The importance of hydrating on waking
After several hours of sleep, the body is slightly dehydrated. It continues to function overnight and loses water through both breathing and perspiration. So the first drinks of the day have an important role to play.
Drinking something when you get up helps you rehydrate and start the day more comfortably. This simple habit also supports the body’s natural functions and gives you a pleasant feeling of freshness on waking.
For many people, their first breakfast drink is a ritual too. A few quiet minutes with a warm cup can be enough to start the day feeling calmer.
Top 7 breakfast drinks
Water
Water remains the go-to choice for staying hydrated. It’s easy to find, contains no added sugar and quickly replaces the water lost overnight.
A simple glass of water before breakfast is already an excellent habit. It’s a good option if you want a more balanced morning routine.
Tea
Tea is one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, and many people enjoy it first thing in the morning. Its greatest strength is its range of flavours: you can switch between them to suit your mood.
A full-bodied black tea pairs beautifully with an indulgent breakfast. Green tea, meanwhile, offers a lighter, more vegetal taste. And if you enjoy flavoured blends, you’ll love recipes with citrus, spices or flowers.
Tea also fits easily into a morning ritual. Taking the time to make a cup can turn an occasionally rushed start into a moment of calm before the day begins.
Matcha
Matcha is a Japanese green tea ground into a fine powder. It is whisked with hot water, and because you consume the whole leaf, the result is an intense, vegetal and creamy drink. It contains caffeine, as well as L-theanine, just like tea.
Coffee
No discussion of morning drinks would be complete without coffee. Its bold flavour and quick stimulating effect make it a favourite. Black, long, with a splash of milk or flavoured: there’s a coffee for every taste, and it goes particularly well with a savoury breakfast. As with any stimulating drink, it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
Maté
Mate is made from the leaves of yerba mate. Very popular in South America, it is traditionally shared among friends. Its herbaceous, slightly bitter flavour often comes as a surprise at the first sip, but you soon get used to it. It contains caffeine, so it’s a stimulating drink best saved for mornings when you fancy a little energy boost.
Herbal teas & infusions
Not everyone wants a stimulating drink on waking. If that’s you, herbal teas are a great alternative.
Chamomile, verbena, rooibos or mint : each offers a warming drink and a chance to discover new flavours. Their gentle taste often appeals to anyone looking to avoid caffeine or simply change up their routine.
The choice keeps growing, too. Blends of fruit, flowers and plants now offer a wealth of aromas, perfect for refreshing your morning routine.
Lemon water
Lemon water is often presented as the must-have morning drink. Its appeal lies above all in its freshness and simplicity.
Made with water and a few drops of lemon juice, it has a pleasantly tangy flavour that may make you want to drink more in the morning.
Let’s keep our feet on the ground, though: if you like lemon water, you can make it part of your routine, but it won’t suit everyone. It’s generally safe for most people, but it can damage tooth enamel and encourage acid reflux.
Coffee or tea: which should you choose in the morning?
It’s a common question, but the answer depends largely on your preferences.
Coffee is generally chosen for its strong flavour and quick stimulating effect. It has long been part of the morning routine for millions of people.
Tea, meanwhile, appeals with its rich aromas and a more gradual tasting experience. Its wide variety is another draw.
Ultimately, it all comes down to your tastes and how you like to start your day.
Which drink goes best with your breakfast?
Hydration isn’t just about what you drink: what’s on your plate matters too. We’ve put together a few pairings for you to try:
| Breakfast | Recommended drink |
|---|---|
| Wholemeal toast and fruit | Black tea |
| Oat porridge | Green tea |
| Yoghurt and berries | Fruity herbal tea |
| Occasional pastries | Flavoured tea |
| Savoury breakfast | Coffee or black tea |
Drinks to avoid when you wake up
Some drinks are fine from time to time, but they aren’t the best choice for starting every day.
Very sugary drinks, such as some fizzy drinks or commercially prepared drinks like orange juice, often contain a lot of added sugar. They can give you an immediate boost, followed by a more pronounced slump later in the morning.
Energy drinks also call for caution. They’re high in stimulants and may not be suitable first thing in the morning, especially on an empty stomach.