Summer is here, and that means it's time for cookouts, barbecues and hanging on the beach. No matter how you choose to have outdoor fun this summer, it's important to stay hydrated. 

Thankfully, America's beverage companies offer a wide variety of products, including zero sugar and reduced sugar products, which provide sweetness and refreshment while reducing sugar and calories. 

Much research has been done on the ingredients in zero sugar and reduced sugar beverages. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Low- and no-calorie sweeteners have been approved by regulatory agencies around the world, including the World Health Organization, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority. 

2. All approved low- and no-calorie sweeteners are safe for use in foods and beverages and can be a way to add a little sweetness to your favorite beverages with few (or no) calories! 

3. Zero sugar and reduced sugar sodas, which are 99 percent water, have been proven to be an effective tool for weight loss and weight maintenance. 

Zero sugar and reduced sugar beverages are available in more varieties than ever before because America's beverage companies are committed to providing more options to help you choose balance. So, go have fun in the sun (with sunscreen of course), and enjoy one of your favorite beverages! 

You can learn more about beverage options at BalanceUS.org, and check out more science-backed information about beverage ingredients at the Calorie Control Council and the International Food Information Council.