by Fern Shaw | Mar 9, 2026 | water boiler, Water Boilers, water cooler, Water Coolers, water dispenser
Building on a previous instalment from 2016, we leap forward to 2024 to find out how the British appetite has evolved over the last eight years. While the original 1970s data gave us a baseline, the recent shift from 2016 to today reveals a nation rapidly refining its palate and its priorities.
According to the latest Family Food data released by Defra, our plates tell a story of convenience, health-consciousness and a complete reimagining of the British staple.
Beyond the Pint of White
In our 2016 update skimmed milk had overtaken whole-fat. Fast forward to 2024 and the traditional dairy pint is in a steeper decline than ever. It’s no longer just about the fat content; we are now a nation of dairy alternatives. Oat, almond and soy variants have moved from niche health shop finds to fridge essentials, reflecting a broader shift toward plant-based living.
The Air Fryer Revolution
In 2016, we were buying three times more chips than in the seventies. Today, that trend continues but the cooking method has been disrupted. The meteoric rise of the air fryer since our last blog means we are still enjoying our chips, but they are increasingly prepared in a way that is healthier and quicker. The deep-fat fryer is being banished in favour of modern tech.
The Great Hydration Shift
One of the most telling changes since 2016 isn’t just what we eat, but what we choose to wash it down with. While many still swear by a proper brew, tea purchases have continued their steady slide as coffee – particularly filter coffee – is on the increase. Overall, however, there has been a significant move away from constant heavy caffeine hits in favour of pure, refreshing water.
Whether it is the ubiquity of the office water cooler or the rise of the reusable bottle, drinking water has become the ultimate lifestyle choice. The water dispenser has become the new social hub of the workplace, as we have realised that staying hydrated is the simplest productivity hack available.
A Globalised Pantry
The ‘Italianisation’ we noted previously has expanded into a truly global pantry. While tinned peas and meat paste are firmly relics of the past, our baskets are now filled with avocados, sweet potatoes and haloumi. Since 2016, these items have moved from trendy extras to weekly necessities.
So, where does that leave us? We are eating less beef, more chicken, more fresh fruit and significantly more ready-to-eat salads. The British public is striking a balance: the convenience of a quick meal accompanied by a water bottle refill from the water cooler and a side of fresh greens.
Of course, I’m still dispensing piping hot water from the office hot water boiler to make my endless mugs of tea. However, in an effort to keep up with these more health-conscious habits, I might just try to cut back on how many biscuits I dunk.
by Fern Shaw | Mar 2, 2026 | bottle fed water coolers, water cooler, Water Coolers
The right water cooler system supports hygiene, sustainability and productivity. Compare mains-fed and bottle-fed solutions for modern offices.
Modern Offices Have Changed. So Have Their Water Needs.
The question is no longer simply, “Do we need a water cooler?”
It’s, “Which system genuinely suits how we work today?”
Hybrid schedules, sustainability targets, workplace wellbeing initiatives and heightened hygiene awareness have all reshaped what a modern office requires. Hydration is expected. Reliability is assumed. Hygiene is non-negotiable.
The best solution is the one that integrates seamlessly – operationally, environmentally and practically.
Mains-Fed Water Coolers: Built for Consistency
A plumbed-in water cooler connects directly to the mains supply, filtering water as it flows. For many contemporary offices, this represents the most streamlined long-term solution.
It is particularly well suited to:
- Medium to large teams
- High daily usage
- Businesses actively reducing single-use plastics
- Workplaces with fixed kitchen or breakout areas
With no need for bottle deliveries or storage, mains-fed systems offer continuity and reduced environmental impact. Under AquAid’s rental agreement, these units are professionally serviced every six months, supporting consistent water cooler sanitation and performance.
For offices planning for stability and growth, this option often makes strategic sense.
Bottle-Fed Water Coolers: Flexibility Without Compromise
Not every office has easy access to plumbing — and not every workspace remains static.
Bottle fed water coolers provide a practical alternative. They use sealed, replaceable bottles and can be positioned wherever they are needed.
They work particularly well in:
- Smaller offices
- Serviced or leased spaces
- Flexible layouts
- Temporary project sites
Despite their adaptability, they still meet high standards of water dispenser hygiene. As part of AquAid’s rental model, bottle-fed systems are serviced every three months, ensuring regular internal sanitation and maintenance.
For businesses that value mobility, this option remains highly relevant.
Hygiene Expectations in the Modern Workplace
Workplace hygiene is now viewed as part of company culture, not simply facilities management.
For offices where reducing shared contact points is a priority, touch free water coolers provide an additional layer of reassurance. Using sensor technology rather than push buttons, they help:
- Support hygiene policies
- Reduce cross-contact in communal areas
- Reinforce staff confidence in shared spaces
While all professionally serviced systems are maintained to high standards, touch-free models align particularly well with contemporary workplace expectations.
Maintenance Should Be Built In – Not Added On
A water cooler system is only as good as its upkeep.
One of the defining features of AquAid’s approach is that servicing is not optional or reactive – it is scheduled and included.
- Mains-fed systems are serviced every six months
- Bottle-fed systems every three months
This proactive structure helps prevent bacteria in cooler systems, maintain water quality and remove the burden from internal teams.
Note: AquAid services only the coolers supplied under its own rental or purchase agreements.
So, Which Is the Best Water Cooler System?
There is no universal answer – only the right fit.
A growing, sustainability-focused office with fixed infrastructure may benefit most from a mains-fed system. A smaller or evolving workspace may prioritise the flexibility of bottle-fed units. High-traffic communal areas may favour touch-free dispensing.
The best decision considers:
- Usage levels
- Physical layout
- Environmental priorities
- Hygiene expectations
- Long-term practicality
Modern workplaces require solutions that quietly support productivity without demanding attention.
If you’re assessing what would suit your team best, you can contact AquAid for informed, practical guidance.
Final Reflection
In many ways, the water cooler remains symbolic of the workplace itself – shared, functional, dependable.
Choosing the right system isn’t about features alone. It’s about aligning hydration, hygiene and sustainability with how your organisation operates now – and how it intends to grow.
The best system is the one that simply works, every day, without compromise.
by Fern Shaw | Feb 25, 2026 | bottle fed water coolers, mains fed water cooler, water cooler, Water Coolers
Eating well and staying hydrated tend to go hand in hand. This series looks at everyday foods with high water content or strong nutritional value – simple choices that support a healthier routine without overcomplicating things. While fresh produce can contribute to overall fluid intake, it works best alongside consistent access to drinking water, whether that’s from a bottled water cooler in the workplace or reliable mains fed water coolers. Good food and good hydration are straightforward habits – and often the easiest ones to maintain.
Cucumber doesn’t try too hard and that’s part of its appeal. Crisp and crunchy and made up of around 95% water, it’s one of the simplest ways to add extra hydration to your day without even thinking about it.
Low in calories and refreshing to eat, cucumber works well sliced into salads, layered into sandwiches or simply eaten on its own with a pinch of pepper. It contains small amounts of vitamin K and antioxidants, but its real strength is how easily it fits into everyday meals.
Because of its high-water content, cucumber can help you feel refreshed and satisfied, particularly if you’re trying to swap out heavier snacks for something lighter. It’s a practical choice for offices too – easy to prep, no fuss and no sticky fingers.
Of course, while cucumber contributes to your overall fluid intake, it doesn’t replace the need to drink water. Keeping a bottle nearby or making regular trips to the water cooler ensures you’re properly hydrated throughout the day. Think of cucumber as a helpful extra – a crisp companion to a good glass of water.
by Fern Shaw | Feb 22, 2026 | bottle fed water coolers, water cooler, Water Coolers, water dispenser
We’ve all heard tall tales about what might be lurking beneath the surface of lakes and rivers. Thankfully, the only thing you’ll find in a well-maintained office water supply is cool, clean refreshment. Still, Britain has produced some wonderfully strange freshwater folklore over the years. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Jenny Greenteeth – Lancashire & the North West
Said to dwell in ponds and slow-moving streams, Jenny Greenteeth was blamed for pulling unsuspecting children into the water. With green skin and sharp teeth, she was the stuff of Victorian warnings about playing too close to murky banks. A useful reminder to respect open water – and perhaps to stick to a properly filtered supply indoors.
The Grindylow – Yorkshire & the Humber
A cousin of Jenny, the Grindylow was thought to lurk in marshes and stagnant pools. Described as having long arms and a habit of dragging wanderers below the surface, it featured heavily in northern cautionary tales. Fresh, moving water was considered safer – though we’d still recommend something drawn from a hygienic source rather than a moorland beck.
Peg Powler – River Tees
Along the banks of the River Tees, Peg Powler was the name given to a river hag said to haunt the shallows. Parents warned children that Peg would snatch them if they strayed too close. Like many river legends, the story likely served as a practical lesson about hidden currents and slippery stones.
The Each-Uisge – Scottish Highlands
Often described as a freshwater relative of the kelpie, the Each-Uisge was said to inhabit lochs rather than the sea. Taking the form of a horse, it would tempt riders onto its back before plunging into deep water. As ever, folklore and fast-flowing water make uneasy companions.
Fortunately, the only surprise your office hydration point should deliver is how refreshing it tastes. Any of the wide range of high-quality AquAid water dispensers offers a dependable source of refreshing drinking water without the folklore.
If you prefer traditional spring supplies, a bottled water cooler provides sealed, quality-checked water delivered straight to your workplace. Alternatively, mains fed water coolers connect directly to your building’s supply, filtering it on site for a constant flow with no bottles required.
No river hags. No loch beasties. Just a constant supply of clean, great-tasting water – exactly as it should be.
by Fern Shaw | Feb 16, 2026 | water cooler, water cooler, Water Coolers
In busy lives, staying healthy can slip down the priority list. Yet one of the simplest daily habits – drinking enough water – supports the body in remarkable ways.
This blog is the first in a series exploring organ health and how good hydration habits help the body function as it should. As it’s the month of love, we’re beginning with the heart.
The Heart: Your Body’s Engine
Is often described as the body’s powerhouse. It’s a muscle – highly specialised and remarkably complex – that relies on electrical impulses to maintain its steady rhythm.
Every day, it beats around 100,000 times, pumping roughly eight pints of blood through the circulatory system. That blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs, while carrying away carbon dioxide and other waste products. The heart and blood vessels work in constant partnership to keep everything running smoothly.
To do this efficiently, the heart depends on adequate hydration.
How is Drinking Water Important?
The human heart is made up of approximately 73% water. Like all vital organs, it requires sufficient fluid to function properly.
While the heart cannot ‘drink’ water directly, it relies on the body’s overall fluid balance. When fluid intake is too low, blood volume decreases. With less volume, blood becomes more concentrated and harder to circulate. The heart must then work harder to move it around the body.
Over time, this additional strain may contribute to stress on the heart and blood vessels.
By contrast, staying well hydrated helps maintain healthy blood volume and circulation. Well-hydrated blood flows more easily, allowing the heart to do its job with less effort.
Hydration and Heart Health
Research suggests that higher water intake is associated with a lower risk of death from coronary heart disease. Adequate hydration supports efficient circulation and helps the cardiovascular system function as it should.
In simple terms: drinking enough water supports the heart in carrying out the thousands of tasks it performs each day – steadily and without pause.
A Simple Habit = Super Benefits
Looking healthy on the outside begins with caring for what’s inside. The heart works tirelessly; giving it the hydration it needs is a straightforward way to support long-term wellbeing.
This♥month provides the perfect opportunity for us to be kinder to ourselves, our bodies and lives. The next time you’re about to pass the water cooler, don’t. Refill your water bottle or water glass. Make it a daily habit.
Each drink of water you take, you’re supporting a healthier heart – and a healthier you.
