Tonic water is a staple mixer for many cocktails, especially the classic gin and tonic. But have you ever wondered what goes into your tonic water?
Most commercially-produced tonic waters contain high fructose corn syrup, a cheap sweetener made from corn that has been linked to various health issues. However, there are brands like Fever Tree that pride themselves on using natural ingredients and avoiding artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and flavorings.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Fever Tree tonic water and whether or not it contains high fructose corn syrup. So, if you’re a fan of Fever Tree or just curious about the ingredients in your tonic water, keep reading!
Does Fever Tree Tonic Water Contain High Fructose Corn Syrup?
The answer is no, Fever Tree tonic water does not contain high fructose corn syrup. Unlike many other brands on the market, Fever Tree uses a combination of cane sugar and Stevia to sweeten their tonic water. This means that Fever Tree tonic water is free from artificial sweeteners and preservatives, making it a healthier option for those who want to enjoy their cocktails without compromising on taste.
Fever Tree’s commitment to using natural ingredients extends beyond just their sweeteners. They also use quinine from the bark of the cinchona tree, which gives their tonic water its signature bitter taste. Additionally, Fever Tree avoids using any artificial flavorings or preservatives, ensuring that their tonic water is as pure and natural as possible.
What Is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is an artificial sweetener made from corn starch. It is commonly used in processed foods, cereals, baked goods, and soft drinks as a cheaper alternative to sugar. To make HFCS, enzymes are added to corn syrup in order to convert some of the glucose to fructose, which is a simple sugar that occurs naturally in fruits and berries. Different formulations of HFCS contain different amounts of fructose. The most common forms of HFCS contain either 42 percent or 55 percent fructose, as described in the Code of Federal Regulations. HFCS 42 is mainly used in processed foods and breakfast cereals, whereas HFCS 55 is used mostly for production of soft drinks. While the United States Food and Drug Administration states that it is not aware of evidence showing that HFCS is less safe than traditional sweeteners such as sucrose and honey, some studies have suggested that consuming too much HFCS may increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.
The Health Risks Of High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a common sweetener used in many processed foods and beverages. However, studies have shown that excessive consumption of HFCS can lead to various health problems. One study conducted by the University of California, Davis, found that consuming sucrose and HFCS-sweetened beverages can increase liver fat and decrease insulin sensitivity. This decrease in insulin sensitivity is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.
Furthermore, excessive consumption of HFCS has been linked to inflammation, which is associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. It may also increase the production of harmful substances called advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can damage cells. In addition, it can exacerbate inflammatory diseases like gout due to increased inflammation and uric acid production.
HFCS has also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and reduced life expectancy. It has been shown to increase appetite and promote obesity more than regular sugar. It can contribute to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cause fibrosis or cirrhosis in the liver. Sugar in our diet is now the major cause of liver failure and the leading cause of liver transplants.
Consuming sugar-sweetened beverages has been associated with obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Short-term clinical trials have shown that consuming sugar-sweetened beverages can lead to an increase in body weight, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, triglyceride levels, de novo lipogenesis, visceral fat, and liver fat.
The Importance Of Natural Ingredients In Tonic Water
The use of natural ingredients in tonic water is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, natural sweeteners like cane sugar and Stevia are healthier alternatives to high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. They provide a more balanced sweetness without the negative health effects associated with artificial sweeteners.
In addition, using natural quinine from the bark of the cinchona tree ensures that the tonic water has a distinct and authentic flavor. This is especially important for those who enjoy classic cocktails like gin and tonic, where the taste of the tonic water is a key component.
Moreover, avoiding artificial flavorings and preservatives helps to maintain the purity and quality of the tonic water. This not only enhances the taste but also ensures that consumers can enjoy their drinks without any added chemicals or additives.
Fever Tree’s Commitment To Natural Ingredients
Fever Tree is committed to using natural ingredients in all of their mixers, including their tonic water. They source the highest quality ingredients from around the world, with a focus on ethical and sustainable practices. For example, their quinine is sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and their ginger from Ivory Coast, India, and Nigeria. Even their lemons come from the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily.
In addition to their commitment to natural sourcing, Fever Tree also avoids using any artificial flavors or preservatives in their mixers. This ensures that their products are as pure and natural as possible. For example, their tonic water is sweetened with a combination of cane sugar and Stevia, avoiding the use of high fructose corn syrup or other artificial sweeteners.
Fever Tree’s dedication to natural ingredients extends beyond just creating a better tasting product. They are also committed to making a positive impact on the world around them. Fever Tree has been supporting Malaria No More since 2013 in their mission to end malaria, as quinine has historically been used to combat the disease.
Analyzing The Ingredients In Fever Tree Tonic Water
Fever Tree tonic water is made with a combination of carefully selected natural ingredients. The quinine used in the tonic water is sourced from the cinchona bark grown on “fever trees” in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The founders of Fever Tree believed that the quality of the soda used in mixed drinks should be as high as the liquor it’s mixed with, and this is reflected in their choice of quinine. The quinine gives the tonic water its signature bitter taste, which is perfectly balanced by the sweet flavor of cane sugar and Stevia.
Fever Tree also uses a range of natural flavorings to create their unique range of tonic waters. The company sources three types of ginger from the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Cochin, India, and uses Tahiti and key limes, bitter oranges, Sicilian lemons, Italian blood oranges and apricots, Madagascar vanilla, and Sri Lankan cinnamon to create their different flavors. Some of their sodas also include elderflower and rhubarb from England, raspberries from Washington State and Scotland, French lemon thyme, and Japanese yuzu.
All of Fever Tree’s tonics are made using carbonated spring water as a base, which gives them a refreshing taste. The company avoids using artificial sweeteners and preservatives in their products, making them a healthier option for those who want to enjoy a cocktail without compromising on taste. Additionally, Fever Tree’s commitment to using natural ingredients means that their tonics have a pure and natural taste that is hard to find in other brands on the market.
Conclusion: Is Fever Tree Tonic Water A Healthier Option?
In comparison to other tonic water brands, Fever Tree tonic water is a healthier option due to its use of natural ingredients and avoidance of artificial sweeteners and preservatives. While tonic water in general is not considered a healthy drink due to its high sugar content, Fever Tree’s use of cane sugar and Stevia as sweeteners makes it a better choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of tonic water without the negative health effects. Additionally, Fever Tree’s commitment to using natural quinine and avoiding artificial flavorings and preservatives further adds to its appeal as a healthier option. However, it’s important to note that unsweetened or zero-calorie tonic waters are still the healthiest option overall. As with any drink, it’s important to check labels and compare sugar and calorie content before making a choice.
