4 Healthy Juice Box Alternatives For Kids

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Cut sugar and boost the immune system with these healthy drinks for kids! These juice box alternatives are natural options to keep your toddlers hydrated. No excess sugar, no dyes, and best of all? No crashes! The best hydration options to replace juice boxes.

While we all know that water is the best way to hydrate, more often than not we overlook it when it comes to our daily intake (here are some tips on how to drink more water though!). 

Instead, juice, juice boxes, and milk take priority.

There are even mini versions of the traditional juice boxes specifically made for toddlers!

Given that juice boxes provide zero nutrients, step outside the norm and opt for these healthy drinks instead.

Why You Should Eliminate Juice From Your Kids' Diet

Toddlers and even bigger kids have absolutely zero need for juice. It provides absolutely no function to them.  Juice is simply excess sugar- and the last thing little ones need is sugar! Learn more about the detrimental effects of sugar on kids.

[clickToTweet tweet="The truth is, juice is simply excess sugar- and the last thing toddlers need is sugar!" quote="The truth is, juice is simply excess sugar- and the last thing toddlers need is sugar!"]

As a Certified Nutrition Coach, some common problems with juice boxes are:

• it rots teeth (Sucking a straw full of sugar directly into the tooth pockets doesn't exactly help build strong enamel)
• it suppresses the flora in the gut and weakens the immune system. Thus, it's pretty pointless to me
• excess sugar cause crashes and temper tantrums
• sugar alters tastes buds
• juice boxes fill kids up so they don't want healthy, fueling snacks

Furthermore, when it comes to school, giving kids a sugar hit and expecting them to sit for an hour and focus is just impractical.

And while watering down your kids juice is obviously a much better option, there are still better drinks for kids.

Healthy Drinks For Kids

The below options are all simple, healthy choices to replace juice boxes. 

They're easy to make (if you need to make them), taste delicious, and contain zero to minimal sugars and no dyes.

These healthy drinks are all-natural options to make the switch from juice boxes.

Homemade Chilled Tea

Grab a bag of your favorite fruit-based tea and make some chilled. Loose leaf tea especially comes with a host of additional health benefits on top of tasting great.

While you can add a teeny bit of honey to the tea before it cools, it's not necessary. Make sure to chose a fruit herbal tea and you shouldn't need any sweetener. 

Want to make it even more exciting for your kids? Add in a bit of perrier and your kids will feel even more special.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is a great juice box alternative in the summer months! This is because it replenishes electrolytes and helps balance the body as well.

Learn more about the wicked benefits of coconut water in your diet.

However, keep in mind that when not used to it, coconut water can have a laxative effect. So start off small (like half a cup) before downing a whole carton.

Likewise, some brands add sugar into their coconut water so make sure to check the ingredients before purchasing. Thirsty Buddha (which you can get at Well.ca) is a great brand if you need help.

Flavored Water In Place Of Juice

Of course this made the list! It's so simple and easy to customize to what your toddler likes. Again, given water is the healthier drink you can give your toddler it only makes sense to have this as a staple.

Grab a huge jug and add in fruits or herbs. Some favorites in our house are:

• strawberry mint
• pineapple cucumber
• blueberry

Add the ingredients into the water in an infusing jug (or mason jars) and let it sit for a day in the fridge.

Not only does it keep your little one hydrated but it can be as potent as you want it to!

Smoothies

Smoothies are an easy option to both hydrate and get nutrients into your kids!

If your toddler is new to smoothies, learn how to introduce smoothies to them so they'll fall in love. A few toddlers favorites are:

• mango orange
•  watermelon slushie
• strawberry yogurt smoothie

Cups & Containers For Healthy Drinks

If you're going to omit juice boxes and replace them with healthy drinks, you'll want some reusable drink containers!

When it comes to smoothies, these pouches are easily the best option for toddlers. Not only are they portable but they're spill-proof too!

Furthermore, for the other juice box alternatives, use these reusable juice box containers. They work well and are a great way to transition your kids from juice boxes to something new (they still look similar).

Precidio Design Drink in the Box Eco-Friendly Reusable Drink and Juice Box Container (8oz, Purple)

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Don't forget to pin these juice box alternatives!

The truth is, juice boxes are just not necessary. Moreover, they provide no nutritional value.

While it's nice to have something other than water, there are better options!

Even the organic varieties are not health-promoting. Instead of plying your toddler with sugar, opt for these healthy drinks for kids to keep them hydrated instead!