The Core of the LaCroix Controversy: The "Natural" Lawsuits
In late 2018, the sparkling water industry was rocked by a class-action lawsuit filed against the parent company of LaCroix, National Beverage Corporation. The lawsuit alleged that LaCroix was misleading consumers by labeling its product as 'all-natural,' when independent testing supposedly revealed the presence of synthetic compounds. This claim directly challenged the company's marketing, which heavily relied on its clean, simple ingredients list.
Key allegations from the lawsuit included:
- The use of synthetic chemicals, including ethyl butanoate, limonene, and linalool, which were not listed as artificial ingredients.
- That these synthetic compounds were being hidden behind the vague term "natural flavor".
- The particularly sensational claim that linalool, a natural compound found in many plants, is also an ingredient in cockroach insecticide.
LaCroix's parent company, National Beverage Corp., responded forcefully, calling the allegations "false, defamatory and intended to intentionally damage" the company. They have consistently maintained that their flavors are derived from natural essence oils and contain no artificial ingredients. The first lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, and its claims were retracted in 2020. A subsequent lawsuit filed in New York was also voluntarily dropped.
The Ambiguity of "Natural Flavor"
The root of the legal battle and consumer confusion lies in the ambiguous definition of "natural flavor" regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA defines natural flavor as a substance derived from a plant or animal source, but this allows for a complex process of chemical engineering to produce and concentrate these flavors. For example, the same compound, such as linalool, can be extracted from a fruit and be labeled natural, or it can be synthesized in a lab. The FDA’s stance on the term "natural" is not strictly defined, leaving a regulatory gray area that companies can exploit in their labeling. This lack of clear guidance and regulation is what allows LaCroix to legally stand by its "all-natural" claim while still using flavor essences that, in some contexts, have synthetic equivalents.
Scientific Context and Other Health Considerations
Beyond the lawsuit's central claims, it's important to separate the consumer panic from the scientific reality of the alleged ingredients. The claim about linalool and cockroach insecticide, while provocative, is misleading. Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in numerous flowers and spice plants, including lavender and mint, and is also used in many food and cosmetic products. Just because a substance has multiple applications does not inherently make it dangerous in a food context, and experts agree the levels in LaCroix are safe.
Furthermore, the lawsuits raised awareness of other potential health concerns associated with sparkling water in general, including:
- Tooth enamel erosion: The carbonic acid in sparkling water can be slightly more acidic than still water, which some experts suggest could potentially erode tooth enamel over time, though it is far less damaging than soda. The risk increases if citrus juice is added.
- Bloating and gas: The carbonation can cause bloating, gas, or stomach discomfort in some individuals.
- BPA concerns: Concerns about the epoxy resin BPA used to line some cans were raised, but LaCroix and the FDA have confirmed that trace amounts are virtually eliminated during the curing process, and the levels are considered safe.
LaCroix vs. the Competition
To better understand how LaCroix compares to other sparkling waters, here is a comparison table:
| Feature | LaCroix | Bubly | Spindrift | Topo Chico |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flavoring | Natural essence oils | Natural flavors | Real squeezed fruit | Mineral water, natural flavor |
| Ingredients | Carbonated water, natural flavor | Carbonated water, natural flavor | Carbonated water, fruit juice | Carbonated mineral water, CO2 |
| Sourcing Transparency | Low (uses vague "natural flavor") | Low (uses vague "natural flavor") | High (uses real juice) | Moderate (natural mineral water) |
| Appearance | Clear | Clear | Lightly cloudy (from pulp) | Clear |
| Taste Profile | Subtle, nuanced | Bright, noticeable | Fresh, fruity, with pulp | Pronounced minerality |
| Controversy | Lawsuits over 'natural' claims | None significant | None significant | None significant |
Conclusion: Is LaCroix Safe to Drink?
Despite the headlines and legal scrutiny, LaCroix is widely considered safe for consumption and remains a healthy alternative to sugary soft drinks. The central issue has never been about health risk, but rather about marketing honesty and the lack of a clear, legal definition for what constitutes "natural." The controversy serves as a cautionary tale for both consumers and companies about the need for greater transparency in product labeling. For most people, enjoying a can of LaCroix is harmless, but for those concerned about additives, options like Spindrift using real fruit juice offer a more transparent alternative. Consumers should always be mindful of ingredient lists and the gray areas that exist in food labeling.
This article was created based on information available in the referenced sources and should not be considered legal or definitive nutritional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chemicals was LaCroix sued over?
LaCroix faced lawsuits regarding claims of using synthetic chemicals like limonene, linalool propionate, and linalool, which the company denied, stating its flavors are 100% natural.
Is it true that LaCroix contains cockroach insecticide?
The sensational claim about linalool, an ingredient alleged to be in LaCroix, also being in cockroach insecticide is misleading. Linalool is a naturally occurring compound found in many plants and is widely considered safe for human consumption as a food flavoring.
Were the lawsuits against LaCroix successful?
No, at least one of the major class-action lawsuits filed in 2018 was dismissed and the plaintiff's claims were retracted. A separate New York lawsuit was also voluntarily dropped.
Does the FDA have a clear definition of "natural"?
The FDA does not have an official, legally enforceable definition for the term "natural," which has led to confusion and legal battles over food and beverage labeling.
Is sparkling water like LaCroix bad for your teeth?
Plain sparkling water is minimally invasive to tooth enamel compared to sugary sodas. The carbonic acid poses a slight, but significantly lower, risk of erosion than juices or colas.
Can drinking LaCroix cause bloating?
For some sensitive individuals, the carbonation (carbon dioxide) in LaCroix and other sparkling waters can cause uncomfortable bloating, gas, or burping.
How does LaCroix get its flavor?
According to the company, LaCroix's flavors come from the natural essence oils extracted from the named fruit used in each flavor. These essences are derived naturally, and no artificial ingredients are added.
