Discovering What Are Healthy Drinks at Walmart? Your Guide to Smart Sips

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 survey, over half of U.S. consumers are actively trying to reduce their sugar intake, making beverage choices more important than ever. For many, the question is, what are healthy drinks at Walmart that don't compromise taste for nutrition? This guide simplifies the process by highlighting the best options available and teaching you how to read labels effectively.

Quick Summary

This guide covers navigating Walmart's beverage aisles to find genuinely healthy drink options. It highlights categories like low-sugar, hydrating, and protein-rich choices while providing tips for deciphering nutritional information for better purchasing decisions.

Key Points

Check for Added Sugar: Prioritize drinks with zero or very low added sugar, using the nutrition label as your primary guide.
Start with Water: Hydration is key, and plain, enhanced, or sparkling water are the healthiest starting points.
Mind Serving Sizes: Always check the serving size, as many containers hold more than one serving, which impacts total calories and sugar.
Explore Alternatives: Look beyond traditional sugary drinks and consider kombucha, unsweetened plant milks, or zero-sugar sodas.
Protein for Purpose: For meal replacements or post-workout, choose high-protein, lower-sugar shakes from brands like Premier Protein or Orgain.
Ingredient Awareness: Read the ingredient list and be wary of drinks where added sugars are among the first items listed.

Navigating Walmart's Healthy Beverage Aisle

Walking down the beverage aisle at Walmart can feel overwhelming, with shelves packed with options ranging from high-sugar sodas to artificially flavored juices. Making informed choices is key to maintaining a healthy diet and proper hydration. This article breaks down the best categories of healthy drinks to look for and what to consider before you buy.

The Best Healthy Drink Categories at Walmart

Water: The Foundation of Hydration

Plain water is always the healthiest choice for hydration. However, Walmart offers many variations that can add flavor or benefits without excessive sugar.

Plain Water: Walmart offers its own Great Value Purified Drinking Water in various sizes, alongside popular bottled water brands like FIJI and CORE Hydration.
Electrolyte-Enhanced Water: Brands like Propel and BODYARMOR offer water infused with electrolytes to aid hydration, especially after exercise. Look for zero-sugar varieties to avoid unnecessary calories.
Sparkling Water: Brands such as bubly, LaCroix, and Clear American provide a refreshing, bubbly experience with natural flavors and zero calories.
Flavored Water Drops: Products like Mio and Great Value liquid drink mixes offer concentrated flavor for your water, typically with zero sugar, allowing you to control the intensity.

Low-Sugar and Zero-Sugar Options

Many companies are now producing zero-sugar alternatives to popular beverages. These can be a great way to enjoy a favorite flavor without the negative health effects of added sugars.

Zero-Sugar Juices: Minute Maid and Ocean Spray offer zero-sugar juice drinks in various flavors, sweetened with alternatives.
Prebiotic and Probiotic Sodas: Brands like Poppi and OLIPOP offer gut-friendly, low-sugar sodas that are much healthier than traditional sodas, using fruit juice and natural sweeteners.
Unsweetened Tea: Ready-to-drink unsweetened iced tea from brands like Gold Peak offers a flavorful, zero-calorie option.

Nutrient-Rich Shakes and Smoothies

For a quick meal replacement or a post-workout boost, protein shakes and pre-made smoothies can be a convenient choice. The key is to check the nutritional information for a healthy balance of protein, carbs, and low sugar.

Protein Shakes: Brands like Premier Protein, Fairlife, Orgain, and Walmart's own Equate brand offer convenient, high-protein shakes in various flavors.
Premade Smoothies: Products from Naked Juice and Bolthouse Farms can be a good option, but be mindful of the high sugar content in many varieties. Opt for 'Green Goodness' or lower-sugar blends when possible.

Plant-Based Milk Alternatives

For those who prefer a dairy-free option, Walmart has expanded its selection of plant-based milks.

Common Varieties: Almond, oat, and soy milks are widely available from brands like Silk, Almond Breeze, and Oatly.
Healthiest Picks: Choose unsweetened varieties to minimize added sugars. Brands like bettergoods and Planet Oat offer great unsweetened options.

How to Choose Healthy Drinks at Walmart: A Comparison


Drink Category	Sugar Content (Typically)	Key Benefits	Potential Pitfalls	Recommended For	Walmart Brands to Check
Plain Water	Zero	Hydration, zero calories	None	Everyday hydration	Great Value, FIJI, CORE Hydration
Enhanced Water (Zero Sugar)	Zero	Added electrolytes, flavor	Can contain artificial sweeteners	Post-workout, hydration boost	Propel, BODYARMOR, Great Value Hydrate
Sparkling Water	Zero	Carbonation, flavor variety, zero calories	Some find the carbonation irritating	Soda alternative	bubly, LaCroix, Clear American
Zero-Sugar Juices	Zero	Fruit flavor	Artificial sweeteners may be present	Flavorful, low-calorie treat	Minute Maid Zero Sugar, Ocean Spray Zero Sugar
Kombucha	Low to Moderate	Probiotics for gut health	Higher sugar in some brands	Digestive health	Health-Ade, Synergy, KeVita
Protein Shakes	Low to Moderate	High protein for muscle recovery/fullness	Can be high in calories	Meal replacement, post-workout	Premier Protein, Orgain, Equate
Unsweetened Plant Milks	Low	Lactose-free, potential calcium fortification	Some brands have added oils	Coffee, cereals, standalone drink	Silk, Almond Breeze, bettergoods

Decoding Nutrition Labels for Healthier Beverages

Understanding a nutrition label is critical for making healthy choices, as not all drinks are what they seem. The FDA provides helpful guidance on reading these labels.

Serving Size: Always check the serving size and servings per container. Many bottles contain multiple servings, meaning you could be consuming double or triple the listed calories and sugar.
Added Sugars: Pay close attention to the "Added Sugars" line. This is a key indicator of a drink's health profile. The American Heart Association recommends limiting daily added sugar intake to a certain amount, so aim for as little as possible.
Ingredient List: The ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. If sugar or high-fructose corn syrup is near the top, the product is likely high in sugar.
Percent Daily Value (%DV): The %DV on the label can help you understand how a nutrient fits into your overall daily diet. A %DV of 5% or less is considered low, while 20% or more is considered high.

Conclusion

Choosing healthier drinks at Walmart doesn't have to be a guessing game. By focusing on water, zero-sugar options, kombucha, and smart shake choices, you can significantly reduce your daily sugar intake and support your overall nutrition goals. The best strategy is to become a savvy label reader, prioritizing beverages with low to zero added sugar and a simple ingredient list. With a little attention, you can find flavorful and beneficial drinks that fit seamlessly into a healthy diet, without breaking the bank.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information on understanding nutrition labels, consult the official FDA guidelines:

How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label

Final Recommendations

By following these tips, your next trip to Walmart can be a success in finding genuinely healthy and delicious drinks for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

The healthiest drink widely available at Walmart is plain water. For those seeking variety, unsweetened sparkling water, kombucha, and zero-sugar flavored water are excellent, low-calorie alternatives.

Some premade smoothies at Walmart can be healthy, but it's crucial to check the nutrition label. Many popular brands are very high in sugar, so look for versions with lower sugar content and a good fiber-to-sugar ratio.

When shopping for plant-based milks at Walmart, opt for unsweetened varieties from brands like Silk, Almond Breeze, or bettergoods. These options have minimal added sugar and can be used in coffee, cereals, or enjoyed on their own.

Walmart carries several low-sugar and zero-sugar soda alternatives. Good options include prebiotic sodas like Poppi or OLIPOP and zero-sugar iced teas like Gold Peak.

To identify a healthy drink, check the nutrition label for low 'added sugars'. Also, examine the serving size, as many bottled drinks contain multiple servings. A simpler ingredient list with whole foods or natural sweeteners is generally better.

For convenient, high-protein options, consider brands like Premier Protein, Fairlife, Orgain, or Walmart's own Equate brand. These offer a significant protein boost, but always check the sugar content to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Yes, kombucha drinks like those from Health-Ade and Synergy contain probiotics, which can support gut health. However, check the sugar content, as it can vary by flavor and brand.