Celsius

Flavor:

Sparkling Orange Pomegranate

Ingredients:

Carbonated Filtered Water, Erythritol, Citric Acid, Natural Flavor, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf Extract, Vegetable Juice For Color

Rating: Average

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Celsius Sparkling Orange Pomegranate positions itself as a middle-of-the-road choice for consumers seeking cleaner food options. It is not certified organic, which detracts from its clean food credentials. Nevertheless, it is made with non-GMO ingredients, aligning with the preferences of health-conscious shoppers.

The product contains no artificial sweeteners, relying instead on erythritol and stevia to provide sweetness. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol with a negligible calorie count, and stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. Both of these sweeteners are generally recognized as safe alternatives to traditional sugars, yet their inclusion leads to a deduction in the overall score due to the website’s criteria for added sugars.

The presence of citric acid is notable, often used for flavor or as a preservative in many beverages. It is naturally found in citrus fruits and contributes to the tangy taste profile of the drink. However, it too contributes to the score reduction under the added sugars category.

Concerns are raised regarding the ‘natural flavour’ listed in the ingredients, which results in a significant point deduction. The term ‘natural flavour’ is broad and can encompass a variety of substances, some of which may not align with the strictest definitions of ‘clean eating.’ The ambiguity of this ingredient often leaves consumers uncertain about what exactly they are consuming.

The use of vegetable juice for color is a positive aspect, indicating a preference for natural alternatives over synthetic dyes which are often a point of contention in the clean eating community.

Overall, the Celsius Sparkling Orange Pomegranate is a beverage that finds itself in a balancing act between offering a cleaner alternative to traditional sugary drinks and having room for improvement in terms of organic certification and transparency around flavoring substances. It stands as an option for consumers who value non-GMO ingredients and natural sweeteners, yet it acknowledges the need for further steps towards complete clean food standards.