Is Clover valley, sparkling water, strawberry, strawberry Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a product is Kosher, we look for hidden animal products or non-Kosher processing aids. Let's look at the specific ingredients in Carbonated water, citric acid, potassium benzoate (preservative), potassium citrate, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and natural flavors.

The base of the drink, carbonated water, is inherently Kosher. Citric acid and potassium citrate are mineral-derived or fermented from carbohydrates, typically corn or sugar beets, and are not animal-derived. The preservative, potassium benzoate, is a synthetic salt of benzoic acid and poses no Kosher concerns.

The sweeteners are where some consumers look closely. Sucralose and acesulfame potassium are artificial sweeteners. While the manufacturing process of sucralose originally involved a derivative of sugar, the final product is chemically modified to the point where it is considered Kosher by most certification bodies. Finally, the natural flavors are the most variable component. However, in a strawberry-flavored beverage, these flavors are almost exclusively derived from botanical sources or synthesized chemically. There is no indication of wine (which requires a Hechsher) or dairy derivatives in this specific formulation.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Clover valley sparkling water is a 'free' item, meaning it adds virtually no calories or macronutrients to your daily intake. With 0 calories, 0g of sugar, and 0g of fat per serving, it fits easily into strict dietary limits like Keto, Paleo, or Weight Watchers.

The inclusion of sucralose and acesulfame potassium provides the sweetness without the blood sugar spike associated with regular sugar. While some prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners, they are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and allow for a sweet taste without the caloric load.