Staying adequately hydrated is crucial for maintaining good health and optimal functioning. This is especially important during hot weather, but some individuals, such as older people, may struggle to stay properly hydrated. Failing to drink enough water or underestimating the amount of fluid lost through sweat, exercise, or illness can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance. This imbalance can quickly lead to symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, and muscle cramps, according to Chris Cashin, a spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. In the long run, dehydration can increase the risk of a rapid heart rate and urinary infections. One way to gauge hydration levels is by observing the color of your urine. Pale, straw-colored urine is a healthy sign, while darker urine indicates the need for more fluids. However, optimal hydration may not solely depend on drinking enough water. Various hydration “aids” are available on the market, such as jelly sweets and fizzy tablets, which claim to make water more hydrating. Are these products effective? To find out, we asked experts Chris Cashin and Ruth Kander to evaluate a selection of hydration products, and we also rated and tasted them.
HUX HYDRATION WATERMELON:
Price: £19.20 for 30 servings (huxhealth.com)
Per 100ml: Calories: 10, Sugar: 0g, Salt: 0.14g
Claims: This product is marketed as a carefully formulated nutritional complex of electrolytes and minerals that supports optimum hydration and muscle function. It claims to rehydrate more effectively than water alone, bolster the immune system, and protect cells.
Expert Verdict: Chris Cashin explains that electrolytes can aid fluid absorption in the body, and this product contains small amounts of sodium, potassium, zinc, and magnesium – all of which are electrolytes. However, she notes that a well-balanced diet should provide adequate amounts of these nutrients. Electrolyte supplements are typically necessary under specific conditions, such as when the body is under stress or excessively sweating. Ruth Kander adds that a pinch of salt in a glass of water could achieve similar effects.
Rating: 7/10
Taste Test: The watermelon flavor is very pleasant.
Rating: 9/10
VIDRATE NIGHT TIME MIXED BERRY:
Price: £6.45 for 8 x 3g sachets (superdrug.com)
Per 100ml: Calories: 2, Sugar: 0.13g, Salt: 0.03mg
Claims: This product is designed to make drinking more water easier. It recommends adding a sachet to 300-500ml water before bed for an optimal night of sleep. It contains L-theanine (an amino acid known for stress reduction) and 5-HTP (an amino acid converted to serotonin, the “feel good” hormone), as well as magnesium.
Expert Verdict: Ruth Kander explains that these sugar-free flavor and nutrient sachets aim to encourage water intake. However, hydration is not limited to water alone. Other fluids and foods with high water contents, such as fruit juice, milk, tea, coffee, and cucumber, also contribute to hydration. The sachets contain small amounts of sodium, potassium, L-theanine, and 5-HTP. While L-theanine and 5-HTP are said to aid in insomnia and depression, further research is needed to confirm these claims. Chris Cashin suggests maintaining good hydration throughout the day with regular fluid intake is a better approach for those who experience nighttime bathroom disruptions.
Rating: 5/10
Taste Test: The blackcurrant flavor is overpowered by the sweetener.
Rating: 2/10
JELLY DROPS:
Price: From 95p for nine drops (jellydrops.com)
Per 100g: Calories: 13, Sugar: 0g, Salt: 0.17g
Claims: Jelly Drops are sugar-free jelly sweets made with 95% water and added electrolytes (salt, sodium citrate, and potassium chloride). They are popular among people with dementia, the elderly, and those struggling to stay hydrated. They aim to increase fluid intake.
Expert Verdict: Chris Cashin points out that adequate fluid intake can be challenging for older individuals who may lose the ability to sense thirst and need reminders to drink. This is particularly true for people with dementia or mobility and urological issues. While Jelly Drops may work as a convenient snack or treat, nine sweets only provide 50ml of water, which has minimal impact on hydration levels. There are other approaches, such as using a straw or offering high water content foods, that can effectively aid hydration.
Rating: 6/10
Taste Test: The fruity flavor is refreshing, but there is a lingering sweetener aftertaste.
Rating: 6/10
REJUVENATED H3O HYDRATION:
Price: £24.95 for 60g (cultbeauty.co.uk)
Per 100ml: Calories: 0.9, Sugar: n/a, Salt: trace
Claims: This powder should be added to at least 400ml water and consumed once or twice a day. It aims to provide long-lasting cellular hydration to revitalize the skin and body. The product contains hyaluronic acid, which retains significant amounts of water to maintain skin plumpness.
Expert Verdict: Chris Cashin notes that dehydration can lead to dry skin, and the powder contains electrolytes to aid fluid absorption, along with 100% of the recommended daily vitamin C intake. However, these nutrients can typically be obtained through a balanced diet. Ruth Kander adds that while the powder includes a small amount of hyaluronic acid and resveratrol, further research is needed to support their skin moisturization benefits. Resveratrol can interact with certain medications, so it’s important to consult a doctor before using this product.
Rating: 5/10
Taste Test: The subtle berry flavor is enjoyable.
Rating: 8/10
UPBEAT PROTEIN HYDRATION BERRY:
Price: £1.65 for 500ml (sainsburys.co.uk)
Per 100ml: Calories: 12, Sugar: 0g, Salt: less than 0.01g
Claims: This product contains whey isolate protein from milk and promises instant access to essential hydration, body-boosting protein, and energizing B vitamins without causing sluggishness. It is sugar-free.
Expert Verdict: Ruth Kander explains that this is essentially flavored water with added protein and vitamins. While it may not hydrate more efficiently than plain water, it does provide 10g of protein, equivalent to two small boiled eggs. Consuming protein after exercise can aid muscle recovery. B vitamins are important for energy metabolism, but a balanced diet should provide sufficient amounts. The product also includes branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) for muscle recovery, but these are naturally found in various foods, such as meat, beans, whole grains, and nuts. There is no strong evidence supporting the superiority of BCAA supplements over food sources for muscle growth. BCAAs may interact with certain medications, so it’s advisable to consult a doctor before use.
Rating: 4/10
Taste Test: The product has a fruity flavor with a powdery aftertaste.
Rating: 5/10
WATERDROP MICROENERGY NERO:
Price: £8.90 for 12 cubes (waterdrop.com)
Per 100ml: Calories: 1, Sugar: 0g, Salt: 0.06g
Claims: This product offers energizing hydration. It involves dropping one cube into a bottle of…
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