ANTIOXIDANT SPARKLING WATER — ENGINEERED

Munch or Dump rates ANTIOXIDANT SPARKLING WATER by Wis-Pak, Inc. ENGINEERED — score 30/90.

Despite the 'water' name, this is a formulated functional drink, not plain seltzer. It runs a two-part sweetener system (erythritol plus stevia extract), two preservatives (potassium benzoate and potassium sorbate), a caffeine-plus-guarana stimulant pairing, and a sprinkle of added vitamins to justify the 'antioxidant' angle. In our opinion it's a lab-built beverage wearing a sparkling-water label.

Why this verdict

• Two distinct sweeteners — erythritol and stevia extract — form a sweetness system rather than simple flavoring
• Two preservatives (potassium benzoate, potassium sorbate) point to a shelf-stable formulated drink
• Caffeine plus guarana seed extract stack the stimulants — more energy drink than water
• Added vitamins (A, B6, B12, niacinamide, pantothenate) are the 'antioxidant/functional' hook, not naturally present nutrition
• NOVA 4 — an ultra-processed beverage built from additives around carbonated water

Ingredients (18)

• Carbonated Water (safe) — Basic component of most beverages, provides fizziness.
• Erythritol (moderate) — Sugar alcohol sweetener; high blood levels have recently been linked to cardiovascular concerns.
• citric acid (safe) — Acidity and tartness adjuster.
• ENZYME MODIFIED STEVIA EXTRACT (moderate) — Enhanced sweetener version of stevia often used in reduced-calorie products. Can be more processed than regular stevia.
• Potassium Benzoate (moderate) — Preservative; can form trace benzene with ascorbic acid/heat. Common but marks a processed drink.
• Pectin (safe) — Fruit-derived gelling agent.
• sodium citrate (moderate) — Emulsifying salt in the process cheese.
• vegetable juice (safe) — Used for color. Minimal nutritional impact.
• Caffeine (moderate) — Mild stimulant, 43mg per serving. Fine in moderation but makes the drink mildly habit-forming.
• Potassium Sorbate (moderate) — Preservative for shelf life.
• fruit juice (moderate) — Used for color/sweetness; concentrated fruit sugar with negligible nutrition.
• Natural flavor (moderate) — Undisclosed flavor blend; minor but not fully transparent.
• niacinamide (safe) — Vitamin B3 fortification.
• D-calcium pantothenate (safe) — Vitamin B5, added for nutritive purposes.
• GUARANA SEED EXTRACT (caution) — Concentrated plant caffeine layered on top of the added caffeine.
• Vitamin A palmitate (safe) — Standard fortification to replace vitamin A lost when fat is removed. A nutrient, not an additive of concern.
• Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (safe) — Thiamin mononitrate; essential for energy metabolism.
• Cyanocobalamin) (safe) — Synthetic B12 fortification.

Healthier alternatives

• Hint Flavored Water Variety Pack
• Still Water by Open Water
• Purified Water
• Purified still water
• Niagara spring water