Rockstar

Flavor:

Watermelon

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Sugar, Citric Acid, Natural Flavor, Sodium Citrate, Caffeine, Sodium benzoate (Preserves Freshness), Potassium Sorbate (Preserves Freshness), Taurine, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Milk Thistle Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Red #40, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Yellow #6, Guarana Seed Extract, Caramel Color, Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Rating: Not Clean

Ingredient Score:

Rockstar Watermelon earns a rating of 2 out of 5 green leaves on our scale for cleaner food options. This product is a non-organic energy drink with both non-GMO ingredients and added sugars, which detracts from its overall health profile. It also contains several additives that raise concerns about its suitability for a clean diet.

The lack of organic certification results in a less favorable view of the product’s sourcing and environmental impact. Furthermore, the presence of genetically modified ingredients suggests a departure from natural agricultural practices. The addition of sugar contributes to the unnecessary consumption of sweeteners, which are often linked to various health issues when consumed in excess.

Beyond these factors, the product includes ingredients that may be harmful. Natural flavor and sodium citrate, while common in processed foods, are vague in their composition and can mask a range of undisclosed chemical additives. The inclusion of artificial colors such as Red 40 and Yellow 6, which are synthetic dyes, raises health concerns and questions about the necessity of their use in food products.

The presence of caramel color is particularly troubling. Classified in some cases as a potential carcinogen, its use is controversial and unwanted in a clean diet. Similarly, sodium benzoate, a preservative, has been linked to negative effects on health when combined with certain additives.

The product does attempt to enhance its nutritional value with the addition of vitamins such as niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, and cyanocobalamin. It also contains taurine, milk thistle extract, panax ginseng root extract, and guarana seed extract, which are ingredients often found in energy drinks and are associated with various health claims.

Despite these attempts to fortify the beverage, the overall ingredient list does not align with the principles of clean eating. The product’s reliance on additives, artificial colors, and non-organic ingredients significantly diminishes its standing as a cleaner food option. Those seeking healthier alternatives would benefit from products with fewer additives and a greater commitment to natural, organic ingredients.