With over 80 years on the market, Hawaiian Punch is a brand of fruit punch that is currently manufactured by Dr. Pepper. Originally created to be an ice cream topping in 1934, people found that it was delicious mixed with water. When the company was bought out in the late 1940s, it was renamed the Pacific Hawaiian Products Company and made the first variation of ready-made punch in the 1950s. Since their creation, have they branched out to accommodate consumers with celiac and gluten intolerance?
Hawaiian Punch products are entirely gluten-free. While they do contain corn gluten, corn gluten is not the type of gluten that is harmful to people with celiac disease. This includes the powdered variety of fruit punch as well. However, Hawaiian punch is far from healthy. The best alternative to Hawaiian punch which is also gluten-free is Zevia Kids Fruit Punch.
In this article, we will look at the nutritional value of Hawaiian punch, as well as healthier gluten-free alternatives. Let’s dig in!
Contents
- Is Hawaiian Punch Healthy?
- Hawaiian Punch Nutritional Facts
- Hawaiian Punch: Red Juice
- Hawaiian Punch: Polar Blast
- Hawaiian Punch: Lemon Berry Squeeze
- Hawaiian Punch: Orange Ocean
- Hawaiian Punch: Green Berry Rush
- Hawaiian Punch: Lemonade
- Hawaiian Punch: Lemon Lime Splash
- Hawaiian Punch: Whitewater Wave
- Hawaiian Punch: Mango Monsoon
- Hawaiian Punch Powder Drink Mix: Fruit Juicy Red
- Hawaiian Punch Powder Drink Mix: Berry Blue Typhoon
- Hawaiian Punch Powder Drink Mix: Sugar-Free Berry Limeade Blast
- Hawaiian Punch Powder Drink Mix: Sugar-Free Wild Purple Smash
- Alternatives to Hawaiian Punch
- Final Thoughts
- Related Questions
Is Hawaiian Punch Healthy?
While Hawaiian punch is gluten-free, it is not at all healthy. The main ingredient is high fructose corn syrup, which has negative effects if consumed long-term. Along with high fructose corn syrup, Hawaiian punch contains a large amount of sugar and salt. While it is 3% real fruit juice, there are a lot of artificial flavors and other chemicals that can contribute to headaches and nausea. Let’s look at the pros and cons of Hawaiian Punch.
High Fructose Corn Syrup
The effects of high fructose corn syrup on the body can definitely cause some unwanted side effects, such as inflammation, chronic pain, stomach ailments, and more. This is due to it being an extremely high source of sugar. That increases the risk of diabetes and obesity in children and adults, as well as causes a massive increase in cholesterol.
Artificial Flavors
Artificial flavors are added to the punch to enhance the taste. These artificial flavors have a lot of chemicals that can affect the quality of life, cause headaches, and more. Dyes in artificial flavors also have been linked to hyperactive behaviors and behavioral issues in children, which can affect their quality of education. There are also long-term consequences such as a decrease in blood pressure and the detection of tumors.
Sodium
Sodium content in Hawaiian punch is a problem. While it isn’t the largest ingredient in Hawaiian punch, long-term sodium consumption can leave long-term problems such as heart issues. An increase in sodium can lead to migraines, weight gain, and a temporary rise in blood pressure.
Hawaiian Punch Nutritional Facts
Hawaiian Punch: Red Juice
Nutrition Facts (Per 8 fl oz):
- 40 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 105mg Sodium
- 11g Total Sugars
- 10g Added Sugars
- 0g Protein
- 18mg Vitamin C
Ingredients:
- Water
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Concentrated Juices
- Fruit Purees
- Ascorbic Acid
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavors
- Artificial Flavors
- Pectin
- Acacia Gum
- Ester Gum
- Red 40
- Blue 1
- Sucralose
- Potassium Sorbate
- Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Hawaiian Punch: Polar Blast
Nutrition Facts (Per 8 fl oz):
- 40 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 105mg Sodium
- 11g Total Carbohydrates
- 10g Total Sugars
- 10g Added Sugars
- 0g Protein
- 18mg Vitamin C
Ingredients:
- Water
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Concentrated Juices
- Fruit Purees
- Ascorbic Acid
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavors
- Artificial Flavors
- Pectin
- Acacia Gum
- Ester Gum
- Blue 1
- Sucralose
- Potassium Sorbate
- Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Hawaiian Punch: Lemon Berry Squeeze
Nutrition Facts (Per 8 fl oz):
- 60 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 105mg Sodium
- 11g Total Carbohydrates
- 10g Total Sugars
- 10g Added Sugars
- 0g Protein
- 18mg Vitamin C
Ingredients:
- Water
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Concentrated Juices
- Fruit Purees
- Ascorbic Acid
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavors
- Artificial Flavors
- Pectin
- Acacia Gum
- Ester Gum
- Red 40
- Sucralose
- Potassium Sorbate
- Sodium Hexameraphosphate
Hawaiian Punch: Orange Ocean
Nutrition Facts (Per 8 fl oz):
- 40 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 105mg Sodium
- 11g Total Carbohydrates
- 11g Total Sugars
- 10g Added Sugars
- 0g Protein
- 18mg Vitamin C
Ingredients:
- Water
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Concentrated Juices
- Fruit Purees
- Ascorbic Acid
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavors
- Artificial Flavors
- Pectic
- Acacia Gum
- Ester Gum
- Yellow 6
- Sucralose
- Potassium Sorbate
- Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Hawaiian Punch: Green Berry Rush
Nutrition Facts (Per 8 fl oz):
- 40 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 105mg Sodium
- 11g Total Carbohydrates
- 10g Total Sugars
- 10g Added Sugars
- 0g Protein
- 18mg Vitamin C
Ingredients:
- Water
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Concentrated Juices
- Fruit Purees
- Ascorbic Acid
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavors
- Artificial Flavors
- Pectin
- Acacia Gum
- Ester Gum
- Yellow 5
- Blue 1
- Sucralose
- Acesulfame Potassium
- Potassium Sorbate
- Sodium Hexameraphosphate
Hawaiian Punch: Lemonade
Nutrition Facts (Per 8 fl oz):
- 60 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 105mg Sodium
- 15g Total Carbohydrates
- 14g Total Sugars
- 13g Added Sugars
- 0g Protein
- 18mg Vitamin C
Ingredients:
- Water
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Concentrated Juices
- Fruit Purees
- Ascorbic Acid
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavors
- Artificial Flavors
- Pectin
- Acacia Gum
- Ester Gum
- Yellow 5
- Sucralose
- Potassium Sorbate
- Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Hawaiian Punch: Lemon Lime Splash
- 60 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 105mg Sodium
- 15g Total Carbohydrates
- 15g Total Sugars
- 13g Added Sugars
- 0g Protein
- 18mg Vitamin C
Ingredients:
- Water
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Concentrated Juices
- Fruit Purees
- Ascorbic Acid
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavors
- Artificial Flavors
- Pectin
- Acacia Gum
- Ester Gum
- Yellow 5
- Blue 1
- Sucralose
- Potassium Sorbate
- Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Hawaiian Punch: Whitewater Wave
Nutrition Facts (Per 8 fl oz):
- 60 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 105mg Sodium
- 15g Total Carbohydrates
- 15g Total Sugars
- 13g Added Sugars
- 0g Protein
- 18mg Vitamin C
Ingredients:
- Water
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Concentrated Juices
- Ascorbic Acid
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavors
- Artificial Flavors
- Pectin
- Canola Oil
- Modified Corn Starch
- Sucralose
- Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate
- Potassium Sorbate
- Sodium Hexametaphosphate
- Calcium Disodium EDTA
Hawaiian Punch: Mango Monsoon
Nutrition Facts (Per 8 fl oz):
- 60 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 105mg Sodium
- 14g Total Carbohydrates
- 14g Total Sugars
- 13g Added Sugars
- 0g Protein
- 18mg Vitamin C
Ingredients:
- Water
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Concentrated Juices
- Fruit Purees
- Ascorbic Acid
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavors
- Artificial Flavors
- Pectin
- Acacia Gum
- Ester Gum
- Yellow 6
- Sucralose
- Potassium Sorbate
- Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Hawaiian Punch Powder Drink Mix: Fruit Juicy Red
Nutrition Facts (Per 1 Packet):
- 5 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 35g Saturated Fat
- 2g Trans Fat
- 35mg Sodium
- 2g Total Carbohydrates
- 0g Sugars
- 0g Added Sugars
- 0g Protein
- 20mg Vitamin C
Ingredients:
- Citric Acid
- Maltodextrin
- Natural Flavor
- Artificial Flavor
- Aspartame
- Salt
- Acesulfame
- Potassium
- AScrobic Acid
- Blue 1
- Red 40
- Silicon Dioxide
- Phenylketonurics
- Phenylalanine
Hawaiian Punch Powder Drink Mix: Berry Blue Typhoon
Nutrition Facts (Per 1 Packet):
- 10 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 0g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 0g Cholesterol
- 95mg Sodium
- 2g Total Carbohydrates
- 0g Dietary Fiber
- 0g Sugars
- 0g Added Sugars
- 0g Protein
- 20mg Vitamin C
Hawaiian Punch Powder Drink Mix: Sugar-Free Berry Limeade Blast
Nutrition Facts (Per 1 Packet):
- 5 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 0g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 15mg Sodium
- 0g Total Carbohydrates
- 0g Sugars
- 0g Protein
- 20mg Vitamin C
Ingredients:
- Citric Acid
- Maltodextrin
- Natural Flavor
- Artificial Flavor
- Aspartame
- Salt
- Artificial Color
- Acesulfame Potassium
- Red 40
- Magnesium Oxide
- Ascorbic Acid
- Disodium Phosphate
- Blue 1
Hawaiian Punch Powder Drink Mix: Sugar-Free Wild Purple Smash
Nutrition Facts (Per 1 Packet):
- 10 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 30mg Sodium
- 2g Total Carbohydrates
- 0g Protein
- 20mg Vitamin C
Ingredients:
- Citric Acid
- Maltodextrin
- Aspartame
- Natural Flavor
- Artificial Flavor
- Salt
- Acesulfame
- Potassium
- Ascorbic Acid
- Cellulose Gum
- Pectin
- Guar Gum
- Disodium Phosphate
- Magnesium Oxide
- Red 40
- Blue 1
Alternatives to Hawaiian Punch
Zevia Kids: Fruit Punch
Zevia Kids Fruit Punch is a healthier alternative to Hawaiian Punch, available with fun characters on the can. It’s zero sugar, zero calories, but packed with carbonation and the natural sweetness of stevia leaves. This fruit punch is made of natural flavors, rather than artificial. This drink is Non-GMO certified and perfectly safe for your everyone’s enjoyment.
Nutrition Facts (Per 1 Can):
- 0 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 0mg Sodium
- 0g Total Carbohydrates
- 0g Sugars
- 0g Protein
- 0mg Caffeine
Ingredients:
- Carbonated Water
- Organic Stevia Leaf Extract
- Natural Flavors
- Citric Acid
Honest Kids: Super Fruit Punch
Honest Kids Super Fruit Punch is made by the co-founder of Honest Tea, who shared a passion for healthy sweet beverages. This beverage is organic, gluten-free, vegan, certified organic, recyclable, non-GMO, plant-based. This is made of grape, strawberry, apple, and watermelon juice, packing a refreshing flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Per 200 ml):
- 40 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 10mg Sodium
- 10g Total Carbohydrates
- 9g Total Sugars
- 0g Protein
- 100% Vitamin C
Ingredients:
- Filtered Water
- Organic Apple Juice
- Organic White Grape Juice
- Organic Strawberry Juice
- Organic Cranberry Juice
- Organic Natural Flavors
- Ascorbic Acid
- Natural Flavors
- Citric Acid
Bai Antioxidant Infusion: Kula Watermelon
Bai Antioxidant infusions are refreshing flavored water beverages without any extra sugar or calories. Kula Watermelon is gluten-free, kosher, and has a low glycemic index. Bai is full of vitamin C and other antioxidants, infused with different tea extracts and is completely naturally sweetened. This drink tastes great and is better for you than fruit punches.
Nutrition Facts (Per 8 fl oz):
- 5 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 5mg Sodium
- 9g Total Carbohydrates
- 1g Sugars
- 0g Protein
- 10% Vitamin C
Ingredients:
- Filtered Water
- Bai Proprietary Sweetener Blend
- Natural Flavors
- Citric Acid
- Watermelon Juice Concentrate
- Vegetable Juice
- Coffeefruit Extract
- White Tea Extract
- Malic Acid
- Ascorbic Acid
- Sodium Citrate
Final Thoughts
While Hawaiian Punch is gluten-free, it’s not the best for you in terms of nutrition. Due to its high fructose corn syrup, sugar content, and salt content, it’s quite unhealthy. There are plenty of good, gluten-free alternatives that won’t cost you your daily sugar intake.
Related Questions
Is Hawaiian Punch Vegan?
Hawaiian punch is gelatin-free, vegan-friendly, and suitable for halal diets. While it does contain artificial flavors, it doesn’t contain anything that isn’t plant-based.
Is Hawaiian Punch Paleo?
Hawaiian punch is not paleo-friendly due to the chemical additives and artificial sweeteners.