Dash Sparkling Waters (made with wonky fruit)

DASH Water is a really nice company, which offers several flavours of cans of sparkling water, all infused with wonky fruit that would otherwise have gone to landfill.

Avoid grapefruit for some medications (check paper inserts).

This company takes fruit that is bent, crushed, curved, knobbly and misshapen, and accepts all the misfits to fight food waste (up to 40% of England’s fruits and vegetables go to waste, often simply because they don’t ‘look right’ for supermarkets). Especially at a time when so many people can’t afford food bills.

The company’s cucumbers, blackcurrants and raspberries are grown in the UK, lemons come from Spain, mangoes from India and peaches/grapefruits from Spain. Any leftover fruit extract is converted into biogas, to fuel a local green power plant.

You can pick deliveries of your favourite flavour (or a pick-n-mix) and they are sent in recycled aluminium cans to your door. You get free delivery on subscriptions, and no calories so treat yourself! Best served chilled, and you can also serve over ice and garnish with fresh fruit. Or browse their recipes for some creative ideas like mocktails (no-alcohol cocktails).

This company has some really good offers too. You can find this brand in many shops, but if you order packs online, there are discounts for key workers, students, social media followers and referring friends. And you can unlock big discounts, just for signing up to the free newsletter.

Quick Recipes for Everyday Refreshment

• Basic Fruit Spritzer: Fill a glass with ice, add a splash of fresh lemon juice, then top with Dash lemon and a twist of peel.
• Non-Alcoholic Punch: In a jug, muddle extra wonky berries with a spoon of lemon juice. Add chilled Dash berry and a handful of mint. Serve over ice with thin slices of cucumber for a clean finish.
• Minty Wonky Lime Fizz. Fill a tumble with ice and squeeze half a lime and a few crushed mint leaves. Top with Dash lemon or lime water and stir.
• Family Berry Cooler. Lightly crush some berries in a jug and add ice, pour over 2 cans of berry Dash and a few cucumber slices.

How Much Water Should We Drink?

We need water to keep cool, remove waste, and help our joints, brains and eyes (fresh water is also found in raw product like watermelons and bananas). The average person needs around 1.2 litres of water a day (more for athletes, hot weather, some medical conditions and after vomiting/diarrhoea).

So how much is 1.2 litres? Around 6 x 200ml glasses. So drink 2 glasses when you wake up, another 2 before lunch and dinner, and in a couple of weeks you’ll be hydrated.

The caveat is that your body loses water with tea, coffee, cola and alcohol. So add an extra glass, for each one of those you drink. It’s easier to reduce caffeine and alcohol, so you are not guzzling water all day to compensate.

What Kind of Water Should Pets Drink?

Never give fizzy water to pets, as it could cause bloat. 

Spring and filtered water are fine, you may find health and fur improves. But vets say that (unless medically given) to avoid distilled water (removes minerals and electrolytes).

Don’t let pets drink from puddles. It may taste nice to them, but could contain remnants of bacteria, oil or antifreeze.