Have you found yourself staring at your open fridge asking, “What do I drink if I can’t have soda?” Maybe standing in line wondering, “Are there any Whole30 drinks at Starbucks?” You’re not alone! While we spend a lot of time talking about what to eat during the elimination phase, you’re going to want to accompany those delicious Whole30 meals and snacks with a refreshing beverage. And yes, many of the drinks you used to sip on are out for the next 30 days.
The good news is, you’ve still got plenty of Whole30 drink options. Whether you’re a coffee devotee, a tea enthusiast, or a sparkling water connoisseur, I’ve got you covered.
Water: The MVP
Let’s start with the obvious: You should be drinking water—tap water, bottled water, filtered water, any old plain water. Staying hydrated will keep your energy high, support digestion, and even help curb cravings, so make it a priority. If plain water feels boring, jazz it up with a squeeze of fresh lemon, lime, or other citrus, or DIY “spa water” using slices of cucumber, pineapple, kiwi, peaches, a handful of berries, or some fresh herbs.
Try this: Consider adding electrolytes to your water during exercise, outdoor activities, or active summer days. We love Whole30-compatible LMNT Raw Unflavored.
Sparkling or flavored water: You (almost) can’t go wrong
Sparkling water is the quintessential Whole30 drink. You can find some pretty adventurous sparkling or still waters these days, featuring herbs, fruits, natural flavorings, and flowers. Some waters even infuse tea for added depth, and sometimes include a gentle hit of caffeine. (Just skip the varieties that add sugar or sweeteners.)
Try this: Look for Whole30 Approved® Waterloo, LaCroix, Shrubbly, Beak and Skiff, Aura Bora, or Hoplark.
Coconut water: Head to the tropics
Coconut water is naturally sweet, and a good source of potassium. It can make for a refreshing treat in the summer, or aid your athletic performance post-workout. Some brands of coconut water do add sugar, which rules them out for your Whole30. Look for options where the only ingredient is “coconut water.”
Tip: Use coconut water in your next tropical-themed mocktail! Add lime, orange, or pineapple juice; some muddled mint leaves; and a splash of your favorite sparkling water.
Alternative sodas: Fruity, not sugary
Health-conscious sodas are taking the beverage aisle by storm, as people look for an alternative to sugary drinks. Our favorite brands use fruit to add a pop of natural sweetness, and herbs or spices to add flavor. Some offer light caffeination, while others feature probiotics for gut health. Read your labels to make sure your “soda” doesn’t contain added sugar or sweeteners.
Try this: Try Whole30 Approved alldae Superfruit Soda or Culture Pop, and give traditional sodas the boot!
Coffee: It doesn’t have to be black
You can still enjoy coffee on the Whole30—and yes, coffee counts towards your hydration goal! However, you can’t add sugar in any form, including flavored syrups. Also, your creamer has to be dairy-free and unsweetened. Still, that leaves you with a lot of options from Whole30 Approved partners like nutpods, The New Barn, or Malk. Also, Whole30 drinks at Starbucks do exist! Ask for coffee (hot, iced, or cold brew), an Americano, or espresso, and BYO unsweetened creamer.
Try this: Read this article for coffee tips on the Whole30.
Coffee alternatives: Productivity with less caffeine
If you’re looking for something with less caffeine but all the benefits of coffee, look no further! There are a variety of Whole30 coffee alternatives, many of which contain functional mushrooms and adaptogens for energy, focus, and productivity. These blends use chai, cacao, tea, and spices to help you whip up a warm, cozy beverage that won’t leave you wired.
Try this: Save 15% on your first order of Whole30 Approved @drinkmudwtr with code MELISSA. This offer also gives you $20 off your first subscription order—a double discount!
Tea: Iced or steamy
Tea can add warmth (or chill) and some fun flavors to your day. Herbal teas are great caffeine-free options, while green tea (including matcha) and black tea offer a Whole30-friendly energy boost. Different ingredients in tea can also support digestion, restful sleep, and focus. Most teas are good to go, but definitely read your labels here, as some teas include added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or other incompatible ingredients.
Try this: Look for Whole30 Approved Rasa herbal teas, Midori Springs matcha, or Turmeric Teas, offering tea and latte blends.
Non-dairy milks: For coffee or sipping
Many non-dairy milks, like almond, cashew, and coconut, are fair game. Others, like oat milk or any sweetened variety, aren’t compatible. Read your labels! Non-dairy milks and creamers are great for adding creaminess to your Whole30 coffee drinks. You can also use them in soups, mashes, and other recipes; pour them over grain-free granola and berries as a breakfast side dish; or just sip on them! (Just not out of the carton, please.)
Try this: Look for Whole30 Approved non-dairy milks from nutpods, The New Barn, Malk, or Mooala.
Bone broth: Cozy sippin’
Bone broth isn’t just for soup! Chicken and beef broth are Original Whole30 recipe staples, but they’re perfect for sipping too. These slow-cooked, richly flavored broths are packed with minerals and protein, and are a good source of collagen. Use it as a replacement for that second cup of coffee, sip on some with your afternoon snack, or make it an after-dinner ritual.
Try this: Making your own bone broth is easy and budget-friendly; you’ll find a recipe in The New Whole30. If you’re doing the Plant-Based Whole30, vegetable broth is just as cozy and hydrating.
Vegetable juice: Plant-powered
Vegetable juices have had a major glow-up—although your mom’s original V8 is actually Whole30 compatible! Today, brands are focusing on lower-sugar juices that blend tons of veggies with just a bit of juice. Read your labels, because many “vegetable juice” mixes contain added sugar. Also, skip the powdered “greens.” While some are Whole30 compatible, most are sweetened, and we don’t think the cost outweighs the benefits.
Try this: Order from Whole30 Approved Midwest Juicery! Their low-sugar juice blends come in delicious flavors like 4 Carrot Gold and Sippin’ on Ginger Juice, and ship nationwide.
Fruit juice: Naturally sweet
Although generally speaking, we’d encourage you to just eat the fruit, 100% fruit juice is Whole30 compatible in all contexts. Use it in a dressing or sauce, or to add sweetness to a recipe. You can also add a splash to flavor your water, or sip on a glass with a meal. Though fruit juice can pack a lot of sugar in a small package, in some contexts, that can be helpful! Do read your labels here, to be sure you’ve got 100% fruit juice.
Try this: Make this Tropical Fruit Punch for your next party, and enjoy the delicious flavors of fresh fruit without the alcohol.
Kombucha: Festive and functional
When it comes to Whole30 drinks, kombucha has been a hot topic. If there is sugar in the ingredient list, it’s out for your Whole30—and all kombuchas use some form of sugar for fermentation In the last few years, however, brands like Humm Kombucha have begun using fruit as their sugar source, which makes these kombuchas Whole30 compatible. In summary, read your labels! If there is added sugar in the ingredients, it’s out—but if that brand uses fruit juice, it’s compatible.
Try this: Read this in-depth article on Whole30 kombucha, and meet our one and only Whole30 Approved kombucha partner, Humm!
Non-alcoholic beverages: A Whole30… cocktail?
The sober-curious movement has exploded in the last few years. As more people explore their relationship with alcohol (or ditch it altogether), brands are stepping up to offer a variety of tasty, zero-proof beverages. Most contain added sugar, which rule them out for your Whole30. But some are a simple mix of water, juice, bitters, extracts, and even adaptogens—and those get a thumbs-up!
Try this: Most of the N.A. cocktails you’ll find at a bar will include added sugar, but sparkling water with lime will never let you down.
Sip with confidence
I told you we had a lot of options! Keep it simple, stay hydrated, and always read your labels. Use your Whole30 as an opportunity to change your habits and your taste buds. A little creativity (and a good sparkling water) goes a long way.
Cheers to your Whole30 success!
Melissa
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