Zevia

Flavor:

Cherry Cola

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Stevia Leaf Extract, Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid, Caffeine

Rating: Average

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, Zevia Cherry Cola presents itself as a middle-of-the-road choice for those seeking cleaner beverage options. This carbonated drink steers clear of traditional sugars and artificial sweeteners, opting instead for stevia leaf extract to provide sweetness. Stevia, while a natural alternative, is not without its detractors who argue it should be consumed in moderation.

Zevia Cherry Cola is not certified organic, which detracts from its clean food ethos and contributes to its average rating. However, it does boast non-GMO ingredients, aligning with consumer demand for genetically unmodified options. The absence of added traditional sugars is a positive feature, yet the inclusion of citric acid—commonly used for flavor and preservation—counts against it in our review process.

Concern arises with the term ‘natural flavors’. This vague ingredient often masks a variety of substances, and without full transparency, it is difficult to ascertain the health implications. As such, products containing ‘natural flavors’ are penalized in our assessment, as we prioritize clear and straightforward ingredient lists.

The product also contains caffeine, a stimulant found in many sodas and energy drinks. While not uncommon, caffeine’s presence is something consumers must consider based on their individual health concerns and dietary restrictions.

Overall, Zevia Cherry Cola offers a choice for those looking to avoid traditional sweeteners and GMOs in their fizzy drinks, yet it falls short of the highest clean food standards due to its lack of organic certification and use of ambiguous natural flavors. Its standing as an average option reflects a balance between its cleaner ingredients and the areas where it does not fully meet the ideal of a health-conscious consumer’s criteria for purity and transparency.