The Ingredients We Chose to Leave Behind
Many “zero-calorie” or “diet” beverages rely on synthetic sweeteners to deliver sweetness without sugar. These ingredients are widely used—but that doesn’t mean they align with FITAID’s definition of a clean, transparent label.
Here’s why we don’t use them:
Aspartame
A synthetic sweetener known for its sharp sweetness and lingering aftertaste. It has been the subject of ongoing scientific discussion and consumer concern, and many people report it simply doesn’t taste good in functional beverages.
Sucralose
Often marketed as “made from sugar,” sucralose is actually a chemically altered compound. Some emerging research suggests it may not behave the same way as natural sweeteners in the body, particularly when consumed frequently.
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K)
Commonly paired with other artificial sweeteners to mask bitterness. While calorie-free, it doesn’t align with FITAID’s preference for recognizable, plant-derived ingredients.
If it doesn’t fit a clean-label philosophy, it doesn’t belong in our cans.
Sweetened by Nature: The FITAID Approach
Meet Our Plant-Based Sweeteners
Creating a great-tasting beverage without artificial sweeteners takes more work—but it’s worth it.
FITAID products are sweetened using GRAS-certified, plant-based ingredients chosen for taste, balance, and consistency.
Organic Agave
Used in select FITAID blends, organic agave provides a smooth, mild sweetness and blends easily into beverages without overpowering flavor.
Monk Fruit
A small melon native to Southeast Asia, monk fruit is naturally sweet with no calories and no impact on blood sugar. It helps deliver sweetness without heaviness or aftertaste.
Stevia
Derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, stevia offers a crisp sweetness when used carefully and in balance with other ingredients.
The result:
A clean, refreshing flavor profile that tastes intentional—not engineered.
Why Natural Sweeteners Matter in Recovery Drinks
Recovery beverages are often consumed frequently—after workouts, during long training days, or as part of daily routines. That makes ingredient choice especially important.
By using natural, plant-based sweeteners, FITAID aims to:
- Support a cleaner taste experience
- Avoid the sharp or chemical aftertaste common in artificial sweeteners
- Align flavor with a premium, food-first formulation philosophy
This approach helps ensure that what you taste reflects what’s actually in the can.
What Clean-Label Advocates Say
Aaron Hinde, Co-Founder & President, FITAID
“When we started LIFEAID, people told us it was impossible to make a drink taste great without sucralose or aspartame. We proved otherwise. By using organic agave and monk fruit, we’re delivering a premium experience that respects ingredient integrity and the people who drink our products.”
Vani Hari, Author & Clean-Food Advocate
“Moving away from synthetic sweeteners like sucralose and Ace-K is one of the most meaningful choices a beverage company can make. Using plant-based alternatives such as stevia and monk fruit shows a commitment to transparency that’s still uncommon in sports drinks.”
Source: Food Babe – Clean Ingredient Guidance
Dr. Will Cole, Functional Medicine Practitioner
“I often advise people to be mindful of artificial sweeteners in so-called ‘health’ drinks. Choosing beverages sweetened with recognizable, plant-based ingredients aligns well with a whole-food, functional approach.”
Source: The Art of Being Well
Rich Froning, Professional Athlete
“I pay close attention to how ingredients affect how I feel. Drinks sweetened with artificial ingredients never worked for me. FITAID’s use of natural sweeteners makes recovery easier to enjoy—without the aftertaste.”
The Bottom Line
Sweetness doesn’t have to come from a lab.
By choosing organic agave, monk fruit, and stevia—and leaving artificial sweeteners behind—FITAID delivers recovery beverages that prioritize clean taste, transparent ingredients, and thoughtful formulation.
Sweetness without sacrifice.
That’s the FITAID standard.