The Scoop on Plant Waters

Move over, coconut water: New plant-based drinks are coming to a grocery near you. Here’s the lowdown (note that nothing beats the benefits of regular H20):

ALOE / ALODRINK.COM 

WHAT IT IS: It’s made from aloe vera juice and pulp, plus other ingredients like sugar and honey.
HEALTH CLAIMS: It’s promoted as a health powerhouse, full of vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids.
TRY IT? Skip. It has 32 grams of sugar per bottle—that’s more than a candy bar. 

ARTICHOKE / ARTYWATER.COM
WHAT IT IS: Water squeezed from artichokes, sweetened with blue agave and monk fruit
HEALTH CLAIMS:The brand says it has antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins A, E and C, a range of B vitamins and potassium.
TRY IT? Sip sparingly. It has negligible amounts of vitamins and minerals.

CACTUS / DRINKCALIWATER.COM
WHAT IT IS: A combo of prickly pear cactus extract with water,
lemon juice and stevia to sweeten
HEALTH CLAIMS: This drink claims to supply electrolytes, minerals and
flavonoids and is touted as a way to cleanse and detox the body.
TRY IT? Sip sparingly. It’s 32 calories and low in minerals, so don’t expect miracles.

MAPLE / DRINKMAPLE.COM
WHAT IT IS: The most basic of the bunch, it’s made from sap extracted straight from maple trees.
HEALTH CLAIMS: The company says it’s full of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, such as 40 percent of your daily requirement for manganese.
TRY IT? Try it. This sip is naturally low in sugar and has only 20 calories per cup.