There are a lot of things I’d rather drink than water—soda, coffee, iced tea. Mostly soda, if I’m being honest. But water is undeniably superior when it comes to hydrating the body and supporting critical functions, like digestion, circulation, nutrient absorption and, on a surface level, aiding my desire for dewy skin. Scientists say the body can go weeks without food, but only days without water. So, yes, it’s important.
It’s the taste—or rather lack thereof—that bothers me. Drinking plain water feels like punishment and that’s why I rarely meet the recommended eight-glasses-a-day goal. So, in an effort to shore up my H20 intake, I’ve been exploring the latest wave of low-calorie “water enhancements:” powdered and liquid mix-in’s that combine flavor with nutrients, such as antioxidants and probiotics, and replace chemical sweeteners with plant-based alternatives, such as monk fruit.
But how do these trendy wellness concoctions actually taste? After a very unscientific test, I found that frankly, some are truly awful. But others are surprisingly delicious and have convinced me to slash my soda consumption (not to zero, yet here’s hoping) and have changed my health for the better—I’ve cut my sugar cravings, my skin looks fresh and I feel calmer knowing that I’m not filling my body with fake, artificial ingredients. The only downside? The cost. Regular water is free. These boosters are not! However, they are meant to supplement your water intake—not replace it—and I found myself more willing to drink plain water to keep the healthy vibes going.
Here, 7 water enhancers to drink up for better health this spring and beyond.
The Fruit “Juice” That Fights Bloat
First off: Drinking water in general helps flush your system to reduce puffiness, but this tangy powered mix provides an extra boost with pineapple, which is naturally high in digestive enzymes, gut-balancing probiotics and stomach-calming ginger. Each packet rings in at 10 calories and tastes delicious—think: water masquerading as fruit punch.
The Tastiest Way to Get Your Greens
Most “green” drinks taste worse than water for me, but this one tasted magically sweet and appealing—one packet delivers the produce and nutrient equivalent of two cups of lettuce and four cups of spinach, among other ingredients, to strengthen immunity, without any vegetal taste whatsoever. It stirs up into a frothy potion that I would gladly drink daily if it weren’t for the price (high-quality ingredients do cost more, alas).
The Morning O.J.-Like Fix for Better Skin
This powder was the only I tested that contained CoQ10, a well-vetted, research-backed compound that fights free radical damage to improve skin, among many other benefits. Don’t expect your dark spots to suddenly disappear (only a laser can do that) but my skin looks brighter and more hydrated, which is a nice benefit to go along with this drink’s tart and citrus-y flavor (only quibble here: it clumps a little, so stir well.)
The Collagen Drink Without the Funky Aftertaste
Collagen—the protein that helps skin stay firm and elastic, as well improve joint health—is a buzzy wellness ingredient with some studies to back up the benefits of ingesting it. You can drink bone broths for a fix—or this botanical-flavored powder, which pairs bovine-sourced collagen with skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and probiotics. It goes down easily but was the most calorie-dense option (60 per packet) I tested here.
The Post-Workout Thirst Quencher
Most of us don’t really need a special drink after working out but if plain water is meh and you feel depleted of electrolytes—essential minerals—these chemical-free tablets aim to replenish what your body sheds through sweat. You get a mild fizzing effect (not quite Alka-Seltzer level) and low-key flavor (there are no added sweeteners). I drank a tablet with 11 ounces of water rather than the suggested 16 for a more vibrant punch.
The Convenient Hack That’s Cheap and Tastes Great
You can’t get more natural than this option—this powder only contains one ingredient: crystalized lemon. It’s the equivalent of squeezing a lemon wedge in your water without actually having to buy the lemon, cut it, and deal with the seeds or pulp. Honestly, I found this affordable pick as tasty as the fancier drinks, and it costs much less.
The Wellness Tonic that Works Well in Water
Unlike some liquid tinctures that really do not taste good in water, this one—a slightly sweet blend of rose petal, holy basil, oat tops and hawthorn fruit, designed to elevate mood and soothe nerves—tasted similar to herbal-y tea. True, you’ll get more intense hit of flavor from taking the tincture under the tongue (as most people do), but I’d rather put 5 to 6 drops into water for relaxation—and hydration—in one sip.