I could not fit all the water alternative drinks in one picture. It’s at least 2 aisles in the grocery store these days. There are SO many beverage options on the market and while drinking plain H20 is the most nutritious, simple, and not to mention cheapest, option it’s fun to switch it up. For me, I like to have a fun non alcoholic option in the evening while making dinner and unwinding. I’ve a lot of the alcohol free (AF) options on the market and honestly I haven’t found a decent option. I’ve tried a lot of AF wines, HOPS water, and even fancy canned mocktails, and I always just prefer a La Croix!
I had a request for a blog post to round up some healthy non water, and alcohol free beverages. Think something you might sip on while making dinner instead of wine. Once again this is based on nutrition facts, not taste. I haven’t tried them all, so I can’t speak to taste on them, but will note taste if I have tried.
When looking at a nutrition label for a beverage like this, ideally the added sugar is less than 5 grams. Plain sparkling water is always going to be the healthiest option because it’s just carbonated water, but here are options when you’re sick of your Spinrdrift and staring blankly at the above aisle in the grocery store.
In no particular order, here are 10 healthy alternatives to water.
Poppi
We always have Poppi in our house. We get a cases from Costco and orange is my favorite flavor. I’ll sometimes mix my magnesium powder into a cherry lime one while cooking dinner in the evening. With only 25 calories and 4 grams of added sugar per can this is a pretty good option.
Olipop
Poppi’s #1 rival is Olipop, which is also sold at Costco. The nutrition facts are similar to Poppi with 35-45 calories, 9 grams fiber, and 2-3 grams added sugar. I really like the tropical punch flavor.
Wildwonder
I had a chance to try these at the Food and Nutrition conference I attended last year and really enjoyed the taste. These are a little on the $$ side though. They are 40 calories and 5 grams of added sugar, and 5 grams fiber per can.
Liquid Death
OK hear me out. At first I never gave these drinks a second glance because they looked like crazy energy drinks. They have a very intimidating name and label; however, nutritionally they are pretty legit for their flavored sparkling water. With 20 calories, and 4 grams of added sugar, this is a good alternative if you don’t want a probiotic soda drink. They have a flavored sparkling water in lime, melon, and mango flavors. They have some vitamin enhanced teas that are higher in sugar.
Zevia
This is like the OG “healthy” diet soda. These have been around for a long time. They are sweetened with stevia (instead of aspartame like Diet Coke) and contain zero calories or sugar. They do have a strong stevia aftertaste, so if that’s something you’re into then give these a shot.
Culture Pop Soda
I wish Costco would sell these! Culture pop are my favorite probiotic soda. The flavor is much more subtle than Poppi or Olipop. Most flavors contain around 45 calories and 0 added sugar. I honestly love all the flavors too. I treat myself to a few cans when I’m at Whole Foods 😉
Kevita
This is another probiotic drink with only 25 calories and 2 grams of added sugar per bottle. I really like the flavor of most Kevita drinks and it’s a good alternative to higher sugar kombucha drinks. You can find at most grocery stores including Target.
Humm Probiotic Kombucha
Most kombucha on the market has a lot of added sugar in it. These Humm kombucha drinks have no added sugar and only 10 calories. I haven’t tried them yet, but definitely plan to!
HOP water
A friend recommended I try these and while they aren’t terrible, I don’t LOVE the taste. Obviously they have a hoppy flavor, so if you’re a beer drinker you may enjoy these more than I do. Nutritionally they are great. They are zero calories and sugar and contain adaptogens and L-theanine to help chill you out 😉
Recess
These “mood” drinks are pretty good. Nutritionally they only have 20 calories and zero grams of added sugar. They have added in a magnesium blend, L-theanine, and lemon balm for a relaxing drink. They taste pretty good too. I have tired the Recess canned mocktails and those are a pass for me! I prefer these. They are on the pricier side though!
xx, A
