Zevia

Flavor:

Dr. Zevia

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 Dr. Zevia positions itself as a mid-tier choice for health-conscious consumers seeking cleaner alternatives to traditional sodas. The beverage is a carbonated drink sweetened with stevia, a plant-based sweetener, and boasts a composition free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). However, it falls short in the organic department, as it does not carry an organic certification.

Zevia Dr. Zevia’s ingredient list is concise, featuring carbonated water, stevia leaf extract, natural flavors, citric acid, tartaric acid, and caffeine. The use of stevia leaf extract is a notable choice for those avoiding refined sugars, yet the product loses points for the inclusion of this sweetener given its processed nature. The label of “natural flavors” raises concerns due to the ambiguity of the term, which allows for a range of substances that may not align with the ethos of clean eating.

The absence of an organic label leads to a deduction in the product’s score, reflecting the value placed on organic farming practices in reducing exposure to pesticides and other chemicals. While the non-GMO status of Zevia Dr. Zevia is a positive aspect, the presence of additives like citric and tartaric acids, commonly used in the food industry for flavoring and preservation, contributes to the product’s average ranking. These ingredients, although not uncommon, are often scrutinized for their necessity and potential health impacts.

Zevia Dr. Zevia, with its middle-of-the-road green leaf rating, serves as a moderate option for individuals navigating the complex landscape of food choices. It offers a step away from conventional sugary sodas while still carrying aspects that may not fully meet the stringent criteria of those seeking the purest dietary options. The product stands as an example of the balance between better-for-you ingredients and the compromises that sometimes accompany commercially available food and beverage alternatives.