10 Best Flavored Water Packets of 2024 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed)

The bland, boring taste of water makes it challenging for many people to meet their daily recommendation of fluid intake. But flavored water packets can help make your water become much more flavorful. And there are a variety of flavors for you to choose from. 

If you want something bold and refreshing, you can go for a tangy citrus flavor like lemonade or limenade. If you love the taste of tea but can't process caffeine, opt for a tea flavor. 

Besides those common flavors, there are also interesting ones like margarita, pina colada, and strawberry daiquiri to bring you a (non-alcoholic) tropical taste sensation. Craving something sweet and indulgent? Go for a candy-like flavor. Really, the flavor options are limitless, so explore!  

Flavored water packets can be made with artificial or natural flavors. In case you don't know, artificial flavors can be derived from inedible substances such as petroleum, while natural ones can come from animals, vegetables, and fruits. 

However, don't immediately jump to the conclusion that artificial flavors are worse than natural flavors! Both of them are actually synthesized in the laboratories and might have the same chemical composition. So technically, they're not that different. 

Don't worry that much about the health consequences of flavors. They're generally safe for you if consumed in an appropriate amount. 

But if you want to make sure that your mix tastes natural, you can go for products that are infused with real fruit juice or oil. You might want to check more reviews to see what people think about the flavor of the product as well! 

Some flavored water packets don't just transform the taste of your plain water. They're actually fortified with vitamins and minerals to bring you extra health benefits and give you a quick boost in energy. This kind of vitamin-infused product would be perfect to fuel your workout!

There are mixes containing caffeine as well to help you combat your afternoon slump and stay focused on the tasks at hand. Keep an eye out for those if you need a little help to improve your concentration. 

However, don't think that these mixes can give you all the nutrients you need. In fact, their nutritional values are not enough to make up for unhealthy meals, and it's still vital to have a balanced diet. They're just a way to help you increase your water intake and make your water become more enjoyable.  

The majority of flavored water packets are sugar-free and can help satisfy your cravings for sugar-laden sodas. So how are they sweetened? Usually, the sweetness comes from either artificial or natural sweeteners. 

Frequently-used artificial sweeteners include sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium. Some common natural sweeteners that you're likely to encounter are stevia leaf extract and erythritol. These are all zero-calorie and won't increase your blood sugar level.

However, don't overconsume those sweeteners! Even though they don't contain any calories and can fit in many strict diets, they can lead to some health issues if consumed excessively.

Particularly, artificial sweeteners can contribute to type 2 diabetes, whilst natural sweeteners like stevia have been associated with low blood pressure. So try to consume them in moderation to protect your health!

Also, those sweeteners might have an unpleasant aftertaste. If you don't mind sugar, choose products sweetened with cane sugar for a natural taste!