Which 'Essential' Flavors Will ‘Rise’ to the Top? We’ve Got the 20 Best Vitaminwater Flavors—Ranked
These electrolyte drinks are definitely "funner than water" but which flavor is best?
Vitaminwater started when founder J. Darius Bikoff caught a cold and was taking vitamin C and mineral water interchangeably. He saw a gap in the market—what if you could combine the two into one super health food product? And Vitaminwater was born.
Throughout the years, Vitaminwater has introduced many different flavors of their vitamin-infused, electrolyte waters. Nowadays, there are 15 flavors to choose from, but for our ranking, we used a few of the discontinued flavors as well.
Keep reading for all the Vitaminwater flavors ranked from worst to best—including all of the flavors currently on the market (plus a few unforgettable flavors that are now discontinued).
Here at Parade.com, we're all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Related: It's a Showdown of the 40 Best Monster Drink Flavors of All Time—Ranked
What are all the flavors of Vitaminwater?
Perhaps one of the most fun qualities of Vitaminwater is its packaging and sassy attitude. One of the first things you'll notice about Vitaminwater (besides its different colors) is the lower-case flavor names—a purposeful stylistic choice.
Read the back of the label and you'll find yourself enveloped in a world of sass with each label specifically written to go along with that flavor. With such standout branding that's like no other, the names of Vitaminwater options really are a mouthful!
Right now, the seven regular flavors of Vitamin Water available on the shelves include:
energy (caffeine) tropical citrus
revive (fruit punch)
focus (vitamin A) kiwi strawberry
refresh (tropical mango)
essential (calcium) orange
power-c (dragonfruit) vitamin c
xxx (triple antioxidants) açai blueberry pomegranate
Then, the eight zero-sugar flavors include:
gutsy (watermelon peach)
look (blueberry hibiscus)
ice (blueberry lavender)
shine (strawberry lemonade)
rise (calcium) orange
xxx (triple antioxidants) açai blueberry pomegranate
squeezed (a+ zinc) lemonade
power-c (dragonfruit) vitamin c
Are Vitaminwater drinks good for you?
Vitaminwater is a combination of vitamins, minerals and water, so, it theoretically should be good for you, right? Well, maybe not so much...
Aside from the flavors from Vitaminwater's zero sugar line, most 20-ounce bottles of Vitaminwater flavors have at least 32 grams of added sugar. After all, Vitaminwater is, in fact, owned by the Coca-Cola Company.
Most of the added sugar in Vitaminwater is fructose, which studies show regular consumption of which can lead to health complications such as an increased risk for obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, tooth decay, heart disease, metabolic syndrome and more.
However, the flavors in the zero sugar line are sweetened up with erythritol and stevia instead.
Consuming one Vitaminwater is equivalent 32 grams of added sugar. Most 2,500-calorie diets recommend no more than 10 percent of your total daily calories in the form of added sugar. But one Vitaminwater could mean you've hit anywhere between 50 to 100 percent of that recommended limit.
Which Vitaminwater flavor is the healthiest?
It's kind of hard to tell. On the one hand, it might be healthiest to stick to any of the flavors from Vitaminwater's zero sugar line. That way, you're bypassing all the added sugar that's in the other flavors.
Then again, Vitaminwater Zero doesn't have enough electrolytes to even be considered on the same level as a hydration-replenishing drink (think Pedialyte, Wubba Water, Liquid IV, etc). So, can one really be healthier than the other?
Depending on what you're looking for, most Vitaminwater options will help with your daily fluid intake and they will provide some level of vitamins and minerals. The "health" aspect is reliant on what the drinker really needs.
Still, power-C might just be the best option—which is good news since it's beloved by many. It's got a high content of zinc, electrolytes, zinc, taurine, vitamin B and vitamin C. Just remember—all of this is offset by that 32 grams of added sugar. Another great option? The zero-sugar squeezed lemonade.
What flavor is purple Vitaminwater?
Currently, the purple Vitaminwater is restore (electrolytes) fruit punch. However, Vitaminwater's zero sugar line previously had to have a purple one as well: xoxox (triple antioxidants) acai blueberry pomegranate—which is currently discontinued.
20 best Vitaminwater flavors—ranked
20. serenit-e (l-theanine + chamomile extract + selenium) melon hibiscus [Discontinued]
Don't let the green hue of serenit-e freak you out. It's not one of those crazy green juice loaded with leafy greens like kale and collard greens (although that's definitely much better for you!). This Vitaminwater flavor is actually a combo of melon and hibiscus and that green color is the product of holy basil.
Unusual, yes? Our favorite? Hardly. (It's also easy to see why it's been discontinued.) But at least it leans more to the blackberry side of flavors and not much toward the melon (eek!). It's also got a hint of chamomile in there to balance out the strength of the herb, so that's another plus. Still, serenit-e would never be our go-to.
Vitamins include l-theanine, niacin, magnesium, vitamin E, potassium, vitamin B6, turmeric, selenium, and vitamin B12.
vitaminwater focus, kiwi-strawberry flavored, electrolyte enhanced bottled water with vitamin b5, b6, b12, 20 fl oz (12 pack)
19. focus (vitamin A) kiwi strawberry
Love the name, but the flavor, not so much? You're either a kiwi strawberry person or you're not and well, our taste testers just weren't crazy about this one. Still, focus has redeeming qualities like its extra B-vitamins that support your nervous system and promote energy. However, if this was the last VW on the shelf, we'd probably skip it.
vitaminwater zero xxx, açai-blueberry-pomegranate flavored, electrolyte enhanced bottled water with vitamin b5, b6, b12, 20 fl oz, 12 pack
18. zero xxx
There's xxx and then there's zero xxx. As you can guess, zero xxx—the one with less sugar—is the one that's significantly less delicious. But, of course, it's also the one that's healthier.
This Vitaminwater flavor has three types of antioxidants (which you'll also find in the traditional xxx, ranked #16) to ward off free radicals—vitamin A, vitamin C and selenium.
Zero xxx is also an excellent source of B5, B6 and B12 and just like #15, it also has that açai-blueberry-pomegranate flavor. However, it's just a little less sugary. If you prefer the less-sugary flavor, then this is the pick for you. If you live for the sweetness, you may want to try the regular xxx.
17. recover-e (electrolytes from sea salt) blueberry strawberry [Discontinued]
The tagline of recover-e is that it's meant to keep you hydrated—but honestly, all Vitaminwater options do that. This one—recover-e—was filled to the brim with electrolytes but most Vitaminwater flavors are—although we will say, this one's made with sea salt electrolytes specifically. What's the difference? Not sure.
The blueberry strawberry flavor is fine enough—and it's discontinued to boot—but once again, we'd probably take a pass on this one if given the chance.
vitaminwater xxx, electrolyte enhanced water w/ vitamins, açai-blueberry-pomegranate drinks, 20 fl oz, 12 Pack
16. xxx (triple antioxidants) açai blueberry pomegranate
For those looking to stock up on vitamin C and reverse the damage of free radicals, xxx is the Vitaminwater for you. It has triple the amount of antioxidants, is sodium-free, and is also crammed with a few healthy B vitamins. Its taste is rather neutral in our humble opinion, but if you distinctly enjoy açai and blueberry and pomegranate, then you might really enjoy this one. For us, it was just average.
Related: Mountain Dew Turns One of Its Fan-Favorite Flavors Into New Hot Sauce
Vitamin Water Zero Look, Electrolyte Enhanced Bottled Water with Vitamins, 20 Oz Bottles (Pack of 6, Total of 120 Oz)
15. zero look (blueberry hibiscus)
Again, hibiscus just doesn't do it for us. Sure, maybe blueberry hibiscus more so than the melon hibiscus, but it's still just a tough taste to swallow.
Redeeming qualities of zero look include its low sugar content, electrolytes, B-vitamins, vitamin A, and lutein—a carotenoid that, like, vitamin A, improves eyesight.
Vitamin Water Zero, Strawberry Lemonade - Shine, 20oz Bottle (Pack of 6, Total of 120 Oz)
14. zero shine (strawberry lemonade)
Vitaminwater's zero shine is more of what you would expect from a zero-sugar bevy. It's a slightly watered-down version of lemonade—with a kick of strawberry—but it really tastes more sugary than it does strawberry or lemony. Ironic, right?
It's definitely sweet but what helped us score it a little better was its high amount of vitamin A, biotin, and additional antioxidants to help out with hair, skin and nails.
Glaceau Vitamin Water, Revive, Fruit Punch 20 Oz
13. revive (fruit punch)
Coming up next is revive, a fruit punch flavor outfitted with electrolytes, plenty of B-vitamins, and choline. It can help with healthy liver function but truth is, there are better Vitaminwater flavors out there.
Vitaminwater Zero Sugar Ice, Ice Cool Blueberry-Lavender Flavored, Electrolyte Enhanced Bottled Water with Vitamin b5, b6, b12, 20 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
12. zero ice (blueberry lavender)
First off, you definitely have to like the taste of culinary lavender to enjoy this drink because there definitely is a noticeable kick of it in there. If you don't, then it's probably not for you.
However, we do think the blueberry sweetens up the sharpness a bit, balancing the taste out. It's also got a touch of chamomile in there, too; not only does that break up the lavender, but it can also result in a calmer state post-drink.
It also contains l-theanine, vitamin B5, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12.
Related: Are You Team Thin Mints or Team Samoas? 14 Best Girl Scout Cookie Flavors
11. multi-v (a+ zinc) lemonade [Discontinued]
A lot of us don't think about zinc too often, but it's actually a crucial mineral for fortifying your body's natural immunity. In addition to zinc, multi-v has a splash of vitamin C, vitamin B6, B12, niacin, magnesium, vitamin A, calcium and vitamin E. Or should we say "had?" The multi-v flavor might've been chock-full of zinc but it's currently discontinued.
Now onto the flavor: Lemonade is always a good idea, so there's not too many negative things to say about multi-v. Do we think it could be a little stronger in its flavor profile? Definitely.
10. zero xoxox (triple antioxidants) acai blueberry pomegranate [Discontinued]
In the last couple of years, antioxidants (and foods high in them) have become the holy grail of health. Well, this zero Vitaminwater flavor is no different as it claims to have TRIPLE the antioxidants. With a yummy acai blueberry pomegranate flavor, zero xoxox *kinda* ~sorta~ tastes like an acai bowl—but not enough to rank it lower down the list.
The good news is there are no artificial sweeteners added and it's filled to the brim with vitamin C and B-vitamins. The bad news? It's discontinued in the U.S.—although it looks like you can still get it in Canada.
Vitamin Water Zero, Dragonfruit - Power C, 20oz Bottle (Pack of 6, Total of 120 Oz)
9. zero power-c (dragonfruit) vitamin c
For sugar-conscious fans of power-c, there's also the zero-sugar version: zero power-c. It still flaunts that quintessential dragonfruit flavor that people love and zero power-c is also packed with zinc, extra vitamins, and electrolytes. But zero power-c is a healthier (at least in terms of added sugar) version that tastes pretty similar. The traditional power-c is undoubtedly better, but this is absolutely the next best thing.
Vitamin Water Zero Gutsy Electrolyte Enhanced Bottled Water with Vitamins 20 Oz Bottles Pack of 6 Total of 120 Oz 20 Fl Oz Pack of 6
8. zero gutsy (watermelon peach)
One of Vitaminwater's newest zero-sugar flavors (although the brand has peddled a somewhat-related version of it in the past), the zero-sugar gutsy is aptly named considering it contains 5 grams of prebiotic fiber. So, it goes without saying that your gut is going to be well taken care of after imbibing this flavor. It'll make ya go...
To the potty, that is.
It has a pleasant watermelon peach flavor that no, may not be a standout, but all in all, it's pretty good. After all, it made the top #10!
vitaminwater Energy, Tropical Citrus Flavored, Electrolyte Enhanced Bottled Water with Vitamin B5, B6, B12, 20 Fl Oz, 12 Pack
7. energy (caffeine) tropical citrus
If you need an early-morning pick-me-up, skip the coffee and reach for Vitaminwater's energy. It, too, has caffeine but combines it with a tropical citrus flavor that is very piña colada-esque.
Drinking one of these means fueling up on vitamin C, and vitamins b3, b6 and b12, so it really does replenish your energy and wake you up when you're feeling a little groggy.
vitaminwater Essential, Orange-Orange Flavored, Electrolyte Enhanced Bottled Water with Vitamin B5, B6, B12, 20 Fluid Ounce, 12 Pack
6. essential (calcium) orange
For lovers of orange juice, there's the "healthier" essential (calcium) orange Vitaminwater, which tastes very similar to your morning OJ. A meaningful source of both vitamin C and B-vitamins, essential is a great drink to grab after a workout, but really, it's tasty at any time of day.
The essential flavor is also chockful of calcium, which is important to maintaining the strength of your bones and teeth. Do the 32 grams of added sugar help your teeth? Eh, probably not. But at least in the context of flavors, essential is high up there on the list for sure.
Related: Try These 20 Starbucks Drinks From Their Secret Menu
vitaminwater zero rise, orange flavored, electrolyte enhanced bottled water with vitamin b5, b6, b12, 20 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
5. zero rise (calcium) orange
The best comparison we can make for zero rise is orange juice. It's from Vitaminwater's zero line so, of course, it obviously tastes way less sugary, but still, it's very reminiscent of a refreshing morning drink.
It's full of electrolytes, vitamin C and B-vitamins, plus zinc. Plus, it hardly tastes more watered down than its non-zero counterpart (above).
While it's a really good Vitaminwater drink, we give it an A- at best as there are still three others that go above and beyond in the flavor department.
4. restore (electrolytes) fruit punch [Discontinued]
Fruit punch can be tricky to get right... It can often be either too sweet (think: Hawaiian Punch) or on the other end of the spectrum, too watered down (think: Wubba Water). Frankly, we expected Vitaminwater's restore flavor (its take on fruit punch) to taste like the latter but we were presently surprised. It's no wonder restore has a cult-like following even though it's since been discontinued. It really is deliciously tasty and as far as vitamins and minerals go, it has everything from potassium and magnesium to vitamin C, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12.
Vitamin Water Zero, Lemonade - Squeezed, 20oz Bottle (Pack of 6, Total of 120 Oz)
3. zero squeezed (a+ zinc) lemonade
It's kinda hard to mess up lemonade, but what we love most about squeezed is that it's actually from Vitaminwater's zero line. That means that it's made with not only less sugar, but sugarcane.
It contains a healthy amount of vitamins A, B, C, E, selenium, calcium, biotin and zinc.
But the best part truly is the taste—the light, refreshing drink that it promises to be. It really is like an authentic lemonade... just without the grams and grams of sugar.
vitaminwater Power-C Dragonfruit 32 Oz Bottle (Pack of 6)
2. power-c (dragonfruit) vitamin c
The flavor profile of power-c is dragonfruit—often a polarizing flavor—and in this case, it's like, really, really good. It's got a touch of citrus, a touch of kiwi and then very mildly, there's a hint of pear. Now, pear isn't usually our go-to flavor (especially in a beverage) but here, it's mild enough to work. Vitaminwater's mega-c has a pretty robust list of vitamins in it, too: zinc, taurine, B-vitamins, extra vitamin C, and then your electrolytes to boot.
Vitaminwater Refresh, Tropical Mango Flavored, Electrolyte Enhanced Bottled Water with Vitamin b5, b6, b12, 20 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
1. refresh (tropical mango)
Vitaminwater's refresh is about as close as the brand gets to a Gatorade-level sports drink. It features tasty tropical mango vibes and is filled to the brim with electrolytes for ultimate rehydration. Vitamin wise it contains vitamins C, E, B3, B5, B6 and B12, but it's neither the vitamins nor the electrolytes that make this the best Vitaminwater of all time. When it comes to flavor, refresh is a 10/10.
