What should you do when you're having a sugar craving or if you want something more exciting than plain water? Flavored waters can be a great way to keep you hydrated while satisfying your sweet tooth. They often contain no sugar or calories and are considered a tasty and easy way to get your daily water intake.
After combing through various products, Bai's Antioxidant Infused Drinks earned first place on our list of favorites! These flavored waters are made with naturally derived flavors and are fortified with antioxidants. Read on for our other favorites, as well as a buying guide to help you figure out which flavored water fits your needs best.
We've studied up on the science behind healthy flavored waters and combed carefully through reviews written by real people who tried them. Based on this research, we present you with the best three healthy flavored waters on the market. Read on to find out what makes these products so great!
*Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes. These prices were gathered from their respective e-commerce pages on September 1, 2021.
$27.41
Amount | 18 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Type | Still water |
Available flavors | 15 |
Flavors or sweeteners | Erythritol, organic stevia extract, natural flavors |
pH level | Around 3 |
Combo Pack
$27.99
Amount | 16.9 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Type | Sparkling water |
Available flavors | 9 |
Flavors or sweeteners | Fruit concentrates that include pineapple, apple, orange, and mango |
pH level | 6-8.5 |
$6.38
Amount | 16.9 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Type | Still water |
Available flavors | 9 |
Flavors or sweeteners | Sucralose, natural flavors |
pH level | Not provided |
Image | 1 ![]() Bai | 2 ![]() Perrier | 3 ![]() Propel |
---|---|---|---|
Name | Oasis Variety Pack | Flavored Carbonated Mineral Water | Electrolyte Water Beverage |
Features | Our Top Choice - Plant-Based Flavored Waters Infused With Antioxidants | Best for Bold Flavors and Low pH Levels | Best for a Post-Workout Shot of Electrolytes |
Price | $27.41 | $27.99 | $6.38 |
Amount | 18 fl. oz. | 16.9 fl. oz. | 16.9 fl. oz. |
Type | Still water | Sparkling water | Still water |
Available flavors | 15 | 9 | 9 |
Flavors or sweeteners | Erythritol, organic stevia extract, natural flavors | Fruit concentrates that include pineapple, apple, orange, and mango | Sucralose, natural flavors |
pH level | Around 3 | 6-8.5 | Not provided |
Link |
While our best three choices are objectively awesome products, here are seven more runners-up that we feel would be better for more specific situations.
24 pack
$24.99
Amount | 12 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Type | Sparkling water |
Available flavors | 16 |
Flavors or sweeteners | Real strawberry, lime juice |
pH level | Not provided |
Variety Pack
$9.98
Amount | 17 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Type | Sparkling water |
Available flavors | 21 |
Flavors or sweeteners | Sucralose, natural flavors |
pH level | 3 |
$20.99
Amount | 20 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Type | Still water |
Available flavors | 13 |
Flavors or sweeteners | Erythritol, crystalline fructose, stevia leaf extract, natural flavors |
pH level | Not provided |
$15.48
Amount | 16 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Type | Still water |
Available flavors | 18 |
Flavors or sweeteners | Natural flavor |
pH level | 3-4 |
$10.91
Amount | 12 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Type | Sparkling water |
Available flavors | 19 |
Flavors or sweeteners | Natural flavors |
pH level | Not provided |
Blood Orange & Black Raspberry
$24.99
Amount | 11.15 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Type | Sparkling water |
Available flavors | 6 |
Flavors or sweeteners | Natural flavors |
pH level | 8.2 |
$18.00
Amount | 20 fl. oz. |
---|---|
Type | Still water |
Available flavors | 5 |
Flavors or sweeteners | Stevia leaf extract, natural flavors |
pH level | Not provided |
When choosing flavored water, make sure to consider crucial factors such as the type of the water and the nutritional facts. In this buying guide, we've listed a few crucial points for you to think about!
Flavored waters are made from either sparkling or plain water. Sparkling water, also known as carbonated water, is simply water infused with pressurized carbon dioxide. It's fizzy and bubbly and perfect to combat the summer heat. However, sparkling water may contain additives and artificial flavors, so you'll want to check the label before buying.
Sparkling water has been said to have health benefits different from still water. For instance, if you have an upset stomach, drinking a glass of sparkling water can help change the acid levels in your stomach, which in turn may help to soothe your nausea.
If you have concerns about bloating, then sparkling water may not be the best for you, but if you love that feeling of drinking something fizzy, sparkling water is a great alternative to regular soft drinks!
Still water doesn't have carbonation and is a great option if you're not a fan of fizz. Still water and sparkling water actually provide much of the same benefits in terms of hydration.
However, still water often has more beneficial minerals in it, as these are often removed during the carbonation process that creates sparkling water. That doesn't negate the digestive benefits of sparkling water, though. Both sparkling water and still water have benefits, so we recommend the option that encourages you to drink more.
The reason why so many people go for flavored water over plain water is the taste. Compared to typical plain water, flavored water tastes much better and can help you easily achieve your daily water intake goal. Usually, flavored waters are infused with fruit flavors, such as peach, mango, watermelon, and lemon.
If you need a refreshing pick-me-up, a citrus flavor might be the way to go. Or if you want something more interesting, you can find products made with a blend of different fruit flavors. Drinks that mix tropical flavors such as pineapple and mango are very popular.
However, you might want to pick a beverage made with real fruit juice instead of artificial flavors and sugary additives. Real fruit juice makes the drinks taste much more natural, and it's often better for you too.
There are some health concerns linked with additives. While most people are fine with a small number of additives, some may have adverse reactions to them, such as insomnia, irritability, or even allergies. So to be on the safe side, make sure to check the labels!
Flavored waters are often known as a healthy alternative to regular, sugar-packed sodas. Indeed, many flavored waters contain zero sugar and calories. So how are they sweetened?
Various products use artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and aspartame. These are either low-calorie or zero-calorie and can be safer for diabetics as they're less likely to have a glycemic impact. However, artificial sweeteners don't include any nutrients and can overpower the taste of more natural flavors.
On the other hand, some flavored waters use naturally-derived sweeteners like stevia and erythritol. Natural sugars often have additional nutritional value as they can contain vitamins, enzymes, and minerals. They're broken down in the body easier than artificial sweeteners but can affect glucose levels.
While both natural and artificial sweeteners are generally safe for your health, don't consume them in a large amount! It's tough to find flavored waters without any kind of sugar at all, so we do recommend drinking in moderation.
Sugars aren't the only ingredient you have to be aware of. One of the downsides to having extra ingredients in your water is that the added acidity can damage your teeth. Your tooth enamel is used to the acid levels of your own mouth and will begin to wear away when consistently introduced to acidic drinks.
Drinking water's pH levels are typically in a safe, higher range of six and above. That's about the same as the acidity of human saliva. But as you try to keep the flavor sources in your drink natural, odds are you'll be consuming acidic ingredients like citrus and other fruits.
While it won't be easy to find flavored water with the same acidity as tap water, try to look for flavored waters with higher pH levels. The lower your beverage's pH level is, the more acidic it will be and the quicker it will eat at the protective enamel of your teeth.
If you've just finished an intense workout or just want to add some more nutrients to your diet, you might want to consider nutritional flavored waters. These are usually enhanced with vitamins, minerals and electrolytes and help you replenish the water and energy lost during exercise.
Electrolytes also help your body repair itself faster, so flavored waters that have them are perfect for when you've just finished a heavy workout. Some products might also contain caffeine to help you stay focused.
However, the nutritional value of those waters cannot compare to a balanced diet and won't make up for an unhealthy lifestyle. They can also be high in sugar content, so don't rely completely on flavored waters for your electrolytes and nutrients!
Flavored waters often come in a can or bottle. If you're sharing the drink with another person or are preparing for a long trip, opt for products that are 16 fluid ounces or more. But for a single serving, 10 to 12 fluid ounces will be enough!
Usually, bottles contain more than one serving. Meanwhile, cans will provide you with just enough to quench your thirst, and you can't really re-seal a can once it's opened. Also, keep in mind that sparkling waters can lose their carbonation. So you might want to go for a resealable bottle or a small can of sparkling water.
Are you trying to eat healthier, but you just can't shake those junk food cravings? We've got your back! Check out our articles for some healthy and yummy snacks.
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