Drinks for Hydration
Water is the best option for staying hydrated. Other drinks and foods can help you stay hydrated, but some may add extra calories from sugar to your diet. Last month we attended the International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2026, which was part of the Food, Drink & Hospitality Week (FDHW) at Excel - and we found that hydration and water were hot topics. Not just simple tap water but a comprehensive selection of water-based drinks - alongside matcha milks, fizzy fun cans, and a variety of options to choose from. Water topped our list so we taste-tested those first.
Novi8Water €79 - case of 60 x 500ml
Novi8Water is 100% water from deep beneath the wilderness of Telemark, Norway - a region celebrated as the 8th wonder of the world for its extreme natural beauty - and labelled as a Gift from Mother Nature. Supplied in a 500ml recyclable carton, every bottle carries the legacy of ancient Norwegian purity, delivered with modern sustainability practices that honor both nature and future generations. It has a good balance of minerals present in the flavour, with a clean fresh taste. However, as we live in the south, it felt closest in taste to the hard water we get from our tap.
From the pack: pH 7.7 - 8.2, Sodium 3.34mg/L, Calcium 26.3mg/L, Magnesium 0.9mg/L, Chloride 9.5mg/L, Fluoride 0.1mg/L, Sulfate 18mg/L, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 83mg/L.
Marlish Still Spring Water £23 - case of 24 x 330ml
Sourced in Northumberland, this water comes in a regular can. Sourced in the hills of Northumberland, it takes over 150 years to slowly filter through the rock strata, acquiring its pure quality and fine taste. I don't usually opt for water from a can, but this comes in a regular smooth 330ml option. It is slightly softer on the palate with a very clean taste. They also offer tonics & mixers, alongside flavoured spring water and sparkling options.
From the can: pH (at source) 7.3, Sodium 18mg/L, Calcium 80mg/L, Magnesium 34mg/L, Potassium 4.5mg/L, Chloride 11mg/L, Sulfate 39mg/L, Bicarbonate 400mg/L, Nitrate (as NO3) <1.0, Dry residue at 180oC 390mg/L
Golden Bar Aqua £114 - case of 12 x 350ml
The ultimate luxury in hydration - natural spring water enriched with pure gold and silver. Sourced from a rare and untouched spring in Romania and bottled at source. This is definitely a luxury purchase - and clearly exposes my expensive taste because from the first sip, I was hooked. If this was on the menu at a restaurant I would order a few bottles with my meal. At over £10 for a 350ml bottle it is the most expensive water we brought home.
From the bottle: pH (at source) 7.3, Sodium 9.04mg/L, Calcium 28mg/L, Magnesium 4.71mg/L, Potassium 1.65mg/L, Sulfates 15.5mg/L, Nitrate <0.01mg/L
Siren Craft Brew £6.20 - case of 6 x 440ml
Sparkling Hopwater Krush. We added this into the review even though they were not at the event. That's because they are still officially a water drink and Andy has been buying them by the case. When you want that beer flavour but need to be drinking more water this is a real winner - flavoured with hops, and tastes like beer. Zero sugar, zero alcohol, zero calories. Vegan and gluten-free. No other information on the can regarding the water they are using but it is going down well as a beer alternative in this household.
AmourCoco 100% Coconut Water £21.29 - case of 12 x 350ml
Natural coconut water packed straight from fresh coconuts to keep its clean taste and natural electrolytes. It is a great alternative to sugary drinks and is suitable for vegans, athletes, and anyone looking for a healthy drink option in the UK.
Now Coco £23.80 - case of 12 x 250ml
100% Pure Coconut Water, tapped straight from young green coconuts for a clean, crisp, sip from a can. No additives, just pure, natural electrolytes to keep you fuelled and feeling good. This is quite a sweet coconut water and doesn't have the husky edge that some can retain. I think this is one I could drink, which is saying a lot considering I'm not known to drink coconut water for anyone.
Vidrate £23.88 - pack of 30 sachets
Another product worth a mention is Vidrate who are passionate about healthy living and a healthy environment. Everyday enhanced hydration from their sachets of flavours, which are naturally formulated and sweetened with stevia. Sugar-free and vegan, these sachet are added to your water throughout the day, so whatever your choice, you can still stay hydrated.