Sprite, 12 fl oz cans, 12-pack — DUMP

Munch or Dump rates Sprite, 12 fl oz cans, 12-pack by sprite DUMP — score 20/90.

Sprite is a cleaner-looking soda, with no caffeine and no artificial colors or flavors, but underneath it's still high-fructose corn syrup water carrying about 38 grams of sugar per can. The short ingredient list is honest, yet HFCS and sodium benzoate keep it firmly ultra-processed. It's a treat dressed up as refreshment.

Why this verdict

• About 38 g of sugar per 12 oz can, sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup
• Cleaner than a cola with no caffeine, no artificial color, and no artificial flavor, but still a NOVA-4 sugar-sweetened beverage
• Sodium benzoate preservative and HFCS keep it out of genuine 'simple ingredient' territory
• Zero protein, fiber, or vitamins; it's hydration by sugar water

Ingredients (6)

• Carbonated Water (safe) — Just water and CO2 — the base of the drink.
• High Fructose Corn Syrup (avoid) — Cheap refined sweetener that undercuts any 'premium' claim.
• citric acid (safe) — Common acidulant for tartness; benign.
• Natural Flavors (moderate) — Undisclosed flavoring blend.
• sodium citrate (safe) — Buffering salt that balances acidity.
• sodium benzoate (moderate) — Synthetic preservative to protect taste.