A Comparison of Flavored Water: Crystal Light Vs. Great Value Drink Mix

Lately, I've been trying to drink more water. Unfortunately, after years of drinking pop, it's hard to get used to the plain taste of water. I found myself chugging down water, rather than enjoying it the way I would a pop. This led me to look for ways to flavor my water, without adding too many calories. I tried adding lemon juice, which was an improvement, but still not very satisfying. I then decided to try tea flavored with Splenda, which was satisfying, but time consuming to make. Also being a Southerner, it takes a lot of Splenda to get tea as sweet as I like and Splenda isn't cheap. Finally, I discovered Crystal Light. There are several flavors available and you can also buy a mix or buy bottles Crystal Light. But, I also noticed that you could find off brands of Crystal Light, such as Walmart's Great Value brand. Being a thrifty person, I decided to try the Great Value brand. But, could Great Value live up to Crystal Light? Or was it another generic product that would be a waste of money?

Crystal Light

As I mentioned above, I was thrilled to find Crystal Light. Crystal Light comes in several different flavors and is almost calorie-free. I say almost because a serving of Crystal Light has around 5 calories. When you consider how many calories are in pops, that's quite an improvement. I also loved the fact that I could buy Crystal Light mix. This meant I could buy Crystal Light in single serve packages that I mixed into a 16 ounce bottle of water or I could also buy Crystal Light mix in containers that would make 2 quarts at a time. This was really handy, but you can also find Crystal Light in 16 ounces bottles and 64 ounce bottles. Crystal Light really has been a savior for dieters for several years and it continues to offer more products to make it easier for consumers to drink the recommended 8 glasses of water each day. But, is Crystal Light any better than Walmart's Great Value drink mix?

Great Value

If you shop at Walmart, you will notice that next to the Crystal Light flavors there are Great Value drink mix flavors. You will also notice that the Great Value brand is much cheaper. Now, I understand that it's easy to be skeptical of store brands. I have bought store brands that have been thrown away, but I have never bought anything made by the Great Value brand that wasn't as good as the name brand. Great Value is just as good as Crystal Light, but you will notice a few differences. For example, Great Value does not offer 15 flavors like Crystal Light does. Also, Great Value doesn't offer premixed drinks. You can only find Great Value drink mix. Now, for me this isn't a big deal. I don't mind mixing the drink and storing it in my fridge. Also, I prefer the single serving mix, because it's easy to take with me to college. The only real downside I see is Great Value's lack of flavors. If Great Value could offer as many drink mix flavors as Crystal Light, more people may be tempted to buy Great Value drink mix.

All in all, I like both of these brands, but choose to buy Great Value because it's cheaper. The tastes are the same and since I prefer to the use the mix it isn't a big deal to me that Great Value doesn't offer the premixed drinks. If you're a fan of Crystal Light, try Great Value just once. You really will be surprised by the fact that they taste exactly the same. Plus, you'll pay less and who doesn't love that?