Though water is crucial for all capabilities of the physique, slurping the right quantity of fluid ounces per day might really feel like a full-time job; however the penalties of under-hydrating are immense. Registered dietitian Callie Exas, MPH, MS, RDN, advises that as little as a 2% loss in hydration can negatively influence cognition, reminiscence, temper, and response time. And if dehydration persists, it will probably enhance the danger for warmth sicknesses like warmth cramps, warmth exhaustion, and warmth stroke.
The very best water flavorings could make consuming fluids extra pleasing, particularly for individuals who tire of consuming plain water however nonetheless need to keep correctly hydrated. To search out the highest water flavorings, we examined dozens of choices, paying shut consideration to taste, texture, aftertaste, odor, and worth. We additionally tapped dietitians to assist us consider every choice’s ingredient listing and solely selected ones which are truly good in your physique.
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Mixes effectively
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No aftertaste
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Reasonably priced
Key Specs
Energy: 20 energy | Sweetener Sort: Stevia leaf extract | Sugar per Serving: 0 grams | Natural: No | Non-GMO: No | Kind: Liquid | Our Total Ranking: 5/5
Who It is For
Finest for individuals who need an inexpensive, easy enhance to their water routine that provides electrolytes, mixes effortlessly, and doesn’t break the financial institution.
Why We Love It
In order for you a water flavoring that leaves no hint when blended, offers you further electrolytes, and gives probably the most bang in your buck, look no additional than Clear Concept Water Booster. As newbies to the water flavoring sport, we had been blown away by this booster that mixes with ease, leaving no clumps or unevenness (not like the tablets and powders we’d used up to now). In reality, we discovered that we didn’t even must stir it to ensure that the liquid to be utterly dispersed in our water.
We had been additionally impressed with the style. There was no aftertaste in any respect, and the flavour was remarkably true to its promise—we tried watermelon-berry, and that’s precisely what it smelled and tasted like. The truth that this water booster consists of all-important electrolytes and is moderately priced makes Clear Concept Water Booster our best choice for greatest water flavorings, and we’d fortunately advocate it.
Potential Flaws
- The plastic bottle packaging is engaging and purposeful however probably gained’t be correctly recycled, elevating environmental issues.
- Whereas this water enhancer incorporates electrolytes, the precise quantity isn’t clear.
Most Helpful Perception
“I am extra accustomed to tablets, which regularly clump and depart residue—in distinction, this liquid format blended cleanly and immediately, making it a fantastic different I’d think about using repeatedly.” —Ray Y., Verywell Match product tester
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Tough to measure
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Slight residue
Key Specs
Energy: 5 energy | Sweetener Sort: monkfruit extract, erythritol | Sugar per Serving: 1 gram sugar alcohol | Natural: No | Non-GMO: No | Kind: Liquid | Our Total Ranking: 4.5/5
Who It is For
Finest for folks trying so as to add taste with out sugar or a hefty price ticket.
Why We Love It
If you happen to’re in search of an inexpensive flavoring so as to add to your water, Lakanto Sugar Free Water Enhancers is likely to be for you. True to its title, there’s no added sugar on this combine, and the liquid components mixes simply with water, leaving no clumps or grit behind.
Our experiences with water flavorings up to now left us in search of ease of use in the case of including taste, and this pre-mixed liquid match the invoice—one teaspoon, stirred effectively, was sufficient to provide a nice and light-weight fruity taste that made it simpler for us to extend our hydration and total liquid consumption. The ultimate consequence after mixing this flavoring was a easy drink with no seen separation. And for the worth tag, this product can’t be beat.
Potential Flaws
- It was arduous to find out the really helpful 1 teaspoon serving with out a measuring spoon.
- Whereas this was simply blended into water, we did discover a slight residue left behind within the glass.
Most Helpful Perception
“The ultimate drink was easy, and there was no seen separation whereas consuming. It blended very simply into the water with only a little bit of stirring and didn’t depart any clumps or grit, which made it nice to drink.” —Amy Okay., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Energy: 0 energy | Sweetener Sort: Stevia | Sugar per Serving: 0 grams | Natural: No | Non-GMO: No | Kind: Drops | Our Total Ranking: 4.9/5
Who It is For
Finest for including taste with out energy or sugar, so that you don’t must compromise on style or well being.
Why We Love It
Trying to substitute your soda or juice with one thing simply as flavorful however sugar-free? Look no additional than Pure Innovations. Not solely had been we followers of the robust watermelon taste, however this water booster additionally delivers electrolytes and Vitamin C, so that you get a punch of well being alongside your punch of taste.
In comparison with the electrolyte tablets we usually use, this water flavoring mixes immediately with no stirring required, and no clumps, grit, or residue left behind. We additionally liked that the dropper included with the bottle (and a glass bottle at that, which is recyclable) made it tremendous simple to measure how a lot we had been including to our water. In reality, whereas the corporate recommends one to 2 dropperfuls of liquid, we discovered that one was lots, which made this little bottle go a great distance—particularly necessary contemplating it’s on the pricier facet.
Potential Flaws
- Testers did discover a faux watermelon aftertaste (described to be like watermelon-flavored bubble gum), nevertheless it dissipated rapidly.
- When it comes to price, this product is on the larger finish of the spectrum in comparison with others.
Most Helpful Perception
“This product blended immediately—no shaking, no stirring, no clumps, no grit, no residue; the drink was persistently easy.” —Ray Y., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Energy: 5 energy | Sweetener Sort: Stevia leaf extract | Sugar per Serving: 0 grams | Natural: No | Non-GMO: No | Kind: Cubes | Our Total Ranking: 4.6/5
Who It is For
Finest for these trying so as to add electrolytes to their each day water consumption to spice up vitality and efficiency.
Why We Love It
If you happen to’re an lively, on-the-go sort one that must continually replenish your electrolytes, Waterdrop Microdrink is for you. This taste enhance comes within the type of dissolving cubes, that are individually wrapped, making them handy for somebody on the transfer who’s in search of a grab-and-go resolution to including taste to their water. Throw a dice or two in your gymnasium bag and don’t assume twice.
These cubes fizz in nonetheless or glowing water with no mixing or stirring required—simply drop it, depart it, and luxuriate in it. We significantly favored the scent of this water flavoring, which smelled fruity and really candy; nonetheless, the precise style was surprisingly salty (reminding us of its electrolytes). However regardless of this sudden distinction, we didn’t discover the style disagreeable in any respect. And with many cubes to a field, this product is bound to final you some time.
Potential Flaws
- Takes as much as 10 minutes to dissolve totally, and as soon as dissolved, the dice leaves behind some gritty sediment.
- Whereas not a complete dealbreaker, it was shocking that the flavour of the drink (which was barely salty) didn’t match its candy aroma.
Most Helpful Perception
“The cubes are tiny and are every individually wrapped. It makes it handy to seize and go, and the packaging makes it sanitary. Plus, the scent is robust sufficient to lure you in to hydrate extra.” —Amy Okay., Verywell Match product tester
Bonus Favorites
Whereas we didn’t personally take a look at the next water flavorings, they’re all dietitian-recommended and comprise related components to our high, examined picks. If you happen to’re nonetheless available on the market for a water flavoring after reviewing our high suggestions, you possibly can’t go unsuitable with these choices.
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Faint taste
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Arduous to dose
Key Specs
Energy: 0 energy | Sweetener Sort: Stevia Leaf Extract | Sugar per Serving: 0 grams | Natural: No | Non-GMO: No | Kind: Liquid
Who It is For
Finest for people who need to jazz up their water with no energy and vibrant colours.
Why We Love It
These tiny squeeze bottles add vibrant colours to your water, making hydration extra pleasing. Plus, we love that the simply mixable colours may be achieved with out the usage of any meals dyes and with zero energy and sugar per serving. These water flavorings are available in a wide range of flavors, together with Strawberry Watermelon, Lemonade, and Blue + Blackberry.
Based on buyer critiques, the flavour is a bit faint, making it tempting to extend the dose. Nevertheless, we recognize that the flavors nonetheless style as marketed and are made with actual fruit and vegetable juices and no synthetic components. Some flavors additionally comprise further components for added advantages, like potassium and vitamin C.
Potential Flaws
- The flavour within the really helpful dose is a bit faint.
- It may be tough to precisely measure out the prompt serving measurement.
Key Specs
Energy: 15 energy | Sweetener Sort: Maltodextrin, sucralose | Sugar per Serving: 0 grams | Natural: No | Non-GMO: Sure | Kind: Powder
Who It is For
Finest for vitality drink lovers who need the style with out the caffeine.
Why We Love It
Common vitality drink model Celsius has developed a hydrating water flavoring with out the caffeine of its authentic drinks. This low-calorie, zero-sugar, and dye-free powder additionally incorporates 210 milligrams of sodium and 700 milligrams of potassium, which is similar to the standard electrolyte content material in conventional sports activities drinks, however with out the added stimulants.
The flavour is distinguished, bordering on robust, and truly tastes like what’s marketed. Flavors embrace Blue Razz, Lemon Lime, Strawberry Watermelon, Fruit Bunch, and Arctic Cherry.
Potential Flaws
- The sodium content material could also be too excessive for some.
- The product additionally incorporates average doses of B nutritional vitamins, which could make you exceed your each day dose in the event you’re already taking a vitamin B complement.
Water Flavorings We Additionally Examined
We examined eight water flavorings and enhancers, however solely a small group made it to our ultimate listing of suggestions. The next merchandise earned some honorable mentions; nonetheless, they in the end didn’t meet our rigorous testing necessities.
- Buoy Vitality Drops combine immediately and cleanly with out residue or synthetic aftertaste, making them supreme for individuals who dislike candy or synthetic components. Nevertheless, this product lacks clear dosing tips and is dear for the worth it offers until you could have very particular wants.
- Cirkul’s Starter Equipment is a handy all-in-one system that requires no mixing or stirring and gives user-controlled taste energy. Nevertheless, our testers discovered it to be overly candy, with a lingering chemical aftertaste, and an environmentally wasteful design.
- Gatorade Propel Powder is a budget-friendly, acquainted, and trusted model, however the Propel powder fell brief as a consequence of its gritty texture, overly candy synthetic taste, and noticeable residue, which made the drink unappealing.
- Magna Magnesium Powered Electrolytes present a conventional electrolyte taste expertise with added magnesium and a powerful hydration focus. However it requires numerous stirring, leaves a gentle residue within the bottle, and has an intense taste which may be too robust for some.
What We’ve Up to date
- Since publishing our preliminary listing of the perfect water flavorings, we examined eight choices ourselves, following our rigorous testing tips and dietitian suggestions.
- We spoke to a fourth dietitian, Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN, who supplied steering on dietary high quality and ingredient integrity of the merchandise we advocate.
- We reworked our superlatives based mostly on reader curiosity, including new classes like greatest natural, greatest packets, and greatest zero-calorie.
What to Search for When Purchasing for Water Flavorings
- Kinds of Water Flavorings: Water flavorings are available in powdered, pill, or liquid kind. If you happen to choose so as to add flavoring to your water on the go, you could need to contemplate the easy-to-carry, single-serving merchandise, that are typically discovered as powders and typically drops. There are additionally pre-bottled or canned flavored water choices that don’t require mixing.
- Electrolytes: Electrolytes assist to keep up ample fluid steadiness within the physique. For many wholesome people, consuming a balanced weight loss program and consuming sufficient water is adequate to replenish electrolytes, however you could want extra water and electrolytes whenever you’re exercising, ailing, or touring. In these circumstances, choosing a water flavoring with added electrolytes may be helpful, as an electrolyte imbalance may end up in a number of antagonistic results on the physique.
- Caffeine: There may be typically a priority about caffeine having a powerful diuretic impact, however honestly, average caffeine consumption (as much as 400 milligrams a day) has been discovered to solely have a minor, short-term impact. Selecting a water flavoring with caffeine is a private desire, so contemplate how caffeine makes you are feeling. Some discover caffeine offers them a useful, added vitality enhance, whereas others can really feel jittery and expertise gastrointestinal discomfort, relying on the person and the dosage.
- Sweeteners and Flavorings: It might be arduous to drink sufficient water in case you are used to consuming soda or juice, which tastes rather a lot sweeter. Nevertheless, a lot of our picks present loads of taste whereas leaving out extra sugar. Non-nutritive sweeteners like sugar alcohols, monk fruit, and stevia—deemed protected when utilized in moderation—are different methods to supply sweetness, however not everybody tolerates them effectively.
How We Examined the Water Flavorings
After narrowing down dozens of water flavorings to eight dietitian-approved choices, we examined every one following a constant rubric and paying shut consideration to aroma, style, and texture, together with the components listing. When evaluating for every criterion, we give attention to these key elements:
- Texture: Water needs to be a easy expertise. We examined every product to see how simply the water flavoring was included into the combo and left it to settle to judge for clumping, separation, and residue. Water flavorings that obtained a excessive texture rating seamlessly blended in with our H2O.
- Aftertaste: Various sweeteners, flavorings, and different frequent components can all contribute to a lingering aftertaste. After tasting every water flavoring, we evaluated whether or not any synthetic taste notes had been current and, if that’s the case, famous how lengthy they took to dissipate.
- Odor and Style: Odor impacts style! When tasting every water flavoring, we famous whether or not the odor and style aligned with its marketed taste. Flavorings that obtained excessive scores for odor and style gained’t depart you anticipating one factor and getting one other.
- Worth: We seemed on the complete worth and crunched the numbers on price per serving to reveal prices and share the perfect worth water flavorings.
- Elements Listing: We consulted with dietitians to judge the ingredient lists of every water flavoring we examined. We prioritized choices with pure or no sweeteners and with out meals dyes. We additionally favored choices with 20 or fewer energy per serving.
Our Consultants
The next specialists supplied perception into how water flavorings may help maintain you hydrated and provided steering on components to contemplate when selecting which of them so as to add to your water.
- Callie Exas, MPH, MS, RDN, a New York–based mostly registered dietitian and girls’s well being specialist who runs Callie Exas Vitamin & Wellness.
- Alena Kharlamenko, MS, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian who makes a speciality of well being and vitamin analysis and complement testing.
- Anne Prepare dinner Carroll, MS, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian who works with sufferers to satisfy their well being targets, together with athletes trying to enhance their efficiency.
- Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN, a New York–based mostly registered dietitian and printed writer who holds a Grasp’s in Scientific Vitamin from New York College.
Continuously Requested Questions
Is it okay to drink flavored water each day?
Plain water ought to nonetheless make up the vast majority of your each day water consumption, however including some doses of taste alongside the way in which is a good way to stay to your hydration routine. Attempt alternating between plain and flavored every time you refill your water bottle.
What’s the healthiest flavoring so as to add to water?
If you wish to add some taste to your water with the only ingredient listing, contemplate including contemporary fruit, greens, or herbs. Melon, berries, citrus, cucumber, or contemporary mint are only a few of the methods you possibly can infuse water with taste that is freed from components and energy. If you wish to go for a store-bought water flavoring, Clear Concept Water Booster is our best choice.
Are you able to drink flavored water if in case you have diabetes?
Being well-hydrated is an missed side of diabetes administration. Water may be very useful for total blood sugar steadiness. When utilizing a flavoring, go for merchandise that use pure, sugar-free fruit flavorings or comprise different sweeteners which are proven to have little to no glycemic influence, comparable to stevia, monk fruit, or sugar alcohols (allulose or erythritol, for instance).
Does flavored water hydrate you?
Sure, the bottom of flavored water remains to be water, so the science of hydration theoretically works the identical whether or not you’re consuming plain faucet water otherwise you’ve determined to begin consuming water with added taste. For sure teams of individuals, comparable to endurance athletes or individuals who discover that they sweat closely, consuming flavored water with added carbohydrates and electrolytes, like sodium and potassium, might additional enhance hydration.
Why Belief Verywell Match
Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a Verywell Match author, registered dietitian nutritionist, licensed athletic coach, vitamin and health marketing consultant, and writer of 9 cookbooks. Dana is the sports activities dietitian and scientific professor of Athletic Coaching and Sports activities Medication at Quinnipiac College in Connecticut.
Dana has been training as a dual-credentialed clinician for over 15 years, working with adolescent, collegiate, {and professional} athletes. For this text, Dana hands-on examined a number of water flavors and evaluated their ingredient lists.
Extra reporting contributed by Casey Seiden
Casey Seiden, MS, RD, CDCES, is a Verywell Match author, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and Licensed Diabetes Care and Schooling Specialist. She makes a speciality of pre- and postnatal well being for ladies, with a selected give attention to blood sugar and diabetes administration. Moreover, Casey is the dietitian at Maternal Fetal Medication Associates in Manhattan and the proprietor of the net personal follow Casey Seiden Vitamin.
For this text, Casey reviewed insights from our specialists and the Verywell Match testing workforce to find out the perfect kinds of water flavorings and what to keep away from. Every flavoring was assessed based mostly on components like electrolytes, components, and synthetic flavors or sweeteners. She prioritized choices that embrace easy components with out pointless components.

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