In general, the most unhealthy drink is one that is high in sugar and low in nutrition. This can include sodas, energy drinks, and even some fruit juices. While there are some unhealthy drinks that are still relatively nutritious, such as 100% fruit juice, these are generally not as harmful as those that are entirely devoid of nutritional value. In addition to being high in sugar, many unhealthy drinks also contain artificial ingredients that can have negative health effects.
Fruit juice
Fruit juice is often marketed as a healthy alternative to sugary drinks like soda, but the truth is that it’s just as high in sugar and calories. A 12-ounce cup of apple juice has about 120 calories and 24 grams of sugar, while a 12-ounce can of Coke has 140 calories and 39 grams of sugar.
While fruit juice does contain some vitamins and minerals, it’s not as good for you as eating whole fruits. That’s because most of the nutrients are found in the skin and pulp of fruits, which are removed when the fruit is juiced.
What’s more, drinking too much fruit juice can lead to weight gain. One study found that people who drank eight or more servings of fruit juice per week were 26% more likely to be overweight or obese than those who drank less than one serving per week.
So if you’re looking for a healthy drink option, stick with water or unsweetened tea instead of reaching for a glass of fruit juice.
Powdered drink mixes
One popular powdered drink mix is Kool-Aid. A single package of Kool-Aid powder can contain up to 34 grams of sugar! That’s over 8 teaspoons of sugar in one small package. And that’s not even including the added sugars that may be in the mix already.
Another popular powdered drink is Crystal Light. A typical serving size (8 ounces) of Crystal Light contains only 5 calories… but those 5 calories come entirely from sugar. In fact, there is more than 4 grams of sugar in each serving!
And then there are the so-called “sports drinks” like Gatorade and Powerade. While these drinks do contain electrolytes which can be beneficial for athletes, they also contain large amounts of sugar. A 20 ounce bottle of Gatorade contains 34 grams of sugar – that’s over 8 teaspoons! And a similar sized bottle of Powerade contains 32 grams – also over 8 teaspoons worth!
So what’s the bottom line? If you’re looking for a healthy beverage option, stay away from powdered drink mixes – they’re nothing but empty calories and Sugar Bombs!
Low-fat milk
Low-fat milk contains added sugar and calories. A cup of low-fat milk contains about 120 calories and 12 grams of sugar. The sugar in low-fat milk can cause weight gain and increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Low-fat milk also contains unhealthy fats. These unhealthy fats can increase your cholesterol levels and contribute to heart disease.
So, if you are looking for a healthy drink, you may want to consider drinking whole milk instead of low-fat milk.
Liquid coffee creamer
Coffee creamer is a type of liquid dairy product that is used to add creaminess and flavor to coffee. It is made from a variety of different dairy products including milk, cream, and butter. Coffee creamer can also be made from non-dairy sources such as soy milk or almond milk.
Coffee creamer is high in calories and fat, and it can also contain added sugar. This makes it an unhealthy choice for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, coffee creamer can have negative effects on cholesterol levels and blood sugar control. For these reasons, it is important to limit your intake of coffee creamer if you are trying to improve your overall health.
Sweet cocktails
As much as we all love a good sweet cocktail, they are unfortunately one of the most unhealthy drinks out there. They are loaded with sugar and empty calories, and can quickly pack on the pounds if you’re not careful.
While a sweet cocktail might be delicious in the moment, it’s not doing your body any favors in the long run. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar and calories, you’re better off avoiding these sugary drinks altogether.
Flavored water
Flavored water is often marketed as a healthy alternative to sugary drinks like soda, but many people don’t realize that it can be just as unhealthy. Flavored waters are usually made with artificial sweeteners, which have been linked to health problems like weight gain, diabetes, and cancer. They also often contain other additives like colorants and preservatives, which can be harmful to your health. If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to sugary drinks, try unsweetened iced tea or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
Energy drinks
Energy drinks are typically loaded with sugar and caffeine. A typical 16-ounce energy drink can contain up to 36 grams of sugar and 160 milligrams of caffeine. That’s the equivalent of four or five cans of soda! Consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other health problems. Caffeine can also be dangerous in large amounts. It can cause insomnia, anxiety, irregular heartbeat, and even death.
In addition to their high sugar and caffeine content, energy drinks often contain other stimulants like guarana and ginseng. These ingredients can further increase your risk for side effects like jitters and anxiety. Some energy drinks also contain herbal supplements that are not regulated by the FDA (such as yohimbe bark extract). So there is no way to know if these ingredients are safe or effective when consumed in large quantities.
If you are looking for a healthy way to boost your energy levels, try exercising more frequently or getting enough sleep instead of relying on energy drinks.