The Nutritional Breakdown of Tango
For many, Tango is a nostalgic, vibrant fizzy drink, but its vibrant colour and flavour mask a less-than-healthy reality. To answer the question, "Is tango a healthy drink?" we need to look beyond the branding and into the ingredients list and nutritional information.
Decoding the Ingredients in Original Tango
The original Tango Orange formulation includes a standard list of carbonated soft drink ingredients. These are a mix of natural and artificial compounds that offer the taste and feel of the drink, but very little in the way of nutrition. A typical ingredients list includes:
- Carbonated Water: The base of the drink, providing the fizz.
- Orange Fruit from Concentrate (5%): A very small percentage of actual fruit content, far from a whole juice drink.
- Sugar: A primary source of sweetness and calories.
- Acids (Citric Acid, Malic Acid): Contribute to the tangy flavour and act as a preservative.
- Natural Orange Flavouring: Provides the characteristic orange taste, supplementing the small amount of fruit concentrate.
- Sweeteners (Aspartame, Saccharin): Used alongside sugar in the original recipe to enhance sweetness, and are the primary sweeteners in sugar-free versions.
- Preservative (Potassium Sorbate): Extends shelf life.
- Antioxidant (Ascorbic Acid): Vitamin C is added, but the drink itself is not a significant source of vitamins.
- Natural Colour (Carotenes): Provides the orange colour.
The Health Impact of Tango's High Sugar Content
One of the main health concerns surrounding regular soft drinks like Tango is the high sugar content. With approximately 4.2g of sugar per 100ml, a 330ml can delivers 14g of sugar, contributing to several potential health issues. Regular excessive consumption of sugary beverages is linked to:
- Weight Gain: Sugary drinks are high in calories but low in satiety, making it easy to consume extra calories without feeling full.
- Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: High sugar intake and its effects on blood sugar and insulin resistance are a major risk factor.
- Dental Problems: The combination of sugar and acids creates an environment where bacteria thrive, leading to tooth decay.
- Fatty Liver Disease: Fructose, a component of sugar, is metabolized by the liver, and excessive intake can lead to fat accumulation.
The Sugar-Free Alternative: A Deeper Look
For those looking to reduce sugar intake, Tango offers a sugar-free version that replaces most of the sugar with artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and Saccharin. While this eliminates the high sugar content, it presents its own set of considerations. Research on the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners is ongoing, and some studies suggest potential links to changes in gut microbiome and, for some individuals, headaches or digestive upset. This means that while a sugar-free Tango is a better option for blood sugar management, it is not a completely 'healthy' or nutrient-dense alternative.
Comparison Table: Tango vs. Healthier Choices
| Feature | Original Tango | Sugar-Free Tango | Plain Water | 100% Orange Juice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~19 kcal per 100ml | ~4 kcal per 100ml | 0 | ~45 kcal per 100ml |
| Added Sugar | ~4.2g per 100ml | 0g | 0g | 0g |
| Artificial Sweeteners | Yes (in addition to sugar) | Yes (Aspartame, Saccharin) | No | No |
| Fruit Content | 5% concentrate | 5% concentrate | 0% | 100% |
| Overall Health Rating | Low | Low-Moderate | Excellent | Moderate (due to natural sugar) |
Healthier Alternatives to Tango
If you're seeking a more health-conscious choice, numerous alternatives can quench your thirst without the negative effects of sugar and additives. Consider these swaps:
- Infused Water: Add slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries to plain water for a refreshing, sugar-free flavour boost.
- Sparkling Water: For the fizz, opt for plain or naturally flavoured sparkling water from brands like Bubly or LaCroix, which have zero calories and sugar.
- Kombucha: This fermented tea is a fizzy option that also provides probiotics for gut health. Be mindful of the sugar content, as it can vary by brand. Look for lower-sugar varieties.
- Small Amount of 100% Juice with Sparkling Water: Get the flavour of fruit juice with fewer calories by mixing a splash of 100% fruit juice with sparkling water.
- Herbal Tea: Brewed herbal teas, served hot or cold, offer flavour without sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Conclusion: Is Tango a Healthy Drink? The Final Verdict
In conclusion, the original version of Tango is not a healthy drink due to its significant added sugar content and lack of substantial nutritional benefits. While the sugar-free varieties eliminate the added sugar, they still rely on artificial sweeteners and contain a very low percentage of actual fruit. For optimal hydration and health, the best approach is to choose water or other naturally flavoured, unsweetened beverages. View Tango as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a healthy diet.
For more information on the health effects of sugar, you can refer to the official NHS guidelines on the topic.
