Sparkling Ice, the flavorful bubbly drink, is drawing the attention of people looking for alternatives to sugary drinks. Those daunted by widespread criticism about diet coke are turning to Sparkling Ice.
According to Wallstreet Journal, sales for Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi have shrunk, while sales for Sparkling Ice have risen to over $500 million.
Is Sparkling Ice any better or safer than other products? Is it good for you? As you will find from this article, it is okay to drink Sparkling Ice occasionally. However, excessive consumption can be bad for your teeth, kidneys, and also your overall health. So, as long as you consume in moderation, it is alright; although water is always the better option.
Let’s explore more.
Table of Contents
What is Sparkling Ice made of?
The composition of Sparkling Ice may vary depending on the product type and flavor. The common ingredients are –
- Carbonated water
- Vegetable juice
- Sucralose
- Green tea extract
- Natural flavors
- Blackberry juice concentrate
- Malic acid
- Potassium Benzoate
- Biotin
- Food colors
- Maltodextrin
As per the product label, Sparkling Ice contains the following nutrients.
| Serving size of 240 milliliters | |
| Nutrient | Composition |
| Vitamin A | 10% |
| Vitamin D | 10% |
| Vitamin B6 | 10% |
| Vitamin B12 | 10% |
| Biotin | 10% |
| Pantothenic Acid | 10% |
What are the bad ingredients in Sparkling Ice?
Sparkling Ice consists of some disagreeable ingredients, such as –
- Carbon dioxide – can lead to bloating and belching
- Sucralose – is an artificial sweetener that can cause allergy, gastrointestinal problems, palpitation, depression, mood swings
- Maltodextrin – is a polysaccharide that is linked to bloating, weight gain, allergic reactions, asthma
- Food dyes – can cause hyperactivity, asthma, cancer
What is Sparkling Ice sweetened with?
Sparkling Ice does not contain sugar or calories. It gets its sweet taste from sucralose, an artificial sweetener that is popularly known as Splenda.
Sucralose is de facto made from sugar in a drawn-out chemical process. It is 600 times sweeter than table sugar.
Does Sparkling Ice have aspartame?
All products of Sparkling Ice use sucralose as a sweetener. They do not contain aspartame, the artificial non-saccharide sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sucralose.
Does Sparkling Ice have caffeine?
Sparkling Ice Plus Caffeine is the only variant of the brand with caffeine. The composition is 70 milligrams of caffeine per 16 fluid ounces. This is below the recommended daily intake of 400 milligrams, but you should be mindful of your caffeine intake through other sources as well. Caffeine is associated with health issues like insomnia, addiction, dehydration, and poor digestion.
Other Sparkling Ice products contain green tea extract. However, the extract is caffeine-free.
Does Sparkling Ice have electrolytes?
Sparkling Ice does not contain electrolytes. It includes vitamins, antioxidants, and plenty of water. These ingredients provide hydration.
The brand’s desired target audience is the average person looking for water or a thirst-quenching drink on the shelves of a store. So, if you are an athlete or someone seeking electrolyte replenishment and extra hydration after an intense workout, then Sparkling Ice isn’t for you.
Does Sparkling Ice contain alcohol?
Sparkling Ice is a non-alcoholic drink. However, the new Sparkling Ice Spiked – introduced in November 2020, contains four percent alcohol in a serving of 12 ounces.
The alcohol in Sparkling Ice Spiked is derived from cane sugar. Sugar alcohol provides a fine texture to the drink, however, it comes with certain negative effects. It is not easily digestible and can cause bloating and diarrhea.
The blend would offer you a blissful experience but remember that the recommended daily maximal for sugar alcohol is 10-15 grams.
Does Sparkling Ice contain sucralose or maltodextrin?
All Sparkling Ice products contain both sucralose and maltodextrin. While sucralose is an artificial sweetener, maltodextrin is a food dye as well as an artificial sweetener.
These are the two ingredients that should discourage you from consuming Sparkling Ice.
Sucralose is derived from sugar and contains chlorine. It was accidentally discovered in 1976 during the development of an insecticide. It was never meant for human consumption. Therefore, be warned of its numerous side effects such as skin irritation, depression, palpitations, cough, gastrointestinal problems, and eye problems before you grab your can of Sparkling Ice.
Maltodextrin compares with sucralose in its demerits. Its glycemic index (an indicator of how much any food item increases blood sugar levels) is much higher than table sugar. It is derived from natural starch found in potatoes, wheat, rice, and corn. Just like sucralose, it goes through laborious processing that involves the addition of acids and enzymes. Its consumption can cause bloating, allergic reactions, asthma, cramping, and weight gain. Maltodextrin is extremely dangerous for you if you are a diabetic or have insulin resistance.
Does Sparkling Ice contain PFAs?
Sparkling Ice does not have any detectable levels of PFAs or per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances. PFAs are a set of chemicals used to make products that are heat, oil, grease, and water-resistant. Ingesting them could cause a rise in blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and a reduction in birth weight.
Does Sparkling Ice hydrate you?
Sparkling Ice has a large amount of water content. However, there is no presence of electrolytes. While the carbonated water could be hydrating in a normal course, it will not sufficiently hydrate you after an intense workout. Further, even in a normal course, using water for rehydration is a better choice.
Is Sparkling Ice good for weight loss?
If you are on a weight loss journey and trying to keep yourself hydrated, Sparkling Ice may be good. However, it may not be a great idea to consume it frequently. The carbonation will eventually cause bloating and weight gain. Other flavors and additives will increase appetite and result in indulgence.
Dieticians and nutritionists advocate shedding weight the healthy way. So, hydrate yourself with healthier options like water, cucumber juice, fruit extracts, and coconut water.
Is Sparkling Ice good for diabetics?
Sparkling Ice is marketed as a sugar-free drink. According to its manufacturer, the product contains only one percent juice and a small trace of sugar which is considered zero sugar as per the FDA.
Nonetheless, it contains sucralose and maltodextrin. Sucralose is a derivative of sugar and is considered to be safe for diabetics when taken in moderate amounts. Maltodextrin has a high glycemic index, hence not safe for diabetics at all.
Sparkling Ice is not a ‘good’ drink for diabetics. It could however be consumed in moderation.
Is Sparkling Ice bad for your teeth?
Let’s not lie through our teeth!
Research shows that flavored sparkling waters are indeed corrosive to the teeth, although not about the same as soda and caffeinated beverages.
Here is why Sparkling Ice is bad for your teeth:
- When carbonated drinks are consumed, the carbon dioxide converts to carbonic acid in the mouth – this is detrimental to dental health
- The pH level of Sparkling Ice is around three – drinks with lower pH levels are acidic and harmful to the teeth
- According to Health Services at Columbia University, malic acid (an ingredient in Sparkling Ice) breaks down tooth enamel and leads to dental decomposition
- Potassium benzoate, used as a preservative, along with artificial sweeteners and food dyes in Sparkling Ice is harmful to tooth enamel
Is Sparkling Ice bad for kidneys?
Limited consumption of Sparkling Ice may not be bad for your kidneys. Excessive and addictive consumption of the drink would surely affect the kidneys owing to the carbonation, acidity levels, and additives.
Can you drink Sparkling Ice while pregnant?
Carbonated drinks may help pregnant women with nausea. However, the presence of artificial sweeteners and food dyes may not be safe for them. Carbonation in larger quantities could also cause abdominal discomfort.
Pregnant women can instead satiate themselves with nourishing drinks and natural fruit juices.
Can toddlers drink Sparkling Ice?
Treating the toddlers once or twice with Sparkling Ice is safe. Regular consumption could make your toddler addicted to it and go cranky for it.
The beverage is basically not a healthy food for a growing child, who should be consuming nutrient-rich food and drinks.
Further, the carbonation in Sparkling Ice is not good for the delicate stomach linings of a toddler. Its consumption can cause irritation and gastrointestinal problems. Artificial sweeteners and food colors are definitely not things to be put into a toddler’s system. Additionally, it is a blunder to invite dental issues with Sparkling Ice bang during the teething phase of tiny tots.
Can dogs drink Sparkling Ice?
You can give a few sips of Sparkling Ice to your dog.
By and large, it is better to avoid the beverage for dogs. The carbonation would lead to bloating – which is a fatal condition in dogs. The artificial colors and flavors are not safe either.
The perfect drinks for dogs would be water, fruit and vegetable extracts, and milk.
Can you drink Sparkling Ice while fasting?
Sparkling Ice is considered safe while fasting. It will keep you hydrated without interfering with blood sugar levels during the fast.
Can you drink Sparkling Ice on keto?
Sparkling Ice is keto-friendly. It is low on carbohydrates and calories. However, if you are following a keto diet for better health, follow the prescription to the tee. Sparkling Ice will not give you the nutrition that your keto recommends.
Can I drink Sparkling Ice every day?
Sparkling Ice is alright only for occasional treats. As we have examined thus far, the drink does not carry any nutritional value. Besides, it can cause several health issues like gastrointestinal problems, bloating, weight gain, dental decay, asthma, allergy, cancer, and depression.
Does Sparkling Ice expire?
Sparkling Ice has a lifespan of nine months. You can find the date of expiry printed near the shoulder of the bottle. It is believed that the drink can be consumed even after the expiration date, provided it is unopened and stored in cold storage. While the carbonation and flavor may be lost, it is not thought to become harmful.
Can Sparkling Ice cause weight gain?
Sparkling Ice may not provide a guilt-free indulgence. It is not a sugar bomb, however – according to studies even carbonated and sparkling water can cause weight gain.
The journal, Obesity Research and Clinical Practice, has revealed that carbonation can cause weight gain. It turns out that carbonated water contains a high amount of ghrelin, the hunger hormone. The hormone increases appetite and the drive to eat.
Additionally, maltodextrin – the food color and artificial sweetener used in Sparkling Ice also cause bloating and weight gain.
Deductively speaking, if you are keeping a watch on your weight, you may want to be tepid on guzzling this product.
Can Sparkling Ice cause diarrhea and headaches?
You are likely to get diarrhea and headaches by drinking up too much Sparkling Ice. The culprits are sucralose and carbon dioxide.
Sucralose Toxicity Information Center has testified that self-reported adverse reactions to sucralose include diarrhea, dizziness, and headaches amongst many other health issues.
Can Sparkling Ice cause cancer?
Consumption of Sparkling Ice is not directly linked to cancer. The food dyes and additives included in the beverage, however, are carcinogenic. Therefore, stay limited on it!
Can Sparkling Ice cause gout?
Moderation is the key everywhere. Studies suggest that frequent consumption of fizzy drinks can cause gout and aggravate problems in men with pre-existing arthritis and inflammation concerns.
Is Sparkling Ice better than soda?
Sparkling Ice is a sugar-free beverage. However, it contains sucralose and maltodextrin as active ingredients. For exactly this reason, the Wall Street Journal has cautioned that Sparkling Ice is not as healthy as it is marketed to be – and not a good alternative for soda.
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