What foods contain fluid and contribute to daily fluid intake?

Foods That Contain Fluid and Contribute to Daily Hydration

Yes, foods contain significant fluid and contribute substantially to daily fluid intake—approximately 20% of total water intake comes from food, with solid foods providing roughly 1,000 mL (4 cups) of water daily. 1, 2

Total Daily Fluid Requirements

Daily total water recommendations for healthy adults are approximately 2.7 L (91 oz) for women and 3.7 L (125 oz) for men, which includes fluids from water, other beverages, AND food. 1

• For beverages alone, minimum recommendations are 1.6 L/day for women and 2.0 L/day for men 3
• These recommendations account for the fact that approximately 80% of total water intake comes from drinking water and beverages, while the remaining 20% is derived from food 1, 2

Specific Foods High in Fluid Content

Many fruits and vegetables contain substantial water content and contribute meaningfully to daily fluid intake: 1

• Fruits and vegetables are particularly high in water content and can "inconspicuously add to a child's fluid intake" 1
• These foods are generally not restricted routinely, even in fluid-restricted populations, unless specific medical conditions require it 1

Other fluid-containing foods include: 1

• Soups (considered both food and fluid) 1, 3
• Ice cream, yogurt, pudding (semiliquid at room temperature) 1
• Jell-O and gravy (liquid or semiliquid consistency) 1
• Infant formulas (90% water by volume) 1
• Enteral feedings (70-85% water content) 1

Clinical Considerations for Fluid-Containing Foods

In patients requiring fluid restriction (such as those with chronic kidney disease stages 3-5 or oliguria), foods that are liquid or semiliquid at room temperature must be counted toward total fluid intake. 1

• This includes ice, soup, Jell-O, ice cream, yogurt, pudding, and gravy 1
• However, the free water content of fruits and vegetables is typically not restricted routinely unless severe fluid limitation is necessary 1

For patients with ileostomy, certain foods can help manage fluid balance: 1

• Thickening foods that reduce output include: bananas, pasta, rice, white bread, mashed potato, marshmallows, and jelly 1
• These help retain fluid by slowing intestinal transit

Practical Hydration Strategy

Water should be the primary beverage consumed to meet fluid needs, supplemented by the natural water content in a varied diet. 1

• A balanced diet including a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains, and protein-rich foods naturally provides significant fluid intake 1
• For most healthy people, thirst should guide fluid needs, though older adults may need scheduled fluid intake as thirst sensation diminishes with age 1, 3

Common pitfall: Patients may not realize that solid foods contribute meaningfully to hydration status, potentially leading to either inadequate total fluid intake or, in fluid-restricted patients, unintentional fluid overload from not accounting for food-derived water 1, 2