A $1.60 per serve sugar-free drink has been causing chaos at Woolworths for health-conscious Aussies. Waterdrop landed on supermarket shelves this month after already creating a “cult-like following” overseas.
Waterdrop revealed to Yahoo Lifestyle that their product offers a plastic bottle-free and healthy alternative to soft drinks. You simply drop a cube in a glass of water to create a drink with vitamins, minerals and electrolytes.
Melbourne-based food reviewer Ange, who goes by @angeeats on TikTok, told Yahoo Lifestyle the popularity stems from Australians’ desire to “consume healthy alternatives”.
“People are becoming more conscious about what they put into their body and want cleaner drinks,” the 32-year-old said.
Australians are recommended to be drinking over two litres of water a day, which can be a struggle for some.
Ange said his favourite flavour is cola, adding he thinks it’s great for hydration. Photo: Instagram/angeeats
Health Direct, a government-funded health service, men need about 10 cups a day, while women should have about eight cups.
Ange said he found Waterdrops to be a “convenient solution if you don’t want to drink boring water“, with 15 different flavours available.
“I’m a Cola guy and it’s giving Pepsi vibes,” he said.
SHOP:
“I’m all for that — especially knowing that I’m just drinking water.”
Managing director of Waterdrop Australia Catherine Dix said the brand was tapping into a major wellness shift.
“Aussie consumer interest in functional hydration and a changing focus towards sugar-free and alcohol-free drinks is a trend that is clearly not going away,” she told Yahoo Lifestyle.
But what about the price?
A box of Waterdrops retail for $17 a box — which could be enough to put some customers off.
But Ange said he found the price manageable.
“To be honest it works out roughly to be about $1.59 per serve,” he told Yahoo Lifestyle.
“That’s cheaper than buying your usual soft drink, energy drink, cordial or Powerade/Gatorade, so it’s a no-brainer for me.”
Dix agreed, noting a similar drinks “from a servo” would be over $6 a bottle.
Waterdrop has been flying off the shelves, but Woolworths says they are working to get more stock. Photo: Instagram/waterdrop
“If I could pay $20 for a 10-pack of Coke cans, or $17 for 12 Waterdrop servings — with no sugar, added vitamins and no single-use plastic — the choice is pretty obvious for my budget, my health and the environment,” she said.
Dix said environmental positives also had a big appeal for consumers.
“Keeping a pack of Waterdrop on hand with a refillable water bottle — which everyone carries these days anyway — just makes so much more sense and that’s why we have such a huge fanbase,” she said.
And it seems many Aussies agree.
‘Hugely popular’: Waterdrops ‘sell out’ at Woolworths
Waterdrop have been rolled out to more than 900 Woolworths stores across the country.
However, customers have been struggling to find them on shelves.
That’s despite going to multiple supermarkets in their search.
“They don’t seem to be available in northern NSW,” one frustrated shopper said.
“Have been to three shops now and no sign of them, and staff have no idea what I am even talking about.”
A spokesperson for Woolworths confirmed Waterdrops had been flying off the shelves.
“The Waterdrop products are hugely popular at the moment, and selling very quickly when new stock arrives,” the spokesperson told Yahoo Lifestyle.
“We are working with the supplier to ensure we can keep up with the demand.”
Shop the full Waterdrops range here.