Is Peach Nectarine Naturally Flavored Sparkling Mountain Spring Water Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a flavored sparkling water is vegan, the devil is often in the details—specifically the natural flavors and processing agents. Let's look at the specific ingredients in this Peach Nectarine beverage to understand why it passes the vegan test.

The base ingredients—Carbonated Mountain Spring Water, Peach Juice Concentrate, and Malic Acid—are unequivocally plant-based. Malic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound found in fruits like apples, though commercially it is often synthesized for use in beverages. The Natural Flavors are the most ambiguous ingredient in any food product. While natural flavors can technically be derived from animal sources, in the context of a fruit-flavored beverage, they are almost exclusively derived from the fruit itself or plant-based essential oils to achieve the peach nectarine profile.

Several additives ensure the product remains shelf-stable and visually appealing. Ester Gum is a common food additive used as a thickener; it is derived from glycerol and wood rosin (pine tree sap), making it entirely vegan. Potassium Benzoate is a synthetic preservative, not an animal product. Sucralose is a widely used artificial sweetener that is chemically synthesized, so it is vegan-friendly despite common misconceptions about sugar processing.

Finally, we have the fortification ingredients. Green Tea Extract and Calcium Disodium EDTA are plant-derived and synthetic chelating agents, respectively. The most complex ingredient is Biotin 1% Trt. (Maltodextrin). Biotin (Vitamin B7) is essential for vegans to monitor, as it can sometimes be derived from animal liver or yeast. However, in this context, the Biotin is listed as a trace (trt) diluted in Maltodextrin, which is a plant-derived carbohydrate (usually from corn or potatoes). Unless specified otherwise, Biotin in mass-market beverages is typically synthesized via bacterial fermentation, not animal extraction.

Nutritional Value

While this beverage is vegan, it is important to look at its nutritional profile, particularly regarding sugar and artificial sweeteners. The inclusion of Peach Juice Concentrate adds a small amount of natural sugar, but the sweetness is primarily driven by Sucralose. This makes the drink extremely low in calories and carbohydrates, which can be beneficial for those monitoring their caloric intake or managing diabetes.

However, the presence of Sucralose and preservatives like Potassium Benzoate indicates that this is a highly processed beverage. While it fits within the limits of a low-calorie diet, it lacks the nutritional benefits of whole fruit. The addition of Biotin and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) provides a minor vitamin boost, but you should not rely on this drink as a significant source of nutrients. It is essentially a zero-calorie flavored water with a splash of juice and vitamins.