The 12 Best Water Flavorings Without Aspartame

Water flavorings without aspartame may still be sweetened with artificial sweeteners. Many use sucralose to sweeten their flavors. However, there are some brands that create water flavorings naturally sweetened with stevia leaf extract, fruits or even agave.

From obesity to type 2 diabetes, the health risks of excess sugar intake are well-known. Eliminating sugary drinks is recommended to reduce the sugar in our diets. However, drinks sweetened with artificial sweeteners like aspartame come with their own set of health concerns. 

Ahead, learn what the research shows about the effects of aspartame and how to hydrate without worry. Whether you enjoy traditional fruity flavors or unique combos, we have rounded up 10+ water flavorings sure to satisfy your preference(s)!

The Effects Of Aspartame Intake

Aspartame is a type of low-calorie sweetener, meaning it does not supply added sugar or calories when used in small amounts. It also tastes about 200 times sweeter compared to traditional table sugar, so only a small amount is needed to sweeten a food or beverage. 

Despite being so widely available and consumed, the safety of aspartame is still highly debated.

Some research suggests aspartame may aid in weight loss while others claim it could even lead to weight gain and negatively impact metabolic rate and glucose regulation. 

Perhaps one of the most concerning claims of aspartame relates to a possible increase in the risk of cancer. While some evidence has linked aspartame intake and cancer in rats, no human studies have shown this link. 

Should you avoid aspartame?

Like most food and drinks in the health world, moderation is key. And, ultimately, the choice is yours as a consumer whether or not you wish to consume certain products, including ones containing aspartame. 

However, health experts do warn people with phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid aspartame.

This is because aspartame contains phenylalanine and a rigorous, lifelong low-phenylalanine diet is the principal treatment option for PKU.

Some people taking blood pressure medications are also advised to avoid it.

How can you limit and/or avoid aspartame consumption?

The best way to limit and/or avoid aspartame is by knowing which products contain it. Use these tips to ensure you are in control of your consumption:

• Look for “No Artificial Sweeteners” on the product label.

• Use the Ingredients label and avoid products with listing “aspartame” and its brand names Nutrasweet®, Equal®, and Sugar Twin®.

• Go for naturally-sweetened products, including with natural fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates. 

For whatever reason you choose or need to limit or avoid aspartame, take a sip of the following water flavorings without aspartame. 

Water Flavoring Without Aspartame

With the help of Amazon, we have rounded up 10+ water flavorings without aspartame. Various flavor options are ahead, so you are sure to find at least one flavor to enjoy! 

1. Hydrate Electrolyte Liquid Drink Enhancer Drops

Hydrate electrolyte liquid drink enhancer drops are free of aspartame but still offer a sweet mixed berry flavor. Supplying quick-dissolving electrolytes and B vitamins, the liquid enhancer drops are great for athletes and health enthusiasts on the go.

This water flavoring is sweetened with sucralose and sucrose, and also contains the essential minerals potassium and sodium.

Flavor: Mixed berry

Pros:

• Free of artificial ingredients like food coloring
• Supplies and replenishes essential electrolytes, especially when lost in sweat
• Quickly dissolves, especially compared to most powdered electrolytes
• Compact size to replace bulk sports drinks

Cons: 

• Excess electrolyte intake can cause unpleasant side effects like muscle weakness and vomiting
• Some consumers report weak taste
• Weak taste according to some consumers

2. SweetLeaf Liquid Stevia Flavoring

SweetLeaf’s liquid stevia is free of aspartame and sweetened with natural ingredients, including organic stevia leaf extract. Various flavor options and applications to use beyond flavoring your water, including enhancing the flavor of oatmeal with pumpkin spice and yogurt with chocolate raspberry. 

With just 4 ingredients SweetLeaf’s is one of the healthiest water flavoring available.

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

Pros:

• All flavors are sugar-free
• 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:

• Glass bottle could be easier to break

3. Stur Liquid Water Enhancer

Stur liquid water enhancers are naturally flavored, colored, and sweetened with fruit and vegetable juices plus Stevia extracts. So rest easy knowing your flavored water will not contain aspartame.

This brand of water flavoring also comes in a large range of flavors (including exotic, tropical fruits) to satisfy any flavor 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 also be added to sparkling water, smoothies, and yogurt
• Satisfaction Guarantee

Cons:

• Some complaints of an unpleasant aftertaste and weak flavor 

4. SweetLeaf WaterDrops

SweetLeaf’s WaterDrops are free of artificial ingredients, including aspartame. The drops come in various fruity flavors and do not contain calories or carbs.

This water flavoring is also made from non-genetically modified organisms (Non-GMO) and is kosher and gluten-free. It ticks all the boxes!

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

Pros:

• No artificial ingredients
• Does not contain calories, carbs, GMOs or gluten
• 48 servings per bottle
• BPA-free squeeze bottle

Cons:

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

5. H2wOw Water Enhancer Drops

Sweetened, flavored, and colored with natural ingredients, there is no worry about aspartame or any other artificial ingredients in H2wOw water enhancer drops.

H2wow are pretty special. They use agave and a touch of stevia leaf extract to sweeten the drops, no other brand we could find used this unique combination to flavor water.

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

Pros:

• Does not contain artificial ingredients, including aspartame
• 100% all-natural ingredients 
• Added mineral electrolytes to optimize hydration

Cons:

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

6. Clear Theory Water Flavoring Drops 

Clear Theory water flavoring drops offer 100% transparent hydration, so no need to fret about aspartame and other artificial ingredients. meaning no artificial color and no artificial ingredients.

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

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

Pros:

• Free of artificial colors
• Does not contain gluten, GMOs, and caffeine 
• Vegan and kosher-friendly

Cons:

• Does contain 20 calories per serving, totaling 160 calories per bottle

7. True Citrus Water Flavor Packets

True Citrus water flavors packets are free of aspartame 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 that you are sure to enjoy.

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

Pros:

• Does not contain artificial preservatives 
• Prepared with natural ingredients
• All citrus flavors are free of potassium

Cons:

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

8. Crush Liquid Water Enhancer

Crush water enhancers are free of aspartame, as well as caffeine, sugar, and even calories. This water flavoring will crush your cravings with several fruity flavors!

This water flavoring has 2 big wins:

1. Each bottle makes 96 drinks
2. The flavors are similar to a lot of sodas, making it a great soda-alternative

Flavors: Orange • Pineapple • Grape • Strawberry • Watermelon

Pros:

• Free of sugar, calories, and caffeine 
• Offers a satisfaction, money-back guarantee 

Cons:

• Only option is to purchase in bulk 

9. Klass Aguas Frescas Water Enhancers

Klass Aguas Frescas water enhancers offer flavorful hydration without the use of aspartame. Various flavors are available, all of which are free of calories and made with natural ingredients.

However, this water flavoring does use sucralose (an artificial sweetener) as well as stevia to sweeten its flavors. It also uses artificial coloring, including Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6 and Blue Dye 1.

On the plus side, Klass water flavorings come in some unique and delicious flavors.

Flavors: Pineapple tangerine • Cucumber limeade • Hibiscus berry • Strawberry watermelon

Pros:

• All flavors are free of calories 

Cons:

• Complaints about damaged and leaky bottles (but packets are also available) 

10. Welch’s Water Drink Mix

Welch’s water drink mixes are free of aspartame and contain only five calories per packet.

Thirst-quenching welch flavors are available without sugar, and use sucralose (an artificial sweetener) to sweeten their drink mixes.

Flavors: Cherry pomegranate • Grape • Passionfruit • Strawberry peach

Pros:

• Free of added sugars
• Only 5 calories per packet

Cons:

• Sold by cases, including 12 boxes with each box containing 6 packets – might not be ideal for anyone just wanting to try the product

11. MiO Water Enhancers 

MiO water enhancers are quick-dissolving water flavoring without aspartame.

The liquid water drink mix is easily portable so you can enjoy sugar-free, zero-calorie hydration on-the-go.

Flavors: Strawberry watermelon • Energy black cherry • Blue citrus • Tropical fusion

Pros:

• Sugar-free and zero-calorie
• Quickly dissolves and mixes in water
• Added B vitamins

Water Purification Guide has detailed information on the possible health benefits and risks of Mio Water enhancers available here.

12. Sparkling ICE Sparkling Water

Sparkling Ice offers sparkling water in 20+ aspartame-free flavors, including with caffeinated options.

All flavors are also sugar-free and contain minimal calories, as well as vitamins and antioxidants. 

Flavors: Strawberry lemonade • Black cherry • Coconut pineapple • Orange mango • Pink grapefruit • Crisp apple • Ginger lime • Grape raspberry

Pros:

• Low-calorie and zero carb
• Other nutrients added, including vitamins and D
• Caffeinated options available 

Cons: 

• Some reports of water not being carbonated following delivery

Related Questions

Does all flavored water have aspartame?

There are several brands of flavored water that do not contain aspartame. Aspartame-free options are usually available in a wide variety of flavors and contain little to no calories, sugars or any other unwanted ingredients. Most are naturally sweetened with either sugar or stevia leaf extract.

Choose any (or all!) of the above options to enjoy flavorful hydration without aspartame. 

Does Bubly Water have aspartame?

According to the Bubly official website, their products do not contain aspartame – “no calories. no sweeteners. all smiles.” Choose from various aspartame-free sparkling water flavors, including lime, grapefruit, strawberry, orange, lemon, cherry, apple, mango, blackberry, peach, raspberry, and cranberry.

Does La Croix contain aspartame?

La Croix beverages do not contain aspartame according to its official website. “There are no sugars, sweeteners, or artificial ingredients contained in, nor added to our waters.”

Does Polar sparkling water have aspartame?

Polar sparkling water does not contain aspartame, as the website states “Polar Seltzer ‘natural flavors’ do NOT contain sugar, artificial sweeteners, MSG, gluten, sodium or animal products.”