Is Costa Rica Clementine Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and dive straight into the formulation. The base of the Costa Rica Clementine is FILTERED WATER and CLARIFIED ORANGE JUICE CONCENTRATE. These are inherently Halal. The acidity is regulated by CITRIC ACID and MALIC ACID, which are organic acids derived from citrus and fruits, respectively, and are perfectly safe.

However, the complexity arises with the additives. We see ASCORBIC ACID (Vitamin C) and BETA CAROTENE for color, both of which are plant-derived or synthesized and are Halal. The sweeteners used are STEVIA LEAF EXTRACT and MONK FRUIT EXTRACT, which are excellent natural alternatives to sugar and pose no Halal concerns.

The primary flag for Halal verification is the ingredient NATURAL FLAVORS. In the food industry, 'Natural Flavors' can be derived from plant or animal sources. While it is most likely derived from orange or tea in this context, without specific disclosure, it remains a gray area. Additionally, the COFFEE FRUIT EXTRACT and TEA EXTRACT provide caffeine (55mg per bottle). While coffee and tea are generally Halal, some extracts are processed with alcohol as a solvent. Since this product is not certified Halal, we cannot guarantee the extraction method used.

Nutritional Value

Nutritionally, this beverage is quite light. A single bottle contains only 10 calories and 1g of carbohydrates, with 0g of fat. This makes it an excellent choice for those monitoring their caloric intake. The drink is fortified with Vitamin C (14mg) and Zinc (18mg), providing 15% of the daily value for each, which supports immune health.

Regarding sugar content, it is exceptionally low at just 1g total sugar per serving, with 0g added sugar, relying instead on the sweetness of Monk Fruit and Stevia. This fits well within almost any dietary limit, including diabetic diets. The sodium content is 150mg, which is moderate but standard for a flavored beverage designed to carry electrolytes like Potassium (280mg).