Sucralose-Free Water Flavorings for Refreshing Hydration

Water flavorings without sucralose are usually sweetened with stevia or monk fruit. Although, some use vegetable juices or even agave to sweeten their sucralose-free drops. Those sweetened with stevia or monk fruit are usually calorie-free, while those with fruits or vegetables can have up to 10 calories per serving.

Looking to elevate the taste of your water without relying on sucralose or Splenda? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we unveil a selection of water flavorings that will invigorate your hydration routine with natural and delicious flavors. Say farewell to plain water and say hello to a burst of refreshing tastes that are free from the concerns associated with sucralose.

From zesty citrus blends to soothing cucumber-mint fusions, these water flavorings provide a refreshing alternative sucralose-sweetened water. We know it’s irritating to have to check the label before you buy, so our detailed list has you covered.

Pros and Cons of Sucralose

Sucralose might offer the double advantage of being calorie-free while also not impacting blood sugar levels, but it’s important to understand both the positive and negative effects associated with its consumption and how it can affect you (before you have it in your drink).

Many believe sucralose might be the worst sugar alcohol out there – and if you didn’t know, sucralose is also known as Splenda, although Splenda also contains dextrose and maltodextrin (so it’s even sweeter).

Positive Effects

1. Calorie Control

One of the main advantages of sucralose is that it is calorie-free.

It provides a sweet taste without adding extra calories to your diet, making it better option than sugar if you are managing your weight or aiming to reduce your overall caloric intake.

2. Blood Sugar Regulation

Sucralose does not affect blood sugar levels, which makes it a suitable alternative if you have diabetes or need to monitor your blood glucose.

Negative Effects

1. Gastrointestinal Distress

Many of us can experience some nasty gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea after consuming products containing sucralose (or splenda).

Although, these symptoms are usually mild and obviously vary from person to person.

2. Metabolic Effects

Research suggests that artificial sweeteners, including sucralose, may influence our metabolic processes and gut microbiota.

These effects include changing how we metabolize glucose, and also how our body reacts to insulin.

3. Overly Sweet

Sucralose-sweetened beverages are far too sweet. In fact, sucralose is 600 times sweeter than normal table sugar.

This affects our taste buds, and changes how we taste everything we eat and drink.

Considerations For Specific Groups

Health Conditions

People with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder, should avoid sucralose, as it contains phenylalanine.

PKU sufferers cannot properly metabolize phenylalanine, which can lead to serious complications.

Medication Interactions

Certain medications, such as anticoagulants, may interact with sucralose.

It’s always best to consult your healthcare professional to determine if any medications you’re taking could be affected by the consumption of sucralose.

Water Flavorings Without Sucralose (Or Splenda)

We know it’s frustrating to have to read the nutrition label on everything before you buy it, so we’ve put together a list of the best tasting water flavorings available that don’t contain sucralose – so you don’t end up buying the wrong one (like Mio, Welch’s, Klass Aguas Frescas, Crush) by mistake.

1. SweetLeaf Monk fruit Water Enhancer

SweetLeaf needs no introduction – It’s well known for its stevia-sweetened water drops. But their new organic monk fruit liquid adds a whole new range of sweet water flavors that will brighten your day.

It’s also certified organic, and is sodium, cholesterol and calorie free making it a healthier option than several other brands of water flavor packets.

Our favorite thing about SweetLeaf’s monk fruit water enhancer though, is that it is nowhere near as sweet as most other water flavorings, especially anything made with sucralose. Monk fruit is still sweeter than sugar though – so maybe add a drop at a time, till you reach the sweetness that you like.

It’s actually around 100 to 200 times sweeter than sugar, but sucralose is a whopping 600 times sweeter! So just remember, if you are used to the sweetness of sucralose then you may need to use more drops than it says on the packet – but try to reduce it to a single serving if you can.

Flavors: Strawberry Guava • Orange Passionfruit • Old Fashioned Lemonade 

Pros:

• Calorie, carb, GMO, and gluten-free
• 80 servings per bottle
• BPA-free squeeze bottle
• Organic

Cons:

• The Old Fashioned Lemonade flavor doesn’t really taste like lemonade at all (choose another flavor!)

2. True Citrus Water Flavor Packets

True Citrus is a water flavoring free of all artificial sweeteners, not just sucralose. In fact, it doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives or colors.

Each packet uses all-natural ingredients like beet powder and lime juice. You actually “Get real flavor from real fruit”.

They also make a True Lemon for Kids – but remember their products do contain cane sugar (and calories).

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

Pros:

• Free from artificial colors, preservatives and sweeteners
• Prepared with natural ingredients

Cons:

• Packets aren’t as convenient as squeezable bottles
• Not calorie or sugar-free

3. Stur Liquid Water Enhancer

Stur liquid water enhancers are water flavoring drops free of sucralose, and all other artificial sweeteners or any other artificial ingredients for that matter.

Instead, this water enhancer is naturally flavored, colored, and sweetened with Stevia extracts, and fruit and vegetable juices.

A secret most people don’t know, is that Stur water enhancer contains 100% of our daily vitamin C needs in every serving.

The flavor options also satisfy almost any preference – my favorite is Strawberry Watermelon though.

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

Pros:

• Calorie-free
• Keto-friendly and Kosher
• 100 servings per bottle

Cons:

• Some complaints of an unpleasant aftertaste and weak flavor 

4. SweetLeaf WaterDrops

SweetLeaf’s WaterDrops, just like their monk fruit liquid, don’t contain sucralose, and are sweetened by Stevia Leaf extract instead.

These drops come in a larger range of fruity flavors than their monk fruit cousin, and are also free of calories and carbs.

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

Pros:

• Calories, carb, GMO, and gluten-free
• BPA-free squeeze bottle

Cons:

• Only 48 servings per bottle
• Some reports that their flavors aren’t strong enough and are too sweet

5. H2wOw Water Enhancer Drops

H2wOw water enhancer drops are sweetened, flavored, and colored with natural ingredients like agave so rest easy knowing they’re a sucralose-free water flavoring.

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

Pros:

• Made from 100% all-natural ingredients
• Added mineral electrolytes for hydration

Cons:

• Contains calories (but just 3 calories per serving)

6. Clear Theory Water Flavoring Drops 

You don’t need to fret about sucralose when it comes to Clear Theory water flavoring drops. In fact, you don’t need to worry about any artificial ingredients – because it doesn’t have any!

Only electrolytes and some zinc are added to boost your hydration while you’re on the go. 

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

Pros:

• Gluten, GMO, and caffeine-free 
• Vegan and kosher-friendly

Cons:

• Contains 20 calories per serving

7. SweetLeaf Liquid Stevia Flavoring

Instead of being sweetened with sucralose, SweetLeaf is sweetened with nothing but organic stevia leaf extract. 

This sweetener offers a few different flavors and you can use it to flavor your oatmeal, yogurt, and smoothies – not just your water!

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

Pros:

• Gluten, GMO, potassium, and caffeine-free
• Zero carbs with a non-glycemic response to avoid blood sugar fluctuations

Cons:

• It comes in glass bottles that can break easily during delivery.