Vita Ice, a product of Klarbrunn, is a popular choice for those seeking a zero-sugar, flavored sparkling water with added benefits. Unlike simple seltzer, its complex ingredient list provides flavor, color, and a vitamin boost. Understanding the components can help consumers make informed decisions about their beverage choices. The core of every Vita Ice flavor is carbonated purified water, which then serves as the base for a combination of natural flavors, artificial sweeteners, and functional additives.
The Core Components: Water and Sweeteners
The Base: Carbonated Purified Water
All Vita Ice beverages begin with carbonated purified water. The water is purified through a filtration process to remove impurities, and then carbonation is added to give it a signature fizz and effervescence. This provides the refreshing, bubbly texture that defines sparkling water, but it is just the starting point for the complex formulation of Vita Ice.
Zero-Sugar Sweetener: Sucralose
To achieve its sweet taste without adding any calories or sugar, Vita Ice uses the artificial sweetener sucralose. Sucralose is a widely used and FDA-approved sweetener that is significantly sweeter than sugar, meaning only a small amount is needed. This allows the product to maintain a zero-sugar and zero-calorie nutritional profile, which is a major selling point for health-conscious consumers or those managing their sugar intake.
The Flavor and Color System
Natural Flavors and Citric Acid
The signature fruity taste of each Vita Ice variant comes from a combination of natural flavors and citric acid. The "natural flavors" are proprietary blends that create the specific taste profiles, such as Orange Mango or Acai Blueberry Pomegranate. Citric acid, a common food additive, enhances the flavors and provides a tart, crisp note that balances the sweetness.
Color Additives
To give the beverages a visually appealing color, Vita Ice uses various color additives. These differ depending on the flavor: for instance, Orange Mango uses Yellow #5 and Blue #1, while Black Raspberry uses vegetable juice for color. Other flavors might incorporate Red #40 or other natural extracts to achieve the desired hue.
The Added Nutrition and Antioxidants
Vitamin Blend
Vita Ice is fortified with a specific blend of vitamins, which is why it is often marketed as a "vitamin-infused" beverage. The specific vitamins included are primarily from the B-complex family, essential for various bodily functions, as well as Vitamin D. The vitamins added include:
- Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- D-Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)
- Pyridoxine HCL (Vitamin B6)
- D-Biotin (Vitamin B7)
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
- Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
Green Tea Extract for Antioxidants
In addition to the vitamins, Vita Ice also contains green tea extract. This is included as a source of antioxidants, which are beneficial compounds that help combat cell damage. According to the Vita Ice FAQ, the amount of caffeine present due to the green tea extract is only a trace amount.
Preservatives and Stabilizers
Potassium Benzoate
Potassium benzoate is a preservative used to ensure the product remains fresh and free from spoilage over time. It is a commonly used food additive, particularly in acidic foods and beverages like sparkling water.
Calcium Disodium EDTA
Used to protect the flavor of the beverage, Calcium Disodium EDTA is a chelation agent that binds to metal ions. This prevents them from reacting with other ingredients and causing flavor degradation. However, it's worth noting that some third-party sources have commented on this ingredient as highly processed and potentially irritating.
Gum Acacia and Ester Gum
For certain flavors, stabilizers like gum acacia and ester gum are included in the formula. These ingredients are used to improve the texture and mouthfeel of the beverage, as well as to keep the flavor components evenly suspended throughout the liquid.
Comparison of Ingredients: Flavor by Flavor
| Ingredient | Orange Mango | Lemon Lime | Acai Blueberry Pomegranate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Carbonated Purified Water | Carbonated Purified Water | Carbonated Purified Water |
| Sweetener | Sucralose | Sucralose | Sucralose |
| Acidifier | Citric Acid | Citric Acid | Citric Acid |
| Natural Flavors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Antioxidants | Ascorbic Acid, Green Tea Extract | Green Tea Extract | Green Tea Extract |
| Preservatives | Potassium Benzoate | Potassium Benzoate | Potassium Benzoate |
| Flavor Protection | Calcium Disodium EDTA | Calcium Disodium EDTA | Calcium Disodium EDTA |
| Stabilizers | Gum Acacia, Ester Gum | Gum Acacia, Ester Gum | Pectin |
| Vitamins | Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine HCL, Biotin, Cholecalciferol, Cyanocobalamin | Niacinamide, d-calcium pantothenate, Pyridoxine HCL, d-biotin, Cholecalciferol, Cyanocobalamin | Niacinamide, d-calcium pantothenate, Pyridoxine HCL, d-biotin, Cholecalciferol, Cyanocobalamin |
| Colors | Yellow #5, Blue #1 | Yellow #5, Blue #1 | Purple Carrot Juice, Vegetable Juice |
Conclusion
While marketed as a vitamin-infused, flavored sparkling water, the ingredient list for Vita Ice is quite extensive. It combines carbonated purified water with an artificial sweetener (sucralose), natural flavors, vitamins, antioxidants from green tea extract, and several additives to ensure freshness, stability, and flavor. These additional components differentiate it from standard sparkling water and give it the specific taste and properties that appeal to its consumer base. For those curious about exactly what they are drinking, reviewing the specific ingredients for each flavor is key, as some components, particularly the colorings, do vary between products. Read the official Vita Ice FAQs here.
