Nutrition
10 Healthy Soft Drinks You Need To Try
When you want a soft drink, it’s easy to think that fizzy staples, such as lemonade and coke, and fruit juice are your only options.
Today, though, there are so many drinks available which are not only low in calories and sugar but also bursting with healthy ingredients.
We’ve rounded up 10 such tasty yet nutritious beverages.
1. Chia Seed Drinks
Chia seeds are rich in fiber, relatively high in protein and provide a range of amino acids.
WOW claim to have produced Europe’s first chia seed-based drink. The fruity draft promises to help you stay fuller for longer and boost both your immune system and metabolism.
The seeds provide a satisfying texture as well as the tangible benefits of energy release. Plus, the simple, fruity ingredients are highly moreish.
The drinks contain 33% less sugar than other fruit juices and pack an impressive punch of 7.25g of protein. They come in four flavors: watermelon & pomegranate; orange, mango & carrot; apple, spinach & kiwi and blueberry, pear & lemon.
RRP: £2.50 per 250ml bottle
Where to buy: Retailers including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Co-Op, Wholefoods, Planet Organic, Ocado and Selfridges.
2. Activated Charcoal Drinks
Activated charcoal can aid with fatigue, flatulence and bloating by removing toxins, as well as increase energy levels and even improve your complexion.
WOW have also produced a Dark Detox range: refreshing blends of activated charcoal, cold pressed juice, filtered water and agave.
Despite the unpalatable-looking black color of the drink, the beverage tastes citrusy and very refreshing. You needn’t worry about the black stuff staining your teeth either!
Dark Detox drinks are low in calories and 100% natural. They’re available in three flavors, lemon, lemon & mint and raspberry.
RRP: £1.89 per 250ml bottle
Where to buy: In selected Sainsbury’s
3. Protein Coconut Drinks
Coconut water, found in young coconuts, is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium.
CocoPro have taken the benefits of coconut water and combined it 20g of premium whey protein isolate, designed to deliver muscle recovery and hydration in one.
Made with 100% natural ingredients and no added sugar, CocoPro contains all the electrolytes, minerals and protein you need to keep your body and mind performing optimally.
The drink is available three flavors: original coconut, coconut and pineapple, coconut and pomegranate.
RRP: £2.50 per 330ml bottle
Where to buy: Retail and gym outlets including Waitrose, Whole Foods, Holland & Barrett, Gym Box, Nuffield Health, As Nature Intended, Ocado and a number of independent stores and gyms.
4. Carbonated Coconut Drinks
Studies have shown that coconut water is effective for replenishing fluids and electrolytes after exercise.
Coco Fuzion have jazzed up 100% coconut water by making it fizzy. As a natural isotonic it is absorbed by the body more quickly than water.
The drink is full of highly hydrating electrolytes and contains no added sugar or preservatives. Not only does it provide cellular hydration, but also it promotes lubrication of joints and muscles and mental focus, making it ideal for sport and fitness fanatics.
The carbonated stuff comes in four flavors: mango, lime, raspberry and original.
RRP £1.39 per 250ml can
Where to buy: WH Smiths, TK Max, Central Convenience Stores, Amazon and independent retailers.
5. Amino Acid Drinks
Amino acid l-carnitine has been the subject of numerous studies regarding fat metabolism and has been shown to help to keep body fat down.
Bio-Synergy have infused their Skinny Water with the amino acid as well as chromium, which, according to the Food Standards Agency plays a role in reducing sugar cravings.
The flavors – watermelon, pomegranate, orange, raspberry ketones, watermelon and coconut – are both tasty and refreshing.
RRP £1.59 per 500ml bottle
Where to buy: WH Smiths
– RELATED: Are You Hydrating Properly? –
6. Botanical Drinks
Milk thistle and burdock root are botanicals replete with health benefits. The former has been proven to lower cholesterol and improve cognitive function and the latter contains numerous powerful antioxidants and was traditionally used as a digestive aid.
Overhang blend these two botanicals, plus raspberry leaf, with ginger, orange and lime in their revitalizing natural “pick-me-up” drink.
The beverage – which contains 50% RDA Vitamin C and B Vitamins – is a refreshing and vivifying drink with strong top notes of ginger.
RRP: £1.79 per 250ml bottle
Where to buy: Morrisons, Tesco, Asda, Spar and Holland & Barrett.
7. Protein Coffee Drinks
Studies have proven that caffeine can boost the metabolic rate by 3-11% and is found in most commercial fat burning supplements. It can also serve to increase energy levels, reaction times and mood.
Get Nourished have produced a protein iced coffee which blends premium quality 100% Arabica coffee and 25g protein in one bottle. It claims to have one of the highest levels of protein in the UK protein drink market.
The drink serves a big hit of tasty coffee and is a good substitute for a sugar-filled alternative.
Choose from vanilla, hazelnut or coconut flavors.
RRP £2.99 per 310ml bottle
Where to buy: Holland & Barrett
8. Vitamin Drinks
Vitamins are essential nutrients and perform a plethora of roles in the human body. Vitamin C helps support the immune system, Vitamin D contributes to healthy bones and Vitamin B ensures the body releases energy.
Get More Vitamin Drinks range contain these core essential vitamins to promote overall health and well-being.
They’re made with spring water and naturally flavored with orange, citrus, mango & passion fruit or apple & raspberry.
The beverages are light and tasty, without being artificial. Each 500ml bottle contains less than 10 calories and is sugar-free.
RRP: £1.45 per 500ml bottle
Where to buy: Tesco, Asda, WH Smith, Ocado and Sainsbury’s
9. Cactus Drinks
Cactus juice may help reduce cancer and provide antioxidant benefits, researchers say. There’s also some evidence it may help lessen the effects of a hangover.
True Nopal offers a cactus water with berry undertones that has no added sugars, no sodium, no preservatives, no fat and is gluten-free. It has 29 calories per 33ml serving.
Taste-wise, it’s similar to coconut water – light, exotic and fruity – but it boasts half the calories.
RRP: £1.69 per 330ml carton
Where to buy: Stores including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado, BP M&S forecourts, Pure Gym, Nuffield, Fitness First, Crush Juice Bars.
10. Rosemary Drinks
Rosemary is reported to help fight diseases and boost brain functioning which in turn contribute to a much longer life.
Rosemary Water is made with 2% pure fresh rosemary extract and is available in still or sparkling form. It contains absolutely no sugar, natural or artificial flavorings.
It claims to be the world’s first pure rosemary extract drink and is said to be inspired by the long-lived residents of Acciaroli, a hamlet in Italy.
RRP: £2.95 per 330ml bottle
Where to buy: Premium outlets including Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Ocado, Longacres, Soho Hotel, Natural life and The Waldorf Hotel.
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