Teenagers apparently think so, according to the finding of a new study of 15,000 middle and high school students appearing in the journal Pediatrics.
Researchers say parents and adolescents need to be educated that consumption of large amounts of flavored and sports beverages is not consistent with a healthy lifestyle.
Scientists say successful marketing has led consumers to see sports drinks and other non-carbonated beverages as healthy.
Experts say for most people, most of the time, plain water is the best way to maintain hydration.
