Zevia

Flavor:

Ginger Ale

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Stevia Leaf Extract, Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, Ginger Extract

Rating: Average

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, Zevia Ginger Ale presents itself as a middle-of-the-road option for those seeking cleaner beverage choices. The product prides itself on being a non-GMO option, which is a significant positive aspect for consumers looking to avoid genetically modified ingredients. However, it is not certified organic, which detracts from its overall cleanliness score.

Zevia Ginger Ale is sweetened with stevia leaf extract, a plant-based sweetener. While stevia is a natural sweetener and does not raise blood sugar levels like conventional sugar, it is still considered an added sweetener, affecting the product’s score on the health scale. The presence of citric acid, commonly used for flavoring and as a preservative, also contributes to the deduction of points. Although citric acid is naturally occurring in citrus fruits, its inclusion is treated cautiously due to its widespread synthetic production for use in the food industry.

One of the more contentious ingredients listed is ‘natural flavors.’ The term is broad and often encompasses a variety of substances, some of which may raise health concerns. Without transparency on the specific constituents of these flavors, they are treated with suspicion and contribute to the product’s lower score.

While the beverage includes ginger extract, recognized for its potential health benefits and digestive aid properties, this positive aspect is somewhat overshadowed by the concerns arising from the other ingredients.

Zevia Ginger Ale is a beverage that straddles the line between health-conscious and conventional options. Its use of non-GMO ingredients is commendable, yet the lack of organic certification and the inclusion of added sweeteners and ambiguous natural flavors prevent it from achieving a higher health rating. Consumers seeking a cleaner ginger ale may find this product acceptable, though it may not fully meet the criteria for those with the strictest standards for clean eating.