What other drinks should you drink other than water? A comprehensive guide

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to several studies, milk has been shown to be more hydrating than plain water for specific situations, due to its natural blend of electrolytes, protein, and carbohydrates. While water is undoubtedly the best choice for everyday hydration, exploring what other drinks should you drink other than water can provide added nutrients and variety to your fluid intake.

Quick Summary

This guide details a variety of healthy and hydrating alternatives to plain water, including milk, herbal tea, and coconut water. It covers nutrient benefits, homemade options, and best practices for daily fluid consumption to support health and wellness.

Key Points

Milk for Hydration: Certain studies show that milk, both dairy and fortified plant-based, can be very hydrating due to its nutrient composition and electrolytes, making it a good choice for post-workout recovery.
Herbal Tea Benefits: Caffeine-free herbal teas are just as hydrating as water and offer beneficial antioxidants and plant compounds without added sugars.
Coconut Water for Electrolytes: As a natural source of electrolytes, especially potassium, coconut water is an excellent, low-calorie alternative for replenishing fluids.
Nutrient-Rich Smoothies: Smoothies, made with whole fruits and vegetables, provide fiber and vitamins, offering a more filling and nutrient-dense way to hydrate compared to juice.
The Caffeinated Myth: Moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee and tea contributes positively to your daily fluid intake, as the fluid content outweighs the mild diuretic effect.
Smart Juice and Broth Choices: Opt for 100% fruit juice in moderation or dilute it, and consider low-sodium broths and soups as warm, flavorful hydrating options.

Hydration Beyond H2O: A World of Healthy Options

While water is the undisputed champion of daily hydration, relying solely on it can feel monotonous for some. Fortunately, a variety of other delicious and nutritious beverages can contribute to your fluid intake, often providing additional health benefits. From electrolyte-rich coconut water to soothing herbal teas, there are countless ways to stay refreshed and healthy.

Milk and Plant-Based Milks

For certain circumstances, such as post-exercise recovery, milk can be a superior rehydrator compared to water. Its natural sugar (lactose), protein, and fat content slow the emptying of fluid from the stomach, promoting better fluid retention. Milk is also rich in electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium, which are crucial for maintaining fluid balance. For those who are lactose intolerant or follow a plant-based diet, fortified soy milk offers a close nutritional profile to dairy milk and is an excellent hydrating option. Other plant-based milks like almond or oat milk can also contribute to hydration, especially when fortified with calcium and vitamins.

Herbal Teas: The Soothing Alternative

Herbal teas, made from a variety of plants, are naturally caffeine-free and offer a delicious, antioxidant-rich path to hydration. Unlike caffeinated beverages which can have a mild diuretic effect in high doses, herbal teas like chamomile, ginger, and hibiscus are just as hydrating as water. They can be enjoyed hot or iced and provide a range of wellness benefits, from aiding digestion to reducing inflammation. Opt for unsweetened versions to maximize the health benefits and avoid excess sugar.

Coconut Water: Nature’s Electrolyte Drink

Harvested from young green coconuts, coconut water is a low-calorie, low-sugar beverage praised for its natural electrolyte content. It's a great source of potassium, magnesium, and sodium, making it an excellent choice for rehydration after moderate exercise or during hot weather. Unlike many sugary commercial sports drinks, it provides natural electrolytes without a high concentration of added sugars.

Smoothies and Juices: Nutrient-Rich Fluids

When made from 100% whole fruits and vegetables, juices and smoothies are excellent ways to increase fluid intake along with essential vitamins and minerals. Smoothies, in particular, retain the fiber from the blended produce, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. Juices offer a more concentrated dose of vitamins but can be high in sugar and lack the fiber of their whole-food counterparts. It is best to choose 100% juice and consume it in moderation or dilute it with water.

Infused Waters: Simple and Refreshing

For those who find plain water boring, infused water is a simple and zero-calorie solution. By adding slices of fruits like lemon, lime, or cucumber, along with herbs such as mint or basil, you can create a naturally flavored beverage. This makes reaching your daily fluid goal more enjoyable and can encourage better hydration habits.

Broths and Soups: Warm and Hydrating

Often overlooked as drinks, broths and soups are a great source of fluid, especially during colder months. They are made mostly of water and can contain valuable nutrients and electrolytes. Look for low-sodium versions to avoid excessive salt intake. Cold soups like gazpacho can be a hydrating option for warmer weather.

Comparing Healthy Hydration Options


Drink	Hydration Effectiveness	Key Nutrients	Added Sugar Concerns
Plain Water	Excellent	None, but essential	None
Milk	High, for retention	Calcium, protein, electrolytes	None (plain)
Herbal Tea	Excellent	Antioxidants, plant compounds	None (unsweetened)
Coconut Water	High, good electrolytes	Potassium, magnesium	Minimal (natural)
Smoothies	Good, with fiber	Fiber, vitamins, minerals	Varies (check ingredients)
100% Fruit Juice	Good, but concentrated	Vitamins, antioxidants	High natural sugar
Infused Water	Excellent	Minimal, but flavorful	None

Homemade Hydration Solutions

Creating your own hydrating drinks at home is simple and allows you to control ingredients and sugar content. A homemade electrolyte drink can be made with coconut water, citrus juice, and a pinch of salt. For a refreshing infused water, just combine your favorite fruits and herbs in a pitcher with water and refrigerate. You can also make a simple orange and salt sports drink by mixing 1 cup of orange juice with 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt.

The Truth About Caffeinated Drinks

A common myth is that coffee and tea are dehydrating due to their caffeine content. In reality, moderate consumption of both caffeinated coffee and tea contributes positively to daily fluid intake. The diuretic effect is minimal and outweighed by the large amount of water in the drinks. However, it's still best to enjoy these in moderation and balance them with plenty of water. Sugary coffee drinks should be limited, as their high sugar content can negatively affect hydration and overall health. For more on healthy beverage choices, see this reliable resource from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Conclusion: Making Hydrating Choices a Habit

Staying properly hydrated is fundamental to good health, and while water is the foundation, it doesn't have to be the only option. By incorporating a variety of other healthy beverages like milk, herbal tea, and fruit-infused water, you can make staying hydrated an enjoyable and nutrient-rich part of your daily routine. Prioritize natural, low-sugar options and always listen to your body’s signals for thirst. Whether it's a glass of milk after a workout or a soothing cup of herbal tea, these alternatives can help you meet your hydration goals effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in moderation. Studies show that the diuretic effect of caffeine is not significant enough to outweigh the hydration provided by the water content in coffee and tea. Enjoying 3-5 cups daily can contribute to your fluid intake, but remember to balance with plenty of water.

For the average person, water is sufficient for hydration. Sports drinks, which contain carbohydrates and electrolytes, are primarily designed for endurance athletes engaged in intense, prolonged exercise lasting more than one hour, or those with significant fluid loss from illness.

Some studies suggest that milk may be more hydrating than water for post-workout recovery because its protein, carbohydrates, and electrolytes help the body retain fluid more effectively. However, this is most relevant after strenuous exercise; for typical workouts, water is perfectly adequate.

If you dislike plain water, try infused water by adding slices of cucumber, lemon, or berries, along with herbs like mint. Other excellent alternatives include unsweetened herbal teas, sparkling water, or homemade electrolyte drinks with a squeeze of citrus.

Smoothies are generally better because they retain the fiber from the whole fruits and vegetables, which slows absorption and provides a more sustained release of nutrients and fluids. Juices, while hydrating, concentrate the sugar and lack this valuable fiber.

Be mindful of added sugars, especially in fruit juices and pre-made drinks, as these can contribute unnecessary calories. Always check labels and opt for unsweetened or naturally sweetened options to support optimal health and hydration.

Yes. Since they are primarily water-based, soups and broths are effective for hydration and can also provide electrolytes and nutrients, especially comforting during cold weather or illness.