How to Drink More Water When You Don't Like Drinking Water: A Guide to Better Hydration

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

The adult human body is composed of approximately 60% water, highlighting its crucial role in virtually every bodily function. For those who find plain water unappealing, learning how to drink more water when you don't like drinking water is the key to staying properly hydrated and feeling your best.

Quick Summary

This guide offers creative strategies to boost your fluid intake, including natural flavour infusions, consuming water-rich foods, and building consistent routines. Explore how flavourful additions and mindful habits can transform your hydration efforts and support your overall well-being.

Key Points

Infuse Water for Flavour: Add fruits, vegetables, or herbs like lemon, cucumber, or mint to naturally enhance the taste of your water.
Consume Hydrating Foods: Incorporate water-rich foods such as watermelon, strawberries, and cucumber into your diet to boost fluid intake.
Make it a Habit: Build consistent routines by drinking water at set times, like upon waking or before each meal, to make it second nature.
Carry a Great Water Bottle: Use a clear, appealing, and reusable water bottle to keep hydration visible and accessible throughout the day.
Explore Alternatives: Try unsweetened sparkling water or herbal tea to provide variety in taste and texture without excess sugar.
Use Technology: Set phone alarms or use a hydration-tracking app to remind yourself to drink regularly and stay on track.
Adjust Temperature: Experiment with room-temperature or ice-cold water to find the temperature that is most palatable for you.

The Importance of Optimal Hydration

Proper hydration is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, supporting everything from cognitive function to physical performance. Water helps regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, deliver nutrients to cells, and flush waste from the body. Even mild dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, and poor concentration. For those who find the taste of plain water unappealing, the challenge is finding ways to make hydration more enjoyable and less of a chore.

Flavourful Infusions: A Natural Solution

One of the most effective ways to make water more enticing is to infuse it with natural flavours. By adding fruits, vegetables, and herbs, you can create a refreshing beverage without relying on sugary juices or artificial flavourings. This method adds a subtle, appealing taste that can make all the difference.

Here are some delightful flavour combinations to try:

Citrus Blend: Lemon, lime, and orange slices create a classic, zesty flavour.
Berry & Herb: Muddle fresh strawberries or raspberries with a few basil or mint leaves for a sweet and herbal twist.
Cool Cucumber: Sliced cucumber with mint or ginger creates a crisp, spa-like drink.
Tropical Mix: Combine pineapple chunks with orange slices for a naturally sweet and vibrant flavour.
Frozen Cubes: Freeze fruit pieces, herbs, or even a splash of 100% fruit juice into ice cube trays. These not only cool your drink but also slowly release flavour as they melt.

Eat Your Water: Hydrating Foods

Did you know that up to 20% of your daily fluid intake can come from the foods you eat? Incorporating water-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet is a delicious way to supplement your liquid consumption. Many of these foods offer the added benefit of vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

Here are some of the most hydrating food options to consider:

Vegetables: Cucumber (97% water), celery (95% water), tomatoes (94% water), iceberg lettuce (96% water), bell peppers, and spinach.
Fruits: Watermelon (92% water), strawberries (91% water), cantaloupe (90% water), peaches, and oranges.
Soups and Broths: Broth-based soups are an excellent way to get extra fluids, especially during colder months. Just be mindful of high-sodium varieties.

Build Hydration Habits and Routines

Sometimes, the simplest changes make the biggest impact. Making hydration a mindful habit rather than an afterthought is a game-changer.

Carry a Reusable Water Bottle: Invest in a water bottle you love and carry it with you everywhere. Opting for a clear bottle can serve as a visual reminder of your progress throughout the day.
Set Reminders: Use your phone to set alarms or download a hydration-tracking app to remind you to drink at regular intervals.
Create Routine Triggers: Link drinking water to existing daily activities. For example, drink a glass as soon as you wake up, before every meal, and during your commute.
Play with Temperature: Experiment with different water temperatures. Some prefer ice-cold water, while others enjoy room temperature. Some people even find that a cup of warm water with lemon in the morning is more appealing.

The Allure of Fizz and Tea

Plain, still water isn't your only option. You can diversify your fluid intake with other healthy, water-based beverages.

Sparkling Water: For those who enjoy carbonation, unsweetened sparkling water or seltzer is a great substitute for sugary sodas. A splash of 100% fruit juice can add flavour without excessive calories.
Herbal Tea: A warm or iced herbal tea is just as hydrating as plain water and provides a different flavour experience. Look for decaffeinated options like peppermint, chamomile, or hibiscus to avoid overstimulation.

The Right Hydration Strategy for You

Choosing the best way to stay hydrated depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. Here’s a comparison of different approaches to help you decide.


Hydration Method	Pros	Cons
Flavoured Water (Infusions)	Natural, low-calorie, visually appealing.	Requires prep time, fruit/herbs need replacing.
Water-Rich Foods	Nutrient-dense, adds variety to meals and snacks.	Slower hydration, relies on food choices.
Sparkling Water / Tea	Offer variety in taste and texture.	May contain additives (check labels), some teas have caffeine.
Routine & Visibility	Simple, effective, builds lasting habits.	Requires consistent effort to maintain.
Electrolyte Water (Sugar-Free)	Replaces minerals lost through sweat, fast hydration.	Not all brands are equal, some contain artificial sweeteners.

Conclusion: A Sip Towards Better Health

Mastering how to drink more water when you don't like drinking water is a journey of discovery and habit formation. By experimenting with natural flavours, incorporating water-rich foods, and building simple routines, you can make hydration a more enjoyable and integral part of your life. Don't be afraid to mix and match strategies, and always remember that a well-hydrated body is a healthier, more vibrant one. For additional resources on nutrition and healthy eating, visit the official website of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, while coffee and tea contain caffeine, which is a mild diuretic, the fluid content still contributes positively to your total daily fluid intake.

Besides water infusions, unsweetened sparkling water, herbal tea, and low-sodium broths are all excellent low-calorie alternatives to increase your fluid consumption.

Foods can provide about 20% of your daily water needs, but the rest should come from liquids. Relying solely on food is not enough for optimal hydration.

Drinking water gradually throughout the day is generally more effective for maintaining consistent hydration levels than trying to 'chug' large amounts at once.

You can use a simple tracker in a notebook, a hydration-focused app on your phone, or a visually marked reusable water bottle to monitor your progress.

Sugar-free electrolyte packets can be a good option for people who exercise intensely or sweat a lot, as they help replace lost minerals. Just check the ingredients for artificial sweeteners or other additives.

Make it fun by using creative, colourful bottles and infusing water with fruits they enjoy. You can also turn it into a game or use apps like Plant Nanny to make it engaging.