When our son signed up for a homeschool basketball league, I did what a lot of other parents probably do: bought the gear he needed, including comfortable shoes and socks, and tucked the typical sports drink in his bag each time he went to practice.

During one of our shopping trips, Joseph walked up to me and stuck a brightly colored bottle in my hand. “Can I try this?” he asked. “It’s supposed to be better than the other drinks.” It was Body Armor, and while it does have coconut water and less of the not-so-great ingredients, there’s still a good deal of sugar. Turns out, when you starting reading labels, you’ll learn there are quite a lot of options when it comes to hydration.

Here are a couple of good alternatives to those that are loaded with sugar. These alternatives steer clear of artificial sweeteners as well, because research has shown that these chemicals can cause metabolic dysfunction.

Organic Electrolyte Drinks

These typically start with an organic coconut water base, then add on natural flavors, minerals, and some stevia for a touch of sweetness. Average calories per bottle: 30.  Brands include Nooma, Goodonya Hydrate, and ROAR.

Electrolyte drinks can be purchased in liquid form (pre-mixed), or as powders that you add to your own water bottle.

Fruit and Vegetable Juice

It’s not just for mixing up Bloody Mary’s!

The most popular plant-based sport drink is V8 Energy, made with a sweet potato juice base and Stevia for sweetening.

Launch Hydrate is also made with fruit and vegetable juices, with cane sugar as an added sweetener. It clocks in at 90 calories.

Knudsen Recharge starts with filtered water and derives its refreshingly sweet taste from fruit juices like apple, raspberry, pineapple and strawberry. It also contains a small amount of vegetable juice and a touch of sea salt.

Flavored Water

There’s no rule that says you have to get your electrolytes and/or minerals in a sports beverage. Many active people just prefer water and a banana. My favorite is Hint, which is just purified water and a “hint” of natural fruit essence.

If you opt for JUST Water, the cartons are refillable, which eliminates the waste of single-use plastic bottles and metal cans.

If your teenager doesn’t like wearing traditional socks, check out liner socks.
Our son really likes the no-slip, no-show style.

This post is a sponsored partnership is between Responsival and Zephyr Hill Blog.