linked to raised blood pressure in cardiometabolic risk studies cited by WHO, and 31.2 g of added sugar per serving represents a significant load.

Pregnancy — E150d contains 4-MEI as a manufacturing byproduct currently under FDA reproductive safety review, and artificial caramel flavour includes diacetyl and related Maillard-analogue compounds with insufficient developmental safety data; precautionary limitation is advised.

Kidney Disease — Toned milk and milk solids contribute phosphorus, potassium, and protein — all potentially restricted in chronic kidney disease — and excess sugar consumption further accelerates CKD progression via diabetes and hypertension pathways.

Sulfite Sensitivity — E150d is manufactured using sulphite compounds and may contain residual sulphur dioxide as a byproduct per EFSA specifications, posing risk to individuals with sulphite sensitivity or sulphite-triggered asthma.

Epilepsy — Azo dyes E110, E122, and E102 have been associated with neurobehavioural effects in sensitive populations; individuals with neurological conditions such as epilepsy should consult a physician before regular consumption.

Nut Allergy — The badam (almond) flavouring ingredient — listed under aliases that include natural almond extract — may be derived from almonds (a tree nut major allergen); individuals with tree-nut allergy should exercise caution even if the label only declares milk.

Migraine — Tartrazine (E102) is listed among dietary triggers known to provoke migraine attacks in susceptible individuals, per documented associations in peer-reviewed literature.

Thyroid Disease — Some studies suggest a potentially elevated risk of thyroid disturbance associated with tartrazine (E102) exposure, though evidence remains preliminary; individuals with existing thyroid conditions should seek medical advice before regular consumption.

Ibs — E110 has shown histopathological intestinal alterations in animal studies; E102 may induce oxidative gut inflammation; and synthetic caramel flavour compounds may act as GI irritants — all of which could exacerbate IBS symptoms.

Ibd — Tartrazine (E102) has been shown in preclinical studies to induce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in gut tissue, which may worsen underlying inflammatory bowel conditions.

Phenylketonuria — Milk solids contain phenylalanine-rich proteins (casein and whey); individuals with PKU must carefully account for the phenylalanine contribution within their strictly controlled low-phenylalanine diet.

Liver Disease — Benzaldehyde from the almond flavouring is metabolised hepatically to benzoic acid; individuals with impaired liver function may have reduced capacity to process benzoate-related compounds and should seek medical advice.

The full analysis

Amul Kool Badam is a ready-to-drink flavoured milk marketed to children and young adults as a convenient dairy-based beverage. While it delivers a meaningful amount of protein (~12.4 g per bottle) from its toned-milk base, the overall picture is concerning: a single 200 ml serving contributes 50 g of total sugar — including 31.2 g of added sugar, equivalent to 31% of the recommended daily allowance — alongside four synthetic azo and caramel dyes (E102, E110, E122, E150d) that carry EU-mandated hyperactivity warnings for children. The most useful thing a curious consumer should know is that despite its dairy credentials, this product is ultra-processed and delivers more added sugar per serving than most soft drinks, making it unsuitable for regular consumption, especially by children.

FSSAI licence

10012021000071

Manufacturer

Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd.

Region

Source

MANUAL

Analysis

Independently researched