Brentford Makes One Water New Official Water Partner

Brentford has agreed a new partnership with B Corp-certified, ethical water brand One Water, a leading supplier of sustainable water products and advocates for global access to safe, clean water.

In the opinion of That's Food and Drink, this is a wonderful departure from the usual sight of football clubs being sponsored by potentially unhealthy brands, gambling sites and the like.

One Water will become the club's official water partner and exclusively supply its range of sustainably packaged spring water on matchdays and commercial events at Gtech Community Stadium.

One Water will also be the sole water supplier at the club's training ground, the Robert Rowan Performance Centre, providing much-needed hydration for Brentford's men's, women's and academy teams in training sessions.

The agreement welcomes One Water into Brentford's portfolio of partners that share the club's community values. Since its launch in 2005, in partnership with The One Foundation it has raised over £30 million for clean water and sanitation projects around the world and changed the lives of more than five million people, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa.

The partnership also reflects Brentford's ongoing efforts to improve its environmental impact. The decision to partner with One Water is credit to its ethical practices, commitment to decarbonisation, and diverse range of products that enables the club to meet its water needs in more sustainable ways, such as 500ml plastic bottles that are made from 100 percent recycled PET, recycled from old bottles, and are fully recyclable.

One Water plastic bottles and glass bottles will be available to fans, players and staff across all of Brentford's sites. One Water will also collaborate with Brentford FC Community Sports Trust on a project engaging fans and local residents in west London.

Brentford FC commercial director, Fran Jones told That's Food and Drink: “Brentford and One Water have the same goal of supporting and inspiring communities. 

"Our sustainability strategy is ambitious, and to achieve our objectives we need support from great partners.  We're delighted to work with One Water and I'm excited to see what we can learn from them and how we can make a positive impact together.”

Head of sustainability and community, James Beale added: “As we continue to progress on our own sustainability strategy, One Water will really help us as we work towards achieving our objectives and reaching our targets. 

"The clarity they provide on carbon emissions and circularity in their range helps us to be data-driven in our approach to measuring the impact of supplying water where we need it. Working with One Water is a big step forward for us on our sustainability journey.”

Brand director at One, Ian Spooner commented: “We've been exploring new ways to share the One story and our approach to sustainability through strategic partnerships. In working with Brentford FC, we have found both a purpose-oriented, like-minded local partner and a doorway to new audiences through Premier League football. 

"We're hugely excited about the partnership and look forward to working closely with them on their sustainability journey, raising additional funds for The One Foundation and helping Brentford fans 'do One good thing'.”

https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/our-values

http://www.onewater.org

How to Cope with the Unusually Long Hot Weather in the UK

The UK isn’t usually known for long spells of hot weather, but when they arrive, they can catch many of us off guard. 

Unlike countries more accustomed to high temperatures, we often lack air conditioning and sun-aware habits. 

This prolonged heat can pose serious risks, especially for the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, and disabled individuals. But with a few simple steps, we can all stay safer, cooler, and more comfortable. And to help other people, too.

Here’s how to manage the heatwave effectively:

Hydration Is Everything

In hot weather, your body loses more water through sweat, and it’s vital to replace it regularly throughout the day.

Tips for staying hydrated:

Drink water regularly, don’t wait until you’re thirsty.

Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol, as they can increase dehydration.

Add hydration tablets like Dioralyte or ORS to your water if you’re sweating heavily, they help replenish lost electrolytes.

Eat water-rich foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and strawberries.

Carry a refillable bottle wherever you go. There are many free refill points around towns and cities now.

Look After Vulnerable People

The heat can be particularly dangerous for:

Elderly people

Babies and young children

People with chronic illnesses (especially heart, kidney, or breathing conditions)

Disabled individuals who may find mobility or communication difficult

Ways to help:

Check in regularly – especially on neighbours and relatives.

Encourage small, frequent sips of water, even if they say they’re not thirsty.

Ensure rooms are well ventilated or shaded.

Use a fan if air movement is needed, but avoid blowing hot air directly onto people.

Provide cooling aids like damp flannels, mist sprays, or even a shallow cool footbath.

Use Sunblock, even in the UK

It’s a myth that British sun is harmless. UV rays are still damaging, even if there’s a breeze or cloud cover.

Sun safety tips:

Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every two hours.

Reapply after swimming or sweating.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.

Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest.

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to protect your skin.

Keep Your Home Cool

Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day.

Open windows when it’s cooler outside than in, usually early morning and late evening.

Turn off unused electronics, they generate unnecessary heat.

Use damp sheets or a wet towel hung in front of a fan to help cool the air.

Sleep Tips in Hot Weather

Sleep with a cool flannel or ice pack wrapped in a cloth.

Put sheets in the freezer (in a bag) for 10-15 minutes before bed.

Use cotton bedding instead of synthetic fibres, it breathes better.

Keep a glass of water by the bed in case you wake up thirsty.

The British heatwaves may be rare, but they’re increasingly becoming a part of our summer routine. Staying informed and making small adjustments can make all the difference, for you and those around you. If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, dizziness, confusion, heavy sweating, rapid pulse – get them to a cool place, give them fluids, and seek medical advice if symptoms don’t improve.

Look after yourself. Look out for others. And don’t forget the sunscreen!

Why Beer Might Just Be the Most Natural Rehydration Drink. In Moderation, of Course!

When we think of rehydration, we usually imagine water, electrolyte-packed sports drinks, or perhaps coconut water. 

But what if we told you that beer, yes, beer, could play a role in keeping you refreshed after physical activity or a hot day in the sun?

Before you reach for a pint after your next run, let’s explore why beer, when enjoyed responsibly and in moderation, has some surprising hydrating potential.

Beer: More Than Just a Boozy Treat

Beer is around 90–95% water, and that already makes it a better candidate for hydration than you'd expect. It also contains small amounts of carbohydrates and electrolytes like potassium and sodium, especially in lighter lagers and craft brews brewed without excessive alcohol or sugar.

In fact, the ancient workers who built the pyramids in Egypt were given a type of low-alcohol beer as part of their daily rations. Why? Because it was nourishing, hydrating, and, unlike the local water supply, safe to drink.

Low-Alcohol Beer and Rehydration Studies

Several studies have looked at how beer affects post-exercise rehydration. One Spanish study found that low-alcohol beer (less than 2% ABV) didn’t interfere with hydration and might even work comparably to water after moderate activity. Some athletes even opt for isotonic beers specifically brewed with sports recovery in mind, think of them as a mix between a shandy and a sports drink.

What’s key here is moderation. A full-strength pint (5% ABV or more) might lead to more dehydration than hydration, particularly if you’re already sweating or haven’t had any water.

The Social and Psychological Boost

Beyond the physical benefits, sharing a cold beer after a hike, game, or day at the beach can boost morale and offer psychological relaxation — which is vital for overall well-being. A chilled pint in the pub garden after a long walk isn't just satisfying, it's sociable, grounding, and often part of our wider wellness rituals.

Beer Rehydration: Dos and Don'ts

DO:

Choose beers with lower alcohol content (under 4% is ideal).

Opt for brews with added electrolytes or isotonic properties.

Alternate with water to maintain true hydration. But not fizzy water.

Pair your beer with a salty snack to replace lost sodium.

DON’T:

Rely on beer alone for hydration after intensive exercise.

Use beer as a replacement for water in extreme heat.

Forget that alcohol is a diuretic, more booze means more bathroom trips.

Bottom Line: The Occasional Pint Won’t Hurt

While beer won’t replace your water bottle any time soon, there is a case for its mild rehydration abilities, especially in lower-alcohol formats and when consumed alongside plenty of water.

So next time someone raises an eyebrow at your post-ramble pint, you can tell them: “It’s for the electrolytes!”

Cheers! And remember, everything in moderation!

Ethical Hydration Brand 'One Water' Wins at 2024 Frontier Awards

The award was for an annual sales initiative that One Water runs every year with World Duty Free. For every bottle of One Water sold, a donation is made to The One Foundation, funding clean water projects all around the world.

Top-sellers in stores 'win' a place on a trip to visit some of One Water's clean water projects in Malawi. One Water Founder Duncan Goose visited 14 high footfall branches of World Duty Free's stores this year across UK airports and at Eurotunnel Folkestone, covering a distance of 2,000 miles on his Honda Africa Twin Motorcycle. Duncan's 'lightbulb moment' to set up One was on a round-the-world trip he made in 1998 on the same bike: an encounter with Hurricane Mitch in Honduras inspired a new career in global development.

The decade-long relationship between One Water and World Duty Free - based on a shared vision of a world in which everyone has access to clean water - has meant that the travel retailer thus far has contributed £2.7 million to projects around the world.

Funds from The One Foundation achieved via World Duty Free sales have been donated to rehabilitate water points and to bring water access back into communities and have particularly impacted work in Malawi's rural communities, where farmers are working to grow sufficient crops to feed themselves and their families. 

Donations have also funded the provision of gravity-fed and solar pumping systems, meaning that clean water is now readily available in schools and health clinics. Catastrophic cyclones have impacted areas of Malawi over the last three years, washing away houses and crops, and contaminating water points, so the funds that continue to be raised are vital, to help communities recover and regenerate.

To date, The One Foundation has raised over £30 million through partners such as World Duty Free, Bidfood, Co-Op, and Starbucks.

Entries for the Frontier Awards were received from around the world, showcasing the very best of the industry. A panel of independent, expert judges pored over the entries to choose this year's finalists and eventual winners, which celebrated the best of innovation and excellence in the travel retail sector.

Says Duncan Goose, Founder of One Water: “It was such an honour to be invited to Cannes for the 40th anniversary of the Frontier Awards. To be nominated alongside many famous and iconic global brands was recognition enough, but to actually win the award was unexpected and very humbling. 

"It recognises the exceptional work of all those at Avolta and World Duty Free who believe in what we are trying to do to help those that live without access to clean water and my hope is that this award will bring attention not only to the team of people who make this all possible within Avolta, but the wider issue itself. It's an incredible honour to be part of this journey that has already changed 5 million people's lives.

"Water is vital for life, yet 703 million people globally still don't have access to safe drinking water and over 1.7 billion people lack access to a decent toilet. 3.4 million people die every year from waterborne diseases and sadly many are children under the age of 5 years old. Around the world, women and children often bear the responsibility of collecting water for their families and can walk up to 4 hours a day just to find water.

"We want World Duty Free's fantastic staff to see for themselves what their hard work has contributed to. We thank them for their continued support, it means everything to us and the beneficiaries who they are supporting in sub-Saharan Africa. We hope the upcoming trip will inspire them. Their help has been life-changing for millions. We estimate that there are still 65,000 handpumps in Malawi that are in dire need of repair and World Duty Free are integral to facilitating change, one day at a time.”

https://onewater.org.uk

By total chance One Water asked us to share their story with you. Their email arrived just after I posted up a story about water infusion, a different, but related topic.

Furr Boost is ideal for the canine member of your family

What is Furr Boost? It's is a fantastic Hydration Smoothie Drink for your dogs. 

It's guaranteed to be 100% natural and what's more, it contains additional vitamins and oils for functionality to support and assist your dog's health and well being.

The drinks come in six different flavours and these all support the dog's: Hydration, Skin and Coat, Immunity, Anxiety, Metabolism and Digestion

Available flavours are: Venison, Butternut Squash and Cranberry, Pork, Sweet Potato and Apple, Salmon, Sweet Potato and Blueberry, Chicken, Butternut Squash and Cranberry, Beef, Broccoli and Blueberry and for dogs with allergy issues or on a restricted diet, there's also a Vegan Plant-Based version, too!

Each carton is 400ml and these are handy for grab and go on long walks, travelling etc, as the carton is easy to open with a tear off strip across the top.

With Spring and summer just around the corner these make the perfect hydration drink, but also can be used as a topper poured over food. Plus they are freezable, so great as an icy treat or poured and frozen in to enrichment toys like lickimats, kongs, etc.

To learn more and to place your orders please visit them at https://furrboost.com. 

Debunking the Myth: The Truth About "Diet Water"

In the relentless pursuit of health and wellness, we often find ourselves bombarded with a myriad of fad diets, miracle supplements, and trendy wellness products. 

One such trend that has gained traction in recent years is the concept of "diet water." Marketed as a healthier alternative to regular, normal water, diet water claims to offer additional benefits such as weight loss, improved metabolism, and detoxification. 

But behind the flashy marketing lies a myth that needs to be debunked.

Let's start by dissecting the very notion of diet water. Water, by its very nature, is already devoid of calories, fat, sugar, and any other additives. It is the epitome of purity and simplicity, serving as the cornerstone of hydration and overall health. So, what exactly distinguishes "diet water" from its regular counterpart? The answer, quite simply, is nothing.

The concept of diet water often involves the addition of various ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, or herbal extracts, purportedly to enhance its health benefits. However, the scientific evidence supporting these claims is sorely lacking. While it's true that certain vitamins and minerals are essential for our well-being, they are best obtained through a balanced diet rather than through artificially fortified water.

Furthermore, the notion of "diet water" promoting weight loss or boosting metabolism is nothing short of a marketing gimmick. No credible scientific evidence supports the idea that drinking water with added ingredients will magically melt away excess pounds or rev up your metabolism. Weight loss and metabolism are complex processes influenced by numerous factors such as diet, exercise, genetics, and overall lifestyle, not by the type of water you drink.

In fact, some variants of so-called diet water may contain artificial sweeteners or other additives in an attempt to enhance flavour without adding calories. While these additives may indeed make the water taste better, they also come with their own set of potential health risks. Artificial sweeteners, for instance, have been linked to adverse effects such as digestive issues, cravings for sweet foods, and even metabolic disturbances.

Moreover, the idea of "detoxifying" the body through diet water is deeply misleading. Our bodies are already equipped with highly efficient detoxification systems, primarily centered around the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. Drinking water, plain, unadulterated water, is essential for supporting these natural detox processes by keeping our bodies hydrated and our organs functioning optimally. However, there is no need for special "detox" water formulas to achieve this effect.

So, what's the bottom line? When it comes to hydration and overall health, stick to the basics: drink plenty of plain water throughout the day, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, and engage in regular physical activity. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes when it comes to genuine health and wellness.

In a world inundated with gimmicks and empty promises, it's essential to approach health trends with a critical eye and rely on evidence-based information. The myth of the benefits of diet water serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes, the simplest solutions are also the most effective. So, raise a glass of good old-fashioned H2O and toast to the power of pure, unadulterated hydration. Your body will thank you for it.

Aldi first UK supermarket to stock rare Glowberry Flavour hydration drink

In a UK first, Aldi is bringing the brand-new flavour of Prime Hydration Drink, Glowberry, to its stores. Launching this Thursday, 5th October, for a modest £1.99, the drink will be available only as a Specialbuy and as with all Aldi Specialbuys – once they’re gone, they’re gone!

The NEW Glowberry flavour, which tastes of sour apple berries, hasn't been widely available in supermarkets for UK fans, but fortunately for Aldi customers, this highly sought-after variant will be available nationally after proving extremely popular with shoppers over in the USA.

What’s more, shoppers can try and get their hands on the ‘Rare’ and ‘Ultra Rare’ variants of the Glowberry flavour, as the incredibly scarce bottles land in Aldi stores.  

Prime Hydration, which is 10% coconut water, contains electrolytes, B vitamins and BCAAs, has zero sugar and only around 20 calories per bottle.

Following previous launches of Prime in stores, the supermarket saw high shopper demand. To ensure as many people as possible get the opportunity to buy the Glowberry flavour, a purchase limit of one per customer is expected to be set.

Prime Hydration Glowberry will be available to purchase in stores from Thursday 5th October. Shoppers best move swiftly – as with all Specialbuys, once they’re gone, they’re gone!

www.aldi.co.uk

Are You Taking the Phizz?

Phizz are taking on Berocca as the UK's fastest growing effervescent brand; the young, science-led team works with a PhD neuroscientist to develop innovative all-in-one health supplements, formulated to support daily wellbeing, exercise, travel, and nights out. This month, September, sees the rollout of Phizz's first Out of Home Campaign, which will run until the 24th of this month.

What is the objective of the campaign? It's simply to drive brand awareness across London and to support the launch of Phizz Caffeine Boost in Tesco Express. Bringing the brand to life across a variety of touchpoints and platforms to maximise brand awareness, impact and campaign longevity.

With an expected reach in excess of 7 million, taking advantage of the return to office working and September's back to school season, the campaign includes advertising across three high impact mega screens including Canary Wharf, Westfield Shepherds Bush and Westfield Stratford; advertising across 50 food delivery bikes in Zone 1, Central London; 32 further mega screens will run for the full two weeks across zones 1 and 2.

Phizz have also created 500 magnetic clings, pavement stencils and sampling bins, the team will be distributing sample product across London for the next couple of weeks. Lastly, Phizz has partnered with Gymfluencers to create 100 bespoke Phizz Caffeine fitness influencer boxes, to enhance social media awareness in tandem with the campaign.

Phizz Founder Dan Cray says, "In 2023, Phizz has soared to third place within the effervescent category, and with our recent debut in Tesco Express, we decided the time was ripe to take our visibility to even new heights.  

"With distribution now spanning over 4,500 national locations, we're embarking on an ambitious journey. Expect impactful ATL campaigns and exciting activations with renowned brands like Gymshark. This marks just the beginning of our significant growth.

"Our launch to Tesco Express is our first time in this convenience store format. The launch has been driven from the strong rate of sale nationwide in superstores. Tesco now sees a strong fit for Phizz to support non-stop city lifestyles.”

Phizz are also launching Orange, Mixed Berry, Apple & Blackcurrant Effervescent tabs to Morrisons. The brand will launch with a £6 promo running until 17th October, before retailing at £8.00 per tube of 20 tablets. 

Founder Dan Cray went on to say: “Morrison's decision to include Phizz in their range reinforces our position as the fastest-growing brand in the category. We're obviously pleased and utterly thrilled to introduce our unparalleled benefits in an array of delicious flavours, aiming to elevate lives across the nation.”

Here are some details about the range:-

The new Cherry Caffeine Boost, a triple-action energy boosting effervescent, aims to combat the major cause of fatigue: dehydration. Available now from Amazon and Tesco. The ground-breaking formula, a global first, aims to optimise natural energy levels, combat fatigue and drowsiness, and deliver a daily dose of invigorating wellness. 

We wake up every day with two basic health goals, to eat a well-rounded diet that achieves all our nutritional requirements and to drink enough water; busy modern lifestyles, travel and high-performance sport all get in the way of achieving these goals, and without optimal nutrients and hydration, you're not your best self. 94% of the UK is dehydrated, on average, consumers drink just 850ml of water per day – less than half of the recommended daily intake. A 2% drop in hydration leads to mental and physical fatigue.

With 75mg of caffeine, equivalent to a cup of coffee, and fortified with natural guarana, it heightens alertness and invigorates the mind and body. By adding Guarana to their tried-and-true formula, Phizz harnesses the Amazonian berry's energy boosting properties that can help to increase attention and alertness; it has more caffeine per berry than any other plant (even coffee beans) and it's also packed full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Guarana gives a slower releasing and longer lasting caffeine effect than caffeine from tea and coffee, providing a smoother energy release. 

Further enhanced by a potent blend of essential B-vitamins, it unlocks the body's natural energy resource by helping convert food into energy. The low calorie (10kcal) tablet's energy proposition is complemented by a range of 17 essential nutrients for optimal health. Phizz Caffeine Boost can be incorporated into your daily routine, before a sports game or gym session, as a replacement for your morning coffee or energy drink, as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or when feeling jetlagged after a flight, making Phizz your new best friend.

“At Phizz, we provide comprehensive solutions with unmatched science to beat any other single product in the market. This product has a fresh perspective on the energy category while ensuring optimal hydration and health. And at only 40p per drink, we offer solid science at great value,” explains Daniel Cray, CEO and founder of Phizz. 

The London-based start-up creates everyday life armour with their trio of 3-in-1effervescent tablets that combine a hydration formula, electrolytes, and a comprehensive multivitamin. The young, science-led team works with a PhD neuroscientist to develop innovative all-in-one health supplements that are formulated to support daily wellbeing, exercise, travel, and nights out. Unlike other effervescent brands, Phizz is both a multivitamin and a rehydration remedy, helping you thrive every day across three main lifestyle pillars:

Hydration

Dehydration and vitamin deficiencies are two common, daily challenges that can negatively affect our physical and mental performance. Just 1-2% dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps and concentration loss. (EDITOR: It certainly does! And it's very, very painful!)

Electrolyte Replenishment 

Phizz contains a range of key electrolytes to support heart, brain, nerve, and immune system function. These include four of the main electrolytes lost through sweat which helps prevent cramping and muscle fatigue.

High Dose Multivitamin 

Phizz offers eighteen essential vitamins and minerals for natural energy, reduction in fatigue, normal functioning of the immune system, mental performance, and antioxidants to prevent cellular damage.

We wake up every day with two basic health goals, to eat a well-rounded diet that achieves all our nutritional requirements and to drink enough water; busy modern lifestyles, travel and high-performance sport all get in the way of achieving these goals, and without optimal nutrients and hydration, you're not your best self. Phizz 3-in-1 is a small but mighty tablet (available in Orange, Apple & Blackcurrant and Mixed Berry), that helps you get one step ahead of your immune, energy, focus and hydration goals. 

Phizz's science-backed formula helps you hydrate three times faster (compared with drinking water alone), delivers natural energy, and supports your immune system. Just dissolve one tablet in a glass or bottle of water (best served chilled!).

Phizz is perfectly balanced with 18 quality and high-dose vitamins and minerals designed to boost your natural energy (thanks to a B-12 and B-6 vitamin hit, 375% of your daily dose of immune-boosting vitamin C (the equivalent of three oranges) and electrolytes, often lost through sweat. Phizz also packs a self-care punch with zinc (more than in three cups of spinach), potassium (more than in one banana) as well as other powerful antioxidants . 

Phizz is ideal as part of your everyday routine. It's diverse range of uses also support more targeted needs, including combating tiredness and fatigue, supporting an active lifestyle – such as marathon training – rapid rehydration after a big night, beating jetlag and supporting your body in hot climates.

Dehydration can have significant effects on physical performance, particularly during endurance events where large volumes of water can be lost through sweat. Phizz helps the body hydrate faster while also replacing key electrolytes to support muscle function. Drinking Phizz during, or prior to, exercise can therefore reduce fatigue, cramps, and thirst, while increasing energy and stamina. But don't just take our word for it! Phizz is rigorously vetted by medical departments and players and is chosen as their preferred hydration solution due to the superior formula. Damian Roden (High-Performance Consultant and former Premier League Head of Performance) says, “Phizz gives players a head start on the competition with the vitamins and electrolytes our players need to perform at their peak.” Phizz has supplied over 50 professional sports teams across rugby, football and cricket including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Saracens. Notable fans also include Olympic Champion Peter Reed OBE, TV personality Vicky Pattison and television presenter Andi Peters. 

Although a premium option, with quality at its core, Phizz offers value against a typical energy drink at just 40p per serving. Your plastic usage is also cut down to one recyclable tube, compared with 20 one-time-use drinks containers, helping you to minimise your impact and maximise your health. Phizz has partnered with Plastic Bank, for each Phizz product purchased 1.3x its weight in plastic waste is collected, recycled and prevented from entering our oceans; collectors are paid a premium, empowering local communities across some of the world's most vulnerable coastal environments. Phizz is proud to be leading the way as the only plastic-positive effervescent tablet in the category. 

Using the power of science, Phizz make all-in-one health supplements that help you thrive every day; find Phizz at Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Amazon, or buy direct from www.phizz.co.