Zevia

Flavor:

Kids Watermelon

Ingredients:

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

Rating: Average

Ingredient Score:

Awarded a 3/5 green leaf rating, Zevia Kids Watermelon is a beverage that positions itself as a cleaner option in the realm of kids’ drinks. It is a carbonated water product sweetened with stevia leaf extract, flavored with natural essences, and balanced with citric acid for a tangy note.

The product is not organic, which detracts from its clean food score, reflecting a preference for organically sourced ingredients among health-conscious consumers. However, it benefits from using non-GMO ingredients, an important consideration for those wary of genetically modified organisms in their food supply.

One of the main concerns with Zevia Kids Watermelon is the inclusion of stevia. While stevia is a natural sweetener and a popular sugar alternative, it is counted as an added sugar in this scoring system. This choice is due to the preference for foods without any added sweeteners, even those of a natural origin. The citric acid, commonly used for flavor and as a preservative, also falls under the umbrella of added sugars in this context, although it is naturally occurring in citrus fruits.

The product loses further points for the term “natural flavors” in its ingredients list. The ambiguity of this term often raises questions about the true nature of the ingredients and their origins. While “natural flavors” are derived from natural sources, they can sometimes include a range of substances that are not always transparent to the consumer.

In the landscape of children’s beverages, Zevia Kids Watermelon emerges as a middle-of-the-road option. It steers clear of artificial sweeteners and GMOs, but it is not organic and it contains added sugars and flavors that may not align with the strictest clean eating principles. For those seeking a drink with fewer questionable additives and a commitment to organic ingredients, this product may not fully meet those standards. However, for consumers looking for a non-GMO, zero-calorie sweetened beverage, Zevia Kids Watermelon presents itself as a viable choice.