Plant-Based Waters Are Trending—Here’s Why Everyone’s Sipping Them
From oat milk lattes to veggie burgers, plant-based is everywhere—and it’s here to stay. As more Americans embrace plant-powered choices for their health and the planet, the movement is flowing into hydration, too.
Enter plant-based waters: naturally refreshing drinks with built-in functional benefits and a lighter environmental footprint. These beverages are redefining what it means to hydrate—and they might just replace the sugary, artificial options in your fridge.
Find out what makes plant-based waters worth a try and where to start sipping.
The growing trend of plant-based beverages
Americans are rethinking what they drink. With rising rates of lifestyle-related health issues in the U.S. and a growing focus on sustainability, many people are looking for alternatives to traditional dairy and sugary beverages.
Plant-based milks like oat, almond, and soy have been leading the charge. Not only do they cater to common allergies and intolerances and fit seamlessly into vegan or flexitarian diets, but they often reduce environmental impact compared to dairy milk.
But plant-based beverages go far beyond what you pour in your morning coffee or cereal. Plant-based waters deliver clean, refreshing hydration with naturally occurring nutrients like magnesium, which supports heart health, and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation. They’re also often lower in calories and additives than other plant-based drinks or traditional sports drinks, making them a simple swap for those looking to cut back on excess sugars without sacrificing function.
Are they healthier?
Plants are naturally rich in essential nutrients, so many plant-based drinks offer more than just hydration—they can provide vitamins, antioxidants, and even electrolytes you wouldn’t find in plain water.
However, not all plant-based beverages are necessarily healthy. Some come with loads of added sugars or artificial ingredients that can outweigh their benefits. When choosing plant-based waters, look for those with all-natural ingredients that pack in the nutrients to get the most out of each sip.
What is plant-based water?
Plant-based water is a beverage derived from the fruit, leaves, or sap of a plant. These waters often contain electrolytes, antioxidants, and other naturally occurring nutrients that support hydration and overall health. Many are also considered eco-friendly beverages, thanks to sustainably sourced ingredients, minimal processing, and recyclable packaging.
They’ve become a go-to for post-workout recovery, a quick health boost, or even as a natural way to support certain wellness needs, like reducing inflammation or aiding digestion. While they’re not a cure-all, plant-based waters offer a convenient upgrade to your daily hydration routine.
The flavor depends on the source. Coconut water is lightly sweet and nutty, cactus water carries subtle berry-like notes, and birch water tends to be more earthy. Brands often vary in sweetness or offer flavored varieties, so it’s worth exploring to find one that suits your taste.
6 plant-based waters to try
They’re all light, refreshing, and natural, but each offers its own distinct flavor and functional perks. Here are six of the most popular plant-based waters:
1. Cactus water
Made from prickly pear cactus fruit, this pink water delivers five naturally occurring electrolytes, antioxidants, and skin-friendly vitamins C and E. These nutrients help ease post-workout soreness, calm inflammation, and support collagen production for a healthy glow. With a mild fruity flavor and as few as 30 calories per can of Caliwater, cactus water offers a light, refreshing way to hydrate daily.
2. Coconut water
Once the go-to of plant-based hydration, coconut water remains a favorite for electrolyte replenishment after exercise. Packed with potassium and magnesium, it supports muscle recovery and heart health. However, it typically contains about twice the sugar and calories of cactus water and has a strong nutty flavor that isn’t for everyone.
3. Aloe vera water
Mildly herbal and crisp, aloe vera water contains vitamin C and polyphenols, plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Research suggests it may help regulate blood sugar and promote healthy digestion, making it a functional choice beyond basic hydration. Start with just a few ounces per day, and choose unsweetened versions to avoid added sugars.
4. Birch water
Tapped from birch trees, this lightly sweet water is rich in antioxidants and manganese, a mineral that supports bone strength and metabolism. Its low sugar content makes it appealing for clean hydration, but moderation matters: too much manganese over time may impact brain health.
5. Maple water
Essentially pure maple sap, this subtly sweet water provides electrolytes, antioxidants, and up to 40% of your daily manganese per 12-ounce serving. With its low glycemic index and gentle energy boost, it’s often enjoyed before or after workouts—just sip in moderation to avoid excess manganese.
6. Watermelon water
Naturally sweet and hydrating, watermelon water is made from watermelons that might otherwise go to waste, giving it sustainability points. Its high water content and blend of electrolytes, amino acids, and antioxidants make it a great choice for hot days or post-exercise recovery. Just keep in mind it’s higher in calories than most other plant-based waters, at about 70 per eight ounces.
The nutritional benefits of plant-based waters
Plant-based waters aren’t just about quenching thirst—they can also deliver a natural boost of nutrients that support hydration, recovery, and long-term health. While the exact profile varies by plant, many of these beverages share a similar set of health-promoting compounds.
Key nutrients found in most plant-based waters include:
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Electrolytes: They help your body absorb and retain water more efficiently, making these drinks excellent for rehydration after workouts or on hot days.
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Antioxidants: Polyphenols like flavonoids and betalains protect cells from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and may lower the risk of some cancers.
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Vitamins: They support immune health, brighten skin tone, and boost collagen production while helping to neutralize free radicals.
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Fiber: Small amounts of plant-derived fiber can aid digestion, support gut health, and help maintain steady energy levels.
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Natural sugars: In modest amounts, they provide quick energy without the sharp spikes and crashes associated with many sweetened drinks.
While plant-based waters can contribute to your daily nutrient intake, the levels of each compound vary widely by plant and processing method. Some may contain only trace amounts, while others (like cactus water) deliver a more concentrated nutritional profile. Be sure to check labels if you’re seeking a specific benefit.
How plant-based waters support a healthier planet
Compared to many other bottled beverages, plant-based waters are typically much more eco-friendly. But not all are created equal, their sustainability depending on how the plants are grown, how the drink is processed, and even how it’s packaged.
Some plant-based waters, like cactus water and aloe vera water, stand out as particularly sustainable. These crops thrive in arid environments with minimal water and little need for intensive farming, making them naturally low-impact choices. Maple and birch waters, on the other hand, are harvested by tapping trees—a process that doesn’t harm the tree itself. However, their harvesting season is brief, and the sap can spoil quickly if not processed in time. Watermelon water helps reduce food waste by using surplus or imperfect fruits that would otherwise be tossed.
Despite its hydration benefits, coconut water comes with a heavy environmental cost. Large-scale coconut farming can reduce biodiversity and often relies on pesticides. Add that to the carbon footprint of transporting coconuts long distances, and it becomes one of the least sustainable options in this category.
Packaging also plays a role. Many plant-based waters are now sold in aluminum cans, which are 100% recyclable and can be reused indefinitely without losing quality—making them a better choice than plastic bottles or even cartons.
If you’re looking to make a positive impact with your hydration habits, choose brands that prioritize sustainable harvesting, minimal processing, and recyclable packaging. Each sip supports farming practices that protect ecosystems and brings you a refreshing, functional drink.
From desert plant to functional hydration
Cactus water isn’t just another plant-based drink—it’s a hydration upgrade with a light, fruity taste and a serious nutrient punch. That’s right, your new go-to electrolyte drink might just come from a spiky desert plant. 🌵
Prickly pear cactus thrives where most plants can’t—soaking up the sun and just a little water in the Sonoran Desert—while loading its vibrant pink fruit with five essential electrolytes, antioxidants, and skin-loving vitamins C and E. The result? A naturally refreshing sip that’s as functional as it is flavorful.
Even better, Caliwater gives you options. From classic Prickly Pear to juicy Watermelon and tropical Pineapple, each flavor delivers the same clean hydration with just a fraction of the sugar and calories found in most plant-based waters. No heavy processing, no empty promises—just a better-for-you way to keep the whole family hydrated (yes, even the kids).
Caliwater puts this desert magic in fully recyclable cans and convenient Kids Pouches you can feel good about. Crack one open after a workout, pack it in school lunches, or keep it stocked for those mid-afternoon pick-me-ups—it’s hydration made easy, eco-friendly, and more fun.
Find Caliwater cans and Kids Pouches online, in a store near you, or on Instacart to sip smarter and tread a little lighter on the planet.
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