Is Your Favorite Beverage a Pest Control Product?

At the heart of this legal dispute is LaCroix's claim of using "all natural" ingredients in their beverages. The lawsuit alleges that these drinks contain multiple artificial components. Among the substances mentioned are linalool, which has been sensationalized in media as a common ingredient in insecticides, and linalool propionate (or linalyl propionate for those seeking simpler chemistry terms), a widely used flavoring and fragrance agent. So, are these ingredients genuinely natural or not?

This question lies at the core of the lawsuit and also resonates with many readers of this blog. How can we differentiate between what is truly natural and what is not?

Indeed, linalool and linalyl propionate are naturally occurring compounds. Linalool is found in a range of plants, including lavender, coriander, basil, and cilantro, while linalyl propionate appears in ginger, lavender, and sage. Both compounds are frequently utilized as additives in foods, beverages, and fragrances. The lawsuit contends that LaCroix may be sourcing synthetic versions of these natural ingredients while marketing their product as "natural."

Are Labels Worth Trusting?

Many informed consumers dedicate substantial time to scrutinizing product labels. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not enforce stringent regulations regarding the labeling of "natural" products. The FDA has indicated that products labeled as "all natural" should not contain any artificial or synthetic substances, including color additives, that are not typically expected in that food.

The phrase "not normally expected to be in that food" leaves considerable room for interpretation when discussing synthetic additives.

Understanding the Chemistry

From a scientific perspective, it is impossible to obtain isolated linalool or linalyl propionate without some form of chemical alteration. Neither compound exists in isolation; they are always part of a mixture. In fact, these two chemicals are frequently found together.

This process is termed fractionation, which involves separating certain chemical components from a mixture rather than synthesis, which refers to creating new chemical entities from simpler molecules. LaCroix asserts that the ingredients in their products derive from plant essences, meaning they are fractions from plants. If this holds true, then from a chemical standpoint, they are not synthetic. Conversely, if LaCroix begins with simpler molecules to produce linalool or linalyl propionate, then these would be classified as synthetic.

I cannot comment on LaCroix's specific production methods as I do not have access to their proprietary information. The FDA recognizes both synthetic linalool and linalyl propionate as generally safe for human consumption.

The Real Question: Does It Matter to You?

Ultimately, whether linalool and linalyl propionate are derived from plant fractions or synthesized from simpler molecules may not matter to you. Both pathways lead to the same compounds, which are present in a multitude of foods, beverages, personal care products, and even pest control products.

If you are adamantly opposed to consuming synthetics and fractions, it's crucial to meticulously check the labels of any processed food or drink, as they may contain these synthetic plant derivatives. Alternatively, you might consider making your own sodas using purified water, essential oils, and fruit juices.

If you're comfortable with the possibility of synthetic versions being present in your food and beverages, then feel free to enjoy your drinks!

Want to Explore More?

Check out this blog post on how to create your own Ginger-Lime Mocktail!

In this video, NBC Nightly News discusses the lawsuit against LaCroix regarding its "All Natural" label, examining the implications of the claims made by the beverage company.

This YouTube video explores the lawsuit faced by LaCroix's parent company over the ingredients used in their drinks, shedding light on consumer concerns regarding product labeling.