What is the healthiest brand of flavored water?

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

According to a 2023 market analysis, the global flavored water market is thriving as health-conscious consumers seek alternatives to sugary drinks. But with so many options available, a common question arises: What is the healthiest brand of flavored water? The answer depends on what you prioritize—ingredients, sugar content, or nutritional value.

Quick Summary

A detailed comparison of flavored water brands examines ingredient quality, sugar content, and artificial additives. The analysis helps determine which brands are truly healthy and align with specific dietary needs, such as avoiding sweeteners or seeking natural fruit flavor.

Key Points

Check Ingredients: The healthiest brands use simple, natural ingredients like fruit essences and real juice, avoiding artificial flavors and preservatives.
Avoid Added Sugars: Opt for zero-calorie, zero-sugar flavored water to prevent unnecessary calorie intake and protect against tooth decay.
Choose Natural Sweeteners: If sweetness is desired, select brands that use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit instead of artificial ones.
Recognize Top Brands: Spindrift (with real fruit), Hint (fruit essences), and Waterloo (fruit essences) are consistently recommended for their clean ingredient lists.
Consider DIY Infusions: Making your own flavored water at home with fresh fruits and herbs is the most customizable and healthiest option, guaranteeing no additives.

For many, plain water can be uninspiring, leading them toward the world of flavored water. These products offer a refreshing alternative, but their healthiness varies dramatically depending on the brand and its formulation. The key to finding the healthiest option is to look beyond marketing claims and scrutinize the ingredient list for sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.

The Ingredients That Matter

Natural vs. Artificial Flavors

Some brands use natural fruit essences and juices, while others rely on artificial flavors. Brands like Spindrift and Hint leverage natural ingredients, which generally makes them a healthier choice. In contrast, some lesser-known brands might include synthetic additives that offer little to no nutritional benefit.

Sweeteners: Natural vs. Artificial

Sugar is the primary concern in many flavored waters. High-fructose corn syrup and sucrose contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and type 2 diabetes risk. Zero-sugar options often use artificial sweeteners like sucralose or natural ones like stevia and monk fruit. For maximum health benefits, opt for zero-sugar varieties or those sweetened naturally.

Added Vitamins and Electrolytes

Some flavored waters, such as Propel or Vitaminwater, are fortified with vitamins and electrolytes. While these can be beneficial for athletes or those who are heavily active, they are not a necessity for the average person. Moreover, these additions can sometimes be paired with unhealthy amounts of sugar or artificial ingredients, so reading the label is crucial.

Brand Comparisons: Who Comes Out on Top?

Here is a comparative look at some of the most popular flavored water brands to help you identify the healthiest choices.


Brand	Flavoring Source	Sweeteners	Calories (per 12oz can/bottle)	Notable Features
Spindrift	Real fruit juice and puree	None	2-17	Made with real ingredients, variety of flavors, no artificial additives.
Hint	Fruit essences	None	0	Unsweetened, zero calories, zero preservatives.
LaCroix	Natural fruit essences	None	0	Widely available, zero calories, zero sweeteners.
Waterloo	Natural fruit essences	None	0	Non-GMO Project Verified, BPA-free cans.
Bai	Natural flavors, fruit juice	Stevia, monk fruit	10	Infused with antioxidants and Vitamin C/E, low sugar.
Propel	Natural flavors	Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium	0	Zero calories, enhanced with electrolytes and B vitamins.

How to Choose the Right Flavored Water for You

Read the Ingredient List: Prioritize brands with the shortest ingredient lists. The healthiest options contain water and natural flavorings from fruit essences or juice, and nothing else.
Check for Added Sugar: Always inspect the nutrition facts for added sugar. A truly healthy flavored water should contain zero grams of added sugar.
Consider Sweetener Alternatives: If you need sweetness, look for products that use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. However, be aware that some people are sensitive to these and may prefer a completely unsweetened option.
Evaluate Enhanced Features: Determine if you truly need the extra electrolytes or vitamins found in some brands. For most people, a simple, low-calorie option is sufficient for daily hydration.
Think About Packaging: For the environmentally conscious, consider brands that use sustainable packaging, like Spindrift's cans or JUST Water's paper cartons.

Making Your Own Flavored Water

For the ultimate control over ingredients, you can make your own flavored water at home. This allows you to avoid all artificial additives and control the intensity of the flavor. Some popular combinations include:

Cucumber and Mint: For a classic, spa-like refreshment.
Lemon and Ginger: Great for digestion and a bit of a zesty kick.
Strawberry and Basil: A sweet and herbaceous blend.
Raspberry and Lime: A tangy, fruity combination.

Conclusion: So, What is the Healthiest Brand of Flavored Water?

The search for the single healthiest brand of flavored water leads to a simple truth: the healthiest option is the one with the fewest, most natural ingredients. Brands like Spindrift, Hint, Waterloo, and LaCroix stand out as top contenders due to their minimal, zero-sugar, and zero-additive formulations. Spindrift, which uses real fruit juice, offers a richer taste experience, while Hint, LaCroix, and Waterloo provide a crisp, essence-based flavor. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preference for sparkling versus still water and your desired flavor profile. By reading the label and prioritizing real, simple ingredients, you can confidently choose a healthier option to stay hydrated. For the absolute healthiest and most customizable drink, however, creating your own infused water at home remains the gold standard.

Visit Healthline for more detailed health food comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, flavored water is just as hydrating as plain water, as its primary component is water. The added flavors do not inhibit the body's hydration process.

Some flavored waters, especially those with citrus flavors or carbonation, can be acidic and potentially wear down tooth enamel over time. Opting for non-carbonated, non-citrus-flavored, and sugar-free varieties can help minimize this risk.

Both are healthy options. Spindrift uses a small amount of real fruit juice and puree, giving it a richer flavor and slightly more calories. Hint uses fruit essences, resulting in zero calories and no sweetness. The 'healthier' option depends on personal preference for taste and calorie content.

The healthiest way is by infusing plain water with fresh ingredients such as sliced fruits, vegetables like cucumber, or herbs like mint and basil. This ensures zero calories, sugar, or artificial additives.

Look for a short ingredient list that ideally contains only water and natural fruit essences or juice. Ensure the label clearly states "zero sugar" or uses natural, non-caloric sweeteners like stevia.

Yes, zero-calorie flavored water can be a helpful tool for weight loss. It provides a satisfying alternative to high-sugar sodas and juices, helping to reduce overall calorie intake and curb cravings.

Many popular flavored water enhancers on the market contain artificial sweeteners like sucralose. However, there are healthier, natural alternatives available, such as drops sweetened with stevia or monk fruit, so it's important to read the labels carefully.