Enjoying Flavored Sparkling Waters with Diabetes
Staying hydrated is essential when managing diabetes, but plain water can get boring. A refreshing option is flavored sparkling water like twisted tea pop. The carbonation and taste provide sensory excitement without calories or blood sugar impact.
What is Twisted Tea Pop?
Twisted tea pop is a type of flavored sparkling water made by the Twisted Tea brand. It provides the carbonated bubbly sensation of soda with a splash of tea flavor and zero calories or carbs.
Twisted tea pops come in a variety of flavors like raspberry, peach, lemon, and half & half (lemonade/tea). Each 12 ounce can contains no sugar, using natural flavorings to provide taste instead. This makes twisted tea pop a fun diabetic-friendly beverage.
Benefits of Flavored Sparkling Waters
Here are some reasons why enjoying twisted tea pop and other flavored carbonated waters is great for people with diabetes:
- Zero calories - No need to count carbs or calories since flavored seltzers contain none.
- Hydration - Bubbly water provides hydration, which is key for diabetes health.
- Blood sugar friendly - With no actual sugars or calories, sparkling waters don't impact blood glucose.
- Flavored options - From lime to berry flavors, carbonated waters satisfy taste buds without sweetness.
- Caffeine-free - Most flavored seltzers like twisted tea pop contain no caffeine, making them an anytime drink.
- Can help reduce soda/juice intake - Provides a fizzy drink alternative to wean off sugary beverages.
- Convenience - Easy to find flavored sparkling waters at any grocery store or on restaurant menus.
The bubbles and taste make flavored carbonated waters much more enticing than plain water for staying hydrated throughout the day.
Nutrition Profile of Twisted Tea Pop
Here is the nutrition breakdown for one 12 ounce can of twisted tea pop flavored sparkling water:
- Calories: 0
- Total fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total carbs: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
With zero carbs, sugars, or calories, twisted tea pop provides pure hydration that won't affect your diabetes management plan. Compare this to a 12 ounce can of regular lemonade soda, which has around 132 calories and 32g of sugar!
Watching Intake of Flavored Sparkling Waters
While twisted tea pops have no actual sugars or carbs, there are some drawbacks to consider:
- May trigger cravings for sweet drinks
- Lack of nutrients compared to juices/milk
- Carbonation can cause digestive issues for some
- Acidic bubbles may erode tooth enamel over time
- May displace hydrating plain water in the diet
- Cost more than tap water
Moderating intake of flavored carbonated waters and opting for plain water at times is wise. But overall, enjoying seltzers like twisted tea pop provides a tasty no-calorie choice.
Other Flavored Sparkling Water Options
In addition to twisted tea pop, some other diabetic-friendly flavored carbonated water brands include:
- LaCroix
- Bubly
- Polar seltzer
- Spindrift
- Hint water
- Perrier flavored sparkling mineral water
- AHA flavored seltzer from Coca Cola
Look for options with no added sugars, sweeteners, or calories. Opt for natural fruit flavors whenever possible over artificial additives.
Making Your Own Flavored Sparking Water
You can also easily make your own custom flavored carbonated waters at home with just a few ingredients:
- Plain seltzer or club soda
- Fresh citrus like orange slices, lime, or lemon
- Fresh herbs like mint leaves, basil, or rosemary
- Fruit like berries, muddled peach, or cucumber
- Natural flavor extracts like vanilla, almond, or coconut
Play around with different flavor combinations to satisfy your taste buds without adding any sugars or calories.
Staying Hydrated with Diabetes
Proper hydration is extremely important when managing diabetes. Here are some tips for staying hydrated throughout the day:
- Drink water before, during and after exercise
- Sip water, unsweetened tea, or coffee throughout the day
- Set reminders to drink water at regular intervals
- Infuse water with fruit for natural flavor
- Consume water-rich fruits and veggies like cucumber, grapes, or watermelon
- Limit intake of sugary, high calorie beverages
- Carry a refillable water bottle for easy hydration on the go
- Drink a glass of water before meals and snacks
- Choose sparkling waters like twisted tea pop to break up plain water routine
Consuming adequate fluids is vital for energy levels, concentration, kidney function, and managing blood glucose fluctuations.
Other Diabetic-Friendly Beverage Ideas
In addition to sparkling waters, here are some other hydrating beverage options that fit into a diabetes diet:
- Unsweetened tea, hot or iced
- Coffee with modest amounts of milk/cream
- Low-fat milk or milk alternatives like unsweetened almond milk
- Bone broth and other savory broths
- Shakes made with protein powder and unsweetened almond milk
- Fresh vegetable juices without added sugars
Opt for calorie-free beverages as often as possible, and limit intake of fruit juices and other sugary drinks.
The Bottom Line
Twisted tea pops and other flavored sparkling waters provide a refreshing zero-calorie option for people with diabetes looking to jazz up their hydration. The carbonation and flavors add sensory interest without any blood sugar impact. Moderating intake and emphasizing plain water at times is wise. But overall, keeping bubbly flavored waters like twisted tea pop in your diabetic beverage rotation makes achieving adequate hydration more enjoyable.
FAQs
Are flavored seltzers bad for your teeth?
The acidity in carbonated waters can erode tooth enamel over time. But they are far less harmful than sugary sodas. Moderating intake and drinking with a straw can help minimize tooth damage.
Do flavored sparkling waters cause weight gain?
No, since they contain zero calories. But they may displace intake of plain water. Moderation is key to prevent overconsumption of artificially flavored drinks.
Can people with diabetes drink diet soda?
Occasional small amounts are okay, but flavored seltzers are a better choice since diet sodas still contain artificial sweeteners. Focus on calorie-free, non-sweetened beverages.
Are sparkling waters bad for your stomach?
Some carbonated waters may cause mild digestive discomfort or bloating. But they are generally fine for most people's stomachs in moderation.
Do flavored waters count as water intake?
Yes, seltzers like twisted tea pop provide hydration the same as plain water. But overdoing flavored waters can diminish taste for plain water over time.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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