Sprite is a clear, lemon-lime flavored, caffeine-free soft drink produced by the Coca-Cola Company. The main ingredients in Sprite are carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup, citric acid, natural flavors, sodium citrate, and sodium benzoate. Here are some details about the ingredients:
-
Carbonated water: This is water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure, which creates the bubbles in the drink.
-
High-fructose corn syrup: This is a sweetener made from corn starch that is commonly used in soft drinks and other processed foods.
-
Citric acid: This is a weak, organic acid that is used to add a sour or acidic taste to food or drinks. It is a natural preservative.
-
Natural flavors: These are ingredients that the manufacturer of food and drinks add to their product to give the product its unique taste. In the case of Sprite, it is lemon, lime, and probably other ingredients, which usually remain a secret formula.
-
Sodium citrate: This is a salt of citric acid that is used as a flavoring agent and preservative.
-
Sodium benzoate: This is a preservative that is used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in soft drinks. It is derived from petroleum and has been associated with health concerns such as irritation, hives, and even DNA damage.
Sprite contains high sugar content, which can increase the risk of tooth decay. Citric acid intake can lead to tooth enamel erosion and decay over time.