Identifying whether or not a product like Liquid I.V. is vegan can be quite a challenge.
This difficulty often stems from manufacturers being less than transparent about the nature and sources of their ingredients.
However, fear not! This article is here to uncover the truth and support you in your noble pursuit of a vegan lifestyle.
Is Liquid I.V. Vegan?
After carefully analyzing the ingredients, it appears that Liquid I.V. is not vegan. The primary reason is that it includes an ingredient known as Vitamin B12 or cobalamin, which is usually sourced from animals.
Is Liquid I.V. Cruelty-Free?
On the brighter side, Liquid I.V. appears to be cruelty-free. There are no ingredients that are typically tested on animals, nor is there any information suggesting that the product or its ingredients were tested on animals.
What Is Liquid I.V. Made Of?
Liquid I.V. is an intriguing product that employs cellular transport technology (CTT) to enhance rapid absorption of key nutrients rapidly. It’s available at Costco warehouses nationwide as well as online retailers, including the world’s leading specialty food provider, Whole Foods Market.
Here is a list of the ingredients:
- Sodium citrate
- Citric acid
- Potassium citrate
- Ascorbic acid
- Dextrose
- Natural flavor
- Stevia leaf extract
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
Let’s explore each of these ingredients to understand their sources and roles in the product:
Sodium citrate
Sodium citrate is a sodium salt of citric acid. It is commonly used in foods and beverages as a flavor or preservative. Being a synthetic compound, it is vegan.
Citric acid
Citric acid is a natural acid found in citrus fruits. It is often used in foods and beverages for flavor and as a preservative. Since it is sourced from fruits, it is vegan.
Potassium citrate
Potassium citrate is a potassium salt of citric acid. It is used as a food additive to regulate acidity and is vegan.
Ascorbic acid
Also known as vitamin C, ascorbic acid is typically derived from plant sources, such as citrus fruits and leafy vegetables, making it vegan.
Dextrose
Dextrose is a type of sugar that is derived from starchy plants like corn, wheat, and potatoes, so it is vegan.
Natural flavor
The term “natural flavor” can refer to a wide range of flavoring agents. However, without information from the manufacturer about the source of these flavors, we cannot definitively say if this ingredient is vegan.
Stevia leaf extract
Stevia leaf extract is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant. It is vegan.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
As previously discussed, B12 is often sourced from animal products, making it the non-vegan element in Liquid I.V.
Vegan Alternatives to Liquid I.V.
While Liquid I.V. may not align with a vegan lifestyle, there are several alternatives available:
- Electrolyte infused water: Brands like SmartWater and Essentia offer electrolyte-infused water that is confirmed vegan.
- Coconut water: Natural coconut water, such as from Vita Coco, is an excellent source of hydration and electrolytes.
- Electrolyte tablets: Nuun Hydration and Hydralyte are examples of vegan-friendly electrolyte tablets that you dissolve in water.
Conclusion
Although Liquid I.V. utilizes cellular transport technology to deliver hydration effectively, and it is gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free, it cannot be considered vegan due to the potential animal source of its Vitamin B12.
On the other hand, the brand’s product is cruelty-free, as there’s no evidence of animal testing involved.
To stay true to a vegan lifestyle, consider exploring other vegan foods and brands such as electrolyte-infused water, coconut water, or electrolyte tablets. Making informed choices is the best way to fuel life’s adventures while respecting our animal friends and planet.