Does Flavored Water Still Count as Drinking Water? The Definitive Guide to Hydration

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

With the human body being over 60% water, staying properly hydrated is critical for overall health. But many people who dislike the taste of plain water turn to alternatives, leading to the common question: does flavored water still count as drinking water?.

Quick Summary

The hydrating power of flavored water depends on its ingredients, particularly sugar and artificial additives. While it can contribute to your daily fluid intake, plain water remains the gold standard for hydration. Reading labels is crucial for understanding the potential downsides of store-bought options.

Key Points

Hydration is the main benefit: As its primary component is water, most flavored waters hydrate you as effectively as plain water.
Not all flavored water is equal: The health impact depends on the additives, with sugary versions being less healthy and naturally infused versions being the best option.
Dental health risks exist: Carbonation and citric acid in some flavored waters can erode tooth enamel over time, especially with frequent consumption.
Homemade is the healthiest choice: Infusing your own water with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs is the best way to control sugar and additive content.
Read the label carefully: Always check for hidden sugars, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives in store-bought products to avoid unwanted calories and chemicals.
Moderation is key: While flavored water is fine, it should not completely replace plain water, which remains the ideal hydrating beverage.

The Simple Answer to a Common Question

Yes, in most cases, flavored water does count towards your daily water intake because its primary ingredient is still water. The flavoring, whether from fruit essence, natural additives, or artificial sweeteners, constitutes only a tiny fraction of the beverage's total volume. The key distinction, however, lies in the health implications of those added ingredients, which can impact your diet, dental health, and overall wellness.

For someone who struggles to drink enough plain water, unsweetened or naturally flavored options can be a highly effective tool for increasing fluid intake and preventing dehydration. Staying adequately hydrated is vital for every bodily function, from organ health and metabolism to joint lubrication and temperature regulation. Therefore, if a hint of flavor helps you achieve your hydration goals, it is generally better than not drinking enough fluids at all.

The Different Kinds of Flavored Water

Not all flavored waters are created equal. Understanding the different types on the market is essential for making an informed nutritional choice.

Store-Bought Flavored Water

This category includes bottled and canned beverages, often marketed as healthy alternatives to soda. They can be still or sparkling and fall into a few sub-categories:

Naturally Flavored Waters: These use fruit extracts or essences to add flavor without sugar, calories, or artificial sweeteners. Brands like La Croix, Bubly, and some variations of Perrier fall into this group. They offer a calorie-free taste boost.
Artificially Flavored Waters: These use artificial sweeteners, food dyes, and preservatives. While sugar-free, some people report sensitivities to artificial sweeteners, and their long-term health effects are still under debate.
Vitamin/Enhanced Waters: Products like Vitaminwater, while fortified with nutrients, often contain significant amounts of added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, turning them into high-calorie, sugary drinks. It's crucial to read the label carefully.

Water Enhancers (Drops & Powders)

These concentrated products are added to plain water. Like bottled options, they vary in their ingredients, from natural fruit extracts to artificial sweeteners. They offer convenience and customization but require label scrutiny to avoid unwanted additives.

Homemade Infused Water

This is widely considered the healthiest option. By adding fresh fruits, vegetables, or herbs to plain water, you get a mild, natural flavor boost without any added sugars, calories, or artificial ingredients.

Natural Infusion Ideas:

Cucumber and Mint: A classic, refreshing, and calming combination.
Lemon and Ginger: Supports digestion and provides a zesty flavor.
Strawberries and Basil: A subtly sweet and aromatic infusion.
Orange and Rosemary: Offers a unique, citrus-herb blend.
Berries and Lime: Provides antioxidants and a tangy twist.

Potential Downsides of Certain Flavored Waters

While flavored water can be a positive step towards better hydration, some options carry notable drawbacks:

Dental Erosion: Carbonated and acidic flavored waters, especially those with added citric acid, can wear down tooth enamel over time. This risk is higher with frequent, all-day sipping.
Hidden Sugars: Some commercially prepared flavored waters are essentially sugary sodas in disguise. Excessive sugar intake is linked to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues.
Artificial Additives: Artificial sweeteners and colorings can cause adverse side effects like headaches or digestive upset in some sensitive individuals.
Cost: While tap water is nearly free, both store-bought bottles and flavor enhancers add to your daily expenses.

Plain Water vs. Flavored Water: A Comparison


Feature	Plain Tap Water	Store-Bought Flavored Water	Homemade Infused Water
Hydration	Excellent. The gold standard for hydration.	Excellent, assuming no diuretic ingredients.	Excellent, with potential added benefits from infusions.
Sugar Content	Zero.	Varies from zero (artificially sweetened/essence) to high (syrups/juice).	Zero, unless sweet fruits like dates are used in high quantity.
Additives	Often contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, but no flavor additives.	May contain artificial sweeteners, colors, preservatives, and sugar.	None, uses only natural fruits, herbs, or vegetables.
Dental Health	Best option for teeth.	Carbonation and citric acid can increase acidity, potentially eroding enamel over time.	Infusing with acidic fruits (e.g., lemon) can slightly lower pH, but it's generally much safer than commercial options.
Cost	Very low to free.	Moderate to high, depending on the brand and type.	Low, based on the cost of fresh ingredients.
Nutritional Value	Provides essential minerals.	Some may have added vitamins, but often at the cost of added sugar or other additives.	Adds small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants from natural ingredients.

How to Choose or Create Healthier Flavored Water

For those who prefer a taste, making mindful choices is easy.

Read the Label: For store-bought options, always check the nutrition label. Prioritize products with 0g sugar and natural flavorings. Avoid high-fructose corn syrup and excessive artificial additives.
Opt for Essences: Look for products flavored with fruit essences rather than artificial sweeteners or sugars. These are typically calorie-free and do not impact blood sugar levels.
Go DIY: The healthiest and most cost-effective method is to create your own fruit or herb-infused water at home. Using a pitcher or an infusion bottle makes it simple. You control every ingredient, ensuring no hidden sugars or unnecessary chemicals.
Balance Intake: Even with healthier flavored options, incorporating plain water into your daily fluid intake is recommended.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Flavored Water

Ultimately, whether flavored water 'counts' as drinking water is a matter of both perspective and nutritional detail. From a purely hydrating standpoint, yes, it gets the job done. However, when considering the full scope of a healthy diet, the type of flavored water you choose is paramount. Opting for options free from added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and excessive acidity ensures you reap the hydration benefits without the potential drawbacks. For the best of both worlds, embrace homemade fruit-infused water or select commercial brands with a clean, transparent ingredient list. Your body will thank you for making the healthier, more informed choice.

For additional resources on hydration and mindful drinking, consider exploring reputable health sources like the Cleveland Clinic.(https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-flavored-water-good-for-you)

Frequently Asked Questions

While flavored water hydrates you, it's best not to rely on it as your sole source of fluid. Plain water is the purest option, and a balanced approach combining both is recommended.

Yes, both still and sparkling flavored waters are primarily water and provide similar hydration. However, the carbonation and acidity in sparkling water can be mildly corrosive to tooth enamel over time.

Water flavor enhancers vary widely. Some contain artificial sweeteners or additives that can cause side effects for sensitive individuals. It's crucial to check ingredients and choose options with natural flavorings and no added sugar.

Sugar-free flavored waters typically contain no calories, so they don't cause weight gain directly. However, some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners may affect appetite or have other long-term health effects, so moderation is advised.

Yes, choosing a sugar-free or naturally flavored water over sugary soda is a significantly healthier choice. Sugary sodas contain excessive calories and sugar, which can lead to negative health outcomes.

Check the nutrition facts label for "Added Sugars." Brands like Vitaminwater, despite their healthy image, can have high sugar content. Opt for products with 0g of added sugar.

If you have diabetes, it is important to be mindful of sugars. Stick to water flavored with natural essences or unsweetened flavor enhancers, or make your own infused water to avoid any glycemic impact.