The most controversial ingredients in Crystal Light are artificial colors and sweeteners. While the FDA generally recognizes them as safe, some claim that aspartame, sucralose, stevia, and artificial colors lack long-term evidence and may have adverse effects. One type of artificial sweetener found in some Crystal Light products is sucralose. According to MedicineNet, more research is needed on the possible impact of sucralose on human beings.
However, sucralose contains chlorine, which is classified as a carcinogen. In addition, short-term animal studies indicate that sucralose can cause problems such as hives, heart palpitations, gas, mood swings, and nausea. In addition to sucralose, Crystal Light may contain aspartame. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates both sucralose and aspartame and has considered them safe according to its regulations.
However, there is one notable exception. Because aspartame contains the amino acid phenylalanine, the FDA warns patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) to avoid the use of aspartame, as PKU makes it difficult to process phenylalanine. No, drinking Crystal Light isn't as good as drinking water. While Crystal Light contains some electrolytes, it's mostly made up of artificial ingredients, artificial sweeteners, and other added sugars.
Overall, sugar-free Crystal Light is a healthier option than many other sugary drinks, but it should still be consumed in moderation to avoid the potential health risks associated with excessive consumption. Crystal Light is an artificial sweetener, which in most cases contains aspartame, and is a popular drink among people looking to reduce their sugar and calorie intake while satisfying the desire for a sweet drink. This makes Crystal Light a good alternative to soft drinks (such as orange soda) and other drinks high in calories and sugar. And if we consider that Crystal Light comes in several flavors, it's clear how it could help promote greater water consumption and, at the same time, better hydration.
That said, Crystal Light may not be the most nutritious beverage option, but if you use it to replace other drinks that are high in calories and sugar, it could be a better choice for your health. On the one hand, Crystal Light contains no calories and, in addition, it has a relatively low sodium content, which is an advantage for those who are watching their weight or trying to control their blood pressure. It seems like it's okay to drink Crystal Light on an empty stomach, but more research is needed to determine the effects of artificial sweeteners on fasting. With that said, it's important to understand that while drinking Crystal Light won't directly lead to weight gain, neither will it lead to weight loss.
Some Crystal Light varieties also have small amounts of natural and artificial flavors, soy lecithin, and artificial colors. In addition, if you're looking for a sweetened beverage, naturally sweetened beverages, such as homemade ginger tea or green tea, are healthier options than Crystal Light. However, Perfect Keto reports that the artificial ingredients found in classic Crystal Light products make them a less healthy option than other keto drinks. If you want to avoid additives, try Crystal Light Pure, a version of Crystal Light without artificial sweeteners, flavors or preservatives.
As Healthfully points out, the classic Crystal Light contains just five calories per serving and comes in a variety of flavors such as fruit punch, raspberry, strawberry, kiwi, lemonade, and orange. It's also important to consider the fact that most Crystal Light products contain a certain amount of calories and carbohydrates, although they are usually very few. If you decide to consume Crystal Light, it is recommended that you consult the nutrition label and keep track of how much you drink.
