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The $3 water so hydrating and refreshing you won't believe it's made with cacao fruit: 'Seriously the best drink EVER!'

The $3 water so hydrating and refreshing you won't believe it's made with cacao fruit: 'Seriously the best drink EVER!'

Daily Mail​06-06-2025

Staying hydrated shouldn't be a chore. But given that a massive percentage of the population is dehydrated, it appears that it really is an issue. If drinking plain water is a challenge, there's a new way to hydrate that may intrigue you and your taste buds.
And it happens to be light, tropical, and naturally sweet. Blue Stripes Cacao Water is sourced from the pulp of the cacao fruit (the very same fruit that eventually gives us chocolate).
Blue Stripes Cacao Water
Blue Stripes Cacao Water is refreshing, hydrating, and packed with electrolytes, antioxidants, and essential nutrients.
It's naturally sweet and has no added sugar too! Try it out now for yourself.
$3.19 Shop
Now you may not think of chocolate as 'refreshing,' but that's because we've all been distracted by the candy bar version. Cacao fruit is actually a superfruit that is packed with antioxidants, electrolytes, and essential nutrients, and Blue Stripes is one of the few brands that uses the entire cacao pod to make its products — not just the beans.
That amounts to big benefits for both you and the planet. Expect more flavor, more nutritional value, and less waste. Eco-conscious people, take note: As much as we love the chocolate industry, it wastes a whopping 70 percent of the cacao pod during actual chocolate production.
Only the beans are used in that process. By comparison, Blue Stripes upcycles the whole thing, including the beans, the shell, and the fruit. Honestly, this is great for everyone and everything involved — you, the farmers, and the planet as a whole.
From a nutritional perspective, the difference is like night and day. Consuming the entire cacao fruit means you'll get vital fiber, minerals, and vitamins that support your overall health. (Not that you need an excuse to treat yourself to Blue Stripes' delicious beverages and snacks!)
So, what does the water taste like? Imagine something crisp and clean with just a bit of a tropical tang, kind of like a cooler sibling of coconut water. It's never syrupy and there is absolutely no added sugar. Only two ingredients make up Blue Stripes Cacao Water — triple-filtered water and organic cacao fruit puree.
It packs a punch, delivering a naturally energizing vibe that feels great whether you're cooling down post-workout, guzzling during the work day, or sipping with a meal.
And it's super affordable and comes in a variety of fruit-forward flavors, like mango, vanilla, passion fruit, and plain cacao, all of which are naturally delicious and capture cacao's lovely flavor profile.
Some people even blend it into their smoothies for an added nutrient boost, which we highly recommend for the extra hydration and antioxidants!
Blue Stripes was co-founded by Oded Brenner (yes, of Max Brenner chocolate fame) and Aviv Schwietzer with a goal of turning the chocolate industry on its head. By using the whole cacao fruit instead of tossing 70 percent of it away, the impact is huge and supports global sustainability efforts in an impressive way.
If you're looking for a tasty new beverage that hydrates and nourishes, Blue Stripes Cacao Water could be exactly the wellness upgrade you need.
Blue Stripes Vanilla Cacao Water
Smooth and mellow, vanilla is the perfect just-sweet-enough yet still subtle flavor.
The vanilla extract blends beautifully with the natural tang of the cacao fruit, yielding a crisp and refreshing treat that even feels a little bit indulgent (without the added sugar).
All Cacao Waters contain nutrients, electrolytes, and antioxidants for the ultimate refresh.
$3.19 Shop

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Free upgrades are more likely to be given out at a specific time BEFORE boarding, reveals travel expert
Free upgrades are more likely to be given out at a specific time BEFORE boarding, reveals travel expert

Daily Mail​

time13 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Free upgrades are more likely to be given out at a specific time BEFORE boarding, reveals travel expert

Paying hundreds, often thousands, for a business class or better seat is unattainable for most of us - but the occasional surprise upgrade can happen. If you're dreaming of turning left instead of right on your next trip, then taking heed of an expert tip could see mission accomplished. While it's rare to be one of those lucky souls upgraded for logistical reasons such as overbooked economy cabins, says Julian Kheel, founder and CEO at Points Path, it does happen, and timing is apparently everything. The expert told Travel + Leisure that making the approach at just the right moment could see your date with a fancy lunch and a flat-bed happen. He said: 'It's nearly impossible for the average traveler to get a free upgrade to business or first-class today. [It's] extremely rare, but it does happen once in a while.' The secret is all about not making the approach at the wrong time, such as when airline staff who make the decisions on last-gasp upgrades look harassed. He says mentioning it as fellow passengers are queuing to board is almost certain to fail, and piping up just as the doors are closing is also an unwise move - but go in early with the request instead. If you have a special reason - such as a birthday or anniversary, you might be able to charm your way into an elevated cabin. Those in the know say waiting to get on the plane is one way to kill your chances - because airborne cabin crew rarely make the decisions on upgrades, even if you can see empty rows in business or first. One airline cabin crew worker shared on Reddit recently: 'At my airline, [flight attendants] are not allowed to upgrade [passengers] to first class. 'Talk to [the] gate agent or ticket agent when you check your bags. They are the ones who assign seats and can upgrade you.' They did reveal a tip that might bring out the mile-high vandal in you though, saying one of the only ways to get moved up when you're in economy is if the seat you've been sold is broken or doesn't work. The cabin crew employee wrote: 'If you're on the plane and there's something physically wrong with your seat, like a broken armrest or tray table, that can also be a reason to ask if you might be moved to a better seat up front.' Earlier this year, Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away UK, revealed her top tips too, advising passengers on 'how to position yourself as a prime candidate' for a free of charge upgrade. The first tip from Dawn is simply just to ask. She told the Express: 'When you check in, smile warmly and simply ask, 'Are there any upgrade opportunities available today?' 'This phrasing is important - it's polite, direct, and shows you understand upgrades aren't guaranteed.' But the timing of this question is also just as important, says Dawn. She explains: 'Check in early, when more premium seats are likely available, but not during peak busy periods when staff are rushed. 'And always ask discreetly - never demand an upgrade in front of other passengers.' Even your clothes could also make all the difference, so Dawn recommends choosing your airport outfit very wisely – and making a bit of an effort with your appearance. She says: 'Smart-casual clothing sends a signal that you'll 'fit in' with the premium cabin environment. 'Think neat jeans or trousers, a collared shirt or nice top, and clean, decent shoes.' Telling the staff you're celebrating something like a honeymoon or big birthday could also lead to cabin crew giving you special treatment. Dawn adds: 'I've seen couples get upgraded because they mentioned their anniversary. One pair even received complimentary champagne in business class.'

What next for Gaza as Israel's shaky truce with Iran holds?
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The Independent

time15 minutes ago

  • The Independent

What next for Gaza as Israel's shaky truce with Iran holds?

In the wake of Donald Trump 's extraordinary outburst of profanity outside the White House, a fragile US-brokered truce between Israel and Iran appears to be tentatively holding. In recent days, this has been accompanied by a flurry of messaging from Israel that this cessation of hostilities is just the start. Benjamin Netanyahu, in a brief but emphatic video on Thursday, insisted that after Israel achieved 'a great victory' over its staunchest foe, a new opportunity had opened up for a 'dramatic expansion of peace agreements'. 'There is a window of opportunity here that must not be wasted. We must not waste even a single day,' he said with emphasis. For the two million Palestinians in Gaza facing starvation and slaughter, the hope is that this new climate of negotiations might herald the end of 20 months of Israel's unprecedented bombardment, which has reduced the 25-mile-long strip to ashen rubble and claimed over 56,000 lives, according to local officials. 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Without their support, Netanyahu risks the collapse of his razor-thin governing coalition. In a statement on Thursday, Smotrich declared: 'Mr prime minister, let it be clear: you do not have a mandate - not even a hint of one, or a lip-service one. If there are countries that want peace in exchange for peace - welcome. If they want a Palestinian state - they can forget it. It won't happen.' Secondly, these are conditions that the Palestinian leadership is unlikely to accept - especially if the proposal excludes the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and involves annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank. The Independent reached out to Hamas for comment on the reported leaks but has yet to receive a reply. Hamas badly needs a ceasefire. It is struggling to survive in Gaza, short of commanders - many of whom have been eliminated by Israel - deprived of much of its tunnel network , and now unsure of continued support from Iran (whose own military leadership has been battered). Yet, according to Gershon Baskin - a veteran Israeli hostage negotiator and peace activist - even under extreme conditions Hamas is still unlikely to accept the proposed terms. 'Hamas is ready to release all of the hostages and give up control over Gaza, but not as a surrender to Israel or to Trump - it must be part of a wider plan, which includes the reconstruction of Gaza,' he told The Independent. 'The idea of expanding the pie and adding extra components is good, but it must include ending the war and Israel withdrawing from Gaza. 'If it includes annexation of parts of the West Bank, Hamas - and all Palestinians - will never agree.' In the interim, time is running out for civilians in Gaza. 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The weirdest (and unhealthy) lengths celebs go to in order to get their red carpet looks from questionable cookie diets to uncomfortable colonics
The weirdest (and unhealthy) lengths celebs go to in order to get their red carpet looks from questionable cookie diets to uncomfortable colonics

Daily Mail​

time20 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

The weirdest (and unhealthy) lengths celebs go to in order to get their red carpet looks from questionable cookie diets to uncomfortable colonics

They say it takes a village to get celebrities red carpet ready. Some superstars have succumbed to a series of increasingly unorthodox and occasionally unhealthy methods in a bid to get their red carpet looks proving it's not always fun and games being a celebrity. From colonic irrigation to questionable cookie diets, extreme carb-cutting, obsessive calorie counting and rigorous juice cleansing, there's not much your average celebrity hasn't tried in their quest for what they deem to be the perfect body. But many of the strict dieting techniques come with some little-known side effects, and some A-list stars have opened up about their own shocking stories trying out these unconventional methods. 1. KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN - THE KETO DIET WHAT IS THE KETO DIET? The Ketogenic diet defines a low-carb, high-fat way of eating. Following this eating plan forces the body into a metabolic state, known as ketosis, which starves the body of carbohydrates but not calories. Carbs are shunned in the keto diet as they cause the body to produce glucose, which is used as energy over fat. Keto diets therefore lead to weight loss as they make the body burn fat as its primary energy source. On the diet, followers can eat: Meat Leafy greens and most vegetables Full-fat dairy Nuts and seeds Avocadoes and berries Fats, such as coconut oil People cannot eat: Grains, including rice and wheat Sugar, like honey and maple syrup Most fruit White or sweet potatoes Image-conscious Kourtney Kardashian made two attempts at losing weight on the keto diet, but in 2020 confirmed she had given it up for good. She now focuses on well-balanced meals and engaging in regular exercise to achieve a healthy, well-toned body. According to Medical News Today, the keto diet refers to a ketogenic diet, which is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carb diet. The main goal of the food plan is to get more calories from protein and fat than from carbs. It works by depleting your body of its store of sugar, so it will start to break down protein and fat for energy, causing ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic process that involves fat providing most of the fuel for the body, rather than energy coming from foods eaten. Speaking to Health magazine in 2020, Kourtney revealed she had quit the keto diet but confirmed her household remains gluten and dairy-free. She said: 'I noticed that my body changed for the better when I quit the Keto.' 2. ASHTON KUTCHER - THE FRUITARIAN DIET In 2013 Ashton was hospitalized after trying a fruitarian diet in preparation for his role as Steve Jobs in the biopic Jobs. The actor said at the time that he was rushed to hospital before shooting his new movie Jobs about the late entrepreneur after embarking on a fruit-only diet for the biopic, favoured by the Apple co-founder who died of pancreatic cancer in 2011. He told USA Today newspaper at the premiere of the movie at the Sundance Film Festival: 'First of all, the fruitarian diet can lead to like severe issues. 'I went to the hospital like two days before we started shooting the movie. I was doubled over in pain. 'My pancreas levels were like completely out of whack. It was really terrifying... considering everything.' He studied hundreds of hours of footage of Steve for the role and claimed he discovered they had a lot in common. A fruitarian diet is a vegan diet primarily focused on consuming raw fruits, with some variations including nuts, seeds, and some vegetables. It's considered a restrictive eating pattern and may pose nutritional risks if not carefully planned. 5. KATY PERRY - THE M PLAN American singer Katy Perry was thought to have tried a mushroom based diet in a bid to lose weight as far back as 2012. Dubbed the 'M-Plan', the diet was devised to help women lose weight from their tums, bums, thighs and upper arms, but still keep their bust intact. It promised to help women lose weight from the stubborn areas over a 14-day period by replacing just one regular lunchtime snack or dinner with a mushroom inspired dish. Other celebrities to have been linked with the fad include Emmerdale and Waterloo Road star, Roxanne Pallett and Kelly Osbourne, who both previously claimed to have lost dress sizes from eating raw mushrooms regularly. Speaking in 2013, Katy admitted she had cut all junk food out of her diet while shaping up for a forthcoming tour. She told Rolling Stone: 'After this interview I'm going to have a nice healthy breakfast. I'm on a meal plan, which absolutely sucks...' 3. JENNIFER LOPEZ & GWYNETH PALTROW - COLON HYDROTHERAPY It's a treatment that can be traced back to ancient times and has celebrity fans including Jennifer Lopez and Gwyneth Paltrow. But the term colonic irrigation - not the mention what the procedure actually involves - is far from glamorous. In an attempt to make it sound more appealing, the treatment has since been rebranded as 'colonic hydrotherapy'. The practice, which involves flushing the colon with about 60 litres of water via a tube inserted into the rectum, is said to promote health and well-being by ridding the body of toxins. The idea is that for around £90 a time, people can have their digestive tract cleansed and purified leaving them feeling fresh and not bloated with a flatter stomach and renewed energy. Advocating the procedure on her Goop lifestyle website, Gwyneth wrote: 'For the uninitiated, a colonic is essentially a way to hydrate and irrigate your colon – a section of your intestines that's approximately five feet long – by filling it with warm water and then flushing it out repeatedly.' Other celebrity fans reportedly include supermodel Cindy Crawford, TV personality Paris Hilton and R&B singer Beyoncé. But despite its popularity, re-branding, and claims at being good for you, there have been no studies that prove a scientific benefit. 4. GWYNETH PALTROW (AGAIN) - THE GOOP CLEAN PROGRAM The three-week long $475 cleanse was designed by cardiologist and detoxification expert Dr. Alejandro Junger. The program, tried and tested by Paltrow, 'involves an easy-to-follow formula' of daily shakes, supplements, and whole food recipes, and it calls for participants to eliminate soy, dairy, gluten, plant-based protein, refined sugars, grains, several different fruits, and alcohol. The program includes two vegan meal-replacement shakes per day, one 'solid, clean' meal for lunch, and a daily regimen of 24 supplements. According to Gwyneth, the cleanse made her feel 'pure and happy and much lighter', with the Goop founder gushing that the program is 'amazing'. Posting on her Goop lifestyle blog in 2020, she wrote: 'I've used Clean in the past with great results, losing a few pounds and kickstarting a healthier and more energetic New Year.' It's not for everyone, and with good reason, but the prospect of eating 14 jars of baby food a day apparently appealed to the likes of Jennifer Aniston It's not for everyone, and with good reason, but the prospect of eating 14 jars of baby food a day apparently appealed to the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. As the name suggests, the Baby Food Diet involves substituting adult foods for soft, spoon fed jars of baby food. Each one contains roughly 80 calories, meaning 14 consumed each day will provide users with a daily intake of around 1,000 calories. The diet be offset with one adult low-calorie meal per day, but the minimal calorie intake calls into question its long-term benefits. Regardless, sales in dry baby food were given a significant 59% boost, while wet baby food sales went up by 20% following claims that Reese Witherspoon had tried the diet. Reports of the diet began to circulate in 2010 when Jennifer was said to be using it to get in shape for her rom-com Just Go With It. Aniston, it was reported, was eating 14 portions of baby food purees a day followed by a grown-up dinner of grilled fish and green vegetables in the evening and had managed to lose 7lbs in a week - not recommended at all. Pictures of her with co-star Brooklyn Decker showed then then 41-year-old Aniston looking every bit as toned as the Sports Illustrated model, 18 years her junior. Cheryl Cole, in preparation for her appearance as a judge on the U.S. version of the X Factor, also reportedly turned to the outrageous diet. 6. NICOLE 'SNOOKI' POLIZZI - THE COOKIE DIET On paper it sounds perfect, but could you really live on a diet of cookies? Originally trademarked by Australian Dr. Sanford Siegal in 1975, the bizarre diet is based on meal replacement... in the form of a biscuit. Featuring ingredients including milk, sugar, eggs, wheat and a 'secret amino acid protein mix' that kerbs hunger pangs, the diet has been tried and tested by a number of celebrities - notably Jersey Shore star Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi. Snooki reportedly tried the diet in 2010, with the reality TV personality consuming just six 90-calorie cookies and one small meal each day. The diet involves swapping breakfast, lunch and any snacks in between for just six of the brand's special biscuits - available in flavours including butterscotch, cinnamon oatmeal, chocolate brownie, blueberry, banana and maple syrup - or nine of the little 60-calorie ones. You are permitted to eat a healthy, sensible dinner - just so long as your daily calorific intake does not top 1,200 calories. The cookies - which, according to Madonna, made her then-husband Ritchie lose his sex drive in 2008 - are made from fibrous grains such as oats, fruit and amino acids, and the diet claims to help you drop 10lb per month. In 2009, Kim Kardashian publicly denied turning to the diet after an article on named her as a celebrity advocate. 'Not true! I would never do this unhealthy diet! I do QuickTrim!' she tweeted at the time.

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