The #1 best drink for PCOS is plain ole WATER, of course. But sometimes we’re in a mood for something else, and with PCOS soda and sugar-sweetened beverages aren’t the most helpful. If you’re bored of water and don’t know what else to drink, you’re in the right place.
So, what are the best beverages for PCOS?
Keep reading for more PCOS-friendly drink ideas.
What makes a PCOS-friendly drink?
When choosing the best beverage that can help you support your body with PCOS we’re looking for these three things, if at all possible:
- None (or very very little) added sugar.
- No artificial sweeteners.
- No extreme amounts of caffeine.
BONUS if your PCOS drink is extra nourishing in some way— anti-inflammatory, has fiber/protein, minerals/vitamins, and/or electrolytes.
Best PCOS Drink Ideas
1. Plain WATER
You already knew that though. But sometimes water gets boring and we need a little flavor, so keep reading for more ideas. Be sure to filter your water at home!
2. Spearmint Tea for PCOS
Spearmint tea has been shown to improve testosterone levels and hirsutism in those with PCOS. Check out my blog post “Spearmint Tea & PCOS: Does it really help?” to learn more about what it can do and how to make it.
3. Green Tea for PCOS
Green tea is well-known for its high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory effects. In some studies green tea has been shown to improve weight loss, glycemic levels, and testosterone levels.
Choose a loose leaf or organic option, and beware that green tea does have caffeine. If you need to avoid caffeine, such as if you’re pregnant or high anxiety, search for a caffeine free green tea option.
4. Other Teas
Teas are an easy way to add more flavor and hydration, as well as antioxidants in many cases. There’s hundreds of options, but here’s a few in particular you might give a try.
- Black Tea
- Cinnamon Tea
- Turmeric Tea
- Ginger Tea
- Peppermint Tea
- Hibiscus Tea: My personal favorite drink right now is Tazo Passion iced tea with lemon. So refreshing!
5. Sparkling/Seltzer Water
If you’re in the mood for something cold and fizzy, this is a good option in place of soda.
6. Plant-milks
Dairy milk may be a good choice for some, but lactose intolerance or increased symptoms like acne happen in those with PCOS. If that’s the case for you, no-sugar-added plant milks are a good option, are often fortified with calcium and contain other vitamins and minerals we all need.
Almond milk, cashew milk, soy milk, and oat milk are a few of the most common options. You can easily add these to smoothies, cereals, or coffee drinks for added hydration and nutrition.
7. Smoothies
Makes an easy snack or part of a meal and can be packed with nutrition. Learn how to make a PCOS-friendly smoothie here.
8. Fruit-infused water
Add sliced or crushed fruit to iced water for flavorful hydration!
9. Adrenal cocktail
No alcohol in this cocktail! This is a mix of ingredients that contain minerals to support adrenal + hormone health. Here’s a simple recipe, although there’s many more variations. Mix together:
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup coconut water
- Scoop of collagen protein
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar
- Pinch of sea salt
10. Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea and can contain probiotics. Probiotics can help improve gut health/digestion, glucose metabolism, liver detoxification, and so much more (all of which are helpful for those of us with PCOS!).
It’s best to drink kombucha in moderation and choose brands that make it without added sugars.
What about coffee for PCOS?
Coffee may be another option for you, but the jury is still out a bit and there’s some things you should know before drinking an entire pot of coffee.
The good stuff: Quality coffee is full of antioxidants, which can be helpful for PCOS, especially inflammation. It’s been associated with a lesser risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease in some studies.
However, it’s the caffeine that is often of most concern. Too much coffee and caffeine may lead to anxiousness, stress, and may even reduce insulin sensitivity in those with type 2 diabetes. Caffeine can also affect fertility and pregnancy negatively.
Conclusion: Coffee may be a good drink option for some, but not all. If you’re a coffee-drinker, a cup or two of coffee a day is probably okay. If you can, drink decaf. Choose quality coffee, use a filter, and carefully consider what you add to your coffee.
If you’re trying to conceive or are pregnant, it’s best to limit or avoid caffeinated beverages. The current recommendation is to keep caffeine intake below 200mg/day during pregnancy.
What about juice for PCOS?
The thing about juice is that it lacks fiber. When fruit is juiced the fiber gets left behind, and fiber is a major reason fruit is such a healthful food choice. Fiber helps to slow digestion of carbohydrates and stabilize blood sugar.
So with juice, we get the carbs without the fiber. However, juice does retain much of the vitamins/minerals from the fruit.
Conclusion: A small amount of 100% fruit juice, alongside a meal with protein, fat and fiber, is fine in moderation. Although eating the whole fruit would be a better option.
Tips on Hydration with PCOS
- Create a hydration routine, and get started early in the day.
- Fill up your water bottle first thing, or enjoy a cup of morning tea to start the day.
- Get yourself a water bottle you love (a BIG one!). Check out this 5-star reviewed bottle.
- Drink a large glass of water with your morning medications or supplements.
- Keep caffeine to a minimum.
- Strive for about half your weight in fluid ounces daily. For example, if you’re a 150lbs, strive for 75 ounces of fluids daily.
- Limit added sugars in beverages as much as you’re able to. It’s inevitable you’ll have some on occasion, and that’s okay. Let’s think big picture and what will be most helpful long-term.
Wrapping It Up on the Best PCOS Drinks
You have options! Water is great, and should be the majority. But variety can be beneficial, too!
This is not an exhaustive list, so if you enjoy another beverage that helps you feel your best and stay hydrated with PCOS, good for you! I’d love to hear what it is, so comment and let me know!
Lastly, remember that this doesn’t mean you’ll never have a soda or a sugary drink again. We’re thinking “most of the time” here to help us feel our best and manage PCOS well. I’ve been known to enjoy the occasional Diet Coke and I enjoy it when I do, but I know this isn’t what will help me feel my best forever.
Stay hydrated, my friend!
This blog post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link, I may receive a commission. All opinions are my own, and all brands featured represent what I personally like and support. This blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program where I earn advertising fees by linking to amazon.com.
