When the summer sun in shining and temperature rises, it can be easy to reach for sugar-laden drinks to help quench your thirst. But carbonated drinks and even shop-bought smoothies and juices can be packed with sugar, and won’t actually do anything to help you stay hydrated. So when you’re feeling the heat and in need of something cool and refreshing, sip on these healthy alternatives instead.
7 healthy drinks to keep you refreshed this summer
Ditch the sugar-laden sodas and smoothies in favour of these healthy alternatives
1. Big Tom Spiced Tomato Mix, £2.60, bigtom.co.uk
This spiced tomato juice may be designed as the base for the perfect Bloody Mary – and we can vouch for it – but we've also heard rumours of people drinking it as is every morning. Yes, it's that good. Big Tom's Spiced Tomato Mix is a robust blend of over 20 vegan-friendly ingredients that combine to create a rich, earthy and rather invigorating beverage. It's smooth with subtle spices, and will certainly keep you refreshed on those long, warm summer days. And if you do feel like turning it into a Bloody Mary, all you need to do is add a generous splash of vodka and a celery stick to garnish.
2. ColdPress Smoothie, £2.69, Lidl
It's true that many shop-bought smoothies get a bad rap, but not all of them are unhealthy. ColdPress's HPP smoothies are fortified with vitamins B, C, D and E and contain only naturally occuring fruit sugar, making them a nutrient-rich option. Using the HPP method is also a great alternative to the nutrient-sapping heat treatments commonly used, which means all of the good stuff is kept intact. Available in Mango Passion Fruit, Strawberry Banana and Pineapple Banana Coconut.
3. Bright Barley Chocolate, £1.79, brightbarley.com
If you're not a fan of smoothies and iced tea, this new plant-based 'milk' drink feels a bit more indulgent. Bright Barley was launched during the lockdown, and is a great option when you're on-the-go, whether you're out for a picnic or just need a boost while doing the gardening. Made with organic barley, it utilises the ancient grain, which is billed as a superfood, making it a great source of fibre. It's also packed with vitamins, is high in calcium, low in fat, and comes in an FSC-certified, recyclable tetra pak carton. Available in coffee, chocolate and salted caramel.
4. Zinger Golden Turmeric Shot, £1.49, Waitrose
The ideal pocket drink, these 100% natural and vegan shots are the perfect pick-me-up. The four varieties – organic ginger, extra hot ginger, turmeric and lime & chilli – really live up to the brand's name, providing plenty of zing in each sip. The intense flavour will keep you going throughout the day and contains nothing but simple, high-quality ingredients, with no added preservatives or artificial colours. Beware of the lime & chilli though: it really packs a punch!
5. Biotiful Kefir Blackcurrant, £1.45, Sainsbury's
Why not enjoy a chilled option that's as healthy as it is refreshing? Biotiful Dairy has launched two new flavoured kefir beverages. Good for your gut, the cultured dairy drinks are packed with billions of gut-friendly bacteria as well as vitamins and minerals. Available in Blackcurrant and Mango, they contain authentic live kefir grains and real fruit. With no added sugar, they're naturally high in protein and calcium, and are a good source of vitamin B12, which contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.
6. Lipton Cold Brew Range, £3.79, Tesco
If you love iced tea, Lipton's new Cold Brew range is a great eco-friendly option. Made from sustainably sourced green tea, fruit and herbal ingredients, it adds an injection of flavour to water, and is wonderfully refreshing. A great alternative to shop-bought iced teas, it contains no added sugar or artificial flavours, and comes packaged in biodegradable teabags and plant-based packaging. Available in Peach, Strawberry and Mango.
7. Small & Wild Merry Tiger Tea, £5.25, smallandwild.com
A great option for the little ones on those hot summer days, Small & Wild's herbal teas keep kids' tastebuds in mind. The ideal alternative to squash, packaged juices and fizzy drinks, they're made from herbs, flowers and fruits, are free from additives and are low in sugar. Each variety – including the Merry Tiger Tea with Pear, Mango and Raspberry, and the Jolly Croc with Banana, Strawberry and Apple – works well as an iced tea, and can easily be stored in the fridge to keep on hand when the kids need to refresh. Better yet, the tea comes in bio-degradable tea bags.
