If you’ve never liked the taste of plain water, you probably drink flavoured water as an alternative every day. It’s still water, just with added flavourings, so it’s one of the most effective ways to stay hydrated.

But is flavoured water actually good for you? Or is it just another sugary drink in disguise? The short answer is yes, it can be healthy, but that depends on whether it contains sugar, sweeteners, or acids, since those aren’t healthy to consume all day, especially for your teeth.

If you want to know what flavoured waters are healthy to drink and which are best avoided, stick with us as we discuss the health benefits and hidden drawbacks of flavoured water and how to make healthier choices without sacrificing taste.

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Key takeaways

• Flavoured water can hydrate you just as effectively as plain water and may encourage you to drink more.
• Not all flavoured waters are healthy. Some contain added sugars, sweeteners, and acids.
• Drinking acidic flavoured water frequently can contribute to tooth enamel erosion, even if it’s sugar-free.
• Low-sugar or sugar-free flavoured water can be a healthier alternative to sugary fizzy drinks.
• Naturally infused water without added sugar is generally one of the healthiest options for everyday hydration.

Does flavoured water hydrate you as well as plain water?

Adding flavour to a glass of water doesn’t change the fact that it’s still water, so it’s just as effective at hydrating you as it is to drink a bottle of spring water.

The issue is what’s added to it. Your body can still absorb and use flavoured water to replace fluids lost throughout the day, and it’s a great way to stay hydrated if you just can’t handle the taste of plain water.

As long as you’re drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, as recommended by the NHS, your body will be able to function much better, supporting your brain, organs, and your immune system. That can also include tea, coffee, and foods rich in water, like fruits and vegetables.

Now, going back to our point about the issue lying in what’s added to flavour water, it’s important to remember that hydration and nutritional value aren’t the same thing. Sugary flavoured water can still hydrate you, but it also adds unnecessary sugar and calories to your diet.

Is flavoured water bad for you? What to watch out for

Flavoured water as a whole isn’t bad for you, but that doesn’t mean that every bottle of flavoured water you come across is particularly healthy.

While some contain little more than water and natural flavourings, others have added sugars, artificial sweeteners or acidic ingredients that are worth paying attention to.

If you drink it every now and then, it isn’t something you’ll need to worry much about; it’s more of a problem for people who drink it every day.

Added sugar and hidden calories

One of the biggest things to watch out for in flavoured water is added sugar.

A lot of flavoured waters sold in the shop contain added sugar or fruit juice concentrate to make them taste sweeter. While this certainly helps the taste, it’s not great to drink them every day since too much sugar can contribute to weight gain and increase your risk of tooth decay.

The NHS states that adults should consume no more than 30g of free sugars per day, which is roughly seven sugar cubes.

Artificial sweeteners and additives

Many flavoured waters use artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or sucralose to keep sugar and calorie content low.

While there’s plenty of debate around whether sweeteners are bad for you, sweeteners used in UK drinks are thoroughly safety-tested and are safe when consumed within limits.

The NHS also says that low-calorie and calorie-free sweeteners are great alternatives for people looking to reduce their sugar intake.

Acids and tooth enamel

Flavoured waters that contain acids, such as citric acid or malic acid, can gradually wear down tooth enamel over time.

These acids are used to give flavoured drinks their refreshing, tangy taste, but drinking too much leads to dental erosion, which strips away the protective outer layer of your teeth.

The UK government oral health guidance states that some fruit-flavoured sparkling waters can have a high potential to cause enamel erosion, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop drinking them altogether; it’s healthy in moderation.

Are there benefits to drinking flavoured water?

Yes, flavoured water can have more benefits than just providing a tastier way to hydrate, especially if you’re trying to cut back on sugary drinks.

1. It can encourage you to drink more water

We all know that we should be drinking a certain amount of water a day, but it’s easier said than done.

If you’re not keen on the taste of normal water, adding a little bit of flavour to your glass will encourage you to reach for it more. You can even create your own flavoured water by adding cucumber or sliced fruit to your glass.

2. It can be a healthier alternative to sugary drinks

If you’re used to drinking fizzy drinks, energy drinks, or sugary cordial, switching to a low-sugar or sugar-free flavoured water can be a simple way to reduce your sugar intake.

Many sugar-free flavoured waters contain very few calories, making them a useful alternative if you’re trying to manage your weight or cut down on added sugar.

The NHS also recommends swapping sugary drinks for water or sugar-free alternatives as one way to reduce sugar consumption.

3. Some flavoured waters contain added vitamins and minerals

You might have noticed flavoured waters advertised as containing extra vitamins or electrolytes. These are often marketed toward people with active lifestyles or those looking for an added nutritional boost.

Depending on the drink, they may also contain nutrients such as vitamin C, B vitamins, or minerals that help support normal bodily functions, which can contribute to a healthy diet. Vitamin b also helps to keep your skin healthy and supports heart function.

Which type of flavoured water is healthiest?

The healthiest flavoured waters are generally those with little or no added sugar and fewer unnecessary ingredients.

Here’s a look at the most common ones you’ll find in the shop and which ones you should reach for.

If you want to have a go at improving the taste of tap water from home, we have a blog on 10 ways to improve the taste of your water.

Stay refreshed with Drop Water Coolers

Whether you prefer your water plain or with a splash of flavour, staying hydrated throughout the day is important for your health and wellbeing. And having fresh, chilled water readily available can make it a little bit easier to stay on top of your hydration.

At Drop Water Coolers, we make keeping on top of your water intake simple with our range of bottled and mains-fed water coolers for offices, workplaces, and homes.

Our bottled water dispensers give you convenient access to fresh spring water without plumbing, while our mains-fed water coolers offer a continuous supply of filtered drinking water.

Sign up for a free 14-day trial today to try one of our water coolers out for yourself!