Sunkist

Flavor:

Orange

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Sodium benzoate (Preservative), Natural Flavors, Modified Food Starch, Ester Gum, Caffeine, Yellow #6, Red #40.

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Sunkist Orange soft drink receives the lowest possible score on our clean food indicator due to its composition of ingredients that are not aligned with our standards for cleaner food options.

This product is not organic, and it does not use non-GMO ingredients, which immediately raises concerns regarding its quality and potential health impacts. The inclusion of added sugars is a significant downside, with citric acid and fructose contributing to the product’s overall sweetness. However, the presence of high fructose corn syrup is particularly problematic, as this type of sugar has been linked to various health issues and is considered by many health-conscious consumers to be an undesirable ingredient.

Furthermore, Sunkist Orange contains several additives that may cause harm. While ‘natural flavors’ could seem innocuous, this term is often used to mask a variety of chemical compounds that are anything but natural. The food dyes Yellow 6 and Red 40 are synthetic and have been associated with negative health effects. Modified food starch is another additive that does not meet our criteria for clean eating.

Sodium benzoate, a preservative found in the drink, is known to potentially form benzene, a carcinogen, when combined with vitamin C. The combination of these additives and their potential risks contribute to the product’s low score.

Given the product’s lack of organic certification, use of GMOs, added sugars, harmful additives, and high fructose corn syrup, it fails to meet the standards for a cleaner food option. Consumers seeking healthier alternatives are advised to avoid this product and opt for beverages that prioritize natural ingredients and eschew harmful additives. This assessment is firmly based on the ingredient profile of Sunkist Orange and its alignment—or lack thereof—with our criteria for clean and healthy food choices.