Naturally Sweet Water Flavorings Without Artificial Sweeteners

To lower sugar intake while still satisfying a pesky sweet tooth, we often turn to drinks flavored with artificial sweeteners. However, artificial sweeteners may come with their own health risks and warnings. Water flavorings without artificial sweeteners are a good choice when aiming to limit your intake of sweeteners.

Artificial sweeteners are associated with several negative health effects, and many of us want to avoid them altogether. Choosing more natural products though can sometimes prove difficult.

Ahead, learn what qualifies artificial sweeteners and their potential uses and concerns. If choosing to limit artificial sweeteners, or simply want a naturally-sweetened hydration option, try the curated list of brands of water flavoring without artificial sweeteners.

Types of Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are as the name suggests—artificial, or manmade, sweeteners synthetically made in a lab. They are also known as nonnutritive sweeteners, as they do not provide calories, sugar or any sort of nutritional value. 

As a replacement for traditional table sugar, artificial sweeteners are used to enhance the flavor of food and drink products.

In fact, they can be over 200 times sweeter than traditional table sugar! 

According to Johns Hopkins, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates artificial sweeteners as food additives. The FDA has approved the following types of artificial sweeteners: 

• Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K)
• Advantame
• Aspartame
• Neotame
• Saccharin
• Sucralose

Stevia

Most wonder if Stevia is considered an artificial sweetener although according to Consumer Reports, it is mostly considered a natural sweetener since it is made from a plant. Like any food or drink product, it’s up to the consumer’s discretion on whether or not they wish to consume Stevia.

However, we will qualify Stevia as a natural sweetener and include Stevia products in our water flavoring without artificial sweeteners list. 

Potential Benefits & Risks of Artificial Sweeteners

While artificial sweeteners are generally considered safe, we should approach them cautiously because of possible side effects.

However, knowing what the research actually shows about the impact of artificial sweeteners can help you determine if they are right for you.

Potential benefits of artificial sweeteners:

• Assists with weight management, as they do not add sugars or calories
• Lowers the risk of chronic disease related to high sugar intake
• Controls blood sugar thanks to their lower glycemic response 

Common risks and concerns of artificial sweeteners:

• Causes digestive stress such as excessive bloating and gas
• Increases the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases*

*It is important to note most of the concerns related to artificial sweeteners, cancer, and other conditions are based on animal studies. There has not been much long-term research done on the effects in humans.

Researchers and health enthusiasts also suggest that it’s safer to consume artificial sweeteners compared to sugar. This is because ongoing evidence suggests high sugar intake does increase the risk of chronic health conditions. 

Overall, just like any food and drink product, practice moderation to maximize the potential benefit and lower their associated risks.

If you are uncertain if artificial sweeteners and other sugar alternatives are right for you, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. 

Best Brands of Water Flavorings Without Artificial Sweeteners

With the help of Amazon, we have rounded up 5+ water flavorings without artificial sweeteners. Each brand offers various flavors, so you are sure to find one (or several!) options you will enjoy sipping on. 

1. SweetLeaf Liquid Stevia Flavoring

Instead of being sweetened with artificial sweeteners, SweetLeaf is sweetened with organic stevia leaf extract.  The sweetener offers various flavor options and applications to use beyond flavoring water, including in oatmeal, yogurt, and smoothies.  

Flavors: Cinnamon • Chocolate raspberry • Coconut • Lemon • Berry

Pros:

• Sweetened with Stevia 
• Versatile use such as in oatmeal, yogurt, and smoothies 
• Zero carbs with a non-glycemic response to avoid blood sugar fluctuations
• Free of gluten, GMOs, potassium, and caffeine

Cons:

• The two-piece glass bottle it is packaged in comes with a higher risk of breaking and spilling

2. Stur Liquid Water Enhancer

Stur liquid water enhancers are drops of water flavoring free of artificial sweeteners and any other artificial ingredients.

Instead, the water enhancers are naturally flavored, colored, and sweetened with fruit and vegetable juices and Stevia extracts. Flavor options are also available to satisfy any preference. 

Flavors: Blue and blackberry • Fruit punch • Lemonade • Pomegranate cranberry • Strawberry watermelon • Coconut pineapple

Pros:

• Naturally colored and flavored 
• Makes 100, 8-oz flavored water drinks
• Can be used in various applications, including in sparkling water, smoothies, and yogurt
• Comes with a Satisfaction Guarantee

Cons:

• Some complaints of an unpleasant aftertaste and weak flavor 

3. SweetLeaf WaterDrops

SweetLeaf’s WaterDrops do not contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame.

The drops come in various fruity flavors and are free of calories and carbs. The best part is that a single bottle has 48 servings – way more than most competitors.

Flavors: Lemon-lime • Mixed berry • Strawberry kiwi • Tropical punch • Raspberry lemonade 

Pros:

• Does not contain calories, carbs, GMOs, and gluten
• 48 servings per bottle
• BPA-free squeeze bottle

Cons:

• Some reports that the flavors lack their intended flavor and are too sweet

4. H2wOw Water Enhancer Drops

H2wOw water enhancer drops are sweetened, flavored, and colored with natural ingredients so rest easy knowing they’re free of artificial sweeteners.

Flavors: Lime ginger • Cucumber lemongrass • Lemon spearmint • Watermelon honeydew

Pros:

• Does not contain artificial ingredients (Made with 100% all-natural ingredients)
• Unique flavor combinations
• Added mineral electrolytes to optimize hydration

Cons:

• H2wOw contains calories and a touch of sugar from agave, although minimal 

5. True Citrus Water Flavor Packets

True Citrus is a water flavoring free of artificial sweeteners and other artificial preservatives.

Each packet contains all-natural ingredients like lime juice, beet powder, and spirulina. “Get real flavor from real fruit” in various natural flavors.

Flavors: Watermelon limeade • Strawberry lemonade • Mango orangeade • Original limeade • Black Cherry limeade

Pros:

• Does not contain artificial preservatives
• Prepared with natural ingredients

Cons:

• Packets might not be as convenient as squeezable bottles
• Contains 10 calories per packet

6. Clear Theory Water Flavoring Drops 

Clear Theory water flavoring drops offer 100% transparent hydration, so no need to fret about artificial ingredients like artificial sweeteners.

Electrolytes and zinc are also added for the ultimate hydration on the go. 

Flavors: Watermelon berry • Orange vanilla • Blue raspberry • Fruit punch

Pros:

• Does not contain gluten, GMOs, and caffeine 
• Vegan and kosher-friendly

Cons:

• Does contain 20 calories per serving, which totals 160 calories per bottle

Related Questions

Is there flavored water without artificial sweeteners? 

In addition to flavored water enhancers, there are prepackaged bottles that offer flavor and sweetness without the use of artificial sweeteners. Some examples of flavored water without artificial sweeteners include JUST Water, Bai, and Wanu Water. 

How can I sweeten my water without artificial sweeteners?

Instead of using artificial sweeteners, you can sweeten your water with natural sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup. To add a pop of flavor, squeeze juice from fruits or veggies like cucumbers, lemons, limes, and oranges. You can also muddle fresh herbs like mint and rosemary to enhance the flavor.  

When using natural sweeteners, it’s important to realize that even though they are “natural,” they are still pure sources of sugar and carbohydrates. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends men limit added sugar intake to no more than 36 grams per day (9 teaspoons) while women limit intake to 25 grams per day (6 teaspoons).