What is WaterTok?

#WaterTok has taken social media by storm, transforming plain old H2O into a colorful, flavorful trend. Traditional water is jazzed up with recipes featuring sweeteners, colors and flavors, making hydration more appealing.

Enthusiasts showcase their setups, reminiscent of coffee shop bars, but for water. It's poured into tumblers for sipping throughout the day, evoking nostalgia with childhood candy flavors like Skittles and Starburst.

This trend found traction among the weight loss community, particularly post-gastric surgery patients who seek alternatives to carbonated drinks. Flavored waters offer hydration without the bloating caused by sodas.

What’s in those flavor drops and packets?

The verdict on homemade flavored waters hinges on their ingredients. Many feature sugar-free options with a laundry list of additives, including artificial sweeteners and colors. These turn water into a diet soda-like concoction.

Typically, you pay for what you get. Cheaper products use a long list of ingredients, many of which sound like chemicals used in a science project – sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, maltodextrin, monocalcium phosphate, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, red 40, yellow 5, blue 1, artificial flavors, magnesium oxide and calcium silicate.

However, some products boast healthier ingredients like natural flavors and stevia. Still, even "natural" flavors can be highly processed, containing numerous chemicals.

Are flavored waters worth it?

Flavored waters offer an enticing substitute for calorie-laden sodas. However, daily consumption could pose issues due to chemical additives and artificial sweeteners. These sweeteners, while low in calories, trigger cravings similar to sugar.

The medical community's stance on artificial sweeteners varies. While some studies associate them with health problems like cardiovascular issues, causality remains debated.

Ultimately, the decision rests on personal preference and health considerations. Opting for homemade flavored water with fresh fruits and vegetables ensures a healthier alternative without the unknowns of artificial additives.

How to make flavored water at home

Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to water is the healthiest way to provide flavor to your drink. Simply fill up a pitcher with water and add whatever you have on hand in the refrigerator. Let the flavored water sit for 24 hours before enjoying. You can even eat the fruit afterward!

Some combinations include: 

• Strawberry, lemon and basil 
• Mango, raspberries and ginger 
• Pineapple, coconut and lime 
• Cucumber and mint 
• Strawberry and lime 
• Blueberry and lemon 
• Lemon and lime 
• Strawberry and kiwi 
• Orange, blueberry and mint 
• Blackberry and mint 
• Pineapple, ginger and mint 
• Grapefruit and jalapeno 

For more health and wellness news, visit the INTEGRIS Health For You blog.