Product Review: Crystal Light Pure

A few weeks ago I received an email asking me if I would be interested in trying a new line of Crystal Light products–Crystal Light Pure. While I usually drink water, I do keep a stash of Crystal Light on hand for times when I want something else, so I was glad to have this opportunity.

Crystal Light Pure comes in five flavors, and I was given three to try: Lemonade, Tropical Blend, and Straberry Kiwi.

The lemonade was my favorite. It tasted pretty much like regular Crystal Light.

So, what does the “pure”mean? According to Crystal Light, these beverage mixes have no artificial flavors, no artificial colors, and no preservatives. They are sweetened with Truvia and sugar. They have 15 calories per serving, although each on-the-go packet makes two 8-ounce servings in a 16.9 oz water bottle.

Summer may be over, but staying hydrated is as important as ever. I have noticed that with the cooler weather I am drinking less, and often falling short of my daily goal. Having this light, flavorful option may make it easier for me to stay hydrated.

Here are some hydration tips from Crystal Light Pure spokesperson Molly Kimball, RD:

1. Keep a Tally. We can’t actually tell how well we’re hydrated by how thirsty we feel. For many of us, by the time we start to feel thirsty, we’re already dehydrated, but just how much water is enough when it comes to staying hydrated? Keep a running tally of how much fluid you’re getting and aim for half of your body weight in ounces of fluid per day, plus an extra 16 ounces for every pound of sweat lost during exercise or work in the heat.   
2. Flavor Up to Drink Up. Want to drink water to stay hydrated, but hate the boring taste? Add the flavor you want and none of what you don’t by sipping on naturally sweetened Crystal Light Pure. It’s got no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives and is sweetened with sugar and Truvia, a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant. It’ll give your water light, refreshing flavor with just 15 calories and 4 grams of sugar per serving. And the Grape and Strawberry Kiwi flavors have the added bonus of electrolytes!
3. Don’t Forget about Food. Staying well-hydrated is essential for maintaining optimal energy levels, preventing muscle cramping and headaches, and more serious issues like heatstroke. But that doesn’t mean you have to force down gallons of water or bottles of sugary sports drinks. Any type of alcohol-free beverage can count toward your fluid intake – and even some foods! Some of the top electrolyte-rich, hydrating foods include all types of fresh fruit, soups like gazpacho and Greek yogurt.
4. Watch the Caffeine. For years, the widely-held belief was that caffeinated beverages were dehydrating. An abundance of research has proven otherwise, however. The amount of caffeine typically found in standard servings of tea, coffee, and soft drinks appears to have no diuretic effect, meaning that these beverages don’t cause us to lose more fluid than they provide. But remember that you don’t want the majority of your fluids to come from caffeinated drinks since most health organizations recommend we limit our caffeine intake. Instead, try to vary what you’re drinking.

**FTC Notice** I received free samples of Crystal Light Pure from Kraft Foods. My opinion of the product is based on my own experience.  

Do you keep track of your daily water consumption?

Do you find that you are drinking less water on a regular basis now that the weather is cooler?