To think summer is ruined?

[Panicmode1]

I thought, as it's going to be a nice weekend, I would get some Pimms and lemonade - but I couldn't find a single lemonade in Sainsbury's that didn't have aspartame/sweeteners in it.......

So AIBU to think summer has been ruined? What is one to drink at the events of the season now?

There’s a strong rumour the Shell petrol station on St John’s road which is being completely rebuilt at the moment will house a small Waitrose, so maybe summer safe after all.

Waitrose & M&S sell proper lemonade. I'm surprise Sainsbury's doesn't.

I agree, loathe any drinks with sweetness.

Rocks squashes are delicious and do not contain artificial sweeteners. Make the lemon one up with soda water for lemonade.

Lemonade is very easy to make. I use icing sugar, lemon juice and soda water. I gave it a go after being charged about £3 for a glass of this at a fete a few years ago. The DC consider it a great treat. Well they did, they have got a lot more demanding since last summer!

Fentimans drinks still have sugar! I ordered some yesterday in my online shop and was greeted with a large banner across the screen stating ‘Sugar Levy has been applied!’ . Anyone would think I was main lining crack.

First world problem OP.

Wow, glad I only drink water (tap water at that) and green tea.

I have switched to Rocks for the children - they have water in the main, but one glass of squash at mealtimes - it's lovely.

Bluths - I'm very excited about the (even v small) Waitrose - but I don't think it's opening until the Autumn, so I still have to save summer somewhere else for the moment .

Another option for those who can't get to Waitrose might be to get it delivered by ocado.

Bully for you, Angels. Meanwhile the degenerates amongst us will continue to seek out drinks containing sugar and alcohol for an occasional pleasant change from plain water.

Ocado currently has an offer on Fever Tree reduced calorie lemonade, which has no artificial sweeteners in it. I can't stand sweeteners either, so I've just ordered a few bottles. That should see me through till the weather is too cold for Pimm's.

DS(11) made up a jug of still lemonade for us last week; juiced lemons, added water and sugar to taste. It's a simple enough task and very rewarding for the effort involved. We 're going to have a go with fizzy water next time.

The Co op here sells all the Fevertree stuff as does Tesco.

Can someone tell me which supermarket stocks Rocks squash? Our local Tesco has stopped stocking it. Lidl and Morrisons here don't sell it either...

Why do we have to have artificial sweeteners? I'm all for reducing sugar consumption but not by switching to a chemical substance. Haven't the govt/manufacturers learned anything about healthy natural food being best?!

You could switch to Campari and soda and dodge the whole issue.

I was unreasonably happy when I came back from Sainsburys after the introduction of the sugar tax. I no longer have to find the right glasses to scrutinise the ingredients in detail. I just look for the big sign saying product is extortionate due to imposition of Nanny State.

All the soda stream syrups have sweeteners.

Sainsury's canned diet lemonade has no aspartame in.

Yes, even Fever Tree is now tainted

OP you had me very worried there! Thank goodness it was a mistake.

Artificial sweeteners give me a very upset stomach and I NEED my Fevertree tonic to keep me sane (it’s not the gin honestly).

Sainsbury's is where I went for the lemonade, the classic one I used to get now has no label on the shelf and the new classic one has sweeteners in. The canned diet one still has sweetener, I think it was either sucrolose or acesulfamine k? Both of those cause unpleasant physical responses in me so can't have those either.

I usually only drink water (no tea!) but I am pregnant and fizzy drinks help with the sickness and heartburn, and in the summer it's nice to have something different occasionally. I think water that has been infused with fruit is unspeakably foul so don't suggest that

What about that Italian lemonade?

Can’t remember what it’s called, but it has a foil lid over the tin.

Even San Pelligrino is tainted.

What is wrong with sweeteners? I must have missed a memo!

I bloody love San Pelligrino and am very disappointed.

There must be a big gap in the market opening up now.

@pigmcpigface for me and many others they give me appalling headaches or an upset stomach. Plus they taste foul.

You could switch to Campari and soda and dodge the whole issue

If the day comes that I can't get sweetner free tonic for my gin, I will be switching to gin, lime juice and soda water, which I sometimes drink now anyway. Or cava.

For soft drinks, many a time I will have half a lager with lunch when others are having soft drinks because I don't really like coke and most other soft drinks now have sweetner in them.

So all these artificial sweetners (which taste disgusting and affect some people's health to answer pigs question) are driving me to drink!

Gummy - oh my, I had no idea so many people had a reaction to them!