A new report commissioned by the Natural Source Waters Association (NSWA) reveals that taste, cost and convenience are shaping the UK’s hydration habits and beverage choices – and argues that healthier options must be made easier, more visible and more affordable in everyday life.
The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) has found that while most people recognise the signs of dehydration, many do not prioritise health when choosing what to drink. The report points to a gap between people’s knowledge of hydration and the environments, pressures and choices that shape what they drink every day.
The report found that:
● Nearly half (47%) of people don’t consider the health effects of a drink when making consumption choices
● When buying water, only 27% say health benefits are important, compared with 67% who prioritise cost
● Six per cent report drinking no water at all on a typical day, rising to 9% among those aged 65 to 74
The NSWA is calling on the Government to fully integrate healthy hydration into national health policy, including through a new Food and Drink Bill, alongside practical measures to make healthier drink choices easier in everyday settings. It is also vital for the Government to deliver a sustained, evidence-based national communications campaign on healthy hydration.
You can find the full report here.