What are the ingredients in Sunkist water flavor packets?

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

Over 60% of people in the United States report using flavor enhancers to make drinking water more appealing. A common choice for this purpose is Sunkist water flavor packets, which offer a convenient, zero-sugar way to add a fruity taste to plain water. Understanding the ingredients in Sunkist water flavor packets provides insight into their flavor profile and nutritional composition.

Quick Summary

Sunkist water flavor packets, including varieties like Orange, Grape, and Strawberry, contain a base of citric acid and maltodextrin, along with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame potassium. Additional ingredients include natural and artificial flavors, magnesium oxide, and various artificial colorings like Red 40 and Yellow 5, which vary by flavor. The packets are zero-sugar and low-calorie.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: The primary ingredients are citric acid, maltodextrin, natural and artificial flavors, and the artificial sweeteners aspartame and acesulfame potassium.
Zero Sugar Formulation: Sunkist water flavor packets are zero-sugar and low-calorie, using artificial sweeteners instead of sugar to provide sweetness.
Flavor Variations: Specific ingredients like artificial colors (e.g., Yellow 5, Red 40) and flavor-specific acids can vary depending on the flavor, such as Orange, Grape, or Strawberry.
Contains Aspartame: Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid products with aspartame, which is clearly labeled on the packaging.
Anti-Caking Agent: Magnesium oxide is included to prevent the powdered mix from clumping and ensure it dissolves smoothly in water.
Caffeine Content: Some varieties of Sunkist flavor packets contain caffeine, so it is important to check the label if you prefer a caffeine-free option.
Artificial Colorings: The visual appearance of the drink is achieved with artificial colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1.

Core Ingredients in Sunkist Water Flavor Packets

Sunkist Singles to Go drink mixes are formulated to deliver a sweet and fruity taste without added sugar. While the exact blend can differ slightly between flavors like orange, strawberry, or grape, the core ingredients remain consistent across many popular varieties.

Flavor Enhancers and Acids

Citric Acid: As the first ingredient listed on many packets, citric acid serves a dual purpose. It provides the tart, sour flavor that is characteristic of fruit, and it also acts as a preservative to extend the product's shelf life. In orange varieties, it works with the flavorings to create a citrusy profile.
Malic Acid & Tartaric Acid: Some flavors, like Grape, also feature malic and tartaric acids, which further enhance the overall tartness and fruit flavor complexity.

Artificial Sweeteners and Bulking Agents

Since Sunkist water flavor packets are zero-sugar, they rely on artificial sweeteners to achieve their sweet taste.

Aspartame: A widely used, low-calorie sweetener, aspartame is a key ingredient. It is made from two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine, which is why packages include a warning for phenylketonurics.
Acesulfame Potassium: Often used in combination with other sweeteners, acesulfame potassium, or Ace-K, helps to amplify the sweet taste without contributing calories.
Maltodextrin: This bulking agent is a complex carbohydrate that is easily digestible. Though it is a sugar, only a dietarily insignificant amount is added to provide texture and aid in the powder's dissolvability.

Additives and Colorings

Beyond the primary flavor and sweetener components, Sunkist packets contain a small amount of additional ingredients, typically making up less than 2% of the total mix.

Magnesium Oxide: This is an anti-caking agent, which helps prevent the powdered mix from clumping together and ensures it dissolves smoothly in water.
Artificial Colors: Artificial colors are added to match the visual expectation of the flavor. For instance, Orange flavor includes Yellow 5 and Red 40, while Grape contains Blue 1.
Natural and Artificial Flavors: The specific flavor profile is created through a mix of natural and artificial flavorings.
Caffeine: Certain varieties, particularly the 'Energy' or caffeinated versions, will include caffeine to provide a boost.

Comparison of Sunkist Water Flavor Packet Ingredients


Ingredient	Orange Flavor	Grape Flavor	Red Punch Flavor
Citric Acid	Yes	Yes	Yes
Maltodextrin	Yes	Yes	Yes
Aspartame	Yes	Yes	Yes
Acesulfame Potassium	Yes	Yes	Yes
Magnesium Oxide	Yes	Yes	Yes
Artificial Colors	Yellow 5, Red 40	Blue 1, Red 40	Red 40, Blue 1
Caffeine	Present in some varieties	Absent	Absent
Flavoring	Natural and Artificial	Natural and Artificial	Natural and Artificial
Other Thickeners	Gum Acacia	Cellulose Gum	Cellulose Gum, Pectin, Guar Gum

Potential Health Considerations

While these water enhancers offer a zero-sugar way to increase water intake, it is important to be mindful of the ingredients. The use of artificial sweeteners and food dyes has generated some discussion, particularly concerning their effect on health. Consumers with a rare genetic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid aspartame, so the ingredient is clearly labeled. In general, however, ingredients like aspartame and Ace-K are considered safe by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when consumed in moderation. Still, organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have expressed concern about ultra-processed foods containing synthetic food dyes and low-calorie sweeteners, recommending that consumption be limited.

Conclusion

Sunkist water flavor packets are a convenient way to add low-calorie, zero-sugar flavor to water. The primary ingredients include citric acid for tartness, maltodextrin for bulk, and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium for sweetness. These are combined with natural and artificial flavors, artificial colors, and anti-caking agents like magnesium oxide. The specific flavor dictates the exact composition, with some varieties containing additional ingredients like caffeine or different artificial dyes. While considered safe for the general population, individuals with dietary restrictions or sensitivities, such as phenylketonuria, should review the ingredient list carefully. Ultimately, they offer a flavorful alternative for those aiming to reduce sugar intake and drink more water.

1.3.5 Environmental Working Group (EWG) Food Scores - Sunkist Zero Sugar Orange Soda

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most Sunkist water flavor packets are explicitly labeled as zero-sugar and low-calorie. They use artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium to achieve their sweet taste.

Some varieties of Sunkist water flavor packets contain caffeine, while others are caffeine-free. You should check the nutrition and ingredient label on the specific product packaging to confirm.

Yes, many Sunkist Singles to Go are listed as gluten-free. However, as formulations can change, checking the allergen information on the specific product box is always recommended.

Maltodextrin is a bulking agent used in Sunkist water flavor packets to improve texture and help the powder dissolve properly. The amount is dietarily insignificant, meaning it adds a trivial amount of sugar and calories.

Citric acid serves two main functions in the drink mix: it provides the tart, fruity flavor, and it acts as a preservative to extend the product's shelf life.

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium are generally considered safe for consumption by the U.S. FDA. However, some groups, including the EWG, advise limiting intake of products with these sweeteners and other synthetic additives.

The warning for phenylalanine is required because the artificial sweetener aspartame is made from this amino acid. Individuals with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) must restrict their intake of phenylalanine.