Quick answer: Zero syrups like More Zerup and ZERUP by LUVA are mostly glycerin (a carrier that gives body), water, food acids, flavouring, intense sweeteners (sucralose and acesulfame K) and a preservative. Per glass they add 0 g sugar and almost no calories—about 1–3 kcal per 100 ml of prepared drink. More Nutrition's German ingredient list for Lemon Iced Tea does not include aspartame; ZERUP by LUVA also uses no aspartame, xylitol or erythritol.
If you search "More Zerup Inhaltsstoffe" or "More Zerup Kalorien" in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you are probably a German expat looking for the facts behind the zero-sugar drink syrup you know from home. This guide breaks down what is in zero syrups—both More Zerup and ZERUP by LUVA—and whether they fit a healthy lifestyle in the UAE.
What are zero syrups?
Zero syrups (also called sugar-free drink syrups or water flavour drops) are concentrated liquid flavourings designed to turn plain water into a fruity or tea-flavoured drink without adding sugar. You squeeze a small amount—typically around 4 ml—into 500 ml of cold still or sparkling water, stir and drink.
Because they use intense sweeteners instead of sugar, they deliver sweetness at almost no calories. One 65 ml bottle makes roughly 8–16 litres of flavoured water, depending on the brand and how strong you like it. In the UAE, zero syrups have become popular as a practical way to stay hydrated in the heat without the sugar load of soft drinks or juice.
More Zerup ingredients: what the German label says
According to More Nutrition's German website (checked October 2026), the ingredient list for More Zerup Lemon Iced Tea reads: glycerin, lactic acid, water, black tea extract, flavouring, sodium gluconate, acesulfame K, sucralose, lemon juice concentrate, salt and potassium sorbate. Other More Zerup flavours follow a similar pattern, though fruit extracts and acids vary by flavour.
The list shows no aspartame—a common question among German shoppers. More Zerup relies on acesulfame K (E 950) and sucralose (E 955) for sweetness. Both are approved intense sweeteners in the EU, UAE and most countries worldwide.
Glycerin (E 422)
Glycerin—also called glycerol—is the main ingredient by weight. It is a thick, sweet-tasting liquid used as a carrier to dissolve flavours and sweeteners. Glycerin is approved as a food additive (E 422) and is found in many foods, cosmetics and medicines. It provides body and a smooth mouthfeel to the syrup, so your drink does not taste thin or watery.
Glycerin does contain energy—about 4 kcal per gram, similar to sugar—but because you use only a few millilitres of concentrate per glass, the final drink has almost no calories. Glycerin is generally recognised as safe and is not a sugar alcohol like xylitol or erythritol (which can cause digestive upset in some people).
Sweeteners: acesulfame K and sucralose
Acesulfame K (E 950) and sucralose (E 955) are intense sweeteners, meaning they are hundreds of times sweeter than sugar. A tiny amount delivers the sweetness of several teaspoons of sugar without the calories or effect on blood glucose.
Both sweeteners have been evaluated repeatedly by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other regulators. EFSA's 2025 re-evaluation of acesulfame K and its 2026 re-evaluation of sucralose confirmed that both are safe at current levels of use. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) for acesulfame K is 9 mg per kg of body weight per day; for sucralose it is 15 mg per kg per day. A typical serving of zero syrup delivers only a fraction of those limits.
Acids, extracts and preservatives
Lactic acid and citric acid (depending on the flavour) give the drink a refreshing tang and balance the sweetness. Black tea extract or fruit juice concentrates add authentic flavour notes. Sodium gluconate is a buffering salt that helps stabilise acidity.
Potassium sorbate (E 202) is a preservative that prevents mould and yeast growth once the bottle is opened. It is widely used in low-sugar foods and drinks and is considered safe at the levels permitted in the UAE and EU.
ZERUP by LUVA ingredients
ZERUP by LUVA follows a similar formula: glycerin as the carrier, sweetened with acesulfame K and sucralose. ZERUP contains no aspartame, no xylitol and no erythritol. Every bottle and product page lists the full ingredient breakdown and nutrition information, so you can check exactly what you are drinking.
ZERUP is halal certified and vegan, and all ten flavours—from Peach Iced Tea and Mango to First Heaven (an energy-drink-style taste, but caffeine-free)—are made for the UAE market. You mix about 4 ml in 500 ml of water; one 65 ml bottle makes about 8 litres, or roughly 16 glasses of 500 ml.
ZERUP Lemon Iced Tea
Sugar-free syrup for water · 65 ml makes about 16 glasses · halal · AED 19
More Zerup calories: how many in a glass and in the whole bottle?
According to More Nutrition's German product page, one 100 ml serving of prepared Lemon Iced Tea contains about 1 kcal. That means a 500 ml glass would have roughly 5 kcal. ZERUP by LUVA has approximately 2–3 kcal per 100 ml of prepared drink, so a 500 ml glass comes to about 10–15 kcal.
Either way, the calorie contribution is minimal. Compare that to 500 ml of regular cola, which delivers about 210 kcal and about 53 g of sugar (roughly 13 teaspoons). Over a day, swapping two cans of soft drink for zero-syrup water saves you more than 400 kcal and 100 g of sugar.
Calories in the whole bottle of concentrate
Some people ask "Zerup Kalorien ganze Flasche"—how many calories are in the entire 65 ml bottle of concentrate? The answer is that the concentrate is never drunk neat. What matters is the prepared drink. Because glycerin does have energy, the neat syrup would contain several hundred kilocalories per 65 ml bottle, but you dilute it roughly 1:125 or more. Once mixed, each glass has almost no calories, and one bottle makes 8–16 litres of flavoured water.
Is More Zerup healthy? Is zero syrup gesund?
"More Zerup gesund" and "is zero syrup healthy" are fair questions. The short answer: zero syrups are a practical tool to replace sugary drinks and help you drink more water, but they are not a magic health food. Here is what the evidence says.
Replacing sugar
The clearest benefit is cutting sugar. Since 2026, the UAE taxes sweetened drinks by their sugar content, to encourage lower-sugar choices. A single can of cola contains about 35 g of sugar—more than the World Health Organization's recommended daily limit of 25 g for adults. Zero syrups let you enjoy a sweet, flavoured drink without that sugar load, which is better for your teeth, your weight and your metabolic health. You can read more in our guide to sugar in drinks in teaspoons.
Hydration in the UAE heat
Dubai and Abu Dhabi summers regularly hit 40–45 °C, and staying hydrated is essential. Many people find plain water boring and end up under-hydrated. Zero syrups make water more appealing, so you drink more. Research shows that flavour can increase fluid intake, especially in children and people who dislike plain water. Our guide on how to drink more water covers practical strategies, and zero syrup is one of them.
The WHO 2023 guideline on non-sugar sweeteners
In 2023 the World Health Organization issued a conditional recommendation advising against the use of non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in most people. That guideline was not a safety warning—it reflected limited and inconsistent evidence that sweeteners help with long-term weight loss. The WHO noted that replacing sugar with sweeteners may reduce calorie intake in the short term, but it did not find strong proof of sustained benefit. Importantly, the guideline did not suggest that approved sweeteners are unsafe. Our article The WHO sweetener guideline explained unpacks the nuances.
EFSA safety re-evaluations
The European Food Safety Authority re-evaluated sucralose in 2026 and acesulfame K in 2025, confirming that both are safe at current levels of use. These reviews considered decades of studies, including research on metabolism, reproduction and long-term exposure. The acceptable daily intakes remain well above typical consumption from foods and drinks. You can read more in our guide Are sweeteners safe?.
ZERUP by LUVA: 10 sugar-free flavours
Syrup for cold still or sparkling water · 65 ml makes 8+ litres · AED 19, any 3 for AED 49
Teeth and acidity
Zero syrups contain food acids (citric acid, lactic acid) that give them a refreshing tang. Acidic drinks can soften tooth enamel over time if sipped constantly. To protect your teeth, drink your flavoured water with meals rather than sipping all day, rinse your mouth with plain water afterwards, and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. Zero syrup is still far less harmful to teeth than sugary soft drinks, which combine acid with sugar—a recipe for cavities.
Children and sweeteners
EFSA's safety assessments apply to children as well as adults, adjusted for body weight. Many parents in the UAE use zero syrups to help their kids drink more water, especially at school and sports. That is a reasonable choice if it replaces juice or soft drinks. Just remember that children have lower body weights, so their ADI thresholds are reached sooner. One or two glasses a day is fine; ten glasses would be excessive. Our guide on helping kids drink more water offers balanced advice.
What zero syrup is not
Zero syrup is not a health supplement. It does not provide vitamins, minerals, electrolytes or fibre. It is a flavouring tool. If you are very active in the heat or doing intense exercise, you may need electrolytes as well as fluid—plain zero syrup will not replace the sodium and potassium lost in sweat. Our article on gym hydration in the UAE heat explains when you need more than water.
More Zerup in the UAE: availability and price
More Nutrition is a German brand, and its Zerup is widely available in Germany through the company's online shop, drugstores and supermarkets. In Germany, a 65 ml bottle typically costs around EUR 6–7.
In the UAE, More Nutrition products appear mainly through import and marketplace listings—for example, Amazon.ae global shipping or third-party online importers. Listings we saw in October 2026 were priced well above the German retail price, and delivery could take days to weeks. Availability of individual flavours varies. Always check the seller, shipping terms and product expiry date when ordering imported items.
More Nutrition and Zerup are trademarks of their respective owner in Germany and the EU. In the UAE, ZERUP is a registered trademark of LUVA Nutrition. LUVA Nutrition is not affiliated with, endorsed by or a distributor of More Nutrition.
ZERUP by LUVA: a local alternative in the UAE
ZERUP by LUVA is a UAE brand from Dubai, created for the Gulf market. It delivers within 12 hours to all seven Emirates—Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah—with free delivery over AED 200.
One 65 ml bottle costs AED 19, or you can choose any three flavours for AED 49 (mix and match, saving AED 8, applied automatically in the cart). That works out to about AED 2.40 per litre for a single bottle, or about AED 2.04 per litre with the three-bottle offer. All ten flavours are available on the ZERUP collection page, and the ingredients and nutrition facts are listed on every product page and bottle.
ZERUP is halal certified, vegan, and uses the same core ingredients as More Zerup: glycerin, acesulfame K and sucralose. It contains no aspartame, no xylitol and no erythritol. The LUVA Starter Bundle includes all ten ZERUP flavours plus both tins of LUVA Creatine Gummies for AED 382.20 (35 % off the regular price). You can compare the two brands in detail in our guide More Zerup vs ZERUP by LUVA.
How to use zero syrup safely
Zero syrups are designed for cold drinks. Add about 4 ml to 500 ml of cold still or sparkling water, stir and enjoy. You can mix two flavours (about 2 ml each), make ice cubes with a little extra syrup (about 10 ml per 500 ml of water), or prepare a jug (about 16 ml for 2 litres). If you use a home sparkling water maker, carbonate the water first, then add the syrup.
Do not heat zero syrup or use it in baking—the sweeteners and flavours are not designed for high temperatures. Once opened, keep the bottle closed in the fridge; it will keep for about three months. Never leave it in a hot car, as heat can degrade the flavour and preservatives.
Zero syrup is a food product, not a medicine. It should be part of a balanced diet that includes whole foods, vegetables, protein and healthy fats. If you have a medical condition, take medication or are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor if zero syrups fit your diet.
The bottom line
Zero syrups like More Zerup and ZERUP by LUVA are made from glycerin, water, food acids, flavouring, acesulfame K, sucralose and a preservative. Per glass they add 0 g sugar and almost no calories—about 1–3 kcal per 100 ml of prepared drink. Neither More Zerup (according to the German label we checked) nor ZERUP by LUVA contains aspartame. Both sweeteners used—acesulfame K and sucralose—have been confirmed safe by EFSA in recent re-evaluations. Zero syrups are a practical, low-calorie way to make water more appealing in the UAE heat, helping you stay hydrated without the sugar load of soft drinks.
Frequently asked questions
Does More Zerup contain aspartame?
According to More Nutrition's German ingredient list for Lemon Iced Tea (checked October 2026), More Zerup does not contain aspartame. It uses acesulfame K and sucralose as sweeteners. ZERUP by LUVA also contains no aspartame. Always check the label of the specific flavour and batch you buy, as formulations can vary by market.
How many calories does a whole bottle of zero syrup have?
The neat concentrate in a 65 ml bottle does contain energy from glycerin, but you never drink it neat. Once diluted—one bottle makes 8–16 litres of flavoured water—each 500 ml glass has only about 5–15 kcal, depending on the brand. What matters for your diet is the prepared drink, not the concentrate.
Is glycerin in zero syrup safe?
Yes. Glycerin (glycerol, E 422) is an approved food additive used as a carrier in many foods, drinks and medicines. It is generally recognised as safe by regulators worldwide. Because you use only a few millilitres of syrup per glass, the amount of glycerin you consume is very small.
Does zero syrup break a fast?
It depends on your fasting goal. Zero syrup adds almost no calories (about 2–3 kcal per 100 ml prepared), so it is unlikely to affect fat burning or autophagy during intermittent fasting. However, the sweet taste may trigger an insulin response in some people, and strict fasts allow only water. Our guide Does sugar-free syrup break a fast? covers the details.
Is zero syrup bad for teeth?
Zero syrup contains food acids that can soften enamel if sipped constantly. To protect your teeth, drink your flavoured water with meals, rinse with plain water afterwards, and wait 30 minutes before brushing. Zero syrup is much less harmful than sugary drinks, which combine acid with sugar.
Is ZERUP by LUVA keto-friendly?
Yes. ZERUP contains 0 g sugar and almost no calories (approx. 2–3 kcal per 100 ml prepared drink). If you count net carbohydrates closely on keto, check the nutrition label on the bottle or product page, but the carbohydrate content per glass is negligible. ZERUP fits low-carb, keto and sugar-free diets.
Can children drink zero syrup?
Yes, in moderation. EFSA's safety limits for acesulfame K and sucralose apply to children, adjusted for body weight. One or two glasses a day is fine and far better than sugary juice or soft drinks. Avoid giving children large amounts all day. Encourage plain water as well, and teach them that flavoured water is a treat, not the only way to hydrate.
Where can I buy More Zerup in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
More Zerup is a German brand and is not widely stocked in UAE retail. You may find it through Amazon.ae global shipping or third-party importers, often at prices above the German retail cost and with longer delivery times. ZERUP by LUVA is a local UAE brand that delivers within 12 hours across all Emirates, with prices starting at AED 19 per bottle or three for AED 49.
See the ZERUP ingredients on every product page
See the ZERUP ingredients on every product page
Sugar-free · Halal · AED 19, any 3 for AED 49 · Delivered within 12 hours across the UAE, free over AED 200
Keep reading
- Are sweeteners safe?
- The WHO sweetener guideline explained
- More Zerup vs ZERUP by LUVA
- Sugar in drinks in teaspoons
- Does sugar-free syrup break a fast?
Sources
- More Nutrition GmbH (2026). Zerup Lemon Iced Tea – Produktinformationen. More Nutrition www.morenutrition.de
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Sweeteners: safety assessments and re-evaluations, including acesulfame K and sucralose www.efsa.europa.eu
- World Health Organization (2023). Use of non-sugar sweeteners: WHO guideline. WHO www.who.int
This article is general information and does not replace advice from a doctor, dietitian or other qualified professional. Last reviewed: October 2026.