12 Most Healthy Drinks Besides Water for 2025

Are you searching for healthy drinks to add to your day? It’s a well-known fact that water is one of the healthiest beverages out there.

Whether from the tap, bottle or filter, water provides hydration, which regulates body temperature and helps transport oxygen and nutrients through the body. A refreshing glass of water aids in digestion, blood pressure, kidney function, weight management and more.

Regardless of how healthy and essential water may be to your diet, it can be bland. If you’re getting bored with those six to eight glasses of water a day, keep reading to discover 12 other healthy drinks to fill up your cup.

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• The 12 Most Healthy Drinks Other Than Water
• What is the Healthiest Drink?

The 12 Most Healthy Drinks Other Than Water

1. Green Tea

Are you searching for flavorful and healthy drinks to drink instead of water? Green tea can be an excellent alternative. It comes from the unfermented leaves of tea plants, also known as camellia sinensis. The leaves are either steamed or pan-fried to dry them out. 

Like traditional black tea, green tea is available in tea bags or loose-leaf. However, if part of your health goals includes reducing caffeine intake, you may ask: Does green tea have caffeine? Yes, this healthy drink does have a small amount of caffeine, but not as much as black tea and definitely not as much as coffee.

Green tea offers various health benefits, including antioxidants and minerals that increase cognitive function and aid in weight loss. The high levels of polyphenols in green tea are also believed to help in reducing cancer risk. 

2. Coconut Water

If you’re searching for tasty beverages that are healthy, coconut water is a terrific option. This tropical beverage has a sweet and nutty flavor and carbonated versions of coconut water are available if you prefer a bubbly beverage.

Mostly made up of water, super-hydrating coconut water provides high levels of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and potassium, helping with blood pressure regulation. It also has electrolytes like magnesium and sodium, which makes it a great healthy drink to consume in place of sports drinks.

3. Beet Juice

Beet juice is packed with nitrates, vitamin C and folic acid as well as magnesium, antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. These can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and enhance oxygen in the muscles, among other benefits.

Beets do have a high level of oxalates, which may increase the risk of kidney stones if you are prone to them; so keep that in mind before adding beet juice to your list of healthiest drinks to try.

You can buy bottled beet juice at your local market or grocery store. You can also make your own using a juicer to blend beets and water. Beet juice can have somewhat of a bitter or “earthy” flavor so if you prefer a sweeter taste, blend in apple or orange slices for a healthy drink option.

4. Cranberry Juice

For tart and tangy healthy drinks to drink, look no further than the cranberry juice bottles lining the market shelves. This rich red beverage offers antioxidants that help prevent cardiovascular disease, lower cholesterol and promote urinary tract health. Cranberry juice can also help improve liver function, prevent some types of cancer and regulate blood sugar levels. 

This tasty healthy drink is high in vitamin C as well, making it a great option to prevent and fight colds. Cranberry juice can be high in sugar, so enjoy it in moderation.

5. Kombucha

Believed to have originated in China, kombucha is a fizzy and fermented healthy drink that is a good alternative to water. This unique drink has probiotics for healthy gut bacteria, which aid in digestion and absorption of vitamins and minerals.

Kombucha is made with water, sugar, tea, yeast and bacteria. The main and necessary component of kombucha is a jelly-like ingredient referred to as a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY).

This is also known as “the mother,” similar to apple cider vinegar or a sourdough starter. The SCOBY is made from raw and unfiltered kombucha, green or black tea and sugar.

To make your own kombucha, you’ll need to prepare the SCOBY ahead of time, as it can take up to a month for the SCOBY to grow. The tea is brewed with sugar and allowed to cool.

Next, the SCOBY is added and the tea is covered, allowed to ferment and strained into a container. Fruit, spices and herbs can then be added. Kombuchas can have harmful bacteria if not prepared properly so take care if you’re preparing homemade healthy drinks.

When purchasing at the store (which is the most convenient option for many), try to avoid varieties with a lot of added sugars. Instead, opt for natural fermented varieties. Do note that if you’re allergic to yeast, bacteria or mold, you should not drink kombucha.

6. Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is a warm and filling beverage that many may not consider a healthy drink. However, cacao has health benefits like antioxidants and flavonoids that help improve cardiovascular and brain health, regulate blood sugar levels, boost energy levels and promote good gut health.

Its anti-inflammatory properties improve blood flow to the brain and heart. It’s also a great source of fiber, iron and magnesium. Dark chocolate has the most health benefits, so try to use this type of chocolate if making hot chocolate from scratch at home. Milk also has calcium and vitamin D, which adds to the health benefits of this delicious drink. 

For the healthiest beverage possible, use unsweetened cocoa powder and a natural sweetener (though depending on your taste, you may not need the sweetener). Just remember to drink this in moderation as the chocolate has added sugars.

7. Smoothies

In your search for healthy drinks besides water, you might think of smoothies. When combined with fresh greens, fruit, water and non-fat yogurt, smoothies can function as a refreshing and healthy drink. They're also especially easy to whip up at home when you’re first learning how to start eating healthy.

Smoothies are good for digestive health, weight management and fiber intake. They provide antioxidants and nutrients, are convenient on the go and offer a flavor-filled way to add hydration and boost energy levels.

The perfect healthy smoothie needs a combination of protein, like non-fat Greek yogurt or whey protein and a plant-based fiber or fat, such as peanut butter. Work in extra veggies by adding spinach or kale leaves to this tasty and nutritious healthy drink. Avoid artificial sweeteners, opting instead for the natural sweetness of fruits, a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey.

8. Low-Fat Milk

Milk provides several nutrients, as well as protein and carbohydrates. It’s also an excellent source of calcium, phosphorous, B vitamins and vitamin K. If you enjoy a cold glass of refreshing milk, stick with 2% or 1% to keep the fat and calories down. 

Full-fat milk has 150 calories and about 8 grams of fat. The 2% version has 129 calories per cup and 5 grams of fat. The 1% version has 102 calories per cup and 2.5 grams of fat. If you suffer from gastrointestinal issues, try lactose-free versions of this healthy drink.

9. Herbal Tea

Herbal teas like mint, chamomile, ginger and peppermint are wonderful healthy drinks for those searching for a water alternative. Herbal tea is usually caffeine-free, contains antioxidants, has anti-aging properties and offers calming effects that can help with anxiety and aid in sleep and relaxation.

It also offers other benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and boosting the immune system as well as lowering cholesterol levels, relieving allergies and reducing inflammation. Herbal tea can interact with medications, so it’s advisable to consult with your doctor before consuming it.

You can easily make this healthy drink at home by boiling water, adding dried herbs or fruit, allowing it to sit and then steeping it. Next, strain out the pieces. You can add Stevia or honey for a touch of natural sweetness.

10. Pomegranate Juice

Natural pomegranate juice is a tart and delicious healthy drink you can enjoy when you’re not feeling like drinking water. It offers plenty of vitamin C and antioxidants that help boost the immune system, protect against cell damage, decrease inflammation and aid in alleviating arthritis pain.

Other benefits of this healthy drink include heart health improvement, blood sugar control, anti-cancer properties and immune system support. Pomegranate juice can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis, improve cognitive function and help reduce muscle fatigue after exercise. 

However, some may notice side effects, such as allergic reactions, digestive issues and medication interactions, so consult with a doctor before adding pomegranate juice to your diet if you have any concerns. Many varieties sold in the store also have high levels of added sugar, so be sure to check labels and consume in moderation.

11. Kefir

Another fermented milk on this healthy drink list, kefir is a creamy and pourable yogurt-like beverage. With calcium, vitamin D and magnesium for healthy hearts and bones, kefir offers more probiotics than other fermented dairy beverages. It also has 10 grams of protein per serving. This healthy drink helps promote a healthy immune system and is very low in lactose for those on a lactose-free diet.

Kefir is made by adding kefir grains — tiny blobby bubbles that contain yeast and bacteria – to milk. You can use almost any kind of milk for this healthy drink, including non-dairy and non-fat. Let it sit at room temperature, covered with a cloth, for up to 36 hours until it’s at a preferred consistency and then strain out the kefir grains (the grains can be stored in the fridge to reuse later). Many stores now sell this beverage as well, which is the most convenient option for many.

Do note that kefir can cause digestive issues due to the probiotics, such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea and nausea, so drink in moderation. It’s also best to avoid this healthy drink or use non-dairy milk if you have milk allergies.

12. Coffee

Next time you’re wondering: “What are the healthiest drinks?”, consider that cold brew coffee can be one of the healthiest energy drinks. Coffee helps fight inflammation, may lower dementia risk and can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. It has antioxidants like chlorogenic acids that promote eye health as well.

Order it black, go with low-fat or plant-based milk and use cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for sweetness to keep the calories down. Resist the urge to use sugar, cream and sweet flavorings and this can be one of the best healthy drinks for get-up-and-go at any time of the day.

Just remember that excessive consumption of coffee can cause elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate and digestive issues. Too much caffeine can also cause insomnia, anxiety, dehydration and interfere with medications, so always consume in moderation and consult with your doctor if you're unsure if coffee is healthy for you.

What Is the Healthiest Drink?

So, what are the healthiest drinks? Ultimately, water is the healthiest beverage, with filtered being at the top of the list. But how much water should you drink a day? While needs vary, staying properly hydrated is essential — add a spritz of lemon or cucumber slice for a bit of extra taste to make meeting your daily water intake easier.

Green tea comes in at a close second after water on the list of beverages that are healthy due to it having many vitamins and antioxidants while being low in calories, fat and sugar.

For individual purposes, the healthiest drink option may vary. For example, if you need a boost during the day, a cup of black coffee could be a good choice but if you want to increase your protein intake a little, a glass of milk can be a great option.

Have you discovered any healthy drinks besides water to add to your grocery list? The next time you’re looking for a refreshing beverage after a run, an intense yoga session or working in the garden, consider any of these healthy drink options that are sure to leave you refreshed.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.