Is Vitaminwater Good for You? Nutrition Facts

Similar to Gatorade Zero Sugar or Nuun Hydration, Vitaminwater markets itself as nourishing and good for you. However, are its flavorful sweet drinks actually healthy? Are there any side effects? 

In this article, we will discuss the nutrition information of Vitaminwater, its potential health benefits, and more. Read on to learn more! 

6 Benefits of Vitaminwater

Now, before we talk about the downsides of drinking Vitaminwater, let’s discuss some of its potential health benefits. Let’s talk about it! 

#1 Provides energy from carbohydrates

Vitaminwater is a good source of carbohydrates. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a 20-fluid-ounce bottle of grape Vitaminwater, for example, contains 33 grams of carbohydrates. 

While many think of carbs as only “bad,” they are actually the body’s primary source of energy. Carbohydrates can fit into a healthy and balanced diet. In fact, they are necessary to support life.

According to the Mayo Clinic, most individuals need 225–325 grams of carbohydrates each day. Carbohydrates are healthy as long as they are not consumed in excess, in which they can be stored as fat and contribute to obesity. 

In other words, any flavor of the Vitaminwater beverage can supply you with the energy to sustain you throughout the day. 

Still, it is preferable to consume carbohydrates in the form of starchy vegetables and whole grains that contain dietary fiber. These provide you with the energy you need as well as essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. 

Not to mention that fiber helps you stay full and satisfied long after you have eaten or consumed the food!

However, the carbs in the Vitaminwater products are present entirely in the form of cane sugar and crystalline fructose, not starch or fiber. Therefore, since the drink is also low in fiber, cane sugar and crystalline fructose can cause your blood glucose levels to spike. 

This is because fiber slows down the digestion and absorption of sugars into the blood.

The quick blood sugar spike can be especially problematic if you have diabetes or insulin resistance. In these cases, the body has a more challenging time bringing down those elevated blood sugar levels from sugary foods and drinks. 

Nonetheless, Vitaminwater can be especially beneficial if you are doing a high-intensity workout and need to replenish your carbohydrate stores. Additionally, it contains some essential electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium. 

#2 Supports immune health

Vitaminwater can also benefit your immune system. For example, a 20fl oz bottle of grape Vitaminwater contains over 100% of your recommended daily vitamin C intake. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin C plays an important role in immune health and protects the body from disease and sickness.

#3 Contains antioxidants 

Vitamin C is also considered an antioxidant because it protects the cells in the body from damage through oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by inflammation from free radicals that are naturally produced in the body. 

By consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, you can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, lowering the risk of many diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. 

Vitaminwater flavors contain vitamin E, which also exhibits antioxidant properties. 

#4 Promotes healthy skin

A 20fl oz bottle of the grape beverage contains 120% of your daily recommended value of niacin, also known as vitamin B3. 

Niacin has many benefits, including keeping your skin healthy. According to the Mayo Clinic, niacin also works to support a healthy nervous and digestive system.

Other foods that include niacin are milk, meat, tortillas, and yeast. 

#5 Source of vitamin B12 

Vitamin B12 is important in the diet because it functions in red blood cell formation, DNA production, cell metabolism, and nerve functioning. 

While most individuals get enough vitamin B12, those following a plant-based diet may be deficient in this essential nutrient. This is because vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products, such as meat, eggs, and milk.

Therefore, this drink can be a great source of vitamin B12 for those who do not eat animal products. 

#6 Promotes hydration

Vitaminwater, including regular and zero sugar varieties in all flavors, is an excellent source of hydration for the body.

It is important to get at least 8 cups of water each day. This equates to 8 servings of 8fl oz each. 

While this may seem impossible, this recommendation includes fluids from other beverages, such as tea, fruits, vegetables, and foods, like soups!

This drink provides 20fl oz of water and therefore takes care of two and a half of your 8 servings each day.

According to the National Council on Aging, hydration is crucial for adequate brain performance, digestion, energy, weight management or weight loss, and much more. Essentially every function in your body needs water.

However, if you are working out heavily and sweating or experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, you may also need more water and electrolytes. Drink Vitaminwater in this situation to replenish the lost nutrients.  

Vitaminwater (Grape Flavor) Nutrition Facts per 100ml

Let’s break down the nutritional information from a serving of grape-flavored Vitaminwater. Read on! 

Nutritional value (per 100ml)

Calories/Nutrient (per 100ml)	Amount
Calories (kcal)	20
Sodium (mg)	0
Net Carbs (g)	5.58
Fiber (g)	0
Sugar (g)	5.41
Fats (Total)	0
Protein (g)	0
Cholesterol (mg)	0

Source: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/2107002/nutrients 

High in calories and low in fats

While a 100ml serving of grape Vitaminwater only contains 20 calories, keep in mind that a typical bottle of the drink is 20fl oz or 591ml. So, a full bottle contains 118 calories.

This is a low-calorie beverage, but it’s not calorie-free. Be careful when drinking Vitaminwater because it is easy to over-consume under the guise that it is healthy. 

However, the zero sugar variations have about 5 to 10 calories per 20fl oz bottle in any of the flavors available. In addition, some of the Vitaminwater zero sugar varieties have zero calories. 

Additionally, both the regular and zero sugar variations do not contain any fat. 

Zero proteins 

Vitaminwater does not contain any protein. Therefore, pair your drink with a protein-rich snack such as nuts, seeds, or lean meat.

High in carbohydrates and sugars

In a 20fl oz serving of grape Vitaminwater, there are 33 grams of carbohydrates and a whopping 32 grams of added sugar from crystalline fructose and cane sugar. 

The American Heart Association recommends that women consume no more than 6 teaspoons or 25 grams of added sugar daily, whereas men should consume no more than 9 teaspoons or 36 grams of added sugar daily. 

Consuming excessive amounts of added sugar can contribute to unwanted weight gain. Obesity can lead to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and more. 

However, Vitaminwater zero sugar varieties are sugar-free since they are instead sweetened by stevia leaf extract, which is a non-nutritive sweetener, similar to artificial sweeteners. 

High in vitamins and minerals 

A 20fl oz bottle of grape Vitaminwater is rich and has over 100% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. 

These essential vitamins and minerals help your body operate smoothly and support overall wellness.

FAQs

Conclusion

Overall, Vitaminwater can provide many health benefits, such as a strengthened immune system and antioxidant functioning. However, consuming full-sugar Vitaminwater regularly can be unhealthy because of its high sugar content.

Therefore, switch to the zero sugar version in moderation or even just consume whole fruits with fiber to satisfy that sweet tooth craving!