7 Naturally Hydrating Foods You Should Keep on Hand All Summer Long

2024-06-21
7 Naturally Hydrating Foods You Should Keep on Hand All Summer Long

Getting adequate hydration each day is easier said than done. But fear not: Hydration can be achieved through more than just water consumption, with a diet of foods that nourish and moisturize from the inside out. We chatted with plant-based registered dietitian Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, as well as celebrity cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, author of The Pro-Aging Playbook , for their takes on the most hydrating foods you can find, as well as their top tips for staying hydrated.

  • Amy Gorin, MS, RDN is the founder of Plant Based with Amy, a resource for consuming more plant-based foods.
  • Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank is a celebrity cosmetic dermatologist and the author of The Pro-Aging Playbook.

7 Expert-Recommended Hydrating Foods

Here are the most hydrating foods our experts suggest you start consuming to prevent poor or low hydration symptoms.

Citrus Fruits

“If you purchase 100% Florida orange juice, it is about 89% water!” says Gorin. Other citrus fruits, like grapefruit, boast similar hydration levels. “Just make sure you are not taking any medications that would negatively interact with it.”

Citrus fruit lovers will also benefit from an abundance of immune system-supporting properties like vitamin C and flavonoid antioxidants.

Cucumbers

Not only is cucumber (made of 95% water!) a hydrating food, but it also contains vitamins and nutrients that can rid the body of excess fluid.

“Cucumbers are water-packed and loaded with vitamin C,” claims Frank.

Mangoes

Fibrous and starchy mango may not be the first thing you think of as a hydrating food, but it contains more than 80% water content. Gorin recommends adding a few slices to your oatmeal for double the benefit.

Oatmeal

Hearty oatmeal is a comforting breakfast staple and an excellent way to increase your H2O intake.

“To cook oatmeal, you need to add water,” Gorin says. Although much of it evaporates when microwaved or prepared on a stove top, runnier oatmeal is still a more hydrating food than a bowl of dry cereal with barely any milk. And if you can’t stomach the idea of a hot meal on an even hotter day, consider overnight oats, which are typically eaten cold.

“Plus, it provides filling soluble and insoluble fibers, which means that eating oats will help bulk up the weight and size of your stool,” Gorin adds, making it a good choice for those who frequently suffer from diarrhea, which can be dehydrating.

Peaches

Stone fruits like peaches are some of the most water-heavy fruits you can find, with levels exceeding 90%. “In addition to that water, you also get vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber,” says Gorin.

Soup

It may seem like a no-brainer, but soups made with vegetable or chicken broth can be very hydrating foods.

“I love to recommend broth-based soups such as minestrone or vegetable,” shares Gorin, though she and Frank are quick to point out that many canned or packaged varieties are loaded with sodium, which can cause dehydration of the skin.

Tomatoes

Perhaps the most hydrating food on this list is tomatoes, due mostly to the presence of lycopene—a powerful antioxidant that research has shown to protect the skin.

More Quick Tips for Staying Hydrated

If you’re not a fan of these hydrating foods or want other ideas to ensure you’re getting enough water, keep these things in mind:

Drink a Lot of Liquid

“I like to tell people to think of hydrating foods as bonus hydration,” says Gorin. “So aim to drink the base of your water—which can come from plain water, seltzer, tea, and even a few cups of black coffee. And then when you eat water-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and soup, you are getting bonus hydration that will work to help your body function even better.”

Consistency Is Key

Don’t munch on these hydrating foods once and expect to see an immediate reaction.

“Aim to include them in every meal and snack so that you stay properly hydrated,” says Gorin. “Hydration is important for so many things, even unexpected ones like mental clarity and preventing headaches. ... Consider these additions as lifestyle enhancements.”

Sources
Better Homes & Gardens is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy.
  1. "The Nutrition Source: Oats," 2023, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

  2. Kyle, Nigel H. et al. "Lycopene Presence in Facial Skin Corneocytes and Sebum and Its Association With Circulating Lycopene Isomer Profile: Effects of Age and Dietary Supplementation." Food Science & Nutrition, vol. 7, no. 4, 2019, pp. 1157–1165, doi:10.1002/fsn3.799

Related Article

This 5-Ingredient Boat Dip Is the Ultimate Summer Appetizer

This 5-Ingredient Boat Dip Is the Ultimate Summer Appetizer

This taco-spiced boat dip recipe has been making the rounds on TikTok, and for good reason. The 5-ingredient recipe is easy, delicious, and perfect for parties. Here's how to make boat dip, including our tips for customizing summer's easiest appetizer.
Million Dollar Dip Is the Easy Appetizer Recipe You Need for the Holiday Season

Million Dollar Dip Is the Easy Appetizer Recipe You Need for the Holiday Season

Million dollar dip, also known as Neiman Marcus dip, is a cream cheese-based dip that's loaded with garlic, bacon, green onions, almonds, and shredded cheese. This million dollar dip recipe is the party appetizer you've been waiting for.
This Retro 3-Ingredient Grasshopper Cocktail Recipe Tastes Like Dessert

This Retro 3-Ingredient Grasshopper Cocktail Recipe Tastes Like Dessert

Learn how to make a grasshopper cocktail recipe that tastes like mint-chocolate chip ice cream or those chocolate-mint candies. This easy cocktail recipe is a dreamy after-dinner drink idea and calls for just three ingredients, so it’s a breeze to make at home.
Adobo Chicken and Black Beans

Adobo Chicken and Black Beans

This one-skillet chicken recipe can be ready in less than 30 minutes!
11 Healthy Instant Pot Recipes for Quick, Flavor-Packed Meals

11 Healthy Instant Pot Recipes for Quick, Flavor-Packed Meals

These healthy Instant Pot recipes—including lean meats, veggies, and fish—will help get flavorful dinners on the table fast.
7 Naturally Hydrating Foods You Should Keep on Hand All Summer Long

7 Naturally Hydrating Foods You Should Keep on Hand All Summer Long

This list of hydrating foods goes over the best foods that hydrate you naturally, as selected by experts. Eat more food filled with water to naturally hydrate your body, in addition to drinking lots of fluids.
How to Eat Kumquats (Including the Sweetest Part of the Fruit)

How to Eat Kumquats (Including the Sweetest Part of the Fruit)

Learn how to eat kumquats for a very refreshing fruit snack. Wondering what are kumquats, exactly? They’re a type of citrus fruit that work well in fruit salads, drink recipes, fruit preserves, cakes, pies, and more. We’ll talk you through how to eat kumquats, when to wash them, and what parts of the fruit you can eat.
Does Peanut Butter Need to Be Refrigerated? Settle the Pantry vs. Fridge Debate

Does Peanut Butter Need to Be Refrigerated? Settle the Pantry vs. Fridge Debate

Discover how to store peanut butter, whether you’ve stocked up on a conventional or natural spread. These tips for how to store peanut butter apply for all nut butters, and help explain when and why to refrigerate peanut butter. Plus, learn how to store peanut butter in the freezer to max out its lifespan.
Should You Wash Bananas After Bringing Them Home? Experts Clear Up the Confusion

Should You Wash Bananas After Bringing Them Home? Experts Clear Up the Confusion

Should you wash bananas after bringing them home? It might seem unnecessary since you peel the fruit before eating, but there are two very valid reasons why you should wash bananas before storing them. Learn more about the benefits of washing bananas and snag pro tips to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
These Cinnamon Apples Are Delicious Any Time Of Day

These Cinnamon Apples Are Delicious Any Time Of Day

A batch of these cinnamon apples will become your go-to fall side dish or breakfast.
Cowboy Casserole Is the Tater Tot-Topped Recipe You've Been Waiting For

Cowboy Casserole Is the Tater Tot-Topped Recipe You've Been Waiting For

This riff on a classic Tater Tot casserole is loaded with cheese, bacon, and ground beef. Here's how to make cowboy casserole, plus tips for customizing the dish with your favorite veggies and seasonings.
This Baked Scrambled Eggs Recipe Got Rave Reviews from Our Taste Testers

This Baked Scrambled Eggs Recipe Got Rave Reviews from Our Taste Testers

We put our baked scrambled eggs recipe to the test and found that not only were they good, they were pretty much foolproof to make. Here's how to make scrambled eggs in the oven, including tips for storing and serving.
These Easy Waffle Recipes Will Have You *Actually* Looking Forward to Mornings

These Easy Waffle Recipes Will Have You *Actually* Looking Forward to Mornings

Stop hitting snooze. These easy waffle recipes are tested and perfected so you can wake up your mornings, no sweat. From savory stuffed waffles that will please hearty appetites to sweet Belgian waffle recipes to chicken and waffle recipes that deliver the best of both culinary worlds, it’s time to batter up!
You’ll Dig These Carrot Side Dishes

You’ll Dig These Carrot Side Dishes

You’ll root for root veggies even more when you try them in these carrot side dishes. Ranging from creamy soups and mashes to roasted and glazed carrot side dishes, these crowd-pleasing vegetable recipes might just steal the show from the entrée.
15 Best Side Dishes for Salmon

15 Best Side Dishes for Salmon

Salmon can be a real showstopper of an entrée. Make it stand out even more with a good side dish for salmon. Healthy sides like bright vegetables and filling ones such as rice side dishes, pasta side dishes, or potato side dishes, can really punch up your salmon. Here are 15 great side dishes for this delicious fish.
15 Low-Carb Side Dishes to Round Out Your Healthy Meal

15 Low-Carb Side Dishes to Round Out Your Healthy Meal

Keep things on the lighter side with this collection of healthy low-carb side dishes and salads that round out meals in a nutritious and delicious way.
Queso Fundido Torta

Queso Fundido Torta

This delicious Mexican sandwich is filled with chorizo and queso oaxaca, which is a unique melty cheese with a stringy texture somewhat similar to mozzarella.
Paleo Chipotle-Ranch Egg Salad Wraps

Paleo Chipotle-Ranch Egg Salad Wraps

Even if you're following a Paleo meal plan, you can still make creamy, spicy egg salad wraps. Just Paleo Ranch Dressing to make the wraps creamy and delicious, and homemade cassava tortillas to hold all the filling together.
7 Delicious Gluten-Free Snacks the Whole Family Will Devour

7 Delicious Gluten-Free Snacks the Whole Family Will Devour

We rounded up our favorite gluten-free snack ideas to take on the go, serve to the kids after school, or enjoy at your next gathering.
How to Make Vegetarian Biscuits and Gravy

How to Make Vegetarian Biscuits and Gravy

You can make delicious vegetarian biscuits and gravy and enjoy an old-school dish with updated ingredients.