13/14 ingredients recognized
How we scored this
PureScore is the stored composite of ingredient safety (40%), formulation quality (30%), contaminant risk (20%) and label transparency (10%). This label matched 13 of 14 listed ingredients. Unmatched names never wear an Excellent stamp. Methodology
Iced tea
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Flagged concerns
high fructose corn syrup
Linked to obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease; often contains mercury from chlor-alkali processing.
red 40
Linked to ADHD in children; potential carcinogen; may contain carcinogenic contaminants.
acesulfame potassium
Limited safety data; may affect insulin response; animal studies showed tumor increases.
natural flavor
Vague term masking hundreds of possible compounds; may include MSG, beaver anal gland secretions, and other sources.
caramel color
Ammonia-process caramel coloring; may contain 4-MEI; ultra-processed marker.
sucralose
May alter gut microbiome; studies show possible DNA damage at high doses.
sodium benzoate
Combines with vitamin C to form benzene (carcinogen); linked to ADHD in children.
Full ingredient list
Water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, instant tea, sodium hexametaphosphate (to protect flavor), natural flavor, phosphoric acid, sodium benzoate (preserves freshness), potassium sorbate (preserves freshness), caramel color, acesulfame potassium, calcium disodium edta (to protect flavor), sucralose, red 40.
Ingredient analysis
Cleaner alternatives
Same aisle, higher PureScore. Open each one to compare the label.
