Aquarius Citron, often known as Aquarius Lemon in many markets, is a popular hydrating beverage produced by The Coca-Cola Company. The ingredient list is more complex than a simple lemon-flavored water, with various components working together to achieve its taste and function. Understanding these ingredients provides insight into what makes the drink effective for rehydration.
Core Ingredients Across Most Regions
While regional variations exist, a foundational set of ingredients is consistently present in most versions of Aquarius Citron. These core components provide the base for both the flavor and the drink's hydrating properties:
- Water: The primary and most abundant ingredient, serving as the solvent for all other components.
- Sugar or Sweeteners: All versions contain either sugar (sucrose, fructose glucose syrup) or a blend of artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame K for zero-sugar variants.
- Acidulants: Citric acid (E330) and malic acid are used to create the tart, citrus flavor and help regulate the drink's pH.
- Flavor Enhancers & Mineral Salts: Sodium chloride (common salt) is a key ingredient, acting as an electrolyte. Others include potassium phosphate and calcium phosphate, which replenish minerals lost during physical activity.
- Acidity Regulator: Sodium citrate is often used to balance the acidity from the citric and malic acids.
- Antioxidant: Ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C, is added to prevent oxidation and helps preserve the drink.
- Stabilizers: Ingredients like acacia gum (E-414) and glycerol esters of wood rosin (E-445) are used to keep the ingredients uniformly mixed and maintain a consistent texture.
- Natural Lemon Flavors: These provide the distinct lemon or 'citron' taste.
Regional and Variant Ingredient Differences
One of the most notable aspects of Aquarius Citron is its lack of a single, universal ingredient list. The formula is often adapted for local tastes and nutritional goals, leading to several key differences:
Sweeteners in Sugar vs. Zero Versions
The most significant difference lies in the sweeteners used. Regular versions rely on sugar for taste and calories, while 'Zero' or 'Sugar-Free' versions use non-caloric artificial sweeteners.
- Regular Aquarius Citron (Europe): Contains sugar, citric acid, malic acid, mineral salts, and natural lemon flavors.
- Aquarius Lemon Zero (Spain): Features sweeteners such as acesulfame K, sucralose, and aspartame, replacing the sugar entirely.
Added Vitamins and Minerals
Some versions are fortified with additional nutrients. For example, certain European versions include extra mineral salts and Vitamin B6, while Japanese variants may contain amino acids.
- Dutch Aquarius Lemon: The 500ml version includes added Vitamin B6.
- Spanish Aquarius (Regular and Zero): Contains added zinc gluconate and sodium selenate.
- Japanese Aquarius: The formula differs significantly, often using fructose glucose syrup and containing amino acids like isoleucine, valine, and leucine.
Comparison of Aquarius Citron (Sugar vs. Zero Sugar)
To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of typical ingredients in a standard sugar version versus a zero-sugar version from Europe.
| Feature | Standard Aquarius Citron (with Sugar) | Aquarius Lemon Zero (without Sugar) |
|---|---|---|
| Sweeteners | Water, sugar | Water, sucralose, acesulfame K, aspartame |
| Energy Content | Higher (approx. 19-27 kcal per 100ml) | Zero or minimal calories |
| Acids | Citric acid, malic acid | Citric acid, malic acid |
| Mineral Salts | Sodium chloride, potassium phosphate, calcium phosphate | Sodium chloride, potassium phosphate, calcium phosphate |
| Vitamins/Minerals | Often fortified (e.g., zinc, selenium, B6 depending on region) | Fortified with similar minerals |
| Stabilizers | Acacia gum, glycerol esters of wood rosin | Acacia gum, glycerol esters of wood rosin |
Conclusion: Understanding Your Aquarius
For those wondering what are the ingredients in Aquarius Citron, the answer is not universal. The formula is a carefully crafted blend of water, flavor, acidulants, and electrolytes designed to rehydrate. However, due to regional market demands, this blend can change. Whether you are consuming a regular version with sugar for a calorie boost or a zero-sugar alternative with artificial sweeteners, the core function of replacing lost electrolytes remains consistent. Always check the label of the specific product you purchase to understand its exact composition. For further ingredient details on products in the European Union, resources like Open Food Facts can be helpful: https://world.openfoodfacts.org/product/90343360/aquarius-citron.
