WaterTok flavor combinations have been making waves as one of TikTok’s latest trends. Is it harmless hydrating fun, or is this trending topic reason for concern? 

Under the hashtag #WaterTok, users film themselves creating flavor combinations by adding various sugar-free syrups and powdered flavors to plain water to craft creative drinks with flavors like “unicorn” and piña colada. Influencers mix up these drinks on camera and sip them out of colorful reusable cups.   

Water flavored with sugar- and calorie-free mixes and syrups, like those used in WaterTok flavor combinations, may be a smarter choice than sugary beverages like soda or juice. That’s because sugar-sweetened beverages can lead to weight gain and are associated with less healthy behaviors – and unfortunately, almost half of Virginia teens drink soda and/or fruit juice at least once per day.  

Still, WaterTok concoctions are full of artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors – and health experts have concerns about the potential long-term effects of consuming these chemicals in large quantities. #WaterTok might help you cut out sugar-sweetened drinks, but pure water should still be your #1 beverage of choice.  

If you’re looking for an alternative to encourage healthy water intake, try mixing water with fresh fruits and/or herbs. Our friends at Rev Your Bev have some great water recipes to help beat the heat this summer! Feel refreshed by sipping on cucumber mint water or relax with a glass of strawberry, lime, and kiwi water.  

For more ways to naturally liven up your glass, check out Rev Your Bev’s collection of fun and easy recipes. You can also find accessible, fresh produce, by consulting FeedVA’s map of farmers’ markets across the state, which also notes markets that accept SNAP and WIC benefits.