Drinking water flavoring with low or no citric acid helps ensure adequate hydration without the worry of consuming manufactured citric acid. Luckily, many brands of water flavoring with little to no citric acid are readily available.
Quickly ahead, learn why you might want to limit or avoid citric acid, plus 8 water enhancers you can find on the market. (#7 might just be our favorite!)
What Is Citric Acid?
Citric acid is a weak organic acid that occurs as colorless crystals or a white powder.
The acid was first isolated from lemon juice in 1784. Fast forward to the early 1900s, scientists discovered citric acid could be created through sugar fermentation with the help of the black mold called Aspergillus niger.
Natural Citric Acid
Citric acid is naturally found in citrus fruits, especially lemons and limes, and gives them their sour taste. The acid is also found in other produce in much smaller amounts, as well as food and drink products containing these fruits or vegetables.
Because of its antioxidant content, citric acid may elicit positive effects on the brain and protect from many chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Citric acid may also protect against kidney stones and enhance nutrient absorption.
Artificial Citric Acid
Artificial citric acid, also known as manufactured citric acid (MCA), is most of how we use and consume the acid. MCA is arguably one of the most used food preservatives and additives due to the acid content and flavor it offers.
Compared to purely extracted citric acid, manufactured citric acid is a cost-effective ingredient. MFA is added to a wide variety of food and non-food products, including prepackaged foods and beverages, medications, supplements, cosmetics, and cleaning agents.
Citric acid is “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, adverse side effects have been reported.
According to a case study published in Toxicology Reports, manufactured citric acid intake has the potential to cause inflammatory reactions and unpleasant symptoms. These include joint pain with swelling and stiffness, muscular pain, dyspnea, abdominal cramping, and enervation (fatigue) that typically began within two to 12 hours of ingesting foods, beverages, or vitamins containing MCA.
While these side effects are rare and mostly occur in individuals with an underlying health condition, they still deserve to be acknowledged. Awareness allows consumers to make informed decisions on which products they can confidently purchase and use.
Overall, if worried about potential risks, pay attention to ingredient labels. Searching for and leaning on well-researched information can also ease your worry, including this list of water flavorings with no or low citric acid used.
Also read about water flavorings without artificial sweeteners here.
Brands of Water Flavorings With Low or No Citric Acid
If you enjoy water* with a unique flavor** twist, rest easy knowing many brands offer liquid flavor enhancers with little to no citric acid added. With the help of Amazon, we rounded up our top 7 brands of water enhancers without or with minimal MCA.
*Be cautious of whether or not citric acid is present in the water of choice. For instance, tonic water may contain citric acid.
**Please note some of the same brands offer a variety of flavors that may contain citric acid. As a general rule of thumb, citric acid is used in lemon, orange, and other citrusy/fruity flavors.
1. SPLENDA Liquid Water Enhancer Drops (Various Flavors)
SPLENDA liquid water enhancer drops listed on Amazon contain less than 2% citric acid, particularly the sweet tea and strawberry watermelon flavors. The drops are also naturally-flavored without the worry of added sugars, carbs, and calories.
Pros:
- Low in citric acid
- Available in two flavor options
- Free of added sugar
- 30 servings per bottle
- Portable and simple to use
Cons:
- Contradictory whether or not caffeine is present in the black tea flavor
2. MiO Sweet Tea Liquid Water Enhancer (Sweet Tea)
Is there citric acid in MiO? While most MiO flavors contain citric acid, MiO’s Sweet Tea Liquid Water Enhancer is low in citric acid.
Like a glass of sweet tea, the liquid water enhancer is refreshing and hydrating – but without the unwanted added sugar and calories!
Pros:
- Contains less than 2% of citric acid
- Free of added sugars and calories
- Recyclable bottle in communities who cycle #7 plastics
- Portable and simple to use
Cons:
- Being tea flavored, some confusion related to the caffeine content
- Contains other food preservatives and dyes absent in freshly brewed tea
3. Sweet Leaf Liquid Stevia (Various Flavors)
SweetLeaf’s liquid stevia is devoid of any citric acid and flavored with natural ingredients. Also coming in many flavors – like coconut, vanilla creme, and chocolate – you are sure to find a flavor that best suits your preferences.
Along with flavoring water and beverages, use the drops to enhance oatmeal, yogurt, and so much more without the worry of consuming unwanted sugars and calories.
Pros:
- Contains no citric acid
- Versatile use
- Variety of flavors to choose from
- Sugar and calorie-free
- Zero glycemic index to keep blood sugars from spiking
Cons:
- Twist off droplet top/lid increases the risk of spilling
- Easier to break due to glass bottle
4. SPLENDA Stevia Liquid (French Vanilla)
SPLENDA Stevia Sweetener Drops offer a sweet French vanilla flavor with little citric acid used. Flavor any hot or cold beverage on the go thanks to the shelf-stable and convenient bottle.
Pros:
- Contains less than 2% citric acid
- Available in two flavors
- Keto-friendly with zero sugar and calories
- Portable and simple to use
Cons:
- Only french vanilla flavoring available
5. Hydrate Electrolyte Liquid Drink Enhancer Drops (Mixed Berry)
The mixed berry Hydrate electrolyte liquid drink enhancer drops offer a sweet, vibrant flavor without any citric acid used. The liquid enhancer formula also supplies quick dissolving electrolytes and B vitamins, making the product ideal for athletes and health enthusiasts on the run.
Pros:
- Free of citric acid
- Supplies and replenishes essential electrolytes, especially when lost in sweat
- Quickly dissolves, unlike most powdered electrolytes
- Compact size to replace bulk sports drinks
Cons:
- Overconsuming electrolytes can cause unpleasant side effects, including dizziness, muscle weakness, and vomiting
- Weak taste according to some consumers
6. Stevia Select Liquid Stevia Drops (Various Flavors)
Free of citric acid with no shortage of warm and sweet flavors, Stevia Select liquid stevia drops are sure to satisfy any taste preference without the worry of MCA. The premium, clean-label formula is also produced without additives, GMOs, MSG, alcohol, gluten, and allergens.
Pros:
- 300 servings per bottle
- Various flavor selections, including pumpkin spice, maple, and root beer
- Diverse applications for drinks and foods
- Product benefits of weight management and blood sugar control
Cons:
- Twist off droplet top/lid increases the risk of spilling
- Complaints of diluted flavor and partially-filled bottles
7. NOW Foods Better Stevia Liquid Sweetener (Chai Spice)
NOW Foods Better Stevia is a zero-calorie liquid sweetener produced without citric acid. Unlike most chai teas, using this low-glycemic chai spice sweetener delivers the taste you crave without those dreaded blood sugar dips.
Pros:
- Contains no citric acid
- Convenient, squeezable bottle
- Cost-effective way to enjoy chai tea on the go
- Low-sugar and low-glycemic response
- NON-GMO Project Verified
Cons:
- Consistency suggested being thicker than others on the market
- Some report an off flavor and aftertaste
8. Truvia Organic Zero-Calorie Liquid Stevia Sweetener (Vanilla)
Truvia organic liquid stevia sweetener is free of citric acid, calories, and added sugar. Instead, the vanilla sweetener is flavored with non-GMO and organic ingredients, including organic lemon juice.
Pros:
- Contains no citric acid
- Prepared with organic ingredients
- Clear, very concentrated sweetener
- Kosher and suitable for diabetics
Cons:
- Only one flavor option
Water Flavoring Without Citric Acid Recap
In its natural form, citric acid tends to be a tolerated food component. However, when manufactured, case reports suggest citric acid can lead to unpleasant side effects such as joint pain with swelling and stiffness, muscular pain, dyspnea, abdominal cramping, and fatigue.
With manufactured citric acid so deeply rooted within food, beverage, and other countless industries, avoiding the acid can be challenging and even daunting. One of the best ways to avoid or reduce manufactured citric acid intake is by identifying it on ingredient labels, as well as utilizing this list of water enhancers without MCA added.
Also as mentioned, note some of the same listed brands offer a variety of flavors that may contain citric acid such as citrusy and fruity flavors. Be cautious if citric acid is present in the water of choice, especially tonic water, too.
The Best Water Filter Bottle We’ve Ever Used
Clearly Filtered | Stainless Steel Filter Bottles
We really love these filter bottles for keeping your drinks cool and contaminant free! They remove 99.9% of over 220 contaminants and use BPA-free plastics and double-walled stainless steel to produce some awesome looking designs with numerous bottle sizes for every situation. You can find them here at Clearlyfiltered.com
