What to eat when it’s hot

Looking for tips to stay cool in a heatwave? We’ve got you. It’s all about refreshing food and drinks to keep you hydrated and restore electrolytes lost through sweat. Think no-cook dinner ideas and picky bits for when the oven is a no-go zone, chilled out salads, and the odd ice cream (or two). Keep reading for our hot-weather-proof food ideas.

• Cold salads. Aim for those which pack in protein, to keep you satisfied.

• Cold noodles and pasta – cold starches can help regulate the body temperature, plus you can cook them once and eat them twice, so there’s less time in the kitchen.

• Fresh fruit like watermelon, mangoes and strawberries taste their best at this time of year, and have the added benefit of extra hydration.

• Crunchy vegetables, such as cucumber, tomatoes, celery, radishes and peppers.

• Herbs – freshen up with cooling mint and fragrant basil.

• Picky bits – skip the prep work and opt for some nibbles, whether it’s a tray of chips and dips or some antipasti, olives and deli treats.

• Pick up a cooling salad, like our herby tabbouleh salad or Good Gut 35 Plants Salad. Or make your own – try this Thai-style watermelon salad or this sweet-and-sour tomato, butter bean and stracciatella salad.

• Serve a mezze grazing spread, like our Dressed Chickpeas with Chorizo, Sunburst Peppers loaded onto ciabatta bread, and Colossal Olives. Find them all in our 3 for £8 deli deal in store.

• Whip up a homemade roasted red pepper gazpacho to keep in the fridge and enjoy throughout the week, or try our refreshing ready-made Spanish Gazpacho in the Foodhall.

Noodle or pasta salads

These are good way to pack in plenty of fresh veggies, protein and carbs without much cooking. Try this fragrant Vietnamese-inspired prawn noodle salad or a pasta salad with herby chickpeas and feta.

Things on toast

Try loading our Dressed Butterbeans, which come in a Caesar-inspired dressing, onto toasted sourdough and topping with a jammy egg, or serve simple anchovy-topped ciabatta with our pre-made Tomato Gazpacho.

Air fryer recipes

When it’s way too hot to turn the oven on, the air fryer is your friend – try this easy air fryer salmon with potatoes, or browse all our air fryer recipes for everything from quick pitta bread pesto pizzas to cornflake halloumi fries.

No-cook meals

Use shortcut ingredients and avoid turning the oven on to make these laid-back, assembly-job dinners – ideal when it’s too hot to cook.

Ice creams

Hands-down the best thing about a heatwave? It’s an excuse to eat ice cream. From creamy Cornish Ice Cream to our must-try Collection West Country Pistachio, plus toppers and cones galore (did someone say Cracked Shell Chocolate Sauce?) our Foodhalls are the ultimate destination for next-level ice creams and lollies.

Homemade ice lollies

Try these easy, healthy frozen berry ice lollies, which are great for kids, or these mango yogurt ripple lollies, to help up your hydration and keep frazzled little ones occupied.

No-bake desserts

Keep everyone sweet with our collection of epic-but-easy no-bake dessert recipes.

• Hydration is key when the temperature rises, so cool off with a refreshing soft drink. Try our Red Diamond Strawberry Lemonade, which includes a whopping 13 fresh Red Diamond Strawberries in every bottle, or our zingy sodas in flavours like Mexican Lemon and Lime and Sicilian Blood Orange – just add plenty of ice and a slice.

• Fill your water bottle with ice then top up with water, adding some fresh mint leaves or cucumber for a refreshing flavour hit.

• If you’re struggling to get little ones to drink enough water, remember they can eat their water, too – watermelons and cucumber are your friend.

• If you’re going out, carry water and an electric fan, wear cooling linens or cotton, stay in the shade and wear a high-factor SPF.

• Prioritise foods that are also high in water, such as juicy fruits and salads, for an extra hit of hydration.

• Don’t make your home any hotter by switching on the oven or hob – go for air fryer dinners or those that require little cooking.

• Take it easy. The heat can sap your energy, so reduce activity levels where you can.