Healthy Drinks: A Guide to Making a Conscious Choice

Finding a refreshing alternative to sugary sodas and juices can be a challenge. The selection is vast, and labels are often hard to decipher. As your Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my job is to provide you with clear, objective information so you can make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle. This guide introduces a selection of beverages and gives you practical criteria to guide your shopping.

What to Look for When Buying Drinks

To find the right option for your needs, it helps to consider a few key aspects. The following points can help you navigate the supermarket aisle or your online shopping.

1. Check Nutritional Information and Sugar Content

Nutritional information is a crucial criterion. Many drinks marketed as healthy contain hidden sugar. Pay attention to the difference between "contains naturally occurring sugars" (as in fruit juices) and "added sugar". Drinks with no added sugar are often a great choice if you want to reduce your sugar intake. Likewise, low-calorie soft drinks are a lighter alternative that hydrates the body without significantly adding to your calorie count.

2. Evaluate Functional Ingredients

Some drinks are fortified with additional nutrients to support specific functions. So-called vitamin water or drinks with vitamins can be a supplement to your daily diet. Ingredients like vitamin C and zinc contribute to the normal function of the immune system. So, if you are specifically looking for immune-boosting drinks, it's worth taking a look at the ingredients list and the vitamins and minerals they contain.

Our Recommended Drinks Selection

Here is a selection of products that cater to different needs and taste preferences. Each product is presented based on its objective features.

VILSA H2Obst Apple-Cherry, 6 x 0.75 L

What makes it stand out: This drink combines natural mineral water with 20% fruit content from apple, sour cherry, lemon, and aronia juice concentrates. At 18 kcal per 100 ml, it's a low-calorie option for a fruity refreshment.

Benefits:

• Fruity taste: Offers a natural sweetness from its fruit juice content.
• Low-calorie: At 18 kcal per 100 ml, it's a light alternative to pure juices.
• No artificial sweeteners: The sweetness comes from fructose and the fruit juice.
• Origin: Made in Germany with VILSA mineral water.

Who it's for: Individuals and families looking for a light, fruity drink for everyday life, the office, or after a workout, while keeping an eye on calorie intake.

Vitamin Well Hydrate 12x0.5l

What makes it stand out: Vitamin Well Hydrate is a still vitamin water with a strawberry-rhubarb flavour. It is fortified with a range of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, C, B12, and Zinc.

Benefits:

• Enriched with nutrients: Contains Vitamin D, C, E, Niacin, Folic Acid, B12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, and Zinc.
• Refreshing taste: The combination of strawberry and rhubarb offers a unique taste experience.
• Moderate sugar content: Sweetened with fructose, it contains 4.2 g of sugar per 100 ml.
• Convenient packaging: The 0.5-litre bottles are ideal for on the go.

Who it's for: Active individuals and athletes who want to replenish their fluids and nutrients after a workout or between meals. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a functional beverage.

Hohes C Plus Sunshine Vitamin D Juice 6x1L

What makes it stand out: This multi-fruit juice is made from 100% juice and is additionally fortified with vitamins D, C, B12, and pantothenic acid. It has no added sugar and contains only the sugar naturally present in the fruit.

Benefits:

• High vitamin content: One serving (100 ml) covers 15% of the daily requirement for Vitamin D and B12, and 40% for Vitamin C.
• 100% juice: Consists of a blend of apple, orange, passion fruit, acerola, and persimmon juice.
• Immune system support: The included vitamins C and D contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
• Vegan: The product is suitable for a vegan diet.

Who it's for: People who want to combine their daily juice with a functional added value, especially to support their vitamin D intake during the months with less sun.

Looking for More Options?

Haven't found the right drink for you yet, or want to discover more flavours? Browse our wide range and find the ideal refreshment for your taste.

Discover our selection of canned fruit drinks here

Frequently Asked Questions

What defines a healthy drink?

A drink can be considered a conscious choice if it contains little to no added sugar, is low in calories, and is made from ingredients that are as natural as possible. Functional ingredients like vitamins or minerals can offer an additional benefit but shouldn't be the only factor in your selection. Proper hydration with water remains the foundation.

Is vitamin water a good alternative to soft drinks?

Vitamin water can be a sensible alternative. It often contains significantly fewer calories and sugar than conventional sodas. Plus, it provides vitamins and minerals. However, it's wise to check the label, as some products contain fructose or other types of sugar. They are a good option for flavourful hydration, especially for active people.

How can drinks support the immune system?

Certain nutrients are important for the normal function of the immune system. Drinks fortified with Vitamin C, Vitamin D, or Zinc can help meet the daily requirement for these micronutrients. However, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are the most important foundation for a functioning immune system.