You can save money and cut down on waste by naturally flavoring water yourself–simply add your preferred fruits and aromatic plants to cold water for a touch of natural flavor that will make your water intake more interesting. According to research, some of the best enhanced water is flavored, and you can come up with your own unique blend that does not include sodium and sugar. 

Here are some recipes and suggestions that are low-calorie and do not contain extra sugars or unnatural ingredients:

Whole Fruit

Wondering if  flavored water counts as water? Typically, the answer is yes, as naturally flavored water is simply just water modified for taste. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, lemons, and limes are popular choices to add to regular water, and some also add pineapple, grapefruit, pomegranate, oranges, kiwis, and cherries for another brilliant selection to add a unique taste. Add as much as you would like into a glass or jug of water–the longer you let it sit, the stronger the flavor.

Veggies

Cucumbers and fresh ginger root are a nice alternative to your fruit flavors, and are best added to chilled water. You can also blend these with fruits or other ingredients to add stronger flavors, and ginger root works well in hot water and tea.

Herbs and Spices

Mint leaves, parsley, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, lavender and whole cloves are some items you can add to your water. You can slice the leaves, press the nutmeg or cloves, add lavender or cinnamon sticks whole, or sprinkle any grounded seasonings into the water. Ice up your water and give it some time to infuse for at least five hours, or use these ingredients as additives to hot water or tea.

Tea

Place two tea bags into boiled water and let it sit for at least thirty minutes, and refrigerate if you prefer chilled tea. Then, you can add your favorite sugar substitute if you enjoy your tea on the sweeter side.

Essential Oils

You can flavor your drinking water with essential oils–you’ll just need a glass container with a few drops of your favorite edible essential oils–shake well until the oil rises to the top. Make sure you only use glass containers, as essential oils are very concentrated and can damage plastic.

Mineral Salt

Salt can boost the taste of sweetened water and transform it into an electrolyte drink. Add approximately 1/6 teaspoon (a dash) per six ounces of water.

True Citrus

True Citrus refers to tiny packets or shakers of crystallized citrus fruits. Some low-sugar flavors are True Lemon, True Lime, True Orange, True Lemonade, True Raspberry Lemonade, True Lemon Iced Tea, True Black Cherry Limeade, True Mango Orange, True Peach Lemonade, and True Wildberry Lemonade. You can add these to tea, soda water, water, and can even use them in baking if you do not have fresh citrus on hand.

Powdered Water Enhancers

These wonderful enhancers can be purchased in portable packs or in bulk–just add the desired quantity to your water and stir for a quick and easy flavor boost

Liquid Water Enhancers

There are several low-glycemic liquid water enhancer brands–a highly-recommended brand, Stur, does not contain excessive sugar but has the added benefits of antioxidants and electrolytes. Nevertheless, it's always important to check the ingredients before mixing, especially when watching your sugar intake.

Juice

If you can get your hands on plain juice that is not concentrated, has no sugar, and contains no artificial sweeteners, you can add a splash or two to improve the taste of your drinking water. 

Final Thoughts

Because flavored waters have risen in popularity in recent years, many pre-made choices have begun popping up on grocery and pharmacy shelves. Before you purchase a bottle of flavored water, make sure to read the ingredients and see if it may be better to make your own naturally flavored water at home.