Is SPARKLING ICE CAFFEINE Strawberry Citrus Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing the ingredients list for SPARKLING ICE CAFFEINE Strawberry Citrus, the base components appear plant-based. You have Carbonated Water as the primary base, Natural Flavors for the strawberry citrus profile, and Citric Acid for tartness. The color comes from Vegetable Juice, which is a vegan-friendly coloring agent. Even the caffeine source, listed as Caffeine From Natural Sources combined with Green Tea Extract, is plant-derived.

However, the issue lies in the vitamin fortification. The product is heavily enriched with a suite of vitamins, including Retinol (Vitamin A), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12). While many of these can be synthesized in a vegan-friendly manner, the specific form of Vitamin D used here is the culprit.

The ingredient Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) is the specific flag. In the supplement and food industry, Vitamin D3 is most commonly derived from lanolin, a waxy substance extracted from sheep's wool. While there are vegan sources of D3 (like lichen), they are significantly more expensive. Unless a brand explicitly states they use a vegan-certified D3 source, the default assumption—and the reason this drink is not vegan—is that it comes from sheep. Therefore, strictly speaking, SPARKLING ICE CAFFEINE Strawberry Citrus is not vegan.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, SPARKLING ICE CAFFEINE Strawberry Citrus is designed as a diet-friendly beverage. It contains 0 calories and 0 grams of sugar per serving, relying on artificial sweeteners like Sucralose to provide sweetness without the carb load. This makes it a popular choice for those on Keto, Paleo, or low-carb diets who still want a sweet, fizzy drink.

The drink also packs a punch in the vitamin department, providing a significant percentage of your daily value for Vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, B12, and more. While this looks good on paper, it is worth noting that the caffeine content (derived from green tea extract) is roughly 100mg per bottle, which is equivalent to a standard cup of coffee. This is generally safe for most adults but should be monitored if you are sensitive to stimulants or are considering giving this to children.