IRN-BRU: the people’s ginger. The west of Scotland generic term for a soft drink is apt in this case, as the liquid under advisement is ginger-coloured, or rusty as some see it, in a nod to the iron alleged in the name.
So, let’s clear that one up right away. Does Irn-Bru actually contain iron? Well, you may be surprised to learn that the answer is … yes! But only a tiny amount: 0.002 per cent of ammonium ferric citrate.
Other ingredients of the main un-dieted, un-energised brand are: carbonated water (natch), sugar (controversial), citric acid (yummy!), flavourings (including caffeine and quinine), sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame K), preservative (E211), and colourings Sunset Yellow FCF and Ponceau 4R – oh, that explains the hue (though I can’t see the expression “I fancy a can of Ponceau”).