Sugary drinks are delicious yet unhealthy. According to the CDC, about half of Americans, including both adults and children, take one sugary drink a day. That is easily 200 calories a day.
So why not beat the sugar addiction this summer by switching to some healthy alternatives? The following are ten healthy, sugar-free drinks to combat the heat this summer. Add them to your routine this summer and refresh yourself without a sugar overdose.
Chilled Coconut Water: A Tropical Treat
Want that tropical beach feel at home? Then go for coconut water, which is refreshing and low in sugar. Coconut water is a great option for keeping your body hydrated. Moreover, as it has a high number of electrolytes, it is considered a perfect post-workout drink.
Fresh coconut water is best to drink; however, if not easily available, try to find vendors that sell water with less than 8-10 grams of sugar. To make it even fancier, add some fresh pineapple slices, making it naturally sweet.
Also Read: 10 Best Detox Drinks to Help You Reset, Recharge, and Feel Your Best
Spearmint Tea with Ginger: For Hot Drink Lovers
For tea lovers who like to cozy up in the evening with a cup of tea, spearmint steeped with ginger is a suitable sugar-free option. The calming effects of spearmint and the healthy combination of ginger will help you relax after a long, stressful day.
The fact that it is quite easy to prepare makes it even more amazing. Simply steep some tea leaves, add the ginger slices, and there you go; it is ready. Loaded with various health benefits.
Cold Coffee with Unsweetened Milk: For Caffeine Addicts
Did you know that, according to the World Coffee Portal, about 24% of the surveyed consumers in America drink iced coffee daily and that percentage is increasing?
For a sugar-free experience, add unsweetened milk to your coffee and enjoy the caffeine in your system. Any unsweetened milk is fine, but almond milk is a good choice as it is perfect for all.
Infusion Water: For Refreshed Feels
This DIY drink might be a bit time-consuming to make, but the result is completely worth it:
Infusion water is the combination of water with different veggies and fruits. This is a drink enriched with nutrients and vitamins. These are beneficial for hydration, weight control, and other health issues. The options for fruits and veggies are limitless. You can choose whatever combination you like. Cut up the ingredients into small pieces, add them to the water, and let it sit for a few hours for the best results.
Sparkling Water: Basic Yet Powerful
If you want to replace your sodas with a sugar-free drink then this carbonated water is a great choice to start with. This drink has been gaining market growth for a while, from 37 billion in 2023 and expected to increase by 12% in 2030.
There are many good brands available in various flavors. Moreover, you can also customize your flavor by adding fruits. Citrus fruits like lemon and orange slices are perfect for this.
Also Read: From Seed to Plate – The Top 5 Easiest Vegetables to Grow Indoors and Out
Watermelon with Cucumber slices: Perfect for Hydration
A hydrated body is a healthy body. For body hydration, add watermelon to some of your drinks. If you want to make it more fancy, add crispy cucumber slices. A perfect hydrating, sugar-free combination.
Watermelon is about 92% water content and has fewer calories. It keeps the body cool and hydrated. Moreover, if you want to up your watermelon game, make a mojito with sparkling water- for an extra dash of hydration.
Also Read: 12 Surprisingly Sugary Foods and Drinks
Iced Herbal Tea with A Splash of Lemon/Lime: A Healthy Treat
Iced herbal teas are not only the best sugar-free option but can be incredibly healthy for your body. The good thing is you get various herbal tea options:
Want a good night’s sleep? Chamomile tea is the option for you.
Want to lose weight? Go for green tea with some lime.
Want to be alert and productive? Black tea is the perfect alternative. (84% of Americans drink this tea)
Feeling dull? Hibiscus tea will brighten up your day.
All these herbal teas are backed by medical research as, according to several reports, herbal teas are best for maintaining heart health.
Also Read: Summer Survival Guide – 10 Easy Tips to Stay Healthy & Happy
ACV With a Splash of Lemon: Perfect for Body Detox
If you like apple cider vinegar, then this fresh and body-detoxifying drink is perfect for you. Although the taste of ACV is a bit of an acquired taste, the addition of lemon slices might improve it for some.
Another great thing about this sugar-free alternative is that it detoxifies the body. It helps improve digestion and keep blood sugar in control. However, be cautious when using it. It is recommended to use it in diluted form with water.
Kombucha Tea: A Natural Alternative for Gut Health
Kombucha tea is a great option for individuals who want help for their gut health. It is enriched with probiotics that support digestive health.
Kombucha is quite popular in the USA. According to surveys, in 2024, the market value of kombucha was about 553 million, and it is expected to rise by 24% in 2029.
Sugar is an important ingredient for the fermentation of kombucha. However, bacteria and yeast mostly feed on it during the fermentation process. That is why there is not much sugar left, making kombucha truly a non-sugary drink.
Also Read: Gut-Friendly Goodness – Best Kombucha to Boost Your Health & Wellness
Cucumber And Water with Hint of Mint Leaves: Best Body Cooler
Want something to combat the summery heat and keep your body cool? This cooling yet sugar-free drink is for you.
If you didn’t know then here is an interesting fact. Cucumber is quite an old vegetable and has been around for about 3000 years. Amazingly, even ancient Greeks and Egyptians had it in their diets.
The cucumber keeps the body hydrated and full of antioxidants. Its combination with the lemon and mint makes it a tasty and healthy option for summer.
