The Truth Behind LaCroix's Label: Does LaCroix Have Synthetic Ingredients?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2018, a high-profile lawsuit was filed claiming that the popular sparkling water brand LaCroix contained synthetic ingredients, a direct contradiction to its 'all-natural' marketing. This created widespread concern among health-conscious consumers who choose the beverage as part of a healthier diet. So, Does LaCroix have synthetic ingredients?

Quick Summary

A 2018 lawsuit alleged LaCroix contained synthetic ingredients, a claim the company denied, stating its flavors come from natural essence oils. The lawsuit was later withdrawn, with the controversy highlighting the ambiguity of 'natural flavors' in food labeling.

Key Points

Lawsuit Controversy: In 2018, LaCroix faced a class-action lawsuit alleging its 'all-natural' claim was false and that it contained synthetic ingredients like linalool.
Company Denial: LaCroix's parent company, National Beverage Corp., consistently and vehemently denied all allegations, asserting that all essences are 100% natural and derived from fruit oils.
Lawsuits Withdrawn: The lawsuits against LaCroix were voluntarily withdrawn by the plaintiffs in 2019 and 2020, suggesting a lack of substantiation for the claims.
'Natural Essence' Defined: In the food industry, 'natural essence' refers to concentrated flavor chemicals extracted from plant matter, a process regulated by the FDA, though the term 'natural' itself lacks a formal, legally binding definition.
Ingredient Safety: The safety of flavor compounds, like linalool, depends on its molecular structure and quality, not whether it is derived from a natural or synthetic source.
Healthy Diet Option: As a zero-calorie, zero-sweetener beverage, LaCroix remains a healthier alternative to sugary drinks for individuals on a nutrition diet, despite the past controversy.

The 2018 Lawsuit: Allegations Against LaCroix's 'All-Natural' Label

For years, LaCroix built its reputation on the premise of being a 'clean' and 'all-natural' beverage, containing only carbonated water and natural flavors. This reputation, however, was jeopardized in 2018 when a class-action lawsuit was filed against its parent company, National Beverage Corp.. The lawsuit alleged that LaCroix's 'natural' label was misleading because the product purportedly contained several synthetic compounds, including limonene, linalool, and ethyl butanoate.

One of the most concerning claims involved linalool, which the lawsuit's filing described as a chemical used in cockroach insecticide. This sensational detail captured significant media attention and caused a stir among consumers. The plaintiffs argued that thousands of customers would not have purchased LaCroix had they known these chemicals were allegedly present in the drink. The public's trust in 'natural' products was shaken, prompting many to question the transparency of food and beverage labeling.

LaCroix's Response and The Lawsuit's Resolution

In response to the lawsuit, National Beverage Corp. issued a strong denial, calling the claims baseless. The company stated that all flavor essences in LaCroix are certified as 100% natural by their suppliers, derived exclusively from the essential oils of the fruit named on the can. The company's special corporate counsel added that there are no sugars or artificial ingredients added to LaCroix products.

Following the media frenzy, a crucial detail emerged: the original plaintiff voluntarily withdrew the lawsuit in 2019, and a subsequent, similar lawsuit was also dropped in 2020. While the reasons for the withdrawal were not publicly disclosed in detail, it suggested a lack of sufficient evidence to proceed with the central claims. This development, coupled with National Beverage's consistent denial, helped quell some of the consumer panic.

The Science Behind 'Natural Essences' and the FDA's Role

The controversy surrounding LaCroix brought to light the food industry's use of vague terms like 'natural essence.' For many, the term conjures images of freshly squeezed fruit, but the reality is more technical. According to industry experts, essences are concentrated natural chemicals extracted from fruit and vegetable parts, like rinds and skins, using processes involving high heat and pressure. The resulting vapors are condensed and used to flavor food and beverages.

One of the key points of confusion stems from compounds like linalool. The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) explained that compounds like linalool occur naturally in many plants (including basil, mint, and citrus), but they can also be synthesized in a lab. The safety of a compound is determined by its molecular structure, not its origin. The IFT clarified that the FDA approves all flavorants, and they must pass strict safety protocols, regardless of whether they are natural or synthetic. The use of a compound in multiple applications, such as both flavoring and insecticides, does not inherently make it unsafe for food consumption.

Key aspects of natural flavorings:

Source: Derived from a plant or animal source (e.g., fruit, spice, vegetable).
Processing: Involves heating or extraction to concentrate the flavor compound.
Regulation: Regulated by the FDA, but the agency has not formally defined the term 'natural'.
Composition: While from a natural source, the final product is often a concentrated chemical, not the raw fruit itself.

Comparison: LaCroix vs. Other Sparkling Waters

When evaluating LaCroix within a nutrition diet, it's helpful to compare its ingredients with other sparkling beverage options. This can help consumers make informed choices based on their health goals.


Feature	LaCroix	Plain Seltzer	Flavored Seltzer (Sweetened)	Mineral Water
Calories	0	0	Varies (often >0)	0
Sweeteners	None	None	Added sugars or artificial sweeteners	None
Flavors	Derived from natural fruit essence oils	None	Artificial or natural flavors	None
Sodium	0	0	Varies	Can contain trace amounts
Verdict	Best for those wanting a flavored, unsweetened option.	Best for those wanting pure, unflavored carbonation.	Should be consumed in moderation due to added sugars/sweeteners.	Good for trace minerals, can be naturally or artificially carbonated.

Making an Informed Decision for Your Diet

Ultimately, the question of whether LaCroix contains synthetic ingredients and is 'truly' natural is a complex one, steeped in the nuances of food science and regulation. The lawsuits against the company were withdrawn, and LaCroix maintains that its flavor essences are 100% natural and safe for consumption. The broader issue, however, underscores the importance of understanding food labels beyond marketing language. For those following a healthy nutrition diet, the focus should be on avoiding added sugars and artificial sweeteners.

Here's how to navigate your beverage choices:

Know the Goal: If your goal is weight loss, plain, unsweetened sparkling water is an excellent option for replacing sugary drinks, as it is calorie-free and can increase feelings of fullness.
Read the Label: Look for sparkling waters with minimal ingredients. The simplest choice is carbonated water with no added flavors or sweeteners.
Consider the Source: For added minerals, mineral water is a great option. For plain, unflavored carbonation, seltzer is a good choice.
Focus on the Big Picture: The debate over the naturalness of LaCroix's flavorings, while interesting, does not change the fact that it is a calorie-free, sweetener-free, and sodium-free alternative to soda. For most consumers, it remains a healthier choice than sugary beverages.

Conclusion

The short answer to the question, "Does LaCroix have synthetic ingredients?" is that the company firmly denies it, and the lawsuits alleging otherwise were ultimately dropped. The deeper answer reveals the complexities of food labeling and the often-misunderstood nature of 'natural flavors.' While the phrase 'natural essence' can be ambiguous, LaCroix's flavorings are derived from plant-based oils and are regulated as safe for consumption. For anyone on a nutrition diet, LaCroix continues to be a good alternative to high-sugar sodas, provided you are comfortable with the company's explanation of its flavorings. For the most straightforward option, unsweetened sparkling water with no additives remains the cleanest choice for hydration.

For more insight on the science behind food additives and the FDA's perspective, you can consult resources from food science organizations like the Institute of Food Technologists. The Science Behind the LaCroix and Linalool Controversy

Frequently Asked Questions

This claim originated from a 2018 lawsuit regarding the compound linalool, which is present in many plants and spices. While linalool is also used in some insecticides, this does not mean it is unsafe. A compound can have different applications depending on its concentration and grade. LaCroix's parent company denies using synthetic versions of this ingredient.

Two separate lawsuits were filed alleging the use of synthetic ingredients. However, the plaintiffs voluntarily withdrew their claims in 2019 and 2020, and the cases were dismissed. No legal ruling was made that validated the claims against the company.

According to LaCroix, its flavors come from the 'natural essence oils' extracted from the fruit. This process involves heating fruit materials to capture and condense the flavor compounds, which are then added to the carbonated water. The FDA regulates flavorings but has no formal definition for 'natural'.

LaCroix and its suppliers certify that the flavor essences are 100% natural, derived from fruit essence oils. While some flavor compounds can be made synthetically, the company's position, supported by the dismissal of the lawsuits, is that their versions are naturally derived.

Yes, LaCroix is considered safe for consumption. The FDA approves flavor additives for food and beverages based on safety, not on whether they are natural or synthetic. The compounds mentioned in the lawsuit were found to be safe for human consumption at the levels used.

Plain sparkling water is slightly acidic due to carbonation, but it is far less harmful to tooth enamel than sugary sodas or fruit juices. For maximum protection, you can drink it with meals or through a straw.

Because the FDA does not have a formal definition for 'natural,' it's best to look at the ingredients list. A product with minimal ingredients, such as 'carbonated water and natural flavors,' is likely a safer bet. The only way to be 100% sure of no additives is to choose plain sparkling water.