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Crystal Light is one of my go-to beverage mixes whenever I feel like adding some healthy flavor to my water. Yet, I always wondered if their sweetener is as healthy as they make it seem or not. So, naturally, I did some digging!

If you’re curious about what enters your body, I’ll be sharing all the data I gathered while posing the single question: “What sweetener does Crystal Light use?”

Let’s dive right into it!

What Sweetener Does Crystal Light Use?

The main artificial sweetener that Crystal Lights uses is Aspartame. This sweetener is generally safe for most people, including children, people with diabetes, and pregnant women.

That said, the continuous use of Aspartame is considered a controversial subject. I’ll share with you all the facts about Crystal Light and its sweetener, and the choice of its consumption will be yours to make.

Recommended: Can Crystal Light help me lose weight?

Is Crystal Light’s Sweetener Safe?

Aspartame is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to sweeten cold beverages, but it’s not to be used in baking or any other high-temperature process.

However, there are no long-term studies that prove Aspartame to be risk-free when consumed regularly. Generally speaking, artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame aren’t recommended for long-term consumption because they can cause headaches and trigger depressive symptoms.

Sweeteners are also not proven to aid with weight loss. In fact, they may condition you to crave sweet things.

So, we can consider Crystal Light to be a low-calorie beverage that we can enjoy but not look at it as a beverage that would help keep our bodies healthy.

What Other Sweeteners Does Crystal Light Use?

Besides Aspartame, Crystal Light also uses Sucralose in some of its products.

Sucralose was once considered a safe alternative to sugar, but newer studies proved that it’s not truly safe to consume.

Some reasons why you should stay away from a high intake of Sucralose include:

1. It can cause diabetes
2. It can cause digestive problems
3. It can trigger allergies
4. It can increase inflammation

So, no matter how good any drink might taste, I’d stay clear of it if I found Sucralose on its list of ingredients.

Are Artificial Colors in Crystal Light Safe?

Besides sweeteners, another ingredient that can cause controversy is artificial colors. While the FDA has also given the green light for artificial colors, they still are red flags for some people.

For instance, food coloring can cause allergic reactions in some people. They can also raise the risk of your children developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

What’s more, it can result in behavioral changes in children and teenagers, such as depression and irritability if used for a long while. This means that their existence in your food and drinks is okay, but only to a certain extent.

Is Crystal Light Healthy?

Crystal Light is generally considered safe to consume, but is it healthy for us?

Well, with all the artificial colors and flavors, it’s not right to say that it’s totally healthy. However, you can try Crystal Light Pure if you’re looking for a healthier option.

Instead of artificial colors, Crystal Light Pure uses black carrot extract and turmeric. And instead of artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and Sucralose, it uses cane sugar, stevia, and dried corn syrup.

Related: How Much Caffeine Is In Crystal Light Wild Strawberry?

Clearly, Crystal Light Pure contains more nutrients than standard Crystal Light, and it’s safer for your body. The main downside is that it will affect your calorie intake due to its use of sugar.

Personally, I’d rather consume a few calories of sugar in order to drink a healthier beverage than consume almost no calories while drinking a beverage that might have a negative impact on my body.

When Is It Advised to Drink Crystal Light?

Besides some of the negatives in the ingredients, drinking Crystal Light can sometimes be quite beneficial and even advisable!

Let’s take a look at some situations in which drinking Crystal Light would be a good idea.

During Pregnancy

It’s advisable to always stay hydrated during pregnancy. So, if you’re not used to drinking water frequently due to its plain nature, Crystal Light can help make it more appealing.

If you’re afraid for the baby’s health, a couple of Crystal Lights each week should be safe for you and will make sure your baby is not affected at all by the beverage’s ingredients.

Diets

If you’re craving a soft drink while on a diet, a Crystal Light or two will help satisfy your sweet tooth without the ton of calories found in most soft drinks.

Crystal Light is keto-approved as it contains zero carbohydrates and won’t ruin your diet. It’s also approved in the fasting diet, as it doesn’t break your fast with any calories.

What could be a challenge here is trying your best not to be taken away by its sweetness and avoiding going for other sweet foods afterward.

Related: Does Crystal Light Count as Water on Weight Watchers?

Avoiding Kidney Diseases

It’s odd, but it’s true! Crystal Light helps increase the pH level in the urine, which, in turn, decreases the chances of getting kidney stones.

Some doctors even suggest drinking Crystal Light Lemonade as it has a large amount of citrate that helps with kidney stones more than any diet lemon-lime soda.

When to Avoid Crystal Light?

Although this beverage is mostly safe to drink every once in a while, experts urge you to cut it out of your diet in particular cases:

1. If you struggle with a sleeping disorder
2. If you have an anxiety disorder
3. If you have ADHD
4. If you take neuroleptics

Alternatives to Crystal Light

If you like the idea of a flavored beverage that keeps you hydrated and contain low to zero calories but are unsure of consuming Crystal Light’s products, try these alternatives:

1. Flavored water
2. Coconut water
3. Sparkling water

That said, plain water as an alternative is much healthier. After all, drinking plain water is totally risk-free, unlike most alternatives.

It’s no secret that proper hydration is a vital factor in weight loss. Studies proved that drinking water before meals aids in reducing weight by around 2 kg over 12 weeks.

That said, combining hydration, a healthy diet, and a suitable exercise routine is the ideal way to reach your desired shape. However, many neglect hydration for some reason. Some people just don’t like water, while others forget to drink adequate amounts.

That’s when Crystal Light comes in handy. It’s a powder that, when combined with water, creates a pleasant, calorie-free beverage with a fruity flavor. But does it help in weight loss?

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about Crystal Light for weight loss, from its components and benefits to side effects. So let’s get started.

Crystal Light for Weight Loss Overview

Crystal Light is a calorie-free drink that comes in many flavors. While it doesn’t offer many health benefits, it does help you stay hydrated as it’s an excellent water alternative.

What’s more, if you replace sugar-rich drinks and high-calorie beverages with Crystal Light, you’ll burn more calories.

What’s Crystal Light?

Crystal Light

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Crystal Light is a powder that produces a fruity-flavored drink when mixed with water. The drink contains low or zero calories, providing a good alternative to water.

Crysta Light’s main products are; Tea, Classics, Pure, and With Caffeine.

The main difference is that Pure is free from artificial ingredients, preservatives, and flavors. It contains sugar cane, stevia, and dried corn syrup. Plus, the colors are all-natural and come from turmeric or black carrot extract.

Recommended: Can you bring Crystal Light packets on a plane?

Ingredients

When it comes to Crystal Light, the ingredients are both familiar and mysterious. On one hand, you’ll find natural flavors, like lemonade and raspberry ice, derived from real fruits. On the other hand, there’s citric acid, a common preservative in many processed foods.

So what does this mean? Well, it means that there are both positives and negatives associated with Crystal Light.

On the plus side, there are no sugar or artificial sweeteners in some flavors of Crystal Light. That’s why it’s a healthier option than some other artificially-flavored drinks on the market.

The downside is that while some of the ingredients might be natural, they’re not necessarily healthy. For example, citric acid and various colorings are used to make the beverage more visually appealing, but they don’t offer any health benefits.

While the ingredients might vary slightly in each product, here are the main ingredients in Crystal Light.

• Aspartame (used as an artificial sweetener)
• Citric acid (adds a sour flavor and has preserving properties)
• Potassium citrate (preservative and flavor enhancer)
• Sodium citrate (boosts flavor and has preserving properties)
• Maltodextrin (acts as a thickening, stabilizing, and sweetening agent)
• Magnesium oxide (used as a drying agent and helps with color retention and pH modification)

Other additional ingredients include acesulfame potassium, soy lecithin, BHA, and artificial colors.

Nutritional Value

While the nutritional value might differ between varieties, a ½ packet of Crystal Light contains:

• 35gm of Sodium
• 5 calories

The drink contains no proteins, carbohydrates, sugar, or fats.

Benefits of Crystal Light

Looking at the ingredients and nutritional value of Crystal Light, you might wonder how it’s beneficial.

While it doesn’t contain any calories, Crystal Light is an excellent alternative to other drinks that contain huge amounts of sugar and calories. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of Crystal Light.

Alternative to Soda and Other Drinks

Looking at the market of drink mixes, it can be daunting to choose the best one. That said, Crystal Light contains zero to no calories, which makes it an ideal replacement for water.

It’s also light and simple to prepare. So whether you’re on a diet or just looking to add a flavor to your drinking water, Crystal Light is a good option.

Recommended: Can you drink Crystal Light while fasting?

Different Flavors

If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to your favorite drink, Crystal Light is available in different flavors, such as lemonade, strawberry, and raspberry.

Low Calories

Limiting your sugar intake is crucial to burn calories and lose weight. Unfortunately, most drink mixes contain sugar, which might not be optimal if you’re on a calorie-restricted diet.

However, Crystal Light contains minimal sugar. That’s why it’s a safe drink mix to add to your diet.

Hydration

Crystal Light products encourage you to drink more water daily. This not only helps in weight loss, but it improves your heart and kidney functions as well.

Drawbacks of Crystal Light

As with any commercially-produced beverage, there are potential drawbacks to drinking Crystal Light.

Artificial Sweeteners

Crystal Light is sweetened with artificial sweeteners like sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, Yellow 5, Red 40, and Blue 1. These low-calorie sweeteners give Crystal Light its sugar-like flavor without the sugar content.

While the FDA regarded these ingredients as safe, some experts don’t agree. They think there’s not enough evidence about the safety of these additives.

Some studies also found that artificial colors in drinks and foods may contribute to allergic reactions and behavioral issues in children. Additionally, artificial sweeteners may trigger depressive symptoms and headaches.

Aspartame

Aspartame isn’t safe for everyone. For instance, people who have tardive dyskinesia or phenylketonuria should avoid it, as it can worsen their symptoms.

Sucralose

The long-term effects of sucralose are still not clear. However, some studies have shown that sucralose might reduce insulin sensitivity and impact gut bacteria.

Stevia

Many experts say that excess stevia might affect blood sugar and blood pressure levels. That’s why Stevia should be used with caution among diabetics and those who take blood pressure medication.

Cost

As a convenience product, Crystal Light generally costs more than making your drink at home.

For instance, purchasing individual packets can often be more expensive than making your tea or coffee with simple ingredients like lemons, lime, and other fruits or herbs.

Related: How much caffeine is in Crystal Light Wild Strawberry?

Is Crystal Light Good for Weight Loss?

Weight loss is a complex process, and no single food or drink is going to make a huge difference.

That said, Crystal Light is a good option for those looking to trim their waistline. How?

Since it contains minimal calories and sugar, Crystal Light could eventually lead to weight loss, as you consume fewer calories.

On top of that, the variety of available flavors makes the drinking experience more appealing to some people. Thus, it can help people who want to lose weight, as they usually misconstrue thirst as hunger.

Moreover, Crystal Light has zero calories and very few carbohydrates, which is a big plus for those wanting to watch their waistline. It also contains minimal sugar and is low in sodium, all of which are good things when you’re watching your weight.

Finally, it’s pretty low in fat and contains zero cholesterol, making it a healthy choice when comparing diet drinks.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of using Crystal Light for weight loss.

FAQs

Crystal light has become a popular on-the-go drink mix since its debut in the 80s. According to Mashed, 90% of American consumers are still aware of the brand to this day. Not only that, but 47% of consumers have positive feedback on the powdered drink!

It’s no wonder you’d want to take a Crystal Light packet or two with you at all times, even while traveling. However, you must be wondering, can you bring crystal packets on a plane?

The short answer is, yes! You can bring crystal light packets on a plane. However, you’ll need to adhere to some restrictions set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

In this article, we’re going to explore everything you need to know about bringing Crystal Light and other powdered packets on a plane, so stick around.

What Are the TSA’s Latest Rules for Powdered Substances?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a lot of restrictions about what items you can bring on a plane. The agency is also known for its tedious screening process.

In 2018, the TSA announced that they were going to tighten their security over powdered items and electronic devices larger than cell phones.

The TSA’s rules recommend putting powdered items over 12 ounces into check-in luggage. In addition, you must remove powdered substances from carry-on luggage for separate screening.

Other than that, the TSA encouraged other international airports to tighten their security as well, especially if they have several U.S. flights.

Feel free to check out TSA’s website and skim through its latest guidelines.

Can You Bring Crystal Light Packets on a Plane?

Many of us are concerned about packing powdered products like drink mixes, coffee grounds, sugar, tea bags, protein powder, and baby powder while flying.

The reason is that the airport security checkpoint might mistake a powdered drink for illegal drugs, even if it’s as innocent as Crystal Light packets.

Besides, there are lots of non-hazardous items that may appear dangerous on scanning screens. Unfortunately, suspicious items may lead to a time-consuming hand search.

However, you have nothing to worry about if you’re not bringing illegal substances.

Generally, the TSA allows you to bring powdered drink mixes, such as Crystal Light packets. Also, flying with powdered drinks isn’t as complicated as traveling with liquids.

Since powdered items don’t have the same rules as liquids, there’s no need to pack them in a 3-1-1 or quart-sized bag.

What’s more, you can pack your Crystal Lights in their original packaging. Just make sure that the packets don’t have tears. Otherwise, you’ll risk messing up the rest of your luggage items.

This is why it’s recommended that you pack powdered substances in plastic or containers that you can seal well. In fact, you may double the plastic to ensure that the package is extra safe.

Related: Best 3 Crystal Light Alternatives on the market

Can You Put Crystal Light Packets in Your Carry-On Bag?

The TSA doesn’t have restrictions on how many powdered substances you can bring with you on the plane. Hence, you can take as many Crystal Light packets with you if you pack them in your check-in luggage.

You may also put your crystal light packets in your carry-on bag. However, keep in mind that the packets shouldn’t exceed 350 milliliters or 12 ounces. Otherwise, your Crystal Lights may become subjects for additional screening.

If your crystal light packets exceed the recommended amount, you need to place them in a separate bin, like you would do to your electronic devices, for X-ray screening.

In addition, keep in mind that TSA officers are very cautious when it comes to powdered substances. One of the major reasons is that some passengers try to mix illegal substances with powdered items.

Hence, you may experience delay in security checkpoints if you don’t follow restrictions. Worse, the powdered drink mix wouldn’t be allowed in the aircraft or would be confiscated and discarded.

Should You Put Your Crystal Light Packets in a Clear Plastic Bag?

You don’t need to put the powdered mix in a clear plastic bag like you would with liquids.

Putting your Crystal Lights in clear plastic bags, like a resealable bag, is completely optional. Though, keeping your Crystal Lights in their original packets is also ideal.

Nevertheless, you should keep the packets inside the accessible pockets of your carry-on bags.

This way, you can access them quickly in case an airport security officer wants to inspect the substance. Plus, you’re letting the TSA officers know that you’re not trying to hide the powder.

Can You Put Your Crystal Light Packets in Your Personal Bags?

You’re also allowed to put powdered substances in your personal bags. Hence, you can pack your Crystal Light Packets in your small backpack, briefcase, travel bag, or purse.

Other than that, I don’t recommend bringing water to mix the Crystal Light packets with you. Instead, you can take empty water bottles with you.

You may fill the bottles with water once you’ve gone through security. Most airports have drinking fountains or bottle refill stations outside of restrooms.

Can You Bring Your Crystal Light Packets on an International Flight?

Usually, all flights and airlines follow the TSA’s rules for powdered drink mixes. Hence, you can rest assured that it’s safe to bring your Crystal Light packets.

Make sure that you’re not bringing over 12 ounces of Crystal Light packets unless you’ve paid for a check-in bag.

Be that as it may, it’s better to check your flight for the airline’s restrictions on powdered items every time you’re on an international flight.

Also Check: Why does Crystal Light make me pee more frequently?

What Is the Most Efficient Way to Pack Crystal Light Packets?

Packing your Crystal Light packets in your check-in suitcase is more efficient than putting them in carry-on luggage or personal bags.

For starters, you wouldn’t need to take the powdered drink mix out of your luggage for separate screening. Plus, you’re less likely to get held up in the line if the TSA officer needs to do additional screening of the item.

Just keep in mind that you’ll need to pay a fee to bring check-in luggage. If you don’t like the hassle, you’ll find that a check-in suitcase is worth it.

Whether it’s coffee, or an energy drink, some people can’t go a day without getting their daily dose of caffeine. However, many have been looking for a healthier alternative for both.

If you’re one of those people, you might have considered Crystal Light’s caffeine products. One of the popular choices in this line is the wild strawberry flavor.

It offers a sweet taste, hydration benefits, and an instant energy boost due to the 60mg of caffeine in it. This simple powder mix could easily replace your morning coffee.

In this article, we’ll give you all the facts about Crystal Light’s wild strawberry flavor, including nutrition facts and long-term effects.

How Much Caffeine Is In Crystal Light Wild Strawberry?

Caffeine is a main ingredient in Crystal Light wild strawberry flavor. It contains 60mg of caffeine, which is about the same as a cup of coffee. As long as you’re watching your daily intake, you should not have any problems. In fact, in proper amounts, caffeine could be quite healthy.

Here are some of the benefits of caffeine which you would receive when drinking Crystal Light in moderate doses:

●      Increases alertness; makes you more awake and able to concentrate

●      Boosts energy

●      Helps the body get rid of excess water and salt

●      Can reduce headaches

●      Stimulates bowel movement

Unfortunately, caffeine also has its disadvantages. When consumed frequently or in large amounts, the drawbacks of caffeine could far outweigh the benefits.

Recommended: can you bring Crystal Light packets on a plane?

Some of the risks of consuming too much caffeine include:

●      Dental problems

●      Insomnia

●      High blood pressure

●      Increased heart rate

●      Anxiety

●      Dehydration

●      Withdrawal headaches when the amount is reduced

What’s In Crystal Light Wild Strawberry Flavor?

Crystal Light Wild Strawberry Flavor

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Crystal Light’s strawberry wild flavor is low in sugar and calories. So, you get to stay hydrated without worrying about consuming too much sugar.

Wild Strawberry Flavor Nutrition Facts

Infused with caffeine and natural flavors, and with only ten calories per serving; the wild strawberry Crystal Light offers a sweet taste, as well as some health benefits.

It includes 60 mg of caffeine per 8 fl oz serving. It also has B vitamins, which help in releasing energy from food. It’s low in sodium, sugar-free, and gluten-free.

The low calories in the drink make it a viable choice for people trying to lose weight but still want a tasty beverage. It has 90% fewer calories than other beverages in the market.

Here are the nutrition facts for a serving size of 1 packet (3g):

• Calories: 10
• Total fats: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 0g

Artificial Colors in Crystal Light Wild Strawberry

Crystal Light strawberry wild flavor uses the artificial colors Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1.

Artificial colors could also be problematic and have been linked to some health problems. Some studies suggest that they cause allergies and autoimmune disorders.

Red 40 and Yellow 5 have been said to include carcinogens, which are substances that cause cancer. These two food colors could trigger hypersensitivity in children, too. Studies showed that food coloring in general may cause attention-related disorders in children.

Studies on Blue 1 food color have been linked to kidney tumors and potential effects on nerve cells.

Stevia in Wild Strawberry Flavor

There are also potential side effects linked to consuming stevia in the long run, such as low blood sugar levels. It’s said to have some risks for pregnant women too.

Other Ingredients

Here’s a list of the ingredients as listed on the pack (wild strawberry):

• Citric acid
• Maltodextrin
• Aspartame
• Caffeine
• Less than 2% of Magnesium Oxide
• Natural and artificial flavor
• Artificial color red 40
• Tocopherol (to protect flavor)
• Yellow 5
• Blue 1
• Soy Lecithin

Crystal Light: Health Facts

Crystal Light comes in different varieties and flavors. So, each product has its specific nutritional facts. However, the basic idea is the same between products. As such, the health factors don’t differ much.

The drink is marketed as sugar-free, but it uses artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and stevia to add taste. It also uses artificial coloring based on the flavor.

All the ingredients in Crystal Light are FDA approved and are generally safe to consume. However, some health experts say that such products haven’t been in the market for long, and therefore haven’t been tested enough to classify as safe.

Certain ingredients could be problematic in the long run or if consumed in large amounts.

The Benefits of Drinking Crystal Light

Crystal Light products target people who want to lose weight because it’s low in calories. Crystal Light wild strawberry could then be the perfect beverage to take to the gym.

Not only will it help you stay hydrated during your workout, give you the needed energy boost, and make you feel refreshed with the sweet strawberry taste.

Recommended: Does Crystal Light make you pee more frequently?

The moderate caffeine in the powder mix could also help with concentration. So it’s a great choice of drink for studying or working.

With this simple powder, you could mix things up (pun intended) and make a smoothie or a milkshake. This way, you get the needed energy boost in your favorite drink.

How Much Crystal Light (Wild Strawberry) Should I Drink?

If you’re wondering whether Crystal Light could substitute your water, the answer is no. Nothing could ever substitute water.

It could, however, be a good alternative to your soda, coffee, or energy drink. Overall, Crystal Light is considered safer in comparison to many other beverages in the market.

However, all the risks mentioned above should be taken into consideration. So you should consume it in moderate amounts.

There’s no specific answer for how many you can have a day, but treat it as you would any caffeinated drink. Additionally, make sure to drink plenty of water, so you don’t become dehydrated from the caffeine.

You should also avoid drinking it late at night or right before going to bed. Instead, you could opt for one of the other Crystal Lights products that are non-caffeinated.

How to Drink Crystal Light Wild Strawberry

Crystal Light focuses on using as many natural ingredients as possible. After all, it’s marketed as a healthy beverage that provides a substitute for water.

The product comes with instructions on the back of the packet. You only empty the pack into a water bottle and shake well until it’s dissolved. Store in the refrigerator for multiple uses. It should last about 48 hours after preparation.

What’s the easiest way to consume more water? Make it taste refreshing and fruity!

Crystal Light does exactly that by adding desirable flavor to your water so that it’s enjoyable for you to meet the recommended water intake.

That being said, Crystal Light can also increase the number of times you pee daily.

Peeing more frequently can be a natural result of consuming more fluids. However, Crystal Light ingredients might also have something to do with your frequent urination.

So, why does Crystal Light make me pee? Let’s find out!

Why Does Crystal Light Make Me Pee? In a Nutshell

Crystal Light contains a few ingredients that can increase your peeing frequency. It includes caffeine, which is a well-known diuretic. It also contains artificial sweeteners and citric acid. Many studies have shown their bladder irritation effect.

How Often Is Too Often to Pee in a Day?

When wondering why you pee too much, it’s helpful to know how often is too often to pee in a day. What is the normal urination frequency?

The specific number of times a person should go to the bathroom depends on the person, their age, and their diet.

Urinating from 4 to 10 times a day is a common range, according to many sources. So, if you pee up to 10 times daily, you shouldn’t worry; this is normal.

Recommended: Is Crystal Light considered water on Weight Watchers?

In addition, if you use Crystal Light to increase your daily water consumption, you’ll experience an increase in the time of using the bathroom. This is because your body might not be familiar with the new water consumption routine you adapted recently.

The Reasons Crystal Light Makes You Pee: 3 Suspected Components

Crystal Light comes in four different product categories: Classics, Pure, Tea, and Caffeine. Each one has slightly different ingredients. However, most of the products share similar components, overall.

The three ingredients in Crystal Light that have an effect, one way or the other, on urination and bladder health are:

• Caffeine
• Artificial Sweeteners
• Citric Acid

Caffeine

Some Crystal Light products are caffeinated. These products, on average, contain around 60 mg of caffeine per pack.

As you might know, caffeine has a diuretic effect. That’s why each time you have your morning coffee, you feel the urge to urinate. Similarly, your caffeinated Crystal Light may be responsible for your frequent peeing.

That said, we can’t say for sure that Crystal Light is the main cause of frequent peeing if you consume high caffeine from other beverages. After all, the product’s caffeine content is moderate compared to other caffeinated drinks.

The only way to confirm that Crystal Light is the source of the urination issue is to stop all the other caffeine sources. Only drink Crystal Light for a few days and examine what will happen.

If you’ve confirmed this product causes the problem, switching to the caffeine-free Crystal Light products might be a good idea.

Related: How Much Caffeine Is In Crystal Light Wild Strawberry?

Artificial Sweeteners

Except with Crystal Light Pure, Crystal Light’s main sweeteners are aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium.

All of these artificial sweeteners have a notable effect on irritating the bladder for patients and normal people, according to NAFC. They’re probably causing your frequent urge to urinate.

The effect of these sweeteners may be even worse if you have an overactive bladder. If this is the case, you should avoid artificial sweeteners in Crystal Light or any other product.

Citric Acid

The citrus flavor is incredibly enticing. Zillions of people, including myself, love it. That’s why Crystal Light manufacturers add citric acid to most products to give them a desirable sour flavor.

Citric acid is associated with bladder irritation, whether from natural citrus or a manufactured source. Doctors advise people with bladder issues to stay away from citric acid.

Nevertheless, this acid’s effect on urination isn’t limited to patients. It can also impact normal people. On that account, citric acid can stand behind frequent urination problems, especially if your bladder is sensitive.

Why Might Crystal Light Not Be the Reason You Pee Too Often?

Peeing too much when drinking Crystal Light doesn’t mean that the mix is the cause. After all, Crystal Light causing frequent urination isn’t a common issue; it’s rare.

So, other bladder irritants might be the real reason for your case. That way, looking at other potential causes will be so helpful.

We prepared a checklist of the common bladder irritants to help you with that. If you use one item from the list regularly, you need to reconsider suspecting Crystal Light.

Recommended: can you bring Crystal Light packets on a plane?

Diet Soda

When we cut sugar, we resort to diet soda to get a sweet taste without the guilt of consuming high calories.

Nonetheless, like Crystal Light, diet soda includes two common bladder irritants: caffeine and artificial sweeteners.

Some reports classified carbonated drinks, including sugar-free ones, as one of the worst beverages on bladder health.

In addition, a lot of people report that consuming soda increases their urination frequency considerably.

So, if you drink soda in your diet, it may be the cause of peeing too much, not Crystal Light. That way, you need to stop it for a bit and check your peeing frequency.

Energy Drinks

The high content of sugar and caffeine in energy drinks helps boost your energy, but it also makes energy drinks a possible cause of frequent urination.

In addition, many of these products contain ginseng, known for its stimulating effect on the bladder. All these components lead to frequent urination.

If you enjoy consuming energy drinks regularly, this may increase your peeing frequency.

Caffeinated Beverages

Caffeinated beverages, on top of them, coffee of all types, may be responsible for frequent peeing.

As we said previously, caffeine is a diuretic, and its consumption triggers your body to get rid of water. That way, you’ll end up using the bathroom more frequently.

Spicy Foods

When we follow a low-calorie diet, we tend to use spices to enhance the taste of low-fat and carb foods. If you also do so, great job!

Spices have no direct effect on urination except spicy ones. Still, using spicy seasonings can cause irritation of the bladder. The same goes for citrus spices and sauces.

Some people report an increased urge to pee when consuming spicy and tomato-based foods. Check your spices; they may be the root of the problem.

Alcohol

When talking about peeing frequently, many won’t realize that alcohol can have an effect. In fact, alcohol is one of the common causes of frequent urge urination, as it stimulates the bladder and irritates it. It’s also a diuretic.

On top of that, alcohol restricts the activation of ADH, a hormone that helps your body conserve water. By inhibiting this hormone, your bladder gets full quickly, causing you to feel the need to urinate.

Also Check: Best 3 Crystal Light Alternatives on The Market

What Are the Best Substitutes for Crystal Light?

Although Crystal Light can be one of the easiest methods to flavor your water, it’s not the only way. There are many healthier alternatives out there.

Many of these are natural and contain no processed components or artificial ingredients. Better still, you can prepare them quickly, and they’re affordable.

We recommend replacing Crystal Light with these natural water flavorings:

Make Fruit-Infused Water

This is one of the most popular ways to naturally add flavor to water. Not only do fruits bring a flavorful taste to our water, but they also add vitamins to the liquid.

Add your favorite fresh fruit slices to your daily water intake to flavor it. Leave fruits in the water for at least 5 hours and then drink.

You can use almost any type of fruit for this. However, we recommend using raspberry and strawberries as essentials. They add a unique taste and can go perfectly with any other fruit.

You can use our recipe if you don’t know which fruits to use. These are the ingredients:

1. Frozen Fruits: Strawberries, Mango, Berries, Dragon Fruit
2. Mint and Basil
3. Lemon Slices
4. Lime Slices

You can omit citrus from the recipe if they cause you peeing problems.

Add a Little Fruit Juice to Water

We know you might avoid fruit juices because of their relatively high sugar content. Luckily, you can pick from multiple fruit juices with low sugar content.

Good options include cranberry, apples, and grapefruit, to name a few. Add just a little amount of this fruit juice to the water.

It’s a healthy way to turn plain water into a desirable beverage. That way, the water gets a fruity flavor and vitamins.

Use Tasty Herbs

Herbals seem unattractive to many people. Though, when you use them in balanced ratios, they can create a highly enticing flavor.

You can use some herbs in your kitchen to add desirable flavored water. Grab a bunch of mints, sticks, cinnamon, and parsley, and put them in your water. Leave them for at least 5 to 6 hours.

After that time, enjoy your delectable herbal water.

Prepare Lavender Flowers Drink

Here’s another one of our favorites: lavender flowers. You can use these flowers to give your water a special taste.

The lavender flavor might be a little strange for some people at first. Nonetheless, you’ll probably like it after using it a few times.

Grab some dried or fresh lavender flowers and place them in the water for at least five or six hours. Enjoy the water throughout the day.

Staying hydrated is essential in any diet plan, but sometimes water can get too plain and boring. The good news is that you can spruce the 15 to 11 cups of daily intake with extra flavor using Crystal Light.

The fruity-flavored powder is a favorite among multiple dieters. It’s a low-calorie option that encourages you to drink more water. If you’re on the Weight Watchers diet, you may wonder, “Does Crystal Light count as water?”

Stick around to find out and learn more about the flavor packets, their pros, and cons.

Does Crystal Light Count as Water on Weight Watchers?

You can drink Crystal Light on a Weight Watchers diet plan. The flavored drink does count in your water intake.

The added flavor is low-sugar, low-calorie, and doesn’t contain caffeine. Subsequently, you can freely infuse Crystal Light into your water and stay hydrated.

Is Crystal Light Nutritious?

Crystal light fits the bill for a low-calorie alternative to water on a Weight Watchers diet. That said, it doesn’t necessarily meet the criteria as a healthy option. The drink contains little to no added nutritional benefit to your diet.

The powder’s ingredients include artificially-derived sweeteners and preservatives. Fortunately, the brand launched a more naturally-derived line called Crystal Light Pure. Although its ingredients are natural, it still has added sugars.

For this reason, Crystal Light is still a non-healthy alternative to water. Even though it’s FDA-approved, the beverage arguably still contains harmful ingredients.

Related: Can You Drink Crystal Light While Fasting?

Drinking Crystal Light: Pros and Cons

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Pros

• Reduces Your Hunger
• Helps Mitigate Kidney Disease
• Fits Other Diet Plans

Cons

• May Cause a Sweet Tooth
• May trigger side effects like headaches or allergies

Crystal Light is a popular method to keep your water intake on track on the Weight Watchers plan. While the flavor boasts several health benefits, it still has some disadvantages. That said, check out the pros and cons of drinking Crystal Light below.

Pros

Check out the benefits of adding Crystal Light to your Weight Watchers plan.

It Reduces Your Hunger

According to several studies, we often confuse thirst with hunger. Over 37% of people have that mix-up and end up eating when they’re thirsty.

Consequently, when drinking water becomes more appealing, you’ll likely be less hungry and consume less.

It Helps Mitigate Kidney Disease

Those suffering from kidney disease need to drink more fluids. Crystal Light provides a healthier alternative to high-sugar beverages like juice or sodas. Drinking more will promote kidney function and prevent future complications.

It Fits Other Diet Plans

Crystal Light is an ideal addition to your water if you’re contemplating other diet plans, like the keto diet. It’s low-carb and low-sugar, making it suitable for the latter’s specifications.

Besides keto diets, you can also use Crystal Light while fasting. Nevertheless, studies speculating on the effects of artificial flavors during fasts are inconclusive.

Recommended: can you bring Crystal Light packets on a plane?

Cons

Aside from the pros of using Crystal Light, here are some cons worth mentioning.

It May Cause a Sweet Tooth

Although Crystal Light contains little sugar, the powder still adds an artificial sweet flavor. Getting used to that flavor can have you craving more sweet foods.

The effect is similar to diet sodas, where the processed flavors alter your palate. Naturally-sweet foods like fruit won’t taste as sweet, and you won’t reach for them as much to satisfy your sweet tooth.

It Has Side Effects

The ingredient list in Crystal Light contains components that may trigger side effects like headaches. The beverage may also cause allergic reactions.

Despite the present research on the side effects of artificial sweeteners, the FDA believes there’s a lack of conclusive evidence.

Also Check: Crystal Light vs. Kool-Aid

Healthier Alternatives to Crystal Light

If you’re searching for a healthier way to complete your daily water intake without Crystal Light, check out the Weight Watchers-approved methods below.

Fruity Drinks

For each drink below, you’ll mix it with two quarts of water.

Watermelon Water

• Crush one cup of cubed watermelons.
• Tear three mint leaves and add.
• Juice half a lime.
• Add ice and water (sparkling or flat).

Berry Blast

• Pulp the following ingredients:
  • Half a cup of sliced strawberries
  • Half a cup of raspberries
  • Half a cup of blueberries
• Add ice and water (sparkling or flat).

Tropical Breeze

• Add half a cup of cubed mangos.
• Tear three mint leaves and add.
• Juice half a lime.
• Add ice and water (sparkling or flat).
• Refrigerate for two hours and serve.

Detox Drinks

For each drink below, you’ll mix it with two quarts of water.

Honeydew

• Add three cups of cubed honeydew.
• Stir one cup of halved grapes.
• Add ice and water (sparkling or flat).
• Refrigerate for two hours and serve.

Cucumber

• Peel, deseed, and slice one cucumber and add.
• Tear ten mint leaves and add.
• Juice half a lime.
• Add ice and water (sparkling or flat).
• Refrigerate for two hours and serve.

Blueberry

• Pulp the following ingredients:
  • Half a cup of blueberries
  • Half a lime
• Juice half a lime.
• Add ice and water (sparkling or flat).

Recommended: Why does Crystal Light make me pee?

Spicy Drinks

For each drink below, you’ll mix it with two quarts of water.

Jalapeno and Cucumber

• Peel, deseed, and puree one cucumber.
• Slice, deseed, and mash one jalapeno pepper.
• Add ice and water (sparkling or flat).
• Refrigerate for two hours and serve.

Ginger

• Mash one peach.
• Add ice and water (sparkling or flat).
• Peel and thinly slice eight pieces of ginger and stir.

Lemon

• Pulp one lemon.
• Add ice and water (sparkling or flat).
• Dust and mix one teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Other Methods to Increase Your Water Intake

Other than Crystal Light and fruity drinks, you can increase your water intake through different methods. Rather than drinking the necessary amount, you can eat it.

Consuming water-dense foods like fruits and vegetables will keep you hydrated. For instance, an apple contains approximately 84% water. Here are some other options to consider.

• Celery
• Cucumber
• Bell Pepper
• Zucchini
• Tomatoes
• Lettuce
• Orange
• Melons
• Berries
• Stone fruits

Aside from water-dense foods, you can also opt for a healthier drink, such as coconut water. Unlike Crystal Water, the latter has plenty of nutritious vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and phosphorus. Nonetheless, you’ll want to tread lightly with the tropical drink since it’s not as low-calorie as Crystal Water.