Aloe Vera Juice Without Preservatives

We know that the labeling of many conventional products leaves much to be desired, and aloe vera juice is no exception. The Spanish Food Code (CAE) does not allow qualifiers such as pure or natural in foods that contain additives or foreign substances. However, some brands continue to use these terms while including synthetic preservatives and additives.

In this scenario of misinformation, educating ourselves as consumers is essential to detect when these terms are empty words.

When evaluating the authenticity of an aloe vera juice that is promoted as 100% natural, it is crucial to analyze its ingredient list. The presence of certain additives may contradict this claim.

Most Common Synthetic Additives in Aloe Vera Juices

Among the most problematic additives, we find the following:

• Sodium benzoate (E211): A salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative for its antimicrobial properties. Although it is naturally found in some fruits, the sodium benzoate used industrially is usually synthetic. Its use is not allowed in organically certified aloe vera juices.
• Potassium sorbate (E202): Derived from sorbic acid, this preservative inhibits the growth of molds and yeasts. While sorbic acid occurs naturally, the potassium sorbate used in the industry is of synthetic origin. Like sodium benzoate, it is not allowed in organic food products.

We also find aloe vera juices with synthetic acidulants which, although present in nature, are usually produced through synthetic or fermentative processes.

• Citric acid (E330): One of the most widely used additives in the food and beverage industry as an acidulant or pH regulator. Although natural citric acid is a main component of lemons, the one used in the industry is mainly produced through microbial fermentation of sugars. While its origin may be natural, the production process involves enzymatic synthesis, classifying it as a synthetic ingredient. Its use is restricted in organic products.
• Ascorbic acid (E300): Known as vitamin C, ascorbic acid is found in various fruits and vegetables. However, most commercially used ascorbic acid is synthesized from glucose through chemical or fermentative processes. This production method classifies it as a synthetic ingredient, and its use is limited in organic products.

100% Natural, No Rounding?

To verify if an aloe vera juice is truly 100% natural, it is essential to review the ingredient list. The presence of preservatives such as sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, or stabilizers like citric acid or ascorbic acid indicates the inclusion of synthetic ingredients, which contradicts the claim of total naturalness. Additionally, if the product bears an organic certification seal, it is important to remember that preservatives are not allowed according to organic certification regulations.

At ATALAYA BIO, we initially produced our aloe vera juices with 99.8% unfiltered, unpasteurized aloe vera juice, extracted directly from fresh leaves, with 0.2% acidulant composed of citric acid and ascorbic acid. Given the low percentage of acidulant and the high quality of the main ingredient, it was not a bad formula, but it was not 100% natural without rounding, as our current aloe vera juice formula stabilized with lemon juice is. We never stop innovating, and thanks to this, ATALAYA BIO’s aloe vera juice will always represent the highest standards of quality and naturalness.

Both citric acid and ascorbic acid are naturally present in lemon juice, a wonderful citrus fruit abundant in the Iberian Peninsula, and also grown organically! The Spanish Interprofessional Association of Lemon and Grapefruit (AILIMPO) has conducted studies supporting the replacement of synthetic citric acid (E-330) with concentrated lemon juice. These studies, carried out alongside the National Center for Food Preservation Technology, highlight the potential of lemon in fruit juices, nectars, and other food products.

100% Natural Aloe Vera Juice

Incorporating a minimal percentage (1%) of natural lemon juice is a solution that allows us to replace the acidulant obtained by chemical synthesis with a natural ingredient such as lemon juice, whose nutritional and health benefits are widely recognized, making our aloe vera juice a 100% natural formula with no rounding, aligned with the growing consumer demand for healthier and more natural products.

Among the benefits of lemon are:

• High levels of vitamin C.
• Citric acid (pH stabilizer) and natural ascorbic acid (antioxidant).
• Rich in minerals and flavonoids (hesperidin flavone and diosmin flavone).

A Pasteurized Juice Is Not a Natural Juice

At this point, you may be wondering: what about juices that contain 100% aloe vera?

If your aloe vera juice is bottled in glass and contains no additional ingredients for stabilization, it has most likely been pasteurized. This process involves the use of high temperatures, leading to product denaturation and deterioration of many of its active components (vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides, and polyphenols).

If it is an aloe vera juice packaged in a plastic bottle, it has likely been subjected to high pressures, avoiding the need for additives. However, what is gained through this process is lost by requiring a plastic bottle, which is not the best solution when looking for the highest purity product, like ATALAYA BIO’s aloe vera juice.

The Best Aloe Vera Juice Is Demeter and 100% Natural

Today, we offer the highest quality aloe vera juice on the market, a 100% natural juice with no rounding, stabilized with 1% organic lemon juice and certified by the Demeter biodynamic agriculture seal, with pulp and unpasteurized. A product recommended by specialists and consumers who, once they try it, don’t want any other aloe vera juice.

Haven’t tried it yet?