What's Really in a Can of La Croix?
The ingredients list on a can of La Croix is deceptively simple: "carbonated water, naturally essenced" or "carbonated water, natural flavor". The core components are undoubtedly just water and carbon dioxide, which gives the drink its signature fizz. The complexity, and the source of past controversy, lies entirely within the term "natural flavor". This vague label represents a proprietary blend of compounds derived from plant or animal sources, according to FDA guidelines.
The Legal Scrutiny and National Beverage's Response
The most significant public discussion regarding La Croix's ingredients arose from a 2018 class-action lawsuit. The suit alleged that the company, National Beverage Corp., was misleading consumers by labeling its products as "all natural" despite the presence of synthetic substances. The lawsuit specifically named several chemicals allegedly found in the flavored water during third-party testing. These included limonene, linalool propionate, and linalool.
National Beverage vehemently denied the claims, stating that the flavorings come from 100% natural essence oils extracted from the named fruits. They have consistently maintained that their flavors are derived from natural sources and contain no artificial ingredients. In the years following, the original lawsuit was voluntarily withdrawn, with a similar, later lawsuit also dropped. This outcome suggests that the legal challenges failed to produce definitive evidence contradicting the company's claims, but it did expose the public to the specific chemical compounds involved.
Breaking Down the 'Controversial' Chemicals
Limonene
Limonene is a naturally occurring chemical found in the oil of citrus peels. It is a major component of citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. The 2018 lawsuit cited limonene, mentioning it could cause "kidney toxicity and tumors," based on studies conducted on rodents. However, as reported by outlets like Popular Science, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) classifies limonene as a "naturally occurring chemical" that is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for human consumption at normal levels. The potential negative effects noted were primarily seen in animal studies, and at significantly higher concentrations than those found in consumer products. In fact, the NIH database even notes that limonene may be protective against cancer.
Linalool
Another compound highlighted by the lawsuit was linalool, which the plaintiffs dramatically pointed out is used in cockroach insecticide. While this statement is technically true, it is misleading. Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in over 200 plant species, including lavender, cinnamon, and mint. The FDA also considers it a safe flavoring agent for consumption. Its presence in both a common insect repellent and a food product is a classic example of how a chemical's function depends on its concentration and context. As food science experts have noted, many naturally occurring substances found in everyday foods can also be used in other industrial applications.
Linalyl Propionate
Often confused with linalool propionate, linalyl propionate was also mentioned in legal filings. This substance is found naturally in plants like ginger, lavender, and sage. It is commonly used as a flavoring and fragrance additive in the food industry. Like the other compounds, its origin is natural, though it can be synthesized in a lab. The FDA considers it safe for human consumption.
The "Natural Flavor" Labeling Controversy
The crux of the entire issue is the FDA's definition of "natural flavors." The FDA considers a substance 'natural' if it is derived from a plant or animal source. It does not, however, require companies to disclose exactly what is in their proprietary flavor blends. This lack of transparency is what fuels consumer suspicion. For brands like La Croix, this means they can use specific concentrated, naturally derived compounds to create a flavor profile without listing each one individually. This is common practice across the food and beverage industry.
Comparison: La Croix vs. Other Flavored Waters
| Feature | La Croix | Spindrift | Hint Water | Flavored Tap Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Carbonated water, natural flavor/essences | Carbonated water, real squeezed fruit juice | Purified water, natural flavors | Tap water, fresh fruit/herbs added at home |
| Flavor Source | Proprietary essence oils | 100% fruit juice | Proprietary natural flavors | Whole, unprocessed fruits/herbs |
| Calories/Sugar | Zero calories, zero sugar | Contains trace sugar from real fruit (varies) | Zero calories, zero sugar | Zero calories, zero sugar |
| Transparency | Low, due to "natural flavor" label | High, lists specific juices used | Low, similar to La Croix | Complete control over ingredients |
Conclusion
When considering what chemicals are in La Croix, it's clear the ingredients extend beyond just carbonated water. They include naturally derived compounds such as limonene and linalool, extracted from the essence oils of fruits and plants. These are widely used in the food industry and deemed safe by the FDA. While the initial lawsuits created significant public concern, the claims of synthetic ingredients were retracted or dismissed. Ultimately, the controversy highlights the ambiguity of the "natural flavor" label and the public's growing demand for transparency in food products. For consumers concerned about the proprietary nature of these flavorings, alternatives like Spindrift, which uses fruit juice, offer a more transparent ingredient list. However, La Croix's ingredients remain safe and align with common industry practices.
/### The Authoritative Takeaway
Most health authorities and food experts agree that La Croix's ingredients are safe for consumption at typical levels. The presence of compounds like linalool and limonene is not a cause for concern, as these are naturally occurring substances found in many foods. The real debate centers on labeling transparency rather than inherent danger. The FDA’s permissive definition of "natural flavor" allows for a wide range of naturally derived chemicals to be used without specific disclosure. The choice between La Croix and other beverages often comes down to a personal preference for flavor profile and level of ingredient transparency. For more on how the FDA classifies flavorings, the official FDA website is a good starting point for detailed information on food additives and regulations.
/### What Does Naturally Essenced Mean?
La Croix's official site and branding state that its flavors come from "natural essence oils". This process involves extracting the concentrated flavor oils from the peel, rind, or other parts of a fruit or plant. These oils contain the naturally occurring flavor compounds, which are then used to impart flavor to the sparkling water. The term is essentially a rebranding of "natural flavor" to sound more appealing, but it refers to the same fundamental process of using concentrated, naturally sourced extracts.
/### Health Considerations Beyond Flavors
While the flavorings in La Croix are generally considered safe, other health aspects related to sparkling water consumption are worth noting. Some concerns have been raised about the carbonation process creating carbonic acid, which can potentially impact dental enamel. However, the acidity level is relatively low, and dentists generally agree that sparkling water is far less damaging to teeth than sugary sodas or fruit juices. The pH level of La Croix varies by flavor, but it is typically within a range that is not overly concerning for dental health, particularly when consumed in moderation.
The Takeaway for Consumers
The story of what chemicals are in La Croix is less a tale of hidden dangers and more a lesson in food industry labeling. The ingredients are safe, but the lack of specificity behind the "natural flavors" is what drew legal action and public mistrust. For most people, La Croix remains a healthy, sugar-free alternative to soda. For those who want more transparency or are uncomfortable with proprietary flavor blends, alternatives exist. However, the claims that La Croix contains harmful or synthetic chemicals have been largely debunked by the failure of legal challenges and the scientific consensus regarding the compounds in question.
