To sensibly enjoy beverages, it’s important to understand their ingredients and the benefits they provide.
The primary ingredient in beverages is water, which is essential for maintaining proper hydration. In fact, most nonalcoholic beverages, including regular and no- and low-calorie sparkling beverages, are between 85 and 99 percent water.
Other ingredients are added to beverages to provide flavor, color, or other benefit. Caloric sweeteners, low- and no-calorie sweeteners, and caffeine add to the pleasant taste of many beverages. The addition of nutrients and beneficial ingredients like calcium, vitamin D, DHA, fiber and plant sterols to juices and other beverages can help consumers meet their nutrition and health goals. And, beverages like sports drinks are formulated to address specific performance needs.
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Caffeine is widely found in beverages and foods, such as coffee, tea, cola drinks, and chocolate. Research shows that moderate caffeine intake, equivalent to two to three cups of coffee or five to six cans of caffeinated sparkling beverages for adults, is not linked with any health problem. Learn about caffeine.
Sucrose (table sugar) and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are the primary caloric sweeteners used in beverages. Consuming added sugars does not cause negative health effects, including diabetes and obesity. However calories from sugar, like all calories in the diet, must be managed in order to maintain energy balance. Learn about caloric sweeteners.
Low- and no-calorie sweeteners offer consumers options to help them with their lifestyle—whether to help with energy balance or simply to provide a sweet taste without added calories. Learn about the low- and no-calorie sweeteners commonly used in foods and beverages, including their safety and research related to body weight.
Did you know? Beverages with added ingredients like vitamin D, calcium, DHA, fiber, and phytosterols can help consumers meet their nutrition and health goals. Learn about these beneficial ingredients.
Use our Ingredient Glossary to learn about beverage ingredients.