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The best health shots, tried and tested by the GHI
From M&S to MOJU, these are the best wellness shots to add to your morning routine
Tested by JoJo AnastasiouFood and Drinks Tester
In the pursuit of optimal wellbeing, many people are now starting their day with a health shot – a pocket-sized drink that packs a hit of vitamins, minerals, and powerhouse ingredients such as turmeric and ginger, offering a quick and convenient way to meet your recommended daily allowance (RDA).
But amid the growing popularity of these wellness shots, it can be hard to know what’s actually good for you and what’s just a gimmick. So, we decided to find out which ones are worth waking up for. The GHI tasting panel put 12 shots to the test to see how they perform on flavour, and we asked a nutritionist to have a look through the ingredient lists.
Best health shots
You'll find our full reviews below, along with our nutritionist's thoughts, but these are the ones that came out top for flavour at a glance:
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Are health shots actually good for you?
We asked award-winning BANT nutritionist, Michaella Mazzoni, to give us her views on whether health shots can be beneficial and how best to incorporate them into daily life.
“In my clinical work, it’s important to encourage people to begin with small habits to help build a healthier lifestyle,” she explains, adding that “a single serve health shot can introduce vitamins and nutrients into your diet, without feeling too overwhelming.”
One potential drawback is that they can contain higher volumes of naturally occurring sugars, so Mazzoni recommends consuming them “after a balanced meal, when blood sugar levels are more stable, to help slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and avoid spikes, which can lead to insulin resistance over time.”
“Health shots are most beneficial when they are packed with nutrient-rich ingredients, such as fruits, veggies, herbs and spices,” she continues. “For example, turmeric and ginger shots are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while probiotic shots can aid digestion and promote a healthy gut microbiome.
“Those containing maca, spirulina and ginseng can provide a natural energy boost without the crash associated with caffeine. These natural stimulants can help improve stamina and reduce fatigue, making them a great pick-me-up during the working day.”
All that said, Mazzoni stresses that health shots should complement, not replace, a nutrient-rich diet and healthy lifestyle.
How we test health shots
Our expert panel tasted 12 health shots; each was served blind to avoid brand bias and assessed on its aroma, flavour, and mouthfeel. We were looking for options that offered a fresh, punchy flavour – whether that’s warming ginger, spicy cayenne, or tangy citrus – and a smooth texture for easy sipping.
We have only scored them on taste and texture; however, we also asked Mazzoni to take a look at the ingredients list of each shot and have included her thoughts on their nutritional claims below.
Score: 93/100
Our winning health shot for flavour comes with a whole week’s worth in one bottle, making it both budget-friendly (clocking in at 86p per serve) and great for prepping ahead (while minimising plastic waste).
It’s bright pink and packed with prebiotics, acacia fibres, and baobab to help boost gut health by feeding good bacteria in your gut. Our panellists loved the fruity flavour, packed with fresh raspberries, zingy lemon, and warming ginger; this is one health shot we’d look forward to every morning.
Ask the expert: “I love the addition of chicory, which is high in the potent prebiotic, inulin. Inulin helps to promote beneficial gut bacteria and support immune function, while the high fibre content is great for regular bowel movements.”
Score: 91/100
Fresh and fiery, this vibrant health shot is guaranteed to put some pep in your step – even on a Monday morning. Better yet, it’s cold pressed, which helps to preserve the nutrients, enzymes and minerals. Though the ginger and cayenne flavour is strong, the addition of pineapple and orange brings natural sweetness.
Ask the expert: “The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Regular consumption can help reduce chronic inflammation – including symptoms of endometriosis and arthritis – in one convenient dose.”
Score: 89/100
Tart and tangy, this health shot, which aims to boost immunity, combines grapefruit, ripe strawberry, blackberry, lime and acerola cherry (a superfood native to Barbados, boasting 30x more vitamin C than oranges). Its smoothie-like consistency proved popular with our testers; so, stock your fridge for flu season accordingly.
Ask the expert: “Hitting 100% of your vitamin C RDA in one health shot is impressive! I also like the addition of acerola cherry, which studies suggest can help promote better sleep by lowering cortisol levels (the hormone associated with stress).”
Score: 87/100
Proving that adding a nutritional boost to your morning routine needn’t break the bank, Aldi’s budget-friendly shot impressed testers with its “punchy, warming flavour,” thanks to the high concentration of red pepper, ginger root, and cayenne. While the addition of apple, pineapple and lemon juice help bring sweetness, it’s more earthy than fruity, which may not be for everyone.
Ask the expert: “At 1.5%, the turmeric content is relatively low, here; however, it’s a budget-friendly way to boost your nutrient intake. Pineapple is rich in bromelain, which acts as a digestive enzyme and boasts strong anti-inflammatory properties, too.”
Score: 87/100
Struggling to meet the RDA of 30g of dietary fibre? M&S’ health shot will get you 3.9g closer to your goal, with the added bonus of live cultures to contribute to a healthier gut microbiome. Thick, creamy and oh-so satisfying (thanks to the addition of coconut milk), our panellists loved the tropical fruit flavour – just what we need before tackling our commute.
Ask the expert: “Providing both prebiotics and probiotics, these handy health shots are great for promoting healthy gut bacteria (especially after a course of antibiotics). This shot is higher in sugar, so I would recommend having it after a balanced meal, as opposed to on an empty stomach.”
Score: 74/100
Coconut water forms the base of this health shot, which not only provides a welcome boost of hydrating electrolytes, but helps ensure the flavour isn’t too overpowered by fiery ginger and tangy apple cider vinegar. There’s baobab for fibre and vitamin C, as well as spirulina (an antioxidant-rich algae, which gives it that somewhat swamp-like hue). Don’t be put off – you can’t taste it!
Ask the expert: “Studies show that the acetic acid in ACV can improve insulin sensitivity by enhancing glucose uptake in the muscles and increasing its storage as glycogen in the liver, thereby reducing blood sugar – great for supporting those at risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as PCOS sufferers.”
Score: 70/100
Light, refreshing and aromatic, this health shot reminded testers of a cross between homemade ginger beer and herbal tea. The flavour is great for first-timers, with sweet apple juice helping to mask the earthier turmeric and chilli pepper heat.
Ask the expert: “I love that this uses 100% organic produce, as this typically has a higher levels of antioxidants. The addition of black pepper – which contains piperine – helps enhance the absorption of the curcumin in turmeric, making it more effective overall.”
Millie is freelance journalist and editor with five years’ experience writing product reviews, buying guides, breaking news and about the latest trends.
Millie has also reviewed countless restaurants and written travel features for British GQ, The Telegraph and the Independent, and has interviewed a number of leading chefs, including Jamie Oliver, Heston Blumenthal and Raymond Blanc.
Founder of creative catering brand @grazeandgorge, Millie also spends her time creating seasonal recipes and tablescape content, as well as planning her next golden retriever-friendly getaway and rearranging her own home bar cart (... again).
Joanna Anastasiou is our Food and Drinks Tester, and has completed certifications in Sensory Foundation and WSET Wine Level 2 training. Prior to this she studied geography with conservation biology at the University of Exeter and trained at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland. Through this she has developed a passion for sustainability within the food and agricultural sectors. Joanna also volunteers in kitchens with FoodCycle, as well as on multiple wildlife conservation projects, where she formed a particular love for bees!
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