Sprite is a soft drink made by The Coca-Cola Company. It is not only the top-selling lemon-lime soda but also one of the most popular beverages in the world.
Given that many people enjoy drinking Sprite, there are a lot of questions about what is in it. Below you will find the ingredients of Sprite and an answer to whether it contains red dye.
Red Dye In Sprite?
Sprite is similar to other lemon-lime soda brands in that it is clear in appearance. The addition of red dye in it is unnecessary since it is not needed to achieve its color.
Food and beverage manufacturers are required to list color additives in the ingredients whether they be synthetic (man-made) or from natural sources such as grape skin extract or dehydrated beets.
A review of Sprite’s ingredients shows that it does not contain red dye or other color additives. Here is what is in Sprite with a brief explanation of each ingredient.
Sprite Ingredients:
- Carbonated Water – water infused with carbon dioxide gas to produce bubbles.
- High-Fructose Corn Syrup – a liquid sweetener commonly found in sodas that is made from cornstarch.
- Citric Acid – It helps canned and jarred products maintain their freshness. It also provides flavoring that is often described as a sour taste.
- Natural Flavors – Flavors deriving from plants or animals such as essential oils from plants.
- Sodium Citrate – It is used to preserve and produce flavor. It is often called sour salt after the flavors it provides.
- Sodium Benzoate – This ingredient helps protect taste and is used as an antimicrobial agent.
Beverages With Red Dye
Soda that is colored pink or red often has some type of red dye added to it. Here are a few examples of sodas that have red dye and the type of dye used:
- Fanta Strawberry – Red Dye 40
- Big Red – Red Dye 40
- Ruby Red Squirt – Red Dye 40
- Cherry 7Up – Red Dye 40
- Mtn Dew Code Red – Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1
Be sure to read the ingredients on the label for the most accurate and up-to-date ingredient information.
Sources:
Sprite.com
Image Credit – Mike Mozart/flickr
