With so many juices, fruit juices, flavored waters, energy drinks, sodas, etc. out there how do you know what the best options are for your kids? Dr. Sears has some great tips on how to look for healthy beverage options.

Be label savvy. Buy juice labeled “100 percent fruit juice.”

Beware of words like “drink,” “punch,” “cocktail,” “beverage” and “ade.” These are not 100 percent juice – they’re junk fruit beverages.

Many “junk fruit beverages” are nutrient-void beverages, commonly masked as fruit “juice,” “drinks” or “cocktails.” Most contain 10 percent or less of pure fruit juice, and lots of water, sugar and additives. Junk fruit beverages have little or no nutritional value.

Avoid junk fruit beverages that are disguised as juice “blends” that contain small amounts of various fruits like grape, apple and pear. Ounce for ounce, these juices don’t have the natural levels of vital nutrients that 100 percent pure juices like orange juice provide. Plus, they usually contain added sugars.

Make sure it’s 100 percent juice and also be sure you are limiting the amount of juice they consume in a day. A good standard to go by is broken down by age and how many ounces kids should have in a day.

And finally remember that water is always a great alternative to juice, soda, and sports drinks.