The $1.25 Dollar Tree Find So Good I Buy 4 at a Time

In another episode of “The Sacrifices We Make for Our Children,” ever since being pregnant, I’ve developed a strange aversion to water. It’s as if that particularly nuanced aspect of pregnancy has stuck with me all these years, and now water has to be just so for me to drink it without feeling queasy, or else I have to be desperately thirsty—great. 

As a result, I use a lot of hacks to drink enough water each day, such as infusing it with fruit and herbs, carbonating it, drinking it warm with lemon and ginger in the colder months, and adding specialty ice cubes, like Joy Bauer’s strawberry lemonade ice cubes, in the summer. 

I also go through a lot of flavored sparkling water. I discovered True Lemon drink packets on social media a couple of years ago, instantly fell in love, and have been using them ever since. 

They’re typically priced between $3.00 and $6.00 for a package of 10, but I discovered I could buy them at Dollar Tree for just $1.25 for 12. And you know I love a good deal! I buy at least four boxes whenever I’m there, so I’m always well-stocked.

Why I Love Dollar Tree’s True Lemon Drink Mix Packets

True Lemon packets contain crystallized lemon, which is made up of citric acid, lemon oil, and lemon juice. There’s no sugar, sweeteners, dyes, or calories. It simply tastes like lemon because it is lemon, and it’s concentrated into a tidy little packet that I can keep in my purse, lunchbox, glove compartment, and pantry. 

When I’m out running errands or sitting through a kids’ soccer game, they offer an easy way to flavor my water and make staying hydrated enjoyable. For me, that’s saying something. The directions suggest using one packet for 16 ounces of water, but a little goes a long way, so I use much less. 

I also love the True Lemonade drink mixes, which I can also find at Dollar Tree. I’ve been living off strawberry lemonade lately. I can’t wait to get my hands on raspberry lemonade, lemon-lime lemonade, watermelon limeade, passion fruit lemonade, and any of the kids’ flavors. 

They’re also made with natural ingredients; most packages contain only one gram of sugar and 10 calories. Although the recommendation is also for 16 ounces of water, I use 32 ounces, which is the size of my tumbler, and find it perfectly sweet. It’s my favorite afternoon drink lately.

Beyond upgrading my water, they’re surprisingly versatile. I’ve used the original True Lemon flavoring in my tea, as a seasoning for fresh and roasted vegetables, and even to gussy up a simple vinaigrette. I haven’t tried baking with them yet, but I’m curious to try them in a yogurt cake or single-serve cheesecakes. 

If you’re trying to drink more water, cut back on sugar, want a more exciting beverage, or need a shelf-stable form of lemon seasoning for cooking, these packets are worth every penny. 

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