What is the Healthiest Flavoured Drink?

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Heart Foundation, water is the best drink for heart health. For those seeking an alternative to plain water, a naturally flavoured drink can offer a refreshing and nutrient-rich option without excessive sugar. So, what is the healthiest flavoured drink?

Quick Summary

This guide covers the healthiest flavoured drink options, including homemade infused waters, natural teas, and electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water. It emphasizes avoiding high-sugar and artificial ingredient products by examining nutritional content and preparation methods.

Key Points

Homemade is best: Naturally flavoured, homemade drinks using fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs are the healthiest option.
Avoid added sugars and artificial sweeteners: Many commercial products contain unnecessary additives that can harm your health and teeth.
Read the labels carefully: Watch out for misleading health claims and check the ingredient list for hidden sugars and artificial ingredients.
Consider green tea and kombucha: Both offer valuable health benefits, such as antioxidants and probiotics, but choose low-sugar, natural options.
Rehydrate with coconut water: For an electrolyte boost, 100% pure coconut water is an excellent, natural choice.
Infuse your own water: It is simple and customizable to make your own infused water, allowing for endless flavour combinations.

Why Natural Flavors Are Superior

When considering what is the healthiest flavoured drink, the source of the flavour is the most important factor. Many commercial products use artificial sweeteners, colours, and excessive added sugars to enhance taste. While these may offer a low-calorie alternative to sugary soda, their long-term health effects are still under investigation and some are linked to concerns regarding gut health and metabolic function.

Naturally flavoured drinks, created with real fruits, vegetables, and herbs, provide taste without these potential drawbacks. Infusing your own water or opting for natural, minimally processed options ensures you control the ingredients, avoiding unnecessary additives. This approach not only provides a refreshing taste but can also contribute small amounts of beneficial vitamins and antioxidants, supporting overall wellness.

Comparing Natural and Artificial Flavoured Drinks


Feature	Homemade Naturally Infused Water	Commercial Artificial Flavoured Water	Sugary Soda
Ingredients	Water, fresh fruits, herbs	Water, artificial flavourings, artificial sweeteners, colors	Water, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, phosphoric acid
Sugar Content	Zero added sugar	Typically zero added sugar, but uses artificial sweeteners	Very high; 50g+ per 17oz bottle
Nutritional Value	Small amounts of vitamins/antioxidants from infusion	Often fortified with added vitamins/minerals	None; considered "empty calories"
Impact on Teeth	Mildly acidic depending on ingredients (e.g., lemon)	Mildly acidic due to additives like citric acid	Very acidic, high risk of tooth decay
Cost	Low cost, uses common pantry items	Varies, can be more expensive than tap water	Varies, can be expensive over time

Top Contenders for the Healthiest Flavoured Drink

Several options stand out as strong contenders for the healthiest flavoured drink title, all built on a foundation of natural ingredients.

Fruit and Herb-Infused Water: This is arguably the purest and healthiest option. Simply adding slices of fruits like lemon, berries, or cucumber along with herbs such as mint, basil, or rosemary to plain water creates a subtly flavoured, zero-calorie beverage. It encourages hydration by making water more appealing and offers trace vitamins from the infused ingredients.
Kombucha: As a fermented tea, kombucha is packed with probiotics that support gut health. While commercial kombuchas vary in sugar content, opting for naturally fermented, low-sugar versions can be a great choice for digestive wellness. It provides a tangy, fizzy alternative to soda.
Green Tea: Both hot and cold-brewed green tea offer a host of antioxidants and health benefits, including supporting heart health and regulating blood sugar. To keep it healthy, avoid adding sugar or artificial sweeteners and opt for a squeeze of lemon for flavour instead.
Coconut Water: For post-workout hydration, coconut water is naturally sweet and rich in electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. Be sure to choose 100% coconut water with no added sugars or flavourings for the healthiest option.
Beet Juice: This colourful juice is high in dietary nitrates and antioxidants, which may help lower blood pressure and boost athletic performance. Since it is naturally lower in sugar than many fruit juices, it's a nutritionally dense choice.

Making Your Own Infused Water

Making your own naturally flavoured water is simple and allows for endless creativity. Here is a quick guide to getting started with infused water.

Select Your Base: Start with fresh, clean tap water or sparkling water for a refreshing fizz.
Chop Your Ingredients: Thinly slice or gently muddle your chosen fruits, vegetables, and herbs to release their flavour more effectively.
Combine and Infuse: Add your ingredients to a pitcher or a large jar. Fill with water and let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a more intense flavour.
Experiment with Combinations: Some popular and healthy combinations include:
- Cucumber and Mint: A classic, cooling, and hydrating mix.
- Lemon and Ginger: Supports digestion and adds a zesty kick.
- Strawberry and Basil: A subtly sweet and aromatic pairing.
- Orange and Rosemary: A vibrant citrus taste with an earthy, herbal note.
Refill and Re-use: You can often refill the pitcher with water one or two times before needing to replace the ingredients. Consume within 24 hours for the best taste and freshness.

What to Watch Out For

Even with "health-focused" options, it's crucial to read labels carefully. Many commercial products, including flavoured waters, iced teas, and juices, contain hidden sugars and artificial additives. Phrases like "fruit drink" or "juice cocktail" are often red flags, indicating high sugar content. Pay attention to the ingredient list and the nutrition facts panel to identify any unnecessary ingredients that detract from the drink's health benefits. Choosing products with 100% real juice, no added sugars, and natural flavourings is always the best path.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Healthiest Flavoured Drink

The ultimate healthiest flavoured drink is the one you make yourself. Homemade fruit and herb-infused water offers the purest, most customizable, and most hydrating option, free from added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. While other beverages like green tea, kombucha, and coconut water can be excellent choices, they should be consumed with an understanding of their nutritional profile and ingredient list. By taking control of your hydration with natural ingredients, you can satisfy your taste buds and support your health in the most beneficial way possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

The healthiest way to flavour water is by infusing it with fresh, natural ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This method adds taste without any added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives.

While flavoured waters with artificial sweeteners are typically low in calories, the long-term health effects of these additives are still debated. Some studies raise concerns about their impact on gut health and metabolism.

100% fruit juice is a better choice than sugary soda because it contains vitamins and minerals. However, it is high in sugar and low in fiber compared to whole fruit, so it should be consumed in moderation.

To make infused water, simply add thinly sliced fruits (like lemon or berries) and herbs (like mint or basil) to a pitcher of water. Let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to release the flavours.

For exercise, healthy alternatives to traditional sports drinks include 100% coconut water for electrolytes or a homemade concoction of water, a pinch of salt, and a small amount of juice.

Kombucha is a fermented tea with gut-friendly probiotics. It can be a healthy option, but you should choose varieties that are naturally fermented and low in added sugar.

Adding lemon to water provides a dose of vitamin C and antioxidants. While it's a healthy way to add flavour, consistent, frequent consumption can be acidic and potentially harm tooth enamel.