Is Sparkling Clementine (Fortified) Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing a beverage like Sparkling Clementine (Fortified), we look beyond the fruit juices to the additives that provide stability, color, and taste. Here is the scientific breakdown of the ingredients that matter.

Sparkling water, Apple juice concentrate, White grape juice concentrate: These are the base of the drink. They are unequivocally vegan and provide the liquid volume and primary sweetness. Apple and grape juices are common in citrus blends to balance acidity without adding too much tartness.

Clarified Orange Juice Concentrate & Clementine Juice Concentrate: These provide the signature flavor. 'Clarified' means the juice has been filtered to remove pulp and sediment, often using agents like bentonite clay (a mineral) or gelatin. While bentonite is vegan, gelatin is not. Without specific brand information, we cannot confirm which method was used, though plant-based filtration is common in modern juice processing.

Gum Arabic: This is a critical ingredient to discuss. Gum arabic is a dried gum secreted by the Acacia tree. It is a 100% plant-based emulsifier used to keep the oils and water mixed and to maintain the foam in sparkling drinks. It is perfectly vegan and safe.

Natural Flavor: This is the primary flag for vegans. 'Natural flavor' can be derived from plant or animal sources. In a citrus drink, it is most likely derived from citrus oils (like orange peel oil), but it could theoretically be used to carry fat-soluble vitamins or enhance mouthfeel using animal-derived carriers. Because the source is not specified, strict vegans often avoid this ingredient.

Acerola Juice Concentrate & Beta Carotene: Acerola is a fruit rich in Vitamin C, and Beta Carotene is a pigment usually derived from algae or carrots. Both are plant-derived colorants and nutrients, making them fully vegan.

Vitamins (Niacinamide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride): These synthetic vitamins are lab-created and are always vegan. They are added to fortify the drink, replacing nutrients lost during pasteurization.

Nutritional Value

While the vegan status is the focus, the nutritional profile of Sparkling Clementine (Fortified) is equally important. This beverage is designed to be a low-calorie alternative to soda, relying on fruit juice concentrates for sweetness rather than high-fructose corn syrup.

The inclusion of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and acerola concentrate boosts the immune-supporting properties of the drink, making it a functional beverage. The niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) support energy metabolism. Regarding macronutrients, because the base is water and juice concentrates, the sugar content is moderate. It fits well within the limits of a healthy diet, provided you account for the natural sugars from the apple and grape concentrates. It contains virtually no fat or protein.