Reign

Flavor:

Lilikoi Lychee

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Sodium Citrate, L-Leucine, Caffeine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine, Sucralose, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Potassium Citrate, Sodium benzoate (Preservative), Niacinamide (Vit. B3), Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, acesulfame K), Magnesium Citrate, Coenzyme Q-10, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vit. B6), Cyanocobalamin (Vit. B12).

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Reign Lilikoi Lychee energy drink presents as a product best avoided for those seeking cleaner food options. This beverage is not organic and contains genetically modified ingredients. The inclusion of citric acid, often utilized for flavoring and preserving, contributes to its lower score due to the classification as an added sugar. The scoring system further penalizes the use of artificial sweeteners acesulfame potassium and sucralose, categorizing them as more harmful added sugars.

Moreover, the product’s ingredient list features several components that raise concerns. Natural flavors, while common in many foods and beverages, are vague and may encompass a wide range of substances, some of which may not align with cleaner eating standards. Preservatives such as potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate have been flagged as known harmful additives, contributing to the product’s low rating. These chemicals are widely used in the industry to extend shelf life but carry potential health risks.

Additional ingredients, including sodium citrate and pyridoxine hydrochloride (a form of vitamin B6), are part of the scoring deductions for potentially harmful additives. The use of such ingredients often aims to enhance taste, stability, or nutritional content, yet they do not meet criteria for cleaner, less processed foods.

The Reign Lilikoi Lychee also boasts a blend of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine, along with vitamins and coenzyme Q-10. While these may offer some benefits, particularly in the context of exercise and recovery, their presence does not offset the negative scoring factors.

The drink, therefore, holds the lowest green leaf rating due to these considerations. It represents a choice that does not align with the mission of providing cleaner, healthier food and beverage options. Consumers seeking products without these contentious ingredients may need to look elsewhere to meet their dietary preferences and health goals.