Short answer
If overconsumed, Sprite is bad for you. Drinking Sprite every once in a while won't hurt.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Although Sprite is caffeine-free, less harsh on the body, and contains far fewer ingredients than many other sodas, it is still a good idea to moderate your consumption. Sprite contains carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, natural flavors, sodium citrate, and sodium benzoate. A few of these ingredients can be detrimental to your health and it is important to understand why.
Because of the high fructose corn syrup (a processed sugar) in Sprite, high consumption is linked to diabetes, weight gain, gout, and colon cancer. Tumors were also formed when given to lab animal. Citric acid is used to enhance flavor, giving Sprite its distinct sour taste. Large amounts of citric acid can erode your tooth enamel over time eventually resulting in the need for a root canal.
Sodium benzoate, the petroleum deriving preservative in Sprite, is also a big health concern. Studies have shown the preservative can cause hives, irritation in the mouth, and even DNA damage. DNA damage, in turn, is linked to many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Note that this is extremely rare and should only be a concern if you drink Sprite all the time.
Carbonated water, on the other hand, is one of Sprite's benefits. It is hydrating and is known to sooth the stomach when feeling nauseous. This may explain why your parents gave you a carbonated beverage when feeling queasy.
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
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diabetes
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gout
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colon cancer
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tooth erosion
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cell damage (rare, but possible)
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- healthier than many other soda varieties
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may help relieve nausea
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caffeine-free
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Zevia Lemon Lime Soda
- Zero calories
- No artificial sweeteners
- Lemon lime flavor
- Non-GMO Project Verified
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 11-30-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 11-30-2023
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