Sparkling Ice is a popular brand of flavored sparkling water that contains no calories, sugar, or sweeteners. With dozens of fruit-inspired flavors to choose from, Sparkling Ice has become a go-to drink for people looking to cut calories and reduce their sugar intake.
But some consumers wonder – if Sparkling Ice has carbonation, flavoring, and other additives, could it also secretly contain calories or other hidden ingredients? Let’s take a closer look at what’s inside a can of Sparkling Ice to determine if it truly has 0 calories.
What is Sparkling Ice?
Sparkling Ice is a zero-calorie flavored carbonated water made by the Talking Rain Beverage Company. It contains carbonated water, natural flavors, citric acid, and added colors. Some of the most popular Sparkling Ice flavors include:
- Black Raspberry
- Orange Mango
- Cherry Limeade
- Coconut Pineapple
- Strawberry Watermelon
- Peach Nectarine
- Raspberry Lemonade
Unlike traditional soda, Sparkling Ice uses no sugar, sweeteners, or other caloric ingredients. The flavors come from concentrated natural flavors and citric acid. The carbonation provides the bubbly, fizzy effect of soda.
Each 12 ounce can of Sparkling Ice contains:
- 0 calories
- 0g total fat
- 0g sodium
- 0g total carbs
- 0g protein
With stats like these, Sparkling Ice positions itself as a healthier alternative to regular soda. But let’s explore exactly why Sparkling Ice can make the 0 calorie claim.
How Sparkling Ice Achieves 0 Calories
There are two main reasons why Sparkling Ice contains no calories:
1. No added sugars
Calories in drinks primarily come from added sugars and other caloric sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup. Table sugar contains around 4 calories per gram, while high fructose corn syrup has approximately 3.8 calories per gram.
By using non-caloric sweeteners and flavor extracts instead of sugar, Sparkling Ice eliminates the main source of calories typically found in soda and other soft drinks. Without any added sugars, the total calories per can stays at 0.
2. Low-calorie sweeteners
To provide sweetness without calories, Sparkling Ice relies on artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium.
Sucralose, also known as Splenda, provides sweetness up to 600 times stronger than sugar without calories or carbohydrates. The FDA approves sucralose as a zero-calorie sweetener.
Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) is another artificial sweetener around 200 times sweeter than sugar. It passes through the body without being digested so it adds no calories.
Together, sucralose and Ace-K offer sweetness to Sparkling Ice without needing to add sugar or other caloric sweeteners. This maintains the 0 calorie nutrition label.
Are There Any Hidden Calories?
Some consumers suspect that flavored sparkling waters like Sparkling Ice may secretly contain calories or carbohydrates not listed on the nutrition facts. However, Sparkling Ice has no reason to hide extra calories or other nutrients.
Here are some reasons why the calorie content can be trusted:
FDA labeling regulations
The FDA closely monitors nutrition labeling and prohibits false claims on packaged foods and drinks. If Sparkling Ice contained hidden calories not disclosed on the packaging, the FDA would force the company to revise the label.
Consumer lab testing
Independent consumer watchdogs like Consumer Reports have tested products like LaCroix and Sparkling Ice and consistently confirmed 0 calories per serving. If undisclosed calories were present, consumer labs would likely detect them.
Class action lawsuits
In recent years, some consumers filed class action lawsuits against LaCroix claiming false labeling about natural ingredients. However, there were no accusations around inaccurate calorie statements. If calories were secretly present, consumers would likely allege mislabeling. Lack of lawsuits around hidden calories suggest the calorie counts are truthful.
Company reputation
Talking Rain is a reputable company that has distributed Sparkling Ice for over two decades. Hiding calories would hurt their brand image. As a widely consumed national brand, consumers would quickly notice if calories were secretly present. The company has no incentive to be dishonest about the 0 calorie selling point.
How Does Flavoring Contribute to Calories?
While Sparkling Ice uses natural and artificial flavorings to give each variety its signature taste, these flavorings do not contribute meaningful amounts of calories.
Here’s why:
Low-calorie flavor extracts
The natural flavors in Sparkling Ice come from concentrated fruit or plant sources that are very low in calories. For example, strawberry flavor concentrate still tastes sweet and fruity but contains far fewer calories than fresh strawberries.
Small flavor serving sizes
Flavored sparkling waters need just a drop or two of natural or artificial flavors to achieve the desired taste. The small quantity used means negligible calories even if the flavoring has a few calories per serving.
Flavorings not listed as ingredients
Sparkling Ice lists all of its bottle ingredients like carbonated water, malic acid, and sucralose. If flavorings added significant calories, they would be required to disclose those ingredients. The absence suggests flavors contribute minimal, if any, calories.
So while flavors impact taste, they provide no meaningful calories or carbohydrates in Sparkling Ice.
Does Carbonation Contribute to Calories?
The carbonation in Sparkling Ice also does not affect its calorie content. Here’s a breakdown:
No calories in carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide (CO2) gas itself is non-nutritive and contains no calories. The CO2 simply provides effervescence.
No added sugars
Some soda brands add high fructose corn syrup before carbonating to sweeten the beverage. This adds calories. Sparkling Ice carbonates unsweetened water so no sugars are present.
No calories from carbonation process
The carbonation process doesn’t generate calories. Force-carbonating water with CO2 does not create energy. The only inputs are water and gas.
So the carbonation that makes Sparkling Ice bubbly does not impact the calorie content in any way.
Comparison to Other Popular Sparkling Waters
Sparkling Ice is not unique in its zero-calorie label. Many other popular carbonated waters also advertise 0 calories and 0 carbs, including:
| Beverage | Calories Per 12 oz |
|---|---|
| LaCroix | 0 |
| Bubly | 0 |
| Polar Seltzer | 0 |
| Perrier | 0 |
These sparkling waters stick to just carbonated water and natural flavors. With no added sugars or other caloric ingredients, they can legitimately claim zero calories.
This puts Sparkling Ice on par with other top brands in terms of calorie content.
The Role of Preservatives
In addition to flavors and carbonation, Sparkling Ice also contains preservatives like citric acid and sodium hexametaphosphate.
Do these preservatives contribute any calories?
The answer is no. Preservatives help extend shelf life but do not provide any nutrition. Citric acid and sodium hexametaphosphate have no calories or carbs.
While some consumers try to avoid preservatives, their presence does not add any hidden calories to Sparkling Ice.
Does Sparkling Ice Have Caffeine?
In addition to calories and sweeteners, some consumers may wonder if Sparkling Ice contains caffeine.
The answer is Sparkling Ice has no caffeine in its ingredients list. Caffeine is not added to any Sparkling Ice varieties.
This contrasts against some mainstream sodas like Coca-Cola or Pepsi that add caffeine to their formula. The lack of caffeine makes Sparkling Ice more suitable as an afternoon or evening beverage rather than a morning or pre-workout drink.
It also means there is no caffeine content to account for in the calorie tally.
The Role of Water Content
One obvious reason why Sparkling Ice has no calories is because the main ingredient is water – which contains no calories or carbs.
Let’s look closer at the water content:
Purified carbonated water base
Sparkling Ice starts with purified water and carbonates it by adding CO2. Purified water alone is zero calories. Carbonating it does not generate calories.
Water makes up most of the volume
A 12 oz can of Sparkling Ice contains about 12 oz of water with some carbonation. The flavors and preservatives make up less than an ounce. So the majority of what you drink is zero-calorie water.
This high water volume dilutes the small amounts of flavoring and sweeteners, keeping their calorie contribution negligible.
Water provides sweetness
Water can elicit a weak sense of sweetness, allowing Sparkling Ice to use less added sweetener. This further lowers the calorie content.
Given water’s zero calories and the fact that it comprises over 95% of Sparkling Ice, water is the number one reason the beverage contains no calories.
Does Sparkling Ice Contain Fiber or Protein?
In addition to calories, two other macronutrients – fiber and protein – are commonly listed on nutrition labels.
Does Sparkling Ice contain either of these?
The answer is no. Sparkling Ice has:
- 0g fiber per serving
- 0g protein per serving
This is expected given the simple water-based ingredients. There are no significant sources of fiber or protein in Sparkling Ice.
Many foods and drinks do contain at least small amounts of fiber and protein. Sparkling Ice is unique in having zeros across all three of these macronutrients.
Micronutrient Content in Sparkling Ice
Let’s move beyond macronutrients to look at micronutrients, which include vitamins and minerals.
As a zero-calorie carbonated beverage, Sparkling Ice itself does not naturally contain any micronutrients. However, some varieties are fortified with added vitamins and minerals like:
- Vitamins B12, B6, and B3 (niacin)
- Zinc
- Chromium
This fortification provides a modest boost in micronutrients, though amounts vary by product line. For example, the Sparkling Ice +C line adds vitamin C, but regular Sparkling Ice does not contain vitamin C.
Overall, while Sparkling Ice offers more micronutrients than unfortified options like LaCroix, the vitamins and minerals present in small amounts don’t significantly contribute to the calorie content.
Does Sparkling Ice Hydrate Like Regular Water?
Given its water base, some consumers assume Sparkling Ice hydrates just like regular water. However, experts suggest the carbonation may alter hydration levels.
According to nutritionist Lisa Hugh, “Although these drinks contain a large proportion of water, they are less hydrating than still water.”
The carbonation may contribute to mild diuretic effects, increasing water loss through urine output. One study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found higher urine volumes among participants who drank carbonated water versus still water.
So while Sparkling Ice provides hydration, regular still water may hydrate better and be more ideal for active rehydration. Of course, Sparkling Ice still hydrates far better than dehydrating beverages like coffee, soda, and alcohol.
Does Sparkling Ice Dissolve Teeth Enamel?
Due to the carbonation and citric acid preservative, some consumers worry that Sparkling Ice may erode tooth enamel with extended consumption.
While plain non-carbonated water poses no enamel risk, the carbonation acidity of Sparkling Ice may contribute to enamel erosion according to some dental research:
- A study in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation found sparkling mineral water lowered enamel hardness.
- A study in the Journal of American Dental Association concluded the combination of low pH and high titratable acidity in sparkling water can potentially dissolve enamel over time.
- Researchers at the University of Birmingham Centre for Oral Health Research found flavored sparkling waters to be particularly acidic.
However, other factors like oral hygiene, saliva flow, and use of straws can mitigate the risk of erosion. Overall, Sparkling Ice likely carries some low risk given its acidity profile. But regular dental care and fluoride treatments can help strengthen enamel. Limiting acidic drinks to meal times may also reduce erosive potential.
The Bottom Line: Yes, Sparkling Ice is Zero Calories
So does Sparkling Ice contain calories?
Based on all the available evidence, Sparkling Ice can rightly claim zero calories per serving and stand behind its 0 calorie label.
Here’s a summary of the key reasons why Sparkling Ice contains no calories:
- No added sugars or other caloric sweeteners
- Uses non-caloric sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium for sweetness
- Flavors and preservatives contribute negligible calories based on small serving sizes
- Main ingredient is zero-calorie carbonated water
- No meaningful sources of fiber, protein, vitamins or minerals
- Subject to FDA labeling regulations prohibiting false claims
While some consumers may still opt to avoid artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives based on personal preference, Sparkling Ice can stand behind its advertised 0 calories.
But is it as hydrating as still water? And could it pose a risk to dental health over time? Those questions may not have definitive answers yet.
Overall, if you are looking for a flavored carbonated beverage with zero calories or carbs, Sparkling Ice remains a smart option. Just be sure to still get plenty of regular water as part of an overall healthy diet.
