Is Citrus Sparkling Green Ice Tea Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I analyze ingredients for hidden animal derivatives or fermentation byproducts. For Citrus Sparkling Green Ice Tea, the composition is straightforward and entirely plant-based or synthetic.

The base consists of carbonated water and food acids like citric acid and malic acid. These are typically derived from the fermentation of sugars (often corn or beet sugar) and are universally Halal. The green tea extract (0.12%) is simply concentrated tea leaves, and the orange juice from concentrate (0.1%) is fruit-based.

Crucially, the sweetening profile is entirely Halal. The product uses acesulfame-K, sucralose, and steviol glycosides (Stevia). Unlike some older sodas that used gelatin to stabilize colors or glycerin (which can be animal-derived), these sweeteners are synthetic or plant-extracted. There are no flags for enzymes or alcohol in the flavoring system.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this beverage is designed as a low-calorie alternative to sugary sodas. Because it uses high-intensity sweeteners like sucralose and stevia, the calorie count is negligible, likely close to zero. This makes it a suitable option for those managing their sugar intake or following a ketogenic diet.

The inclusion of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) acts as an antioxidant and provides a minor nutritional boost. However, the sodium content comes from trinatriumcitraat (trisodium citrate), which acts as a buffer and flavor regulator. While generally safe, those on strict low-sodium diets should monitor their total daily intake if consuming multiple servings.