Not a fan of adding dyes and artificial flavors to your kids’ diet? This real food version of “Kool-Aid” is easy to make and fun for kids. No chemicals required.
Lately I see a lot of commercials for convenience foods that just seem plain silly. Like to-go containers of peanut butter? Because you don’t have enough time to scoop a little peanut butter into a container at home?
Then there are the “foods” that are just plain junk. Like “Kool-Aid” squeeze packs. Because it’s such a great idea to fill your child with high fructose corn syrup and food coloring that they had to make it even easier for you to do. And you can even do it on the go. Give your child a bottle of water…and then fill it with nasty stuff that contributes to ADHD and other health issues.
I say just give them the water and be done. There really is no need for anything extra.
How to Make “Kool-Aid” Without Food Coloring
Sometimes it is nice to have a treat. And there are also times when your child needs a beverage that is a bit more hydrating than plain water, like this Smart Water.
So I created a real food version of “Kool-Aid” syrup to add to water. It’s made with quality ingredients. Plus it has unrefined sea salt with minerals for hydration.
I send my daughter to school with a water bottle every day. But once in a while I add a couple tablespoons of our homemade fruit syrup. She gets a treat. And she’s more likely to drink more that way and stay hydrated. A little flavor goes a long way.
How to Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup
You don’t need the corn syrup and food dyes to make water fun. Simply make your own syrup (it only takes 10 minutes!). Then your child can still focus at school while having a delicious treat. And if your child is like mine, they’ll tell their friends all about it and start teaching others about good health at a young age. Everyone wins.
What do your kids like to drink?
How about some “Kool-Aid” real food style? The pictures show cherry “Kool-Aid.” You can also make blueberry or lemon lime or any combination. There is something delicious for everyone.
- 1/2 cup pure juice (cherry, blueberry, lemon, lime)
- 1 cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
- Combine all of the ingredients in saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer about 5-10 minutes, until sugar is completely dissolved, whisking frequently.
- Remove from heat. Pour the syrup into a glass container, cover and refrigerate until cool.
- When ready to serve add 1 Tbsp. syrup to every 1/2 cup water. Stir or shake to mix.
- This can be made with one flavor of juice or a combination.
- You can add more or less syrup depending on how sweet you like it.
This is a great alternative to something really unhealthy. I shared this in a Healthy Families group I am part of. I can see this making my water more pleasant every once in a while.
Could I get the squeeze juice the little ones. Ones you use to squeeze in water bottles. I don’t know what you mean buy blueberry juice or strawberry juice. From the actual fruit itself? Not sure you can buy the juice by itself like lemon juice for baking? Can you clarify?
You can buy a bottle of organic juice, like this: https://amzn.to/3hJxBgI
So is the blueberry or grape juice with no added sugar what you would purchase. Would you still add a cup of sugar
Correct, Jeanie. Just pure juice, nothing else added. 1 cup sugar is correct as well. Though you can adjust it to your liking and you could try swapping some of it with honey or maple syrup if you’d like.
Thank u so much
You’re welcome!
How long is this good for in the fridge?
It should be fine for a week.
I love this! Would it work for opaque juices like orange juice?
I have never tried it. But I don’t see why not.