Is Naturally flavored sparkling water Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look beyond the marketing claims of "natural flavors" to the actual chemistry of the product. While many ingredients in Naturally flavored sparkling water are plant-derived, such as apple juice concentrate, pomegranate juice concentrate, and gum arabic, one specific additive compromises the vegan status of the entire beverage.

The primary culprit is Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). In the food industry, Vitamin D3 is most commonly synthesized from lanolin, a waxy substance extracted from the wool of sheep. Because this source is animal-derived, strict vegans avoid it. While Vitamin D2 (often derived from fungi or lichen) is a vegan alternative, the specific inclusion of D3 here is a definitive red flag for those avoiding animal products.

Additionally, the presence of biotin and other B-vitamins often raises questions. While these can be synthesized in a lab to be vegan, they are frequently produced using bacterial fermentation that may utilize animal-derived growth media. However, the Vitamin D3 is the most conclusive evidence that this beverage is not vegan-friendly.

Nutritional Value

Despite the vegan controversy, Naturally flavored sparkling water positions itself as a low-calorie option. The inclusion of sucralose indicates that the beverage is sweetened artificially to keep the calorie count near zero while maintaining a sweet taste profile. It fits well within a low-calorie diet limit.

However, the nutritional value is bolstered by a heavy hand of synthetic vitamins. Ingredients like niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, and pyridoxine hydrochloride are added to create a "functional" beverage. While these contribute to the listed % Daily Value, they do not make the drink inherently "healthy" compared to water, especially given the additives like potassium benzoate and calcium disodium edta used for preservation and flavor protection.