In this blog post, we’ll review the question of whether or not Sparkling Ice is good for you or not? Find out what this product’s nutrition pros and cons are and what better alternatives you may wish to consider. After reviewing the ingredients, my opinion is that for most people Sparkling Ice is not the best choice for a healthy drink as it contains artificial sweeteners and preservatives.

a can of Sparkling Ice next to a glass.
Sparkling Ice (photo source: Amazon).

Sparkling Ice Facts 

Sparkling Ice is fruit-flavored, carbonated water.

The company that owns Sparkling Ice launched its brand in Washington, in the United States, and began exporting it to Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and South Africa. 

There are two varieties of Sparkling Ice and an extensive range of flavors. The Classic Sparkling Ice is sugar-free, and the Sparkling Ice + Caffeine contains caffeine extracted from coffee beans and green tea. The website claims Sparkling Ice was “created for those with bubbly energy and a colorful disposition.” 

According to the nutrition label, Sparkling Ice only contains naturally-sourced colors, contains zero sugar, and has added antioxidants and vitamins. 

Sparkling Ice Main Ingredients

Classic Sparkling Ice’s specific ingredients include:

  • Carbonated water
  • Fruit and vegetable juice (for color)
  • Natural flavors
  • Caffeine
  • Green tea extract
  • Sucralose (artificial sweetener)
  • Citric acid
  • Tartaric acid
  • Gum arabic
  • Ester gum
  • Potassium benzoate (preservative for freshness)
  • Vitamins: E, B3, B5, B6, B12, and biotin

Classic Sparkling Ice Plus Caffeine also contains added caffeine.

Let’s dive into some of the major ingredients found in Sparkling Ice so you can determine if this drink is good for you or not.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea is one of the world’s most popular teas, known as a super healthy drink.

Green tea extract can be concentrated in capsule form and contains the same active ingredients as the tea. It is an excellent source of antioxidants and has many potential health benefits. 

Studies have shown that the polyphenols in green tea and other teas can have an anticarcinogenic effect. The flavones can help with oxidative stress-related diseases, among many other benefits.

Sucralose

Sucralose is a synthetic sweetener that is chlorinated and can’t be metabolized by the human body. It is FDA-approved, but there is controversy around the long-term health implications of this ingredient and all artificial sweeteners.

Additionally, it may increase inflammation causing obesity and diabetes. Sweeteners like the one included in Sparkling Ice Water are linked to weight gain despite having zero calories, zero carbs, or just a small amount.

According to research, consuming sucralose over time may harm the gut’s microbiome. It lowers the good bacteria needed for the gut to function optimally. See my list of gut healing foods.

Sucralose is a highly processed ingredient that likely is not healthy as it has potential risks. It should be consumed cautiously or not at all.

I like these natural sugar substitutes better.

Caffeine 

Caffeine is extracted from coffee beans, cacao plants, and tea leaves. It’s a natural stimulant with health benefits if you consume it in moderation.

As with green tea extract, it’s essential to know that you should only consume caffeine with caution; it is a stimulant, even if it’s natural. Children should likely avoid caffeine as there can be negative effects.

If adults have too much of it, it can cause side effects like raised blood pressure, increased heart rate, trouble falling asleep, and anxiety.

Gum arabic 

Gum arabic is extracted from certain trees, like the Acacia Senegal tree.

It is a dissolvable dietary fiber that has a satiating effect, making people feel full early, which may lead to weight loss.

B Vitamins

Sparkling Ice contains vitamin B3 (Niacinamide,) vitamin B5 (Calcium D-Pantothenate,) vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride,) and vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin). These are synthetic versions added as a dietary supplement.

Many people are sensitive to B vitamins. Too much vitamin B3 can cause gastric distress and other unpleasant side effects. 

Nutrition Pros 

Classic Sparkling Ice is caffeine-free and sugar-free and contains no artificial colors. Many similar drinks have artificial colors, which are not considered safe.

One of the ingredients in Sparkling Ice is green tea extract, which has several health benefits, including brain and skin health, blood pressure, sugar regulation, and exercise recovery.  

Although Sparkling Ice drinks are expensive for hydration, they may be a healthier option than diet soda like Diet Coke, sugary sodas, or other sugary drinks.

Lastly, as opposed to many other low-calorie drinks, Sparkling Ice Beverages do not appear to list “natural flavors” on the ingredients list. This is a positive as it is unclear where natural flavors come from and if they are truly from natural sources.

A bottle of Sparkling Ice also does not appear to have food coloring or other artificial flavors and added sugars which is a benefit.

Nutrition Cons

Sparkling Ice is a highly processed drink that contains a complex list of ingredients, including an artificial sweetener and preservatives.

Some people are sensitive to B vitamins and caffeine, which can cause unwanted side effects. One serving of Sparkling Ice has 70 mg of caffeine.

Additionally, Sparkling Ice is an expensive product for hydration. Instead of this expense, you can make your electrolyte drink for a lot less money, and you’ll be doing your part for the earth by reducing the amount of packaging used.

Plain water is generally always a healthier alternative to packaged low calorie drinks. If you want a carbonated beverage, try buying a home carbonator for your kitchen.

a 12 pack of Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry next to a single can of the drink.
Sparkling Ice (photo source: Amazon).

Sparkling Ice Nutrition FAQs

Is Sparkling Ice healthy? 

Sparkling Ice contains potentially unhealthy ingredients like preservatives and sucralose. I do not consider it a healthy drink. Drinking water for hydration or making your own electrolyte drink may be better. You could even make some refreshing fruit-flavored sparkling water using a squeeze of lemon juice. 

Why does Sparkling Ice only have 5 calories?

The calories in Sparkling Ice come from citric acid and malic acid, natural colors, and juice concentrate. This drink is so low in calories because it’s sweetened with sucralose, a zero-calorie sweetener. 

Is Sparkling Ice good for hydration? 

Since Sparkling Ice is mostly water, it will help with hydration. However, it doesn’t contain any electrolytes, so if you need a drink with electrolytes, the healthiest and cheapest option is to make your own at home using coconut water. See my recipe for Coconut Water with Pineapple.

Is Sparkling Ice healthier than soda?

It may be healthier than regular soda because it contains only five calories and does not contain sugar like high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors including artificial dyes. However, it contains sucralose, which can cause health problems for some people. 

Conclusions

Sparkling Ice contains some healthy ingredients like green tea extract, antioxidants, and vitamins. It is free from sugar and artificial colors.

However, it also contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener that may cause health issues. It also contains B vitamins, caffeine, and other ingredients including preservatives that may adversely affect some people.

Therefore, Sparkling Ice is not the best option for a healthy drink. Drink plain water or sparkling water with real fruit juice instead.

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and is studying to be a holistic nutritionist. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send her a message through her contact form.

Note: this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations related to your individual situation.