Chances are you’re aware that staying hydrated is essential, day in and day out. Proper hydration is key for everything from delivering nutrients to cells and regulating body temperature to promoting digestive regularity, a balanced mood, and a good night’s rest. 

ICYMI, plain water isn’t the be-all, end-all of hydration, as all fluids from beverages and water-rich foods alike count toward your daily hydration needs. (While those needs vary based on a variety of personal factors such as age, level of physical activity, and health status, the U.S National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine lists 2.7 liters of fluids for women and 3.7 liters for men as a general guide for daily fluid intake.) There’s no shortage of ways to hydrate without drinking water, which is good news for those who have a hard time sticking to H2O alone.

Ahead, discover how to stay hydrated without drinking water with 10 delicious suggestions (plus one beneficial bonus).

1. Water-Rich Foods

Did you know that many people get about 20 percent of the water they need from food alone? That number will climb the more you include fruits and veggies in your diet—which, of course, is always a good idea to get your fix of protective micronutrients (i.e., vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants) and heart and gut-friendly fiber.

According to UCLA Health, some of the best water-rich foods that have a water content above 92 percent include:

• Cucumber
• Celery
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Bell peppers
• Spinach
• Asparagus
• Strawberries

In addition, eating watermelon for hydration is one of the most delicious ways to replenish hydration levels, especially in hot weather. The juicy summer staple consists of 92 percent water (which shouldn’t be too surprising, given its name). Watermelon is also one of the best foods with electrolytes, so it’ll promote fluid balance on top of helping you reach your quota for daily fluid intake. 

2. Flavored Sparkling Water

Sparkling water has had a renaissance over the past few years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. There’s something innately fun (not to mention refreshing) about sipping on cool and crisp sparkling water—and even more so when it packs your preferred flavors. Keeping flavored sparkling water on hand is among the best ways to hydrate without drinking water since so many people actually want to do it and drink up multiple times a day.

Whether you keep your favorite brand of cans or bottles stocked in your pantry or fridge or invest in your own sparkling water machine, rest assured that this healthy fix is doing right by your body and hydration needs.

3. Electrolyte Drinks

Wondering how to hydrate fast? Try electrolyte drinks! Electrolyte drinks are another preferred way to stay hydrated, and they’re not reserved for athletes and fitness buffs alone. Electrolytes are the unsung heroes of hydration, and electrolyte drinks help not only with fluid consumption but also fluid balance in and outside of cells. In addition, they can help keep the undesired symptoms of electrolyte imbalance (such as fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps) at bay.

There are countless scenarios in which you’ll want to be extra mindful of consuming electrolytes for hydration, which include but aren’t limited to:

• Working out
• Traveling
• Sauna use
• Hot and humid weather
• Diarrhea
• Sickness

As great as electrolyte drinks are to allow you to hydrate without drinking water, not all are ideal in the broader scheme of things. Many electrolyte drinks and sports drinks—including those you may have enjoyed as a kid—contain refined sugar, artificial colors, and additional additives. To maximize the health benefits of your electrolyte intake, prioritize drinks and electrolyte supplements that contain minimal or no added sugar as well as no fillers or junk. 

Our Mini Dew electrolyte drink powder is a 2-in-1 electrolyte and mineral powder that helps you add minerals to your water and prevent dehydration. Offered in tasty summer fruit flavors like watermelon and pomelo, this electrolyte drink powder is the perfect alternative to water if you’re looking to stay hydrated, energized, and focused throughout the day. 

4. Infused Waters

If you love the zingy taste of flavored sparkling water, chances are you’ll also enjoy infused waters. To DIY, this entails popping your favorite summer fruit varieties, veggies, and herbs into H2O for a few hours or overnight so the water soaks up the flavors.

Some yummy combos infused water combos include:

• Cucumber, lemon, and mint
• Strawberry and basil
• Watermelon, kiwi, and lime
• Blueberry, lemon, and rosemary

To take your infused water game to the next level, invest in a pitcher with a lid or a single-serve water bottle with a built-in chamber designed for infusions.

5. Smoothies

Smoothies are always a great idea, even when you’re not trying to stay hydrated when drinking water. Most smoothies are a great way to enjoy a balanced snack or mini-meal. They not only meet your hydration needs but also allow you to fit in a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (plus a hefty serving of protein, in many cases) one tasty sip at a time.

You can really go wild with your smoothies, whether you have a go-to recipe mixing fresh and frozen fruits and veggies plus pantry staples like seeds and nut butter. For liquid bases, you can always use H2O, dairy or plant-based milk, fresh juice, or coconut water.

6. Coconut Water

Speaking of coconut water, it’s a tried-and-true option to hydrate without drinking water. As the Mayo Clinic explains, coconut water doubles as a natural electrolyte drink as it contains potassium, sodium, and manganese (though the amount of these and other electrolytes will vary by brand). A small 2023 study in the journal Sports (Basel) even found coconut water had a similar effect as standard sports drinks for timing, performance, and physiological responses in male and female cyclers.

As is the case with other electrolyte drinks, your best bet is to opt for coconut water with low or no added sugar.

7. Herbal Teas

To mix things up on your quest to hydrate without drinking plain water, herbal teas—whether warm or cooled off and then poured over ice—are a wonderful option to add to your regimen. In addition to being naturally caffeine-free, there are tons of varieties to choose from, each of which can offer beneficial compounds for your health and well-being.

Bonus: The ritual of brewing tea can also double as a form of self-care in and of itself.

8. Milk

While the emphasis on drinking milk has likely waned since you were a child, it’s still a valid way to hydrate without drinking water. If you’re dairy-free, alt-milks like oat milk, almond milk, and macadamia nut milk make for great substitutes that can contribute to your daily water intake. While you’re welcome to, you don’t need to drink these all on their own. Consider integrating them into your morning caffeine routine, smoothies, bedtime lattes, or overnight oats.

9. Homemade Popsicles

Popsicles are yet another childhood staple that you probably didn’t know also helped you work towards your daily hydration needs. However, it’s wise to make them as healthy as possible by making them yourself, as doing so allows you to bypass options that are high in sugar and other additives.

Similar to infused water, choosing your favorite fruity flavors and purchasing the necessary gear (in this case, popsicle molds and sticks) will encourage you to stick to this yummy hydrating hack. If you're looking to boost your water intake, fresh fruit popsicles are a great low-calorie snack with a high water content. Plus, they are the perfect sweet treat for hot weather!

10. Broths & Soups

Last but not least, hot broths and soups are among the tastiest ways to hydrate during meals without relying on a glass of water by your side. Since they can help you meet your hydration needs, you should definitely lean into them on the regular and not only when it’s cold or you’re under the weather.

Enhance Your Water & Hydration With Mini Dew

Whether you don’t enjoy the taste of plain H2O or you find it challenging to meet your hydration needs with that alone, the good news is that there are tons of tasty ways to stay hydrated without drinking water. Incorporating the foods and drinks above into your diet can go a long way to satisfy your thirst and replenish your body on the daily. In addition, you can’t go wrong with an electrolyte drink powder like Mini Dew™.

Mini Dew™ quenches your brain and body with a blend of electrolytes, ionic trace minerals, and chelated essential minerals. The combination supports hydration and brain function, and keeps you feeling good and energized. Available in tasty watermelon and pomelo flavors—as well as naked, for the purists—you’ll thank yourself for keeping this bioavailable, zero sugar electrolyte powder in your regular rotation.