Product test
Ice, Ice, Baby! Does the Icebreaker Pop actually work in practice?
by Martin Jungfer
Like water, only better: how to give kids a taste for it with these 5 products
13.6.2025
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Pictures: Michael Restin
No big secrets will be revealed here. Instead, a few everyday items that have got my children into drinking water. For this reason alone, I find them useful.
I love our tap water. It’s refreshing, good quality and available everywhere. Even free of charge at the fountain around the corner. What a luxury! It’s a privilege I often point out to my children After all, the abundance of water we have is a true gift. Ideally, they would drink more of it. Among the many items I find superfluous in the Galaxus drinks range, I did find a few that my whole family enjoy. Not necessarily because they’re unique, but at least a bit special.
Nice ice
The first item was «sold» to me by my boss. In other words, he tested it, I read his review and then ordered the item. I liked the fact that the ice cube mould is fun, exciting and amusing thanks to a boss who was slightly overwhelmed when he first used it.
You fill the Icebreaker up to the mark before popping it in the freezer. Once the water’s turned to ice, you pull the mould apart by the handles (takes a bit of practice), thereby releasing 18 ice cubes that happily clatter about. Next, you shake them out through the opening. Child’s play! Literally. Especially on warm days. All you need then is a straw and hydrating turns into pure joy. You could even add a dash of cordial. Straight into the glass or the ice cube mould.
Freshly squeezed water
Obviously, a better option than syrup. Presentation is a big part of enjoying food or drink, so try adding a dash of lemon or a few berries to give the water some extra flavour. The Pressa Bottle – a water bottle with an integrated fruit press – will give you faster and more intense results. Turn at the top to squish at the bottom. Sure, you’ll no longer be enjoying the sight of fruit floating about, but the water will taste fruitier. You can repeat the process a few times with every batch of fruit you add. The kids are guaranteed to drink lots of it, not to mention the fun they have with the squeezing part.
Unfortunately, the bottle is only suitable for travel if you store it upright. The clip closure opens really easily, so there’s a big risk of leakage.
Sports bottle without that plastic taste
Sometimes, water isn’t simply tasteless, but downright disgusting. For example, if it comes from a plastic drinking bottle that’s been lying around in the sun for a few hours during sports and has taken on the finest plastic aromas. I prefer that kind to be poured over heads and not into mouths.
After I wrote a piece about the plastic problem, the Community drew my attention to Keego several times, and I’m happy to pass on the recommendation. The brand’s bottles are coated with titanium on the inside. This means water still takes like water and you can still squeeze the bottles. They can also take a knock or two. In other words, perfect for children who need to stay hydrated during physical activity.
Pffft What a luxury.
A soda maker was requested by my offspring, so we ended up getting one. I’m aware that this is no insider tip, but still worth mentioning that there’s been a serious increase in how much we drink since we got it. For one, because adding bubbles is fun. You know, that pffft, pffft it makes. Secondly, because the carbon dioxide content can be adjusted to your own preferences. The children like both of these aspects. They also appreciate that, for once, I went for a high-end brand and groaned Aaaarke as I paid for it.
Why was I willing to splurge? Because the gadget is on display and I wanted the beautiful glass bottles. Of course, soda makers are also available at a fraction of the price. Nevertheless, I haven’t regretted the purchase.
Pouring on the coal
It seems, we haven’t reached the pinnacle of luxury yet. One item snuck into our household as a shopping basket filler. The Eau Good filter bottle from Black + Blum had me really confused at first, because its carbon filter is a piece of carbon stuck crosswise in the bottle. And since it has to be replaced every six months, I’ve been paying just as much for a bit of coal as I did for the bottle itself.
Another thing I didn’t know until our Japan enthusiast and culinary expert Simon Balissat recently raved about the most expensive coal in the world: it’s a Binchōtan. At least I’m not burning the lumps of coal on the grill, but bottling them up for six months.
What it claims to do there is neutralise the pH value and supplement my tap water with vital minerals. Righto. The carbon filter makes even the best tap water in the world a little softer and, yes, tastier. If that doesn’t motivate you to hydrate, then I don’t know what will.
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
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