The answer to whether or not Crystal Light will break a fast will depend on the specific Crystal Light product in question and your individual fasting goals.
Crystal Light has a range of products that are either calorie and sugar-free or are extremely low in calories(4 – 5 calories), the same number of calories you get from a cup of plain coffee.
Specifically, the Crystal Light Sugar-Free Zero Calorie Liquid Water Enhancer will not break a fast because it has zero calories and is sugar-free.
Most other crystal light products have 4 – 5 calories so whether or not they will break your fast will depend on your personal goals or fasting protocol.
Anecdotally, most experts believe that anything with less than 50 calories like Crystal Light will not break a fast and that’s why low-calorie beverages like coffee and tea are acceptable while fasting.
However, if you are following a strict fasting protocol like the water fasting protocol that only allows water during the fasting period then you can not consume crystal light while fasting.
If you are doing a less strict form of fasting that allows you to consume supplements that can streamline your fasting experience and encourage adherence, then Crystal Light can be a good addition.
It is important to note that consuming any calories, sweeteners, and nutrients during a fast can potentially interfere with the metabolic processes that occur during fasting, such as autophagy and ketosis.
So, depending on which specific Crystal Light, and how much of it you take during your fasting window, it may stop ketosis, and autophagy, and cause a slight spike in insulin due to the sweet taste of Aspartame.
Crystal Light And Its Ingredients.
Crystal Light is a drink mix that comes in various flavors, it is marketed as a low-calorie alternative to sugar-sweetened drinks.
Different flavors can have different ingredients but the main ones are citric acid, potassium citrate, aspartame, maltodextrin, and natural flavor.
Aspartame and maltodextrin are both considered low-calorie sweeteners and are commonly used in diet drinks, while citric acid and potassium citrate are used to add flavor and provide electrolytes.
Pros of Crystal Light While Fasting.
If you do choose to consume Crystal Light during your fasting window or cheat day, there are some benefits to that:
- Improved Hydration.
Drinking Crystal Light can help you stay hydrated during your fast, which is important for sustaining optimal body function and abating hunger. - Electrolyte Support.
Some flavors of Crystal Light contain electrolytes such as magnesium oxide and potassium citrate, which can help replenish your electrolyte levels which usually dip during fasting.
However, if your main focus is on electrolyte replenishment during fasting, then your best fit will be LMNT, specifically the raw unflavored LMNT which has zero sugar and zero calories. - Flavor Variety.
To spice things up if you get bored with plain water during your fast, Crystal Light can provide a tasty alternative that won’t add significant calories which might be added with other products like Liquid IV.
Will Crystal Light Break A Fast – Summary.
If you are looking to use Crystal Light to add flavor to your hydration during your fasting windows then the Crystal Light Sugar-Free Zero Calorie Liquid Water Enhancer will not break a fast as it has zero calories, it is sugar-free and does not have artificial sweeteners.
Most other Crystal Light products will have 4 – 5 calories so whether or not they break your fast will depend on your specific fasting protocol and individual goals.
For those who are doing a strictly “zero-calorie fast” or want to maximize the metabolic benefits of fasting, it is best to stick to zero-calorie drinks such as water, coffee, or tea, as Crystal Light has calories and can break a fast.
Most other fasting protocols can allow a few calories during the fasting window, having Crystal Light during such fasting protocols will not break your fast.
