A&W

Flavor:

Zero Sugar Root Beer

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Caramel Color, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Aspartame, Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, acesulfame K), Natural and Artificial Flavors, Malic Acid, Quillaia Extract.

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the A&W Zero Sugar Root Beer presents a challenge for those seeking cleaner food options. This rating, the lowest on the scale, reflects the product’s composition which includes several ingredients that raise health concerns.

The beverage is not organic, a factor that immediately reduces its standing. Furthermore, the product does not use non-GMO ingredients, compounding its score deductions. A significant issue is the presence of artificial sweeteners, specifically Acesulfame potassium and Aspartame. These are widely debated in terms of their health effects, and their inclusion here is a major reason for the low score.

In addition to artificial sweeteners, the product contains a variety of additives. Natural and artificial flavors, caramel color, and malic acid are among these. Each of these ingredients has been associated with potential health risks, which is reflected in the score. Caramel color, in particular, has been scrutinized for its safety and potential health implications. Artificial flavors are also a point of concern due to their synthetic nature.

Another preservative, sodium benzoate, is present in the beverage. It has been flagged for potential negative health effects, especially when combined with vitamin C to form benzene, a known carcinogen. Although not applicable in this case, the presence of sodium benzoate is still a point of contention.

Despite being marketed as a zero-sugar option, the product’s reliance on artificial sweeteners and additives overshadows this aspect. The absence of high fructose corn syrup does not mitigate the overall health concerns associated with the other ingredients.

The green leaf rating system is designed to guide consumers towards healthier, cleaner food choices. With a score of 1/5 green leaves, the A&W Zero Sugar Root Beer falls short of these standards due to its ingredient profile. This assessment serves to inform consumers seeking to make healthier choices and align with cleaner eating practices.