Does Simply strawberry watermelon contain dairy or gluten?

No, it is free from both dairy and gluten. It does not contain milk, cheese, wheat, or barley.

Is Simply strawberry watermelon good for weight loss?

Yes, with only about 15-25 calories per serving, it is an excellent low-calorie beverage for satisfying sweet cravings without hindering weight loss efforts.

Where can I buy Simply strawberry watermelon?

You can find it at major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Kroger, as well as online through Amazon and Instacart.

Is Simply strawberry watermelon safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids. It contains no caffeine and uses natural sweeteners, making it a better alternative to sugary sodas or energy drinks.

Is Simply strawberry watermelon Gluten Free?

Yes, Simply strawberry watermelon is gluten-free. This beverage relies on a simple formula of purified water and fruit extracts, making it a safe choice for those avoiding gluten. There are no ingredients derived from wheat, barley, or rye, nor are there any high-risk flavor additives that typically harbor gluten.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When investigating beverages for gluten content, we look beyond the front-of-pack claims and dive into the sourcing of flavor extracts and processing aids. Simply strawberry watermelon is a prime example of a product that achieves its taste profile without relying on gluten-containing grains.

The primary component is purified water, which is naturally free of allergens and gluten. Following this is the natural fruit flavor extract. In the food industry, 'natural flavors' can sometimes be a point of contention for those with Celiac disease because they are proprietary blends. However, in a product marketed as 'Simply' and targeting health-conscious consumers, these extracts are almost certainly derived from gluten-free sources like fruit essences or essential oils rather than barley malt or wheat derivatives.

The sweetness comes from a combination of white grape juice and natural stevia extract. White grape juice is a fruit sugar (fructose) and poses no gluten risk. Stevia is a plant-based sweetener; while the raw leaf is gluten-free, we must ensure the extraction process doesn't use gluten-based filtration aids. Given the clean label of this product, the stevia is processed using standard, gluten-free methods.

Finally, the color comes from fruit and vegetable juice (likely carrot or hibiscus for red/pink hues) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Both are naturally gluten-free. There are no thickeners like modified food starch (which could be wheat-derived) or hydrolyzed wheat protein present. Therefore, the risk profile is exceptionally low.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Simply strawberry watermelon is designed as a low-calorie hydration option rather than a meal replacement or nutrient-dense drink. A standard serving typically contains between 15 to 25 calories, derived almost entirely from the natural sugars found in the white grape juice.

Because it uses stevia extract in addition to fruit juice, the sugar content is significantly lower than a standard 100% fruit juice. This makes it a viable option for those monitoring their glycemic index or looking to reduce their daily sugar intake without sacrificing sweetness. It contains zero fat and zero protein.

While it is fortified with Vitamin C, it should not be relied upon as a primary source of micronutrients. It fits well into a calorie-restricted diet (such as Weight Watchers or CICO) as a 'zero point' or low-point beverage that satisfies a craving for sweetness without the caloric load of soda or pure juice.