Does Zero - Lemon Lime contain dairy or gluten?

No, the ingredients list does not contain dairy (milk, whey) or gluten (wheat, barley). It is free from these major allergens.

Is Zero - Lemon Lime good for weight loss?

Yes, because it contains zero calories and zero sugar, it is an excellent substitute for sugary sodas if you are trying to lose weight.

Where can I buy Zero - Lemon Lime?

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

Is Zero - Lemon Lime safe for kids?

It contains no caffeine, so it is safe in that regard. However, due to the artificial sweeteners and lack of nutritional value, it should be given to children in moderation.

Is Zero - Lemon Lime Vegan?

The short answer is: MAYBE. While Zero - Lemon Lime contains no obvious animal products like milk or gelatin, the inclusion of 'natural flavor' creates a gray area for strict vegans. This article breaks down the ingredients to help you decide if this zero-calorie beverage fits your lifestyle.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing a beverage like Zero - Lemon Lime, the vegan status usually comes down to the source of its flavoring and colorants. Let's look at the specific ingredients list provided.

Water, Citric Acid, and Sodium Citrate: These are the foundational elements. Water is obvious. Citric acid and sodium citrate are acids and buffers derived from fermentation processes, typically using fungi or bacteria. They are universally considered vegan.

Sweeteners (Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium): These are artificial sweeteners. Sucralose is synthesized from sugar, and Acesulfame Potassium is a man-made salt. Neither involves animal products in their creation, making them safe for a vegan diet.

The 'Natural Flavor' Controversy: This is the primary flag. 'Natural flavor' is a broad term that can hide a multitude of sources. While lemon-lime natural flavors are often derived from citrus peels (which are vegan), manufacturers can also use animal-derived compounds to round out the flavor profile. For example, some natural flavors use castoreum (a secretion from beaver glands) or glycerin derived from animal fat, though this is rare in mass-market sodas. Without specific clarification from the manufacturer, we cannot guarantee it is 100% plant-based.

Yellow 5 and Glycerol Ester of Rosin: Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) is a synthetic color additive and is vegan. Glycerol Ester of Rosin is used to keep the flavor oils mixed with the water. It is derived from pine tree sap. While generally vegan, some strict vegans avoid it due to the processing methods, though it is far less controversial than natural flavors.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

natural flavor

Nutritional Value

Zero - Lemon Lime is marketed as a zero-calorie drink, and the nutrition label reflects that. It contains 0 calories, 0g sugar, and 0g fat. This makes it an excellent choice for those monitoring their caloric intake or following a ketogenic diet.

However, the lack of nutritional value (no vitamins, minerals, or fiber) means it should be consumed as an occasional treat rather than a health drink. The presence of artificial sweeteners like sucralose is generally recognized as safe, but some individuals prefer to limit their intake of synthetic additives.