Zevia

Flavor:

Kids Orange Cream

Ingredients:

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

Rating: Average

Ingredient Score:

Zevia Kids Orange Cream earns a 3/5 green leaves rating on our scale. This denotes a product that strikes a balance between health-conscious choices and areas for improvement. The beverage is not organic, which detracts from its overall score. However, it is made with non-GMO ingredients, a positive aspect for those looking to avoid genetically modified organisms in their diet.

The drink contains no added sugars, which is typically a positive attribute. However, it uses Stevia Leaf Extract as a sweetener. While Stevia is a plant-based, zero-calorie sweetener and often viewed as a healthier alternative to artificial sweeteners and sugar, it is still noted as an added sugar according to our criteria. Additionally, the presence of Citric Acid is common in many beverages and serves as a preservative and flavor enhancer, but it is also classified here under added sugars.

A significant deduction in the product’s score stems from the use of ‘Natural Flavors.’ The term ‘Natural Flavors’ can encompass a wide range of ingredients, which are not always disclosed by manufacturers, leading to potential concerns about their origins and effects. Because of the ambiguous nature of ‘Natural Flavors,’ they are treated with caution and have resulted in a lower score for this product.

Zevia Kids Orange Cream is positioned as a middle-ground option for those seeking cleaner food products. It avoids the use of GMOs and does not rely on traditional sugars, which aligns with the needs of health-conscious consumers. However, the lack of organic certification and the inclusion of certain ingredients like Stevia and ‘Natural Flavors’ prevent it from reaching a higher rating. Customers looking for a moderately healthy alternative in the beverage market may consider this product, keeping in mind its strengths and the areas where there is room for improvement.