I Hate The Taste Of Water: 15 Genius Hydration Hacks

My wife has struggled to drink water for years now. She knows she needs to drink water to stay suitably hydrated for optimal health but that’s not enough to get her gulping.

So, recently, we were trying to figure out solutions to this when it popped into my head that perhaps there are others in the same boat and I should produce an article about this.

It turns out it’s an actual thing. Many do struggle and it seems these people have very sensitive taste buds – something that I unfortunately do not.

My wife has hyper-sensitive senses of smell and taste which can make her particularly fussy, even with water.

But it turns out the water taste can vary wildly depending on the source so it may be as simple as finding the right one for your taste buds.

But if it’s not that simple for you, I’ve got plenty of alternative options for staying hydrated.

Everyone knows adequately hydrating is needed for basic health – and I’ve even talked about hydration and sleep quality – but have you got your diet right also?

Don’t worry, I’m not about to tell you one diet is better than another, but I do encourage you to use a little logic to figure it out for yourself in my article – the ultimate human diet.

Right, let’s dig in…

Table of Contents

TL;DR: Why Do I Hate The Taste Of Water?

About 30% of people hate the taste of water due to sensitive taste buds – if you’re one of them, you might be a “supertaster” who can detect subtle minerals and flavors others can’t notice.
Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, and brain fog, but you don’t have to force down plain water to stay hydrated. From adding lemon to trying sparkling water, there are 15 science-backed alternatives.
Different water sources (tap, spring, mineral) have distinct taste profiles based on their mineral content and treatment processes. Finding the right type of water for your taste buds could be the key to better hydration.
Quick tip: Calculate your daily water needs by dividing your body weight in pounds by half – that’s how many ounces of water you should aim for each day.

The Science Behind Why Some People Hate Water’s Taste

When Dana, my wife, first told me she couldn’t stand the taste of water, I was skeptical. But watching her actually try to force down a glass made me realize this wasn’t just about being picky.

Are You a Supertaster? Understanding Your Taste Buds

Here’s where science gets interesting. Research shows that about half of us have what scientists consider a “normal” amount of taste buds.

But the other half? They’re split between two fascinating groups: “supertasters” (my wife) and “non-tasters” (me) – they say opposites attract.

Supertasters have more taste buds than average, making them extremely sensitive to different flavors. If you’re a supertaster, you might notice:

A strong reaction to bitter foods
The ability to detect subtle flavor differences others miss
An intense awareness of minerals in water
A particular sensitivity to temperature differences

This explains why some people can’t stand the taste of mineral water while others swear by specific brands. Your taste buds might be picking up on every tiny mineral and compound in that glass – calcium, magnesium, sodium, and other elements that most people never notice.

How Different Water Sources Affect Taste

Similar to wine (stay with me here), water’s taste is affected by its source and what it encounters on its journey to your glass. Think of it as water picking up “souvenirs” along the way:

Tap water often contains chlorine (added for safety) and minerals from pipes
Spring water carries minerals from underground rocks and soil
Well water might have higher mineral content depending on local geology
Filtered water can taste different depending on what the filter removes or adds

Water sommeliers (water experts) can actually taste the difference between waters from different sources – and if you hate water’s taste, you might have a similar sensitivity.

The key is understanding that when you say “I hate the taste of water,” you’re not imagining things. Your body’s natural sensitivity might be trying to tell you something about what you’re drinking.

Why Your Body Needs Water (Even If You Hate It)

Let’s get real for a minute. Whether you hate water or not, your body is basically a walking water balloon – about 60% water, to be exact.

And just like a car needs oil to run smoothly, your body needs water to function properly. So, staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining overall health and bodily functions.

The Surprising Ways Dehydration Affects Your Health

When you’re not getting enough water, your body starts sending out distress signals:

Brain fog (yes, that 3 PM mental shutdown might not just be because of your boring meetings)
Fatigue (when your body’s low on water, it’s like trying to run a marathon in ski boots)
Mood changes (turns out being “thirsty” can actually make you grumpy)
Decreased physical performance (even mild dehydration can make you feel like you’re carrying a backpack full of rocks)

Signs You’re Not Getting Enough Water

Your body is pretty clever at telling you when it needs more water, but the signs aren’t always obvious. Here’s what to watch for:

Dark yellow urine
Dry mouth and lips (that constant need for lip balm might be telling you something)
Chapped and dry skin
Feeling tired or dizzy (especially during or after exercise)
Decreased urine output (if you’re not visiting the bathroom every few hours, you might need more fluids)

But here’s the thing – by the time you feel thirsty, you’re already mildly dehydrated. It’s like waiting until your car’s running on fumes before looking for a gas station. Not ideal.

The good news? You don’t have to chug plain water all day to stay hydrated. There are plenty of other ways to maintain healthy hydration levels, even if you hate the taste of water.

And that’s exactly what we’re going to explore next.

Quick Science Note: Your daily water needs depend on several factors, including your weight, activity level, and climate. A general rule of thumb? Take your weight in pounds, divide it in half, and that’s roughly how many ounces of water you need daily. But don’t worry – I’m about to show you how to hit that target without forcing down glass after glass of water you hate.

15 Smart Ways to Stay Hydrated When You Hate Plain Water

Before diving into our solutions, remember that everyone’s taste buds are different. What works for one person might not work for another.

These options are based on scientific research and real-world testing (thanks, Dana, for being my guinea pig!).

1. The Classic Lemon Twist

Not just for fancy restaurants! Adding lemon to water doesn’t just mask the taste – it actually changes how your taste buds perceive it. The acidic properties help neutralize the mineral taste that many people hate.

Pro tip: A tiny pinch of sea salt with your lemon can make it taste even better.

2. Cucumber Infusion

Cucumbers are 96% water and add a subtle, refreshing taste without overwhelming your senses.

Bonus: They’re practically calorie-free and add extra hydration. Slice them thin and let them sit in your water for at least 30 minutes.

3. Berry and Herb Combinations

Try these power pairs:

Strawberries + fresh mint
Raspberries + lime
Blueberries + basil

The natural sugars and aromatic compounds help mask water’s mineral taste while keeping things healthy.

4. Frozen Fruit Ice Cubes

Freeze small pieces of your favorite fruits in ice cube trays. As they melt, they slowly release flavor without making your drink too sweet.

It’s like a time-release flavor capsule.

5. Natural Tea Infusions

Herbal teas count toward your daily water intake! Choose caffeine-free options like:

Chamomile (great before bed)
Peppermint (aids digestion)
Rooibos (naturally sweet)

6. Sparkling Water Transformation

If you hate still water’s taste but can handle bubbles, try sparkling mineral water. The carbonation changes how your taste buds perceive the minerals.

Start with light carbonation and experiment with different brands. This is Dana’s favorite option making water more interesting.

7. Coconut Water Substitute

Nature’s sports drink! It’s packed with electrolytes and has a subtle sweet taste.

Just check the label – some brands add extra sugar you don’t need.

8. Strategic Food Choices

You can eat your water too! These foods are over 90% water:

Watermelon
Cucumbers
Lettuce… yummy!
Strawberries

9. The Coffee Balance

Yes, you can drink coffee! While caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, coffee contributes to your daily water intake.

Just follow this rule: for every cup of coffee, add an extra half-glass of water to your daily goal.

10. DIY Electrolyte Drink

Skip the sugary sports drinks and make your own:

2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons honey (raw if you can get it)
¼ cup lime juice Adjust the taste to your preference.

11. Temperature Optimization

Your taste buds react differently to water at various temperatures. My wife, for example, doesn’t like water too cold and actually prefers boiled water once it’s slightly cooled. You can:

Try it ice cold (numbs taste buds slightly)
Heat it to just below body temperature
Experiment until you find your “sweet spot”

12. Smart Bottle Investment

Invest in a bottle that:

Tracks your intake
Reminds you to drink
Maintains your preferred temperature

Some bottles even connect to your phone such as the Hidrate Spark PRO, making hydration tracking almost game-like.

13. The ‘Sip Timer’ Strategy

Set reminders for small sips instead of forcing down full glasses:

Every 30 minutes during work
Before and after bathroom breaks
When switching tasks Small, frequent sips are often easier than large amounts at once.

14. App-Based Tracking

Use apps such as Waterllama that:

Calculate your personal hydration needs
Track water-rich foods
Suggest alternatives to plain water
Send smart reminders based on your activity

15. Morning Loading Method

Front-load your hydration:

Drink two glasses within 30 minutes of waking
Add a squeeze of lemon or lime
Keep it slightly warm This helps maintain hydration throughout the day when your taste buds are less sensitive.

Breaking Down Different Types of Water

Let’s navigate the sometimes confusing world of water options. If you hate water’s taste, understanding these differences might help you find one you can actually enjoy.

Mineral Water: Nature’s Cocktail

Natural mineral water flows straight from underground sources, picking up minerals along its journey through layers of rock. These waters are rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium, giving each source its unique flavor profile.

While some people who hate plain water find mineral water’s taste overwhelming, others prefer it precisely because of its distinctive character.

Think of it like wine – each source has its own terroir, creating a unique taste fingerprint.

Spring Water: The Pure Source

Spring water emerges naturally from underground sources, requiring minimal processing before it reaches your glass. Many people who dislike tap water find spring water more palatable because it lacks the chemical taste often associated with treated water.

Its consistent mineral content and natural filtration process often result in what many describe as a “cleaner” taste compared to tap water.

Tap Water: The Daily Standard

Your local tap water’s taste can vary dramatically depending on where you live. That metallic or chemical taste you might hate often comes from chlorine, which is added for safety, or fluoride which prevents tooth decay.

I would suggest not drinking water straight from the tap and either getting yourself a good-quality filter jug or installing a reverse osmosis system.

I use an Epil Water Filter and then another with a re-mineralizer to add back magnesium.

Sparkling Water: The Fizzy Alternative

For many water haters, sparkling water has become a revolutionary solution. The carbonation does more than just add bubbles – it creates a completely different sensory experience.

The fizz interacts with your taste buds differently than still water, often masking the mineral tastes that many find objectionable. You’ll find several varieties on the market, from naturally carbonated mineral waters to artificially carbonated purified water.

Each offers a unique mouthfeel and taste profile that might make your hydration journey more enjoyable.

My wife and I drink sparkling water and although I enjoy it, I don’t find it hydrating and can leave my mouth feeling dry.

Premium Waters: Marketing or Magic?

Alkaline Water

Claims to have a higher pH level (8-9). While some swear by it:

Limited scientific evidence for health benefits
Can taste slightly sweeter than regular water
Often more expensive

Hydrogen Water

Contains dissolved hydrogen gas:

Emerging research on potential benefits
Usually tastes similar to regular water
Expensive compared to other options

Oxygenated Water

Claims to contain more dissolved oxygen:

Limited scientific evidence for benefits
Tastes similar to regular water
Effects dissipate quickly once opened

Conclusion

Hydrating is clearly important for basic health so if you don’t like the taste of water, having options is great for making sure you’re getting enough of it.

The first step if you’re drinking unfiltered tap water is to filter it with a good quality filter jug or install a reverse osmosis system. Then get a re-mineralizer jug to add the minerals back in. You may find this is enough for you to enjoy water.

If this still doesn’t work, try different store-bought waters and even sparkling waters. Ideally, they would be from glass bottles and not plastic. Again, you may find one you like. But if not then try the options suggested above.

I hope there is one that works for you. The simple addition of lemon or cucumber may make all the difference.

Steer clear of sugary squashes which are junk and not good for health – my wife gets headaches with concentrated drinks for some reason which is probably good because she’d be glugging that stuff.

Either way, get drinking and optimize our health. And, let me know which is your favorite or if you’ve found another option that works for you. Perhaps I’ll add it to the list for others to try.

And that’s it… have a nutritious day!

FAQs

Is it normal to dislike the taste of water?

Yes, it’s more common than you might think. Studies show about 30% of Americans hate the taste of water, often due to heightened taste bud sensitivity or being a “supertaster.”

How do I drink water when I hate the taste?

Try infusing water with natural flavors like lemon, lime, or cucumber, experimenting with different temperatures, or switching to sparkling water. Small, frequent sips throughout the day can also help.

Why does water taste nasty to me?

Your taste buds might be more sensitive than most people’s, making you especially aware of minerals and chemicals in water. Different water sources can affect taste, and being a supertaster amplifies these flavors.

Is it normal to not like drinking water?

Absolutely. Many folks struggle with drinking plain water. The taste of minerals, treatment chemicals, or even your natural taste bud sensitivity can make water less palatable than other drinks.