Crystal Light Drink Ingredients

Crystal Light, a low-calorie, sugar-free beverage distributed by Kraft Foods Global Inc. in Illinois, is available in both powdered and ready-to-drink varieties, according to the company. You can add the powdered versions of the drink to a glass of water or, if you are on the go, to bottled water. Crystal Light contains various key ingredients that provide nutrition and flavor. Does this Spark an idea?

Vitamins

Several varieties of Crystal Light are vitamin-fortified, according to The Washington Post. For example, the "Enhanced" formulas contain vitamins A, C, E, B-6 and B-12. The "Sunrise" series offers vitamin C, while the "Skin Essentials" series contains vitamin A as well as antioxidant vitamins C and E, which prevent cholesterol from damaging the arteries. Vitamin A also is helpful in bone and tooth growth as well as in forming and maintaining the skin, hair and mucous membranes, according to "Torres and Ehrlich Modern Dental Assisting." In addition, vitamin C helps the body absorb iron and maintains gums and capillaries. Vitamin E protects blood vessels and body tissues, while vitamin B-6 builds body tissue and vitamin B-12 metabolizes proteins and fats in addition to developing cells. The Crystal Light "Calcium" drinks contain the mineral critical for forming bones and helping the muscle and nervous system function.

Sweeteners

Crystal Light beverages commonly contain aspartame, a non-caloric sweetener that has sparked debate about whether it is safe to ingest. According to the Centers for Disease Control, some people are unusually sensitive to the sweetener aspartame. However, no serious or widespread health consequences have resulted from its use, reports Aspartame.org. Another common Crystal Light sweetener called maltodextrin is a sweet, easily digested carbohydrate usually made from cornstarch, according to FitCommerce.com.

Flavors and Other Ingredients

Juice solids, or natural flavors, are also present in Crystal Light beverages, but they typically contain less than 2 percent of these solids. Crystal Light flavors range from cherry pomegranate, raspberry and orange to strawberry-kiwi, grapefruit and lemon, according to KraftRecipes.com. Citric and malic acids also are present in Crystal Light drinks. Citric acid typically is found in citrus fruits and has a sour taste, while malic acid is a flavoring agent found in fruits such as apples, tomatoes and cherries, according to TheFreeDictionary.com. Artificial coloring such as blue 1 or yellow 5 also can be found in Crystal Light drinks, in addition to preservatives such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), which helps maintain the product's freshness.