(HealthCastle.com) The summer heat is here and the water bottles are out, but how about an alternative to drinking plain water this summer? Are you considering trying one of those flavored water powders? First, find out what they're really made of.
What's Really In Those Flavored Water Mix?
Propel Enhanced Water Mix
Propel Enhanced claims to contain antioxidants like Vitamin E and Vitamin C (some flavors even contain calcium), and they call it a "beverage with a purpose." Each serving has 10 calories and is sweetened with sucralose (also known as Splenda).
Nestea Stick Packs
Nestea's stick packs offer the taste of tea without the caffeine. They contain decaffeinated tea and are sweetened with sucralose. A serving is 5 calories, which makes this cup of tea a whole lot lower in calories than your average bottle of sweet iced tea.
Crystal Light On the Go
Crystal Light has been around for years, and is now available in "On the Go" packets. These sachets come in just about every imaginable flavor. Each serving has 5 calories, and is sugar-free and carb-free, sweetened with aspartame.
True Citrus
In lemon, grapefruit, lime, and orange flavors, these little sachets "make citrus taste easy and handy." This is the only product we reviewed that contains no artificial sweeteners. An added bonus, True Citrus can be substituted in recipes that call for lemon juice: 1 sachet = 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
Kellogg Special K2O Protein Water Mix
This water mix is slightly different from the others. It contains 5 grams of protein (specifically, whey protein), 5 grams of fiber, and 6 grams of carbs. At 30 calories per serving, it is definitely higher in calories than other water mixes. But if you are looking for a thirst quencher with some extra protein, this may be the mix for you. This mix also contains B vitamins and is sweetened with sucralose.
The Bottom Line
Although low in calories, flavored water mixes may contain artificial sweeteners and additives. Indeed, they are not the only way to spruce up your daily water intake. Home-brewed iced tea and chilled summer fruit can also add life to your water on hot summer days!
Propel Enhanced claims to contain 
Nestea's stick packs offer the taste of tea without the 
Crystal Light has been around for years, and is now available in "On the Go" packets. These sachets come in just about every imaginable flavor. Each serving has 5 
In lemon, grapefruit, lime, and orange flavors, these little sachets "make citrus taste easy and handy." This is the only product we reviewed that contains no artificial 
This water mix is slightly different from the others. It contains 5 grams of protein (specifically, whey protein), 5 grams of 
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