Snapple

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, Snapple Elements Air offers a middle-of-the-road option for those seeking cleaner beverage choices. This product is a blend that includes filtered water, sugar, citric acid, white tea, and acerola fruit extract, with added natural flavors.

The drink is not organic, which reduces its green leaf rating. The use of non-organic ingredients often raises concerns about pesticide use and environmental impact. Additionally, Snapple Elements Air is not verified as non-GMO, meaning that it may contain genetically modified organisms, a point of contention for many consumers looking for natural food sources.

Sugar, a significant ingredient in this product, contributes to the added sugars category. Excessive intake of added sugars is a health concern, as it can lead to various health issues. Citric acid, while naturally occurring in citrus fruits, is often used as a preservative and can be derived from non-natural sources when used in food products.

The term “natural flavors” appears on the label, which is a broad and opaque term that can encompass a range of substances. The lack of specificity regarding what these natural flavors are, or their sources, often leaves health-conscious consumers wary. These flavors are a concern for those seeking transparency in their food products.

Snapple Elements Air, with its 3 out of 5 green leaves rating, positions itself as an option that, while not at the forefront of health and transparency, also avoids being categorized among the least healthy options. The presence of white tea and acerola fruit extract does offer some redeeming qualities, as these ingredients are known for their antioxidant properties. However, the drink’s non-organic status, inclusion of GMOs, added sugars, and ambiguous natural flavors hold it back from achieving a higher green leaf rating. For consumers prioritizing cleaner eating and drinking, this product presents a compromise between health-conscious choices and mainstream offerings.