Kroger, one of America's largest supermarket chains, offers a wide range of flavored water products under its own brand. For many consumers, these beverages serve as a calorie-free or low-calorie alternative to sugary sodas. However, a closer look at the ingredients reveals a combination of water, sweeteners, flavorings, and preservatives.
Decoding Kroger's Flavored Water Ingredients
The specific ingredients in Kroger flavored water differ depending on whether the product is a still or sparkling variety. The primary ingredients, however, remain consistent across most flavored offerings: purified or carbonated water, flavorings, sweeteners, and preservatives.
Still Flavored Water (e.g., Mini Bottles)
For products like the Kroger Mixed Berry or Lemon Flavored Bottled Water, the ingredient list generally includes:
- Purified Water: The base of the beverage, filtered to remove impurities.
- Natural Flavor: Flavorings derived from natural sources, often used to create the fruit taste.
- Citric Acid and Sodium Citrate: These act as flavor enhancers and preservatives, providing a tartness and balancing the beverage's acidity.
- Sucralose: A popular, calorie-free artificial sweetener, often sold under the brand name Splenda.
- Sodium Hexametaphosphate: A water softener and sequestering agent used to maintain the water's clarity and stability.
- Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate: These preservatives are used to protect the flavor and prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria.
Sparkling Flavored Water (e.g., 1-Liter Bottles)
Kroger's flavored sparkling waters, such as the Strawberry or Black Cherry varieties, have a slightly different formulation tailored for carbonation.
- Carbonated Water: Purified water infused with carbon dioxide to create bubbles.
- Citric Acid and Malic Acid: These acids contribute to the tart flavor profile and act as preservatives.
- Natural Flavor (and sometimes Artificial Flavor): A blend of natural and, in some cases, artificial compounds that give the water its specific fruit flavor. A class action lawsuit has previously brought attention to the use of artificial ingredients in products labeled as 'Naturally Flavored'.
- Sweeteners: Many sparkling varieties use a combination of artificial sweeteners for a more complex and balanced sweetness. This can include Sucralose, Neotame, and Acesulfame Potassium.
- Potassium Benzoate: A preservative used to maintain the beverage's freshness and inhibit microbial growth.
Simple Truth Organic Flavored Seltzer
For those seeking a simpler ingredient list, the Simple Truth Organic brand offers a cleaner option. These are typically carbonated water with only organic natural flavors. There are no artificial sweeteners or preservatives in these products.
Comparison of Kroger Flavored Water Types
| Ingredient Category | Kroger Still Flavored Water | Kroger Sparkling Flavored Water | Simple Truth Organic Seltzer | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Base | Purified Water | Carbonated Water | Carbonated Water | Carbonation is the primary difference for the water base. |
| Flavoring | Natural Flavor | Natural and/or Artificial Flavor | Organic Natural Flavor | Simple Truth uses organic and only natural flavors. Kroger's other lines may use a mix. |
| Sweeteners | Sucralose | Sucralose, Neotame, Acesulfame Potassium | None | Standard Kroger brands use artificial sweeteners, while Simple Truth has none. |
| Preservatives | Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate | Potassium Benzoate | None | Simple Truth contains no artificial preservatives. |
| Flavor Acids | Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate | Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Potassium Citrate | None | The acids contribute to the tart taste profile and act as preservatives in the standard lines. |
The Role of Artificial Sweeteners
The inclusion of multiple artificial sweeteners like sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and neotame is a key aspect of many Kroger flavored water products. This practice, known as using a 'sweetener blend,' is done for several reasons:
- Taste Profile: Each sweetener has a slightly different taste and onset of sweetness. Blending them can create a more balanced and rounded sweetness profile that is closer to that of sugar.
- Masking Aftertaste: Some artificial sweeteners can leave a bitter or metallic aftertaste. By combining them, manufacturers can mitigate these off-notes.
- Synergistic Sweetness: When used together, some sweeteners can produce a combined sweetness effect that is greater than the sum of their individual parts, allowing for less total sweetener to be used.
Conclusion
For consumers, understanding what are the ingredients in Kroger flavored water is crucial for making informed dietary decisions. While all varieties offer a hydrating, calorie-free alternative to sugary drinks, they are not all created equal. The standard flavored waters rely on a combination of artificial sweeteners and preservatives, while the Simple Truth Organic Seltzers contain only carbonated water and organic flavors. The best choice depends on your preference for taste and your stance on artificial additives. Always remember to check the specific product label, as formulations can vary and may have been subject to changes or legal challenges.
What are the ingredients in Kroger flavored water?
- Still Flavored Water Ingredients: Kroger still flavored water contains purified water, natural flavors, citric acid, sodium citrate, Sucralose, and preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate.
- Sparkling Flavored Water Ingredients: Kroger sparkling flavored water typically includes carbonated water, citric and malic acids, natural and/or artificial flavors, and a blend of artificial sweeteners such as Sucralose, Neotame, and Acesulfame Potassium.
- Sweeteners Used: Many Kroger flavored waters are sweetened with a combination of artificial sweeteners, with Sucralose being a primary component. Some sparkling varieties also use Acesulfame Potassium and Neotame.
- Preservatives Present: To maintain freshness and prevent microbial growth, ingredients like potassium benzoate, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate are used in many flavored water varieties.
- Simple Truth Options: For those looking for fewer ingredients, the Simple Truth Organic Seltzer options are made with just carbonated water and organic natural flavors, with no added sweeteners or preservatives.
- Flavoring Sources: While some products state they use natural flavors, others may include a mix of both natural and artificial flavorings, a practice that has faced scrutiny.
- Ingredient Differences by Product: Ingredients vary significantly between Kroger's still flavored water, sparkling flavored water, and the Simple Truth Organic line, especially regarding sweeteners and preservatives.
