Reading product ingredients can often be an eye-opening experience. There’s the kind you can’t even pronounce. There’s an onslaught of others you wish you could call a chemist to explain. Plus, let’s not forget the ones that make you wonder, “What’s that’s doing in there?” — like this ingredient I questioned Hawaiian Punch about…

Dear Hawaiian Punchers:

There’s nothing like a nice Hawaiian Punch right in the kisser.

I was looking at the ingredients to see what gives Hawaiian Punch its punch. Or for that matter, what makes it Hawaiian. And I still can’t figure it out. Sodium hexametaphosphate sounds a bit scary. But what the heck is glycerol ester of wood rosin? Define wood rosin. More importantly, what is the ester of it? Is it possible to get little tiny splinters stuck in your throat or stomach lining from drinking it?

Ester of wood rosin isn’t the same stuff baseball players use when they get ready for an at bat, is it? It sounds like something you’d use sandpaper on, not a fruit drink ingredient. So what’s the story on wood rosin and why does Hawaiian Punch need it?

Mahalo nui loa and malama pono,
“Me”

Consumer Relations from Dr Pepper Snapple Group, makers of Hawaiian Punch, responded with:

Thank you for contacting us about the ingredients in Hawaiian Punch. Your comments and inquiries are appreciated because they provide valuable feedback about our brands.

Glycerol Ester of Wood Rosin is Gum extract from 2 origins, wood rosin – extraction of aged pine tree stumps, glycerol – extraction of synthesized plant cells. This prevents separation of flavors, imparts cloudiness to beverages, prevents oils from rising or settling in beverages.

We appreciate you contacting us and hope you will continue to enjoy our brands.

Final Thoughts: Gum extraction from aged pine tree stumps and synthesized plant cells — yum, sounds refreshing! Obviously, wood rosin serves a purpose and now you know why. You’ve probably been to parties where the punch was spiked with a lot worse.

Thanks to Dr Pepper Snapple Group for their straightforward reply. Here’s where you can find even more answers about Hawaiian Punch. Finally, if you come across an ingredient that hits you funny, learn more about it and Write The Company.