Drinking enough water every day is important for overall health and wellbeing. However, plain water can get boring after a while. This is where water flavorings come in handy. Adding a splash of flavor to your water can make it much more enjoyable to drink throughout the day. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best water flavorings.
There are a few main types of water flavorings, including liquid water enhancers, flavored packets, flavored drops, sparkling water flavors, and infuser bottles. Each has their own pros and cons. Liquid water enhancers are extremely convenient since you just need to squeeze some into your water bottle or glass.
Obrilo Sugar Free Water Enhancer Variety Pack
Obrilo's sugar free water enhancer variety pack provides a delicious way to flavor your water without any artificial sweeteners or calories. The 6 different fruit flavors, including lemonade, pog juice, and melon berry, add a refreshing kick to plain water.
With just a few squeezes, you can transform an ordinary bottle of water into a tasty beverage. The stevia-sweetened enhancers have a natural taste that isn't overpowering. It's easy to customize the flavor strength to your preferences. The small portable bottles are perfect for on-the-go hydration when you're at the gym, office, hiking, or traveling.
Key features:
- 6 different natural fruit flavors
- Sweetened with stevia - no sugar or calories
- Easy to use - just squeeze into water
- Portable 1.6 oz bottles
Pros:
- Gives water more flavor without artificial sweeteners
- Very affordable for the variety pack
- Allows you to drink more water
Cons:
- May need to use more drops than other brands
- Doesn't contain coloring
Crush Sugar Free Water Enhancer Variety Pack
Quench your thirst with Crush's sugar free water enhancer 4-pack that includes delicious flavors like grape, orange, strawberry, and pineapple. The zero sugar, zero calorie liquid drops transform plain water into a tasty beverage in seconds.
With just a quick squeeze of the flip-top bottle, you can customize the sweetness and flavor to your preferences. It's easy to take the portable enhancers anywhere so you always have refreshing flavored water on hand. The flavors are bold, vibrant, and reminiscent of classic Crush soda.
Key features:
- 4 popular Crush soda flavors
- Sugar free, zero calories
- Portable flip-top bottles
- Customizable flavor strength
Pros:
- Allows you to drink more water daily
- Bold fruity flavors liven up plain water
- Affordable price for 4 bottles
- Easy to pack for on-the-go
Cons:
- Contains artificial coloring
- Some flavors taste more authentic than others
Sunkist Soda Singles To Go Drink Mix Variety Pack
Sunkist's drink mix variety pack provides a fun way to enjoy the classic flavors of orange, strawberry, grape, and peach soda as a low-calorie, sugar free beverage. The portable single-serve sticks are perfect for mixing into a bottle of water.
With just one stick per 16 oz of water, you can give your hydration a burst of sweet, fizzy flavor. The drinks are easy to make by simply shaking or stirring to dissolve the powder. The 30-count pack is great for enjoying Sunkist's delicious flavors at home, office, or on the go without having to haul cans or bottles.
Key features:
- 4 classic Sunkist soda flavors
- Sugar free, low calorie
- 30 single-serve sticks
- Easy to mix by shaking or stirring
Pros:
- Allows you to drink more water
- Gives water a sweet, fizzy soda taste
- Very portable and convenient
- Affordable price for 30 sticks
Cons:
- Contains artificial sweeteners
- Only one flavor per stick
Skittles Tropical Flavor Sugar Free Drink Mix
Enjoy the taste of Skittles candy in a sugar free drink mix with the tropical flavor variety pack. The 4 exciting flavors - strawberry starfruit, mango tangelo, kiwi lime, and pineapple passionfruit - provide 40 servings of fruity flavor to liven up your water.
Just add one stick to 16 oz of water, shake it up, and you'll instantly have a low-calorie beverage that quenches your thirst. It's like drinking the rainbow without all the sugar! The portable single-serve packets make it easy to have flavorful drinks anywhere. Kids will love customizing their water with these fun candy-inspired flavors.
Key features:
- 4 tropical Skittles flavors
- Sugar free, low calorie
- 40 single-serve sticks
- Easy to mix by shaking
Pros:
- Allows you to drink more water daily
- Captures the fruity candy flavors
- Convenient sticks for on-the-go
- Gives kids a healthy drink option
Cons:
- Contains artificial sweeteners
- Flavors may seem artificially strong
Mio Cherry Blackberry Sugar Free Water Enhancer
Mio's cherry blackberry water enhancer provides a convenient way to give your water a boost of sweet mixed berry flavor using natural flavors. The 1.62 oz bottle can transform 24 bottles of water into a refreshing beverage that makes hydrating delicious.
Just add a squeeze of the sugar free liquid to water and enjoy the burst of cherry and blackberry flavor. Mio allows you to customize the intensity to your tastes. It's an affordable way to make water exciting without all the sugar and calories of juice. The portable bottle fits perfectly in bags and cups holders for flavor on the go.
Key features:
- Natural cherry and blackberry flavors
- Sugar free, zero calories
- 1.62 oz bottle flavors 24 drinks
- Customizable flavor strength
Pros:
- Allows you to drink more water
- Provides sweet fruity flavor
- Very portable and easy to use
- Affordable price for 24 servings
Cons:
- May have an artificial aftertaste
- Doesn't contain any nutrients
Mio Water Flavor Enhancers Variety Pack
Looking for an easy way to make plain water taste delicious? The Mio Water Flavor Enhancers Variety Pack offers a convenient solution. Simply add a squeeze of these tasty flavor drops to transform your water into a refreshing beverage.
With a variety pack, you can enjoy four delicious flavors: Cherry Blackberry, Blueberry Lemonade, Strawberry Watermelon, and Berry Pomegranate. Each 1.62oz bottle provides bold fruity flavor and contains zero calories and sugar. They are compact enough to toss in your bag or keep in your car for flavor on-the-go.
A single squeeze delivers vibrant taste to bottled water or a large glass. You control the flavor intensity. For light flavor, use less. For maximum fruit taste, squeeze more flavoring. Either way, you'll enjoy naturally flavored water with vitamins and antioxidants from fruit extracts. No artificial sweeteners or colors added.
Mio flavor enhancers liven up plain water for kids and adults alike. They provide a flavor boost anywhere from the office to the gym to school. Stay hydrated and satisfied throughout your busy day. With just a few flavorful drops, you can drink more water while cutting back on sugary beverages.
Key features:
- Four delicious fruit flavors in one variety pack
- Bold fruit taste from natural flavors
- Zero calories and sugar
- Portable bottles for on-the-go
Pros:
- Makes drinking water more enjoyable
- Provides flavor variety
- Compact and convenient
- Promotes hydration
Cons:
- Small bottles run out quickly
- Some flavors taste artificial
Klass Aguas Frescas Drink Mix Variety Pack
Searching for a refreshing, sugar-free beverage? Look no further than the Klass Aguas Frescas Drink Mix Variety Pack. This powdered drink mix offers delicious fruity flavors in convenient on-the-go packets.
With just 5 calories and 2g carbs per packet, Klass Aguas Frescas provides guilt-free hydration. The variety pack includes 4 thirst-quenching flavors: Strawberry Watermelon, Cucumber Limeade, Pineapple Tangerine, and Hibiscus Berries. Each stick packet is small enough to toss in your purse or gym bag.
To enjoy this refreshing drink, empty one packet into a water bottle or large glass. Shake or stir to dissolve the powder. The sweetness comes from stevia, not sugar. You'll taste juicy fruit flavor in every low-calorie sip.
Stay refreshed with Klass Aguas Frescas throughout your busy day. The powdered mix offers an easy way to flavor water with a burst of fruit. Ditch the sugary sodas and juices. With zero artificial flavors or colors, this drink mix promotes healthy hydration.
Key features:
- 44 single-serve packets
- 4 delicious fruit flavors
- Just 5 calories per packet
- Sugar-free hydration
Pros:
- Convenient stick packs
- Great taste from natural flavors
- Promotes drinking more water
- Low calorie and sugar-free
Cons:
- Needs vigorous shaking to dissolve powder
- Not enough flavor variety
Starburst Strawberry Drink Mix
Treat your taste buds to juicy strawberry flavor with the Starburst Strawberry Drink Mix. This powdered beverage mix delivers sweet strawberry taste in every sip. It's a fun way to make water more exciting.
With just one drink mix stick, you can transform an entire bottle or glass of water into a refreshing treat. The sugar-free powder quickly dissolves into a sweet fruity beverage. Kids and adults alike will love the burst of strawberry flavor.
Stay hydrated throughout your busy day with this convenient drink mix. The lightweight packets are perfect for tossing in your purse, gym bag, or keeping at your desk. Wherever you go, you can turn water into a delicious strawberry drink in seconds.
Ditch the sugary sodas and juices. The Starburst Strawberry Drink Mix offers guilt-free refreshment with zero calories and sugar. Made with natural flavors, it provides feel-good hydration. Drink water infused with the taste of juicy strawberries for a flavorful boost anytime.
Key features:
- Sweet strawberry taste
- Sugar-free drink mix
- Easy portable packets
- Made with natural flavors
Pros:
- Tasty fruity flavor
- Zero calories and sugar
- Convenient stick packs
- Promotes drinking water
Cons:
- Needs vigorous shaking
- Contains artificial dyes
Sonic Drink Mix Variety Pack
Bring the flavors of Sonic home with the Sonic Drink Mix Variety Pack. These convenient powdered drink mixes offer 3 classic Sonic flavors in a fun on-the-go format.
The variety pack includes 6 sticks each of Cherry Limeade, Ocean Water, and Strawberry Lemonade. Just add one stick to 16.9oz of water, shake and enjoy refreshment with the taste of Sonic. Each serving contains 35 calories or less.
The lightweight, individually wrapped drink mix sticks couldn't be more portable. Toss them in your purse, backpack, gym bag or keep some handy on your desk. Wherever you go, you'll have the flavors of Sonic close by.
Make water exciting by transforming it into a delicious fruity beverage. Ditch the sugary sodas and juices. With Sonic drink mixes, you can promote healthy hydration in a fun way. The sweetness comes from sugar substitutes rather than sugar.
Treat yourself to guilt-free refreshment anytime with the Sonic Drink Mix Variety Pack. Enjoy variety, convenience and the flavors you love. These on-the-go mixes make it easy to hydrate with a burst of Sonic taste.
Key features:
- 18 drink mix sticks
- 3 classic Sonic flavors
- 35 calories or less
- Fun on-the-go format
Pros:
- Delicious Sonic flavors
- Low calorie
- Convenient portable packs
- Easy stick format
Cons:
- Needs vigorous shaking
- Contains artificial sweeteners
Skittles Drink Mix Variety Pack
Make hydration more fun with the Skittles Drink Mix Variety Pack. These powdered drink mixes deliver refreshing fruit flavors in a convenient on-the-go format.
The variety pack includes 10 packets each of 4 Skittles flavors: Green Apple, Strawberry, Grape, and Orange. Just add one stick to your water bottle or large glass, shake and sip fruity flavor. With zero sugar and 5 calories per packet, they offer guilt-free hydration.
The lightweight, single-serve packets are ideal for tossing in your purse, backpack, gym bag or keeping handy on your desk. Wherever you go, you'll have tasty Skittles flavors close by to make water more exciting.
Ditch the sugary sodas and juices. Skittles drink mixes allow you to liven up plain water with juicy fruit flavors. Best of all, they promote healthy hydration with zero sugar. The sweetness comes from stevia and sucralose.
Treat your taste buds to a fun flavor adventure anytime. The Skittles Variety Pack makes drinking water delicious. With refreshing fruity flavors in convenient stick packs, you'll look forward to staying hydrated.
Key features:
- 40 single-serve packets
- 4 delicious Skittles flavors
- 5 calories per packet
- Sugar-free hydration
Pros:
- Fun fruity flavors
- Convenient stick format
- Promotes drinking water
- Zero sugar
Cons:
- Contains artificial sweeteners
- Needs vigorous shaking
Water Flavorings Buying Guide
When looking for the best water enhancers, there are several important criteria to keep in mind. This detailed buying guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting the ideal flavorings for your hydration habits.
Ingredients
One of the most important considerations when purchasing water flavorings is the ingredient list. Some products contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and other synthetic additives. If you want to avoid these types of ingredients, check the label carefully and look for natural and organic options.
Many water enhancers today use stevia or erythritol to sweeten the flavors naturally without any calories or carbohydrates. Brands like Stur and SweetLeaf offer stevia-sweetened water enhancers without artificial sweeteners.
Some flavors get their taste from real fruit juice concentrates like lemon, strawberry, peach, and more. This provides a more authentic, fresh fruit flavor. Other brands use natural essential oils to create flavors like cucumber, watermelon, and coconut. Essential oils give a pleasant aroma and taste without artificial additives.
When evaluating ingredients, also look at the sugar content. Some flavorings can add unnecessary sugars. To avoid extra sugars, choose options with no calories and carbohydrates. Read nutrition labels closely to select products that align with your dietary preferences and restrictions.
Taste
The most important feature of any water enhancer is the taste! You want flavors you enjoy and will look forward to drinking.
Most water flavoring brands offer sample packs or single-serve sticks so you can try out different flavors. This allows you to experiment with flavors before committing to a whole bottle. Get a variety pack to determine your favorites.
Focus on flavors you naturally crave and find refreshing. Think mint, lemon, strawberry, peach, cucumber, or tropical flavors like pineapple, coconut or mango. You may discover interesting flavors you don't regularly drink like watermelon, honeydew or ruby red grapefruit.
The intensity of the flavor also comes down to personal preference. If you want a subtle hint of flavor, use less. For a stronger taste, squeeze or shake in more. Having this control allows you to customize the intensity.
Consider your goal for drinking flavored water. Do you want to cut back on sodas or sweetened beverages? Then avoid flavorings with super sweet tastes. Are you getting bored of plain water? Pick flavors that seem appealing and satisfy your tastebuds.
Finding flavors you genuinely relish will make it easy and enjoyable to stay hydrated. Don’t be afraid to try unique flavor combinations too like strawberry-cucumber or peach-mint infused waters.
Convenience
Since you'll be using your preferred water enhancers multiple times a day, convenience is a key factor.
Liquid water enhancers in squeeze bottles are extremely convenient. You just shake some into your glass or bottle, then drink. No messing with packets or infuser bottles. Liquid flavorings easily come with you in a purse or bag too.
Single-serve flavor packets from brands like Crystal Light provide portable hydration. Keep a stash at home, work or in your car to quickly flavor your water. Powder sticks from Stur are also portable and mess-free.
Some find infuser water bottles convenient since you can flavor your water by simply filling up. But they require cleaning and taking the time to prep your fruit or herb infusions.
Think about when and where you’ll be drinking flavored water. Do you want quick and easy? Look for squeeze bottles or powder sticks. Will it primarily be at home? Infuser bottles work great. For on-the-go, single-serve packets or portable containers of liquid enhancers keep hydration accessible.
Evaluate your lifestyle and habits to determine the most convenient format. Ease of use makes it simpler to fit more flavored water into your daily routine.
Versatility
Some water flavorings can only be added to water. But versatile enhancers allow you to add a splash of flavor to smoothies, juices, cocktails and more for expanded usage.
Liquid water enhancers typically have the most versatility. Add some to plain yogurt or oatmeal for extra flavor. Use them to create custom flavored juices, sports drinks or protein shakes. Whip up delicious cocktails using your favorite water enhancer too.
Powder packets also work nicely for enhancing smoothies, juices and other beverages besides water. Infuser bottles are really only designed for water though.
Having versatility extends the value of your water flavoring purchase. Before buying, check if the product can be used creatively in drinks, recipes and other items you consume daily besides plain water.
Cost
When comparing different water enhancers, the cost is another practical consideration. Luckily, there are budget-friendly options for every price point.
Powdered flavor packets often provide the most affordable per-ounce cost. Brands like Stur, Crystal Light and store brands offer sticks, tubes or canisters of powdered water enhancer that last for cents per serving. Liquid enhancers average 10-20 cents per 8oz serving.
Infuser water bottles require an upfront investment of $10-30 but can be reused indefinitely. The only ongoing cost is produce for your infused fruits and herbs.
For the most variety, many brands sell affordable variety packs or samplers so you can try several flavors. Watch for sales, coupons and store brands too. Buying in bulk usually saves money as well compared to single-serving portions.
While cost shouldn't be the only deciding factor, getting quality water enhancers at a reasonable price makes staying hydrated more affordable. Prioritize taste and ingredients first, then compare costs to find the best value.
No matter your budget, you can find tasty options to flavor your daily water intake. Be flexible in trying both affordable and premium options to determine your preferences. Ingredients and enjoyment of the flavors matter most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are water flavorings healthy?
Water flavorings can be healthy depending on the specific ingredients. Avoid artificial sweeteners, colors and preservatives by choosing natural options with fewer additives. Flavorings sweetened with stevia or erythritol are healthier options without calories or carbohydrates. Always read the nutrition label to evaluate the ingredients and sweeteners used.
Do flavored waters have calories?
Most water flavorings have zero calories and carbohydrates. But some flavored waters or packets do contain calories from added sugars. Check the label to confirm the calorie content for the flavors you’re considering. Brands like Stur and SweetLeaf use stevia for sweetness without any calories.
What’s the best way to flavor water?
The best method depends on your preferences! Liquid water enhancers offer convenience and portability. Infuser water bottles provide fresh fruit flavors. Powder packets are affordable and easy to stash anywhere. Try different types of flavorings to determine which method you find ideal for your lifestyle.
Can you use Mio in smoothies or other drinks?
Yes, many liquid water enhancers like Mio can be versatility used to flavor smoothies, juices, cocktails and other beverages in addition to water. Always check the label for usage instructions. But brands like Mio typically approve adding the liquid enhancers to flavor anything you’d like.
How long do water flavorings last?
Unopened water flavorings typically last 1-2 years for liquid varieties and up to 2 years for powder packets. Once opened, liquid Mio or Stur enhancers last up to 3 months. Infuser bottles can be reused all season as long as you wash regularly and swap out old fruit. For the longest shelf life, store water flavorings in a cool, dry place and check expiration dates before use.
Conclusion
Staying hydrated with water every day is vital, and water enhancers make it tastier to drink more fluids. Add zest to your water with flavors you love from lemon to strawberry or cucumber.
Consider your preferences around ingredients, taste, convenience, versatility and cost when choosing a water flavoring system. Brands like Mio, Crystal Light and Stur make it easy and affordable to liven your daily hydration.
Resources
- Verywell Fit - This website provides a list of the best water flavorings of 2023, according to a dietitian. The list includes both natural and artificial flavorings, along with their nutritional information.
- Homesteading Family - This website provides a recipe for making homemade natural water flavoring using fresh herbs, berries, and fruit. The article also discusses the benefits of drinking flavored water over sugary drinks.
- TJ's Taste - This website provides 15 ways to flavor water without sugar or artificial sweeteners. The list includes options such as adding fruit, herbs, and mineral salt to your water.
- Stur Drinks - Stur is a brand that offers a variety of liquid water enhancers made with natural ingredients and sweetened with stevia. Their products are free from sugar, calories, and artificial sweeteners.
- Nuun - Nuun is a brand that offers a variety of electrolyte tablets and powders that can be added to water to provide flavor and hydration. Their products are made with clean ingredients and are free from sugar and artificial sweeteners.