Capri Sun

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Capri Sun Roarin’ Waters Fruit Punch Wave Water Beverage offers a middle-of-the-road option for those seeking cleaner drinks. This product is not organic, and it is not verified as using non-GMO ingredients, factors that are important for many health-conscious consumers. The presence of added sugars, including both sugar and stevia leaf extract, may raise concerns for those looking to minimize their sugar intake. Additionally, the ingredient list includes citric acid and natural flavors, which are often scrutinized for their potential impact on health.

Despite these concerns, the beverage does provide a simple ingredient list with filtered water as its base. The use of stevia, a natural sweetener, alongside sugar suggests an effort to balance sweetness with calorie content. However, the product does not escape the critique for added sugars, which are a common point of contention in the pursuit of cleaner eating.

The inclusion of citric acid is typical as a preservative and flavor enhancer, yet it is also a subtracting factor in the scoring process due to its processed nature. The term ‘natural flavor’ remains ambiguous, as it can encompass a wide range of sources, some of which may not align with the clean eating values some consumers strive for.

This beverage finds itself in a competitive market, where discerning customers are increasingly demanding transparency and purity in their food and drink choices. While it may not hit the mark for the most stringent of clean eating standards, it serves as a moderate choice for those who are looking for a better option than the many highly processed alternatives available. The 3 out of 5 green leaves rating reflects a middle ground, acknowledging both the product’s efforts towards a cleaner label and the areas where it falls short of ideal.