Are vitamin waters and flavored waters OK for kids?
Written from AAP, federal and National Academies guidance and checked against each source. Medical review by a pediatric registered dietitian is in progress. Updated November 2026.
Quick answer
Check the label. “Water” on the front doesn't mean unsweetened. Many flavored and vitamin waters have added sugar, and the zero-sugar ones use low-calorie sweeteners.11
Pick your child's age for a personal answer
By age
| Age | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12 months | Skip | No. |
| 1 to 4 years | Skip | Not the sweetened kind, and not the low-calorie sweetened kind before age 5.1 |
| 5 to 10 years | Occasionally | Skip the sweetened kind. Water is better.2 |
| 11 to 18 years | Occasionally | Occasionally. Check added sugar and sweeteners on the label. |
How much sugar?
Dashed line: the American Heart Association limit of 25 g of added sugar for the whole day, ages 2 to 18. Typical amounts, rounded. Brands vary.
Good to know
- The sweetened versions in Harvard's chart had 10 to 23 g of sugar per 12 oz.11
- Zero-sugar versions use sweeteners. See zero sugar drinks.
- If you're worried your child is missing a vitamin, ask your pediatrician before reaching for a fortified drink. Full disclosure: our sponsor makes drinks with added vitamin D. Whether your child needs any supplement is a question for your pediatrician, not a drink company.
Try instead
Plain water, with fruit slices for flavor.
Have the bottle in your hand? Check it with the label checker.
Common questions
Is flavored water healthy for kids?
Unsweetened flavored water with no added sugar or sweeteners is fine. Check Added Sugars on the label and the ingredient list for sweeteners.