There was a time in the early 2000s when vitamin drinks were all the rage.
Bottles of Glacéau’s VitaminWater were stacked in celebrity fridges glimpsed fleetingly on MTV Cribs tours and featured in glaringly obvious product placements throughout our favourite CW shows (Gossip Girl being the most frequent culprit).
However, Glacéau is a subsidiary of Coca-Cola and VitaminWater was quickly declared to be less rich in vitamins and more chock-full of sugar, thereby losing its status as a health-conscious drink. That’s why you’ll struggle to get your paws on a bottle of the well-marketed elixir these days.
Yet new vitamin drinks are making a comeback as we progress into a health-conscious, wellness-focused zeitgeist. From specialised, electrolyte-boosting powders to nutrient-rich juices which promise to deliver all the daily vitamins you could possibly need, we’re spoiled for choice.
We spoke to Aimee O’Keeffe, Performance Nutritionist and Vitamin Well Ambassador for insight into the re-emerging world of vitamin drinks.
Are vitamin drinks healthy?
“They can be if consumed in the correct way in regards to moderation and if they address potential deficiencies. They can be a way to stay hydrated, enjoy the taste and improve health. They can be beneficial if you have a specific diet you follow or are a fussy eater, whereby the overall consumption of vitamins and minerals may be limited.“
What are the differences between liquid vitamins/supplements and those in capsule/powder form?
“The absorption rate of liquid supplements is often quicker in the system and can be good for people with digestive issues. Capsule forms have a longer shelf life and are often more transportable.”
Can you get all the vitamins you need from food alone?
“You can get most, if not all, of the essential vitamins you need from a balanced and varied diet. Whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, dairy or dairy alternatives, whole grains, and healthy fats, provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal health.
“However, some negatives can be if people have dietary restrictions, this will need extra attention. Food prep and cooking can decrease the nutrient content of some foods.”
Can you consume too many vitamins? If so, what happens if you do?
“Yes you can consume too many vitamins, which can result in issues relating to the bioavailabiliy of the vitamins. Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a nutrient that is absorbed and utilised by the body. Too much of one can cause harm and can cause toxicity in the body.”
Should you take vitamins every day?
“If you have deficiencies it would be recommended to take them daily where needed. For instance, if you don’t like certain foods which may be high in certain types of vitamins and that you may be missing out on. Or, if you’re vegan/pescatarian which naturally eliminates vitamins/minerals from the diet.”
Do you think vitamin drinks contain adequate vitamins?
“Yes, some on the market do and some don’t. So it is important to take note of the nutritional value before consuming.”
Is there anything else, other than sugar content, that we should watch out for in vitamin drinks?
- “Look for natural ingredients rather than synthetic when possible
- Look for low or no artificial sweeteners
- Hydration content ie electrolyte content
- Look for artificial flavours and colours which have an impact on allergies and sensitivities for some people
- Calorie content of drinks: These can go under the radar for people who are trying to be healthy and calories in these drinks can add up and potentially cause accidental weight gain.”
Can vitamin drinks support athletes?
“Yes they can. As long as the athlete has been professionally spoken to regarding their overall health status these types of drinks can help support optimal health outcomes alongside professional advice.”
Keep scrolling for a round-up of the best vitamin drinks available to buy in the UK. Here’s to a nutrient-rich summer.
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Vitamin Well
Available in five fruit-infused flavours, Vitamin Well’s functional flavoured drink does so much more than refresh the senses.
The brand is home to five different wellness-boosting non-carbonated heroes including ‘Elevate’ (B12, folic acid, magnesium, zinc), ‘Enhance’ (vitamin C, B6, niacin, pantothenic acid) and ‘Hydrate’ (vitamin C, D, zinc and biotin) which are all filled to the brim with replenishing vitamins, minerals and electrolytes.
Our favourite option is the zingy lemon and lime Reload, which contains magnesium as well as vitamins B12 and D. Low-calorie and housed in a 100 per cent recyclable bottle, Vitamin Well is geared towards both professional and casual athletes looking for a delicious and hydrating vitamin drink for their daily post-workout routine.
Buy now £23.99, Amazon
Huel Daily Greens
We didn’t think it was possible to jam-pack a green powder with an eye-watering number of ingredients until Huel proved us wrong. The nutrient-boosting supplemental powder contains a whopping 91 superfoods, nutrients and plant-based ingredients. Designed to be consumed once a day, the powder boasts over 170 wellness benefits and costs just £1.50 per serving.
From offering digestive and immune health support to boosting cognitive and muscle function, the organic antioxidant greens blend is a tasty and simple way to get all of your necessary nutrients into your body before you’ve even left for the office. Enjoy the benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms such as Reishi and Ashwagandha masked by the delicious taste of organic fruits and green veggies.
Buy now £45.00, Huel
Oshee Vitamin Water Drink
This non-carbonated vitamin water is imbued with delicious flavours of red grape and dragon fruit. It’s been boosted with additional B12, zinc and iodine and contains no preservatives, artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners. A brilliant addition to your weekend gym bag, you’ll replenish all your nutrients in a few scrumptious sips.
Buy now £5.94, Amazon
Get More Vits Still & Sparkling Drinks Starter Pack
Available in most British supermarkets as part of a meal deal, true fans of Get More Vits might opt for a Starter Pack containing those oft sold-out flavours, including Peach & Apricot and Pink Grapefruit. Each flavour targets a different deficiency, whether it be vitamins B, D or even fibre. All options except for the tangy Lemon & Lime are non-carbonated.
Buy now £26.99, Amazon
Press Mixed Shot Pack
There’s no quicker way to consume nutrient-rich liquids than in shot form. Press has got you covered with their dedicated mixed shot pack, which includes one vitamin D shot, a vitamin C shot, and a powerful ginger shot.
Buy now £11.90, Press
Bounce Back Post Social Recovery Drink
Available in raspberry or tropical flavours, Bounce Back is designed to do exactly what it says and have you feeling closer to normal after an evening of excess. The vegan-friendly drinks are low calorie at 93cals a pop and packed with a special cocktail of 17 vitamins, minerals and amino acids to leave you feeling refreshed and recovered. The lightly carbonated drink has been developed by biochemists and helps boost energy and liver function.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Hux Hydration
These luxurious-looking hydration tablets promise to deliver more zinc than 10 cups of spinach, and the same amount of potassium as three bananas. If you simply don't have the time to make a delicious superfood smoothie after every workout, Hux can deliver both nutrients and those much-needed post-exercise electrolytes faster than you can say "water, please!"
While the vast majority of electrolyte supplements are offered in outdated and medicinal flavour combinations, Hux offers three tasty options to choose from: watermelon, ginger and lemongrass, as well as lemon and elderflower. If you're feeling sceptical due to that surprisingly high price tag, Hux offers a free welcome pack so that you can dip your toes in.
Buy now £24.00, Hux
TEA + Energy Vitamin Tea 14 Day Routine
Not a fan of coffee but need something warm to sip in the morning? Give TEA +’s Energy Vitamin Tea a try. A unique blend of tea that’s designed to boost energy levels naturally, this tea is enriched with vitamins and natural herbs that work together to enhance physical and mental performance. Its blend of Yerba mate, vitamin C and ginseng is infused with 100 per cent NRV vitamins B6 and B12 and a delicious, natural raspberry and pomegranate flavour to enjoy, too.
Buy now £4.00, Ocado
