Surprisingly Unhealthy Drinks

In a world where people are incredibly health conscious, finding something healthy to sip on isn't necessarily a challenge. Water is always an option, and there are dozens of fancy spa water recipes to keep people happy for years. Whether they're on the paleo diet train or hitting the gym five days a week, or both, the public wants to stay healthy and in shape. That's not to say we don't enjoy our indulgences; everyone grabs a doughnut or a sugar-laden iced Frappuccino now and then. What's the real harm, if you keep to a healthy diet most of the time, right?

Surprisingly Unhealthly Drinks (Slideshow)

Unfortunately, sometimes your favorite splurge beverage can be a real diet killer, filled with calories and unwanted sugars. Grabbing a juice from the cold case may seem like a healthy choice; after all, it's natural, right? But that same juice that seems so healthy can be loaded with hidden sugars and empty calories. In fact, many of our most beloved drinks carry those hidden calories or sugars that people miss. For example, a tall pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks — the quintessential fall treat loyal consumers wait for all year — has 300 calories and 39 grams of sugar. 300 calories! To put that into perspective: that's the calorie amount of a small lunch, and you just drank it in one sitting. Kids' drinks are some of the worst offenders; a small eight-ounce Hi-C Fruit Punch juice box has 103 calories and 26 grams of sugar, and two of the first ingredients listed are high fructose corn syrup and sugar.

We've rounded up a list of some unhealthy culprits that may trick you into sipping more calories than you should. Knowing where the hidden sugar or calories lurk will make it easier to avoid them. Take a peek and see if any of your favorites made the list.

 #10 AriZona Kiwi Strawberry Juice Drink

Photo Credit: Drink Arizona

Sure, kiwi strawberry is a fun combination of summery flavors, but instead of going for something store-brought, try your own version at home with fresh fruit. The AriZona version has 110 calories and 25 grams of sugar per eight-ounce serving, but if you make your own with fresh fruit such as eight large strawberries, 8 slices of kiwi, and one lemon, sliced, you can get the same tropical punch for just 43 calories per serving.

#9 Vitamin Water

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

How can vitamins be bad, right? It's right there in the name, vitamin — and it's water! Think again, as these flavored "health" beverages have an average of 13.2 grams of sugar per eight-ounce serving and 48 calories. Keep in mind, there are 2.5 servings in each bottle so if you grab one to sip, you'll be taking in 120 calories and 33 grams of sugar in one sitting. That's almost as much sugar as a can of Coke!