Is CHERRY LIMEADE Flavored Sparkling Water Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed beverage is vegan, we look beyond the obvious fruit flavors and into the sourcing of every additive. For CHERRY LIMEADE Flavored Sparkling Water, the ingredient list is surprisingly clean from an animal-free perspective.

The base of the drink is Carbonated Mountain Spring Water, which is naturally vegan. The flavor and sweetness come from a combination of Apple Juice Concentrate, Cherry Juice Concentrate, and Lime Juice Concentrate. These are simply fruits that have had water removed; they are entirely plant-based. The inclusion of Natural Flavors is often a point of concern for vegans, as the term can be vague. However, in the context of a fruit-flavored soda, these are almost exclusively derived from plant or synthetic sources to mimic the tartness of lime and the sweetness of cherry.

For acidity and preservation, the formula uses Citric Acid, Potassium Benzoate, and Calcium Disodium EDTA. Citric Acid is commercially produced via the fermentation of fungus (Aspergillus niger), making it vegan. The preservatives and the stabilizer Gum Arabic (derived from the acacia tree) are also free of animal products. Finally, the artificial sweetener Sucralose and the antioxidant Green Tea Extract are synthetic or plant-derived, confirming the drink's vegan status.

Nutritional Value

While this beverage is vegan, it is important to understand its nutritional profile. It is marketed as a zero-calorie drink, which is accurate regarding the macronutrients: it contains 0g of fat, 0g of protein, and 0g of carbohydrates. The sweetness comes entirely from Sucralose, an artificial sweetener that is roughly 600 times sweeter than sugar.

Because it uses juice concentrates (Apple, Cherry, Lime), it may contain trace amounts of natural sugars, but the nutritional label typically rounds this down to zero. For those strictly monitoring their intake, this fits well within low-carb or ketogenic diets. However, the presence of artificial sweeteners and preservatives like Potassium Benzoate is a consideration for those seeking a 'whole food' diet. It is a low-impact choice for hydration if you are avoiding sugar, but it is not a source of vitamins or minerals.