How do I drink water when I don't like water?

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that the human body is composed of up to 60% water? If you're wondering, "How do I drink water when I don't like water?", you are not alone, but there are countless delicious and simple ways to boost your daily fluid intake without forcing yourself to drink plain, unappealing water.

Quick Summary

This article provides practical ways to increase your daily fluid intake. It explores infusing water with natural fruits and herbs, offers hydrating food options, and suggests tasty alternatives.

Key Points

Flavor Naturally: Infuse water with fruits, vegetables, and herbs like lemon, cucumber, or mint for a refreshing and healthy taste boost without added sugars.
Explore Alternatives: Incorporate other hydrating liquids such as sparkling water, herbal tea, milk, or broth to vary your fluid intake and make it more enjoyable.
Eat Your Water: Boost your hydration by consuming water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and lettuce, which contribute significantly to your daily fluid needs.
Establish Routines: Create new habits like drinking a glass of water upon waking or before each meal to increase your intake naturally and consistently.
Consider Filtration: If you dislike the taste of your tap water, invest in a water filter to remove impurities and improve its flavor, making it more palatable.
Use Tracking Tools: Utilize water-tracking apps or set reminders on your phone to stay motivated and meet your hydration goals throughout the day.

The Foundation: Why Hydration Matters

Staying properly hydrated is fundamental for overall health. Water is essential for regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, delivering nutrients to cells, and flushing waste products from the body. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, poor concentration, and other adverse health effects. For many, the unappealing taste of plain water is the main barrier. The key is to reframe your thinking around hydration from a chore to an opportunity to get creative with flavors and other fluid sources.

Get Creative with Natural Infusions

One of the simplest and healthiest ways to transform your water is by infusing it with natural flavors. This adds a subtle, refreshing taste without the added sugars or artificial ingredients found in many commercial flavor packets. The process is as easy as adding a few ingredients to a pitcher of water and letting them steep in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Fruit Combinations for Infused Water

Lemon and Lime: A classic, simple citrus kick that brightens the taste.
Cucumber and Mint: Creates a spa-like, cool, and refreshing flavor.
Strawberry and Basil: A sweet and herby mix that's surprisingly delightful.
Watermelon and Mint: A naturally sweet and hydrating combination, perfect for summer.
Pineapple and Ginger: Provides a tropical sweetness with a spicy, digestive-supporting kick.
Orange and Blueberry: A bright and tangy flavor profile with a hint of sweetness.

Herbal and Spice Infusions

Herbs and spices can add sophisticated and interesting notes to your water.

Cinnamon Sticks: Adds a warm, sweet aroma without any sugar.
Rosemary and Grapefruit: A robust, earthy and citrusy pairing.
Fresh Ginger and Pear: A soothing, flavorful combination with anti-inflammatory properties.
Peppermint Tea (Cold Brewed): Brewing herbal tea and chilling it creates a zero-calorie, flavorful beverage.

Explore Beyond Plain Water: Alternative Sources

Remember that not all your fluid intake needs to come from a plain glass of water. Many other beverages and foods contribute significantly to your daily hydration goals.

Sparkling Water and Seltzers

For those who prefer a little fizz, sparkling water can be a game-changer. It's a calorie-free alternative to soda, and you can still infuse it with fruits and herbs. Just be sure to choose options without added sugars or artificial sweeteners. You can even get a home carbonation machine to make your own customized bubbly drinks.

Milk and Plant-Based Alternatives

Milk, including dairy and fortified plant-based milks like almond or soy, is highly hydrating and packed with nutrients. It can be a great way to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes, especially after exercise. Just be mindful of the added sugar content in some flavored versions.

Broth and Soup

Warm, broth-based soups and bone broth are incredibly hydrating and comforting, especially during colder months. They provide electrolytes and can be a savory, nutritious way to get more fluid into your system.

Eat Your Water: Hydrating Foods

Roughly 20% of your daily water intake comes from the foods you eat. By incorporating more water-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet, you can easily increase your hydration levels.

Here are some of the most hydrating foods:

Watermelon: True to its name, it’s over 90% water.
Cucumber: Another high-water superstar, at 96% water.
Strawberries: Juicy and delicious, with a water content of over 90%.
Lettuce: Particularly iceberg and romaine varieties, which are extremely high in water.
Celery: A crunchy snack that contains a high percentage of water.
Tomatoes: A versatile fruit that's over 90% water.

Hack Your Habits and Routines

Sometimes, the problem isn't the taste of water but simply remembering to drink it. Creating new habits can make hydration a seamless part of your day.

Start Your Day with a Glass: Drink a glass of water right when you wake up to rehydrate your body after a night's sleep.
Schedule Reminders: Use your phone or a smart device to set reminders to drink at regular intervals throughout the day.
Keep it in Sight: Always have a reusable water bottle or a pitcher of water in your line of sight, whether on your desk, in your car, or in the kitchen.
Drink Before Meals: Have a glass of water before each meal. This not only boosts your intake but can also help with weight management by increasing satiety.
Use a Tracking App: There are many apps designed to help you track your water intake and stay motivated with daily goals.

Comparison of Hydration Methods


Method	Taste & Appeal	Caloric Content	Effort Level	Key Benefit	Considerations
Plain Water	Bland for some, can be improved with filtration.	0 calories	Low	Most fundamental and cost-effective hydration source.	Taste can be a barrier for those who dislike it.
Naturally Infused Water	Highly customizable, fresh, and flavorful.	0 calories	Moderate	Adds flavor without sugar or artificial ingredients.	Requires preparation and fresh ingredients.
Sparkling Water	Refreshing and bubbly texture.	0 calories	Low to Moderate	Offers a different mouthfeel, great for soda replacement.	Best with natural flavors; can be more expensive than tap water.
Herbal Tea (Iced)	Wide range of flavors available.	Varies (often 0 calories)	Moderate	Hydrating and can be relaxing or energizing depending on the type.	Caffeine-free options are best for maximum hydration effect.
Hydrating Foods	Delicious and varied flavors.	Varies	Low (depending on diet)	Provides nutrients and fiber along with hydration.	Does not fully replace drinking fluids.

Conclusion

Not liking the taste of plain water doesn't have to sabotage your health goals. By getting creative with natural infusions, exploring different hydrating beverages, eating more water-rich foods, and developing consistent habits, you can easily increase your fluid intake and reap the many benefits of proper hydration. Find what works for you and make staying hydrated a delicious and enjoyable part of your daily routine. For more information on staying healthy, consult reliable sources like the CDC and other health organizations. The CDC provides great resources on About Water and Healthier Drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, if you add natural flavors like fruit slices, herbs, or vegetables, you are not making your water unhealthy. Many commercial flavor packets and artificially sweetened drinks, however, can contain unwanted ingredients and calories.

Fluid needs vary based on age, gender, activity level, and climate. A general guideline is around 11.5 cups (92 oz) for women and 15.5 cups (124 oz) for men per day, but this includes water from all beverages and foods.

Yes, caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea contribute to your daily fluid intake, contrary to older beliefs that they were dehydrating. However, plain water remains the best hydration source, so moderation is key.

For most people, water is sufficient for hydration. Sports drinks contain electrolytes and carbohydrates that may be helpful for high-intensity exercise lasting over an hour, but they are often high in sugar and calories and are not necessary for casual activity.

A great first step is to simply keep a water bottle with you at all times. By having water readily available and in sight, you'll be more likely to sip on it throughout the day, helping you build a consistent habit.

If you are replacing high-calorie, sugary drinks like soda or juice with naturally flavored water, it can aid in weight loss by reducing your overall calorie intake. Drinking water before meals can also help you feel fuller, leading to eating less.

If your tap water tastes bad due to impurities, investing in a home water filter can significantly improve the taste and quality. For a simple fix, chilling your water can also help improve its flavor.