Sprite

Flavor:

Lemon Lime

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Sodium Citrate, Sodium benzoate (To Protect Taste).

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Sprite Lemon Lime earns a score of 1/5 green leaves on our cleanliness scale, indicating it is a product consumers looking for healthier options should avoid. This beverage is not organic and contains GMO ingredients, which immediately reduces its standing in our assessment. The presence of added sugars, particularly in the form of high fructose corn syrup, further diminishes its score. High fructose corn syrup is widely regarded as an unhealthy sweetener, associated with various health concerns.

The inclusion of citric acid as an added sugar is also a point of contention. While citric acid naturally occurs in citrus fruits, its synthetic version used as a preservative or to add a sour taste to foods and drinks is less favorable. This product contains additional sweeteners, reinforcing the negative impact of its high sugar content.

Furthermore, ‘natural flavors’ as listed on the ingredient label are problematic. The term is broad and non-specific, allowing for a range of substances that may not align with cleaner food principles. Sodium citrate, used to control acidity levels, along with sodium benzoate, a preservative, contribute to the product’s low score. Sodium benzoate, in particular, is a known harmful additive. When combined with vitamin C, it can form benzene, a compound that may pose health risks.

This Sprite Lemon Lime, with its array of non-organic, GMO, and potentially harmful ingredients, fails to meet the standards for those seeking cleaner, more health-conscious food and beverage options. Its composition, dominated by high fructose corn syrup and other additives, places it at the bottom of our rating scale. The product is not recommended for individuals aiming to minimize their intake of artificial ingredients and added sugars. Therefore, it is best left on the shelf in favor of choices that better align with a clean eating philosophy.