What is the best keto drink besides water? Finding the Perfect Low-Carb Sips

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately one in five Americans has tried the ketogenic diet, which often leaves them wondering about beverage options beyond plain water. When it comes to finding out what is the best keto drink besides water?, the answer isn't singular, but rather depends on your personal taste and health goals.

Quick Summary

The best keto drinks are unsweetened and low-carb, including coffee, tea, nut milks, and bone broth. Sparkling water and sugar-free electrolyte drinks are also excellent choices for hydration and flavor variety.

Key Points

Coffee and Tea: Unsweetened versions of both coffee and tea are excellent, zero-carb choices for a keto diet, offering a boost of caffeine and antioxidants.
Nut Milk Alternatives: Substitute cow's milk with unsweetened almond, macadamia, or coconut milk to keep your carb count low while enjoying a creamy texture.
Sparkling Water: Unsweetened sparkling water provides a refreshing, fizzy alternative to plain water without the added sugars and carbs of regular soda.
Electrolyte Support: Drinks like bone broth or homemade electrolyte solutions can help replenish minerals and alleviate 'keto flu' symptoms on a low-carb diet.
Be Mindful of Sweeteners: When choosing flavored waters, diet sodas, or other beverages, be vigilant about reading labels to ensure they are sweetened with keto-friendly options like stevia or monk fruit.
Homemade Hydration: Infusing water with lemon or cucumber, or blending keto-friendly smoothies, provides delicious, customizable, and sugar-free refreshment.

Savoring Success: The Essential Keto Drink Alternatives

Staying hydrated is crucial on any diet, but it's especially important on a ketogenic diet to help manage symptoms like the 'keto flu'. While water is always the top choice, having a variety of low-carb beverage options can prevent boredom and help you stick to your nutritional goals. From warm, comforting sips to bubbly, refreshing thirst-quenchers, there's a keto-friendly drink for every occasion.

The Top Contenders: Coffee and Tea

For many, the day doesn't start until they've had their coffee or tea. The good news is that unsweetened versions of both are carb-free and perfectly fine for the keto diet.

Unsweetened Black Coffee: A zero-calorie, zero-carb beverage that provides a metabolism-boosting dose of caffeine. Enjoy it black, as an espresso, or as a long black.
Keto-Friendly Add-ins: If black coffee isn't your preference, you can add a small amount of heavy cream, half-and-half, or MCT oil for a creamier texture and extra fat. Just be mindful of carb counts with half-and-half.
Unsweetened Teas: Green tea, black tea, and herbal teas (like chamomile or peppermint) are all excellent options. They offer potential health benefits, such as fighting free radicals and reducing inflammation. Always check labels on pre-packaged teas to ensure no added sugars.

The Fizz Factor: Sparkling Water and Diet Soda

If you miss the carbonation of soda, you have great keto-friendly alternatives.

Unsweetened Sparkling Water: A hydrating, bubbly option with zero carbs and calories. Brands like LaCroix or Bubly offer flavored varieties, but it's wise to double-check the label for hidden sweeteners. Infusing your own with lemon, lime, or cucumber is another great way to add flavor naturally.
Diet Soda: Zero-carb versions like Coke Zero are technically keto-friendly due to their artificial sweeteners. However, health experts advise moderation due to potential impacts on gut health and cravings.

Dairy-Free Delights: Nut Milks

Cow's milk is typically too high in lactose (sugar) for a strict keto diet, but many unsweetened nut milks are low-carb and serve as excellent substitutes for coffee, smoothies, or recipes.

Almond Milk: One of the most popular options, with unsweetened varieties often containing just 1 gram of net carbs per cup.
Macadamia Nut Milk: An excellent choice for its low carb count and creamy texture, with 1 gram of net carbs per cup for unsweetened versions.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk can add richness and healthy fats, though it has slightly more carbs than almond or macadamia milk.

Savory Sips and Electrolytes

Maintaining your electrolyte balance is crucial on keto, and certain drinks can help with that while offering a savory alternative to sweet beverages.

Bone Broth: A nutrient-dense, savory drink that can help replenish electrolytes like sodium. It's a comforting and satiating choice.
Keto-Friendly Electrolyte Drinks: Brands like Gatorade Zero are available, and homemade versions with water, a pinch of salt, and a dash of lemon juice are also effective.

Homemade Refreshers: Infused Water and Smoothies

Taking matters into your own hands allows for complete control over ingredients and flavor.

Fruit-Infused Water: Add slices of low-carb fruits like lemon, lime, or berries to a pitcher of water. Let it steep for a few hours to develop flavor.
Keto Smoothies: Blend low-carb ingredients like unsweetened nut milk, a handful of berries, leafy greens, and a fat source like avocado, MCT oil, or heavy cream.

Comparison Table: Keto Drink Options


Drink Option	Carb Count	Taste/Flavor	Key Benefit	Considerations
Black Coffee/Tea	0 grams	Bitter, earthy	Metabolism boost, antioxidants	Add-ins increase carbs
Sparkling Water	0 grams	Bubbly, crisp	Hydrating, satisfying carbonation	Check labels for additives
Unsweetened Nut Milk	1-5 grams	Creamy, nutty	Versatile base, healthy fats	Use unsweetened versions only
Bone Broth	~0 grams	Savory, rich	Replenishes electrolytes	High in sodium
Diet Soda	0 grams	Sweet, artificial	Replaces sugary sodas	Artificial sweeteners
Keto Smoothies	Varies	Creamy, customizable	Nutrient-dense, satiating	Requires specific low-carb ingredients
Electrolyte Drinks	Varies	Can be sweet/salty	Replenishes electrolytes	Check ingredients for sweeteners

Choosing Your Best Keto Drink

The "best" keto drink depends on your needs and cravings. For a morning pick-me-up, black coffee or tea is a great option. If you need a refreshing fizz without the sugar, sparkling water is an excellent alternative. When you need extra fat and creaminess, unsweetened nut milks or heavy cream can be added to hot drinks or used in smoothies. Bone broth is a great savory option that helps with electrolyte balance, especially if you feel symptoms of the keto flu. The key is to always read labels and be aware of hidden carbs in pre-packaged items.

Diet Doctor offers an excellent visual guide to low-carb drinks, detailing which are best and which to avoid.

Conclusion

Staying hydrated and satisfied on a keto diet is entirely possible without relying solely on water. A diverse range of low-carb, no-sugar beverages exists to suit different tastes and needs. Whether you prefer the simplicity of black coffee, the effervescence of sparkling water, or the savory comfort of bone broth, incorporating these alternatives can make your keto journey more enjoyable and sustainable. Remember to always prioritize unsweetened options and be mindful of your daily carb intake to maintain ketosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, zero-carb diet sodas are technically keto-friendly because they do not contain sugar. However, they use artificial sweeteners, and some health experts recommend consuming them in moderation due to potential health and gut microbiome concerns.

Cow's milk is relatively high in carbs due to lactose, so it should be used sparingly or avoided on a strict keto diet. Instead, opt for a splash of heavy cream or unsweetened, low-carb nut milk like almond or macadamia milk.

Most unsweetened teas, including black tea, green tea, herbal tea, and oolong, are keto-friendly. You should avoid bottled iced teas with added sugar and check labels for any hidden fruit pieces in herbal blends.

No, coconut water is typically not keto-friendly as it is high in carbohydrates and can disrupt ketosis. Coconut milk, particularly unsweetened varieties, is a better option for keto dieters.

To add flavor without fruit, you can use sugar-free liquid flavor drops, a squeeze of lemon or lime, or infuse it with fresh herbs like mint or basil. Some people also add a pinch of Himalayan salt for a homemade electrolyte boost.

Yes, there are sugar-free sports drinks available, such as Gatorade Zero, that are keto-friendly. You can also create your own with water, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to replenish electrolytes.

To make a keto smoothie, combine unsweetened nut milk, a low-carb fruit like a small amount of berries, some leafy greens such as spinach, and a source of healthy fat like avocado, MCT oil, or heavy cream.