Sprite

Flavor:

Zero Sugar Lemon Lime

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Citric Acid, Potassium Citrate, Natural Flavors, Sodium benzoate (To Protect Taste), Aspartame, Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, acesulfame K).

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Sprite Zero Sugar Lemon Lime is a beverage that adheres to a minimalistic approach, eliminating sugar content. However, despite its zero sugar claim, this product falls short in our assessment of cleaner food options due to several concerns with its ingredients.

The drink is not organic, and it does not use non-GMO ingredients, which immediately positions it at a disadvantage in terms of our health and eco-friendliness criteria. The presence of citric acid is a point of contention; although it is a common ingredient in many beverages for its tart flavor and preservative qualities, it is deemed an added sugar in this context, contributing to the product’s low score.

Further scrutiny reveals the inclusion of artificial sweeteners such as acesulfame potassium and aspartame. These substances are often used as sugar substitutes to provide sweetness without the calories, but they have been met with criticism and are linked to potential health risks. Aspartame, in particular, garners additional concern due to its controversial reputation, which has led to widespread debate over its safety despite FDA approval.

The term “natural flavors” is another ingredient that raises questions. While it may sound harmless, this label can encompass a range of substances, and the lack of specificity means consumers are left in the dark about what they are ingesting.

The product’s protective agent, potassium benzoate, is a preservative that ensures the longevity of the beverage’s taste. However, it is also associated with health concerns, particularly when combined with ascorbic acid to form benzene, a known carcinogen, although this specific interaction is not present in Sprite Zero Sugar Lemon Lime.

The aggregate of these factors leads to the recommendation to avoid Sprite Zero Sugar Lemon Lime. The product’s composition, with its non-organic, GMO, and controversial artificial ingredients, aligns it far from the ideal of cleaner food options that our evaluation seeks to promote.