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Original poster

Hot Ribena

68 replies

CharliesAngles · 25/11/2023 07:59

Feeling rotten with a full on snotty cold so have decided to stay in bed, with a mug of hot ribena and MN to keep me company.

What is your comfort food or drink when you’re not feeling well?

OP posts:
BogRollBOGOF · 03/12/2023 23:25

Blackcurrant Rocks here too since Ribena was contaminated with sweetners and thickeners.

I miss Vimto. I can sometimes get something like Bottle Green which is similar.

Pinkpinkpink15 · 03/12/2023 23:27

smilesup · 25/11/2023 08:12

They have wrecked ribena and this used to be my go to. It's vile.

Yeah if I could time travel back it's Ribenna I'd bring back!!

I still drink it hot, but it's not the same!!

@CharliesAngles

hot ribenna
heinz tomato soup in a mug, not bowl
horlicks

Marmite & crisp sandwiches
crumorts

all the things I don't usually eat anymore, if I sick I allow myself to have them.

(diabetic who usually low cards to maintain control)

JenniferBooth · 03/12/2023 23:40

dontgobaconmyheart · 25/11/2023 08:11

I do like ribena, but having it hot makes me gag, I find it so unpleasant - both the smell and the experience of drinking it warm.

I have no idea why but what I always seem to crave when I'm unwell are ham and cheese sandwiches on wholemeal bread and raspberries in jelly. Two things I don't eat otherwise at all but want the minute a cold turns up.

They have brought out Ribena Winter Spice which is meant to be made hot

IVFlife · 03/12/2023 23:46

JenniferBooth · 03/12/2023 23:40

They have brought out Ribena Winter Spice which is meant to be made hot

Show quote history

Winter spice is AMAZING. I NEED to find some locally

TroysMammy · 03/12/2023 23:48

Another one for hot Ribena. I can't drink it cold for some reason.

Redglitter · 03/12/2023 23:49

Can't stand hot ribena. Cold ribena however is a different story. That along side Heinz chicken & mushroom soup with plain bread & a load of butter. Sheer heaven

1fluffydoodle · 04/12/2023 00:09

Hot lemonade is indeed the fizzy drink heated up ..... it's a go to in our house when you're bunged up and have a sore throat.The sugary one not sugar free.Alternating with hot Ribena.

wobblyweasel · 04/12/2023 00:14

Hot Ribena is my go to drink when I'm feeling rough, the full sugar one, the low calorie version is ghastly shite! The Ribena Winter Spice is also lovely.

Pashazade · 04/12/2023 08:34

I think they've increased the amount of water in the Ribena cordial too as I remember it being a syrup basically and now it pours like any other cordial. (Although I guess switching out some of the sugar for sweetener may do that too)
I'll shall try the hot lemonade! Apparently hot drinks with paracetamol is just as effective as lemsip!

lollipoprainbow · 04/12/2023 11:06

Pashazade · 04/12/2023 08:34

I think they've increased the amount of water in the Ribena cordial too as I remember it being a syrup basically and now it pours like any other cordial. (Although I guess switching out some of the sugar for sweetener may do that too)
I'll shall try the hot lemonade! Apparently hot drinks with paracetamol is just as effective as lemsip!

I remember it being really syrupy and luscious and only needing a small amount.

Jellycatspyjamas · 04/12/2023 11:16

@Pashazade i find a Beechams powder followed by a hot drink is the most effective cold remedy, lemsip makes me feel sickly.

NewbieTwentyFour · 04/12/2023 11:19

Hot Ribena/Vimto and chicken noodles. Probably not together, though.

IWishIWasABaller · 04/12/2023 11:20

Original luzozade for me , I remember people bringing it to hospital for me when I was little with the glass bottle wrapped in crinkly cellophane. Also hot 7up is an Irish mammys go to drink for when people are sick

Original poster
CharliesAngles · 04/12/2023 13:29

@IVFlife I need to head out to the shops later so I will be on the look out for some.
Looks like I need to pick up some lemonade and lucozade too, and give them a go.

Thanks for all the recommendations everyone, hope anyone who was also feeling rotten is on the mend!

OP posts:
SomersetBrie · 04/12/2023 13:40

Winter spice ribena was heaven on earth until sweeteners.
Someone mentioned Rock's blackcurrant cordial upthread.
This is my go-to now, not as nice as ribena was but best thing I have found.
(Not ill at the moment but might just have one now for preventative reasons)

DeanElderberry · 04/12/2023 13:46

For a cold, cough, or sore throat, a teaspoonful of honey and a capful of cider vinegar ('with the mother') topped up with boiling water. Tastes much nicer than it sounds - actually, make that just tastes very nice, and very comforting. Someone on another site explained the science - the acidity slowing down infection in the throat and the honey keeping it lubricated. Good stuff, anyway.

With or without sliced garlic for added antiseptic properties.

DeanElderberry · 04/12/2023 13:47

I got some Swedish blackcurrant cordial in Lidl earlier in the year, it's like real before-times Ribena only more so.

deadassjackie · 04/12/2023 14:12

Squirrelsnut · 25/11/2023 08:23

You can buy normal Ribena or the repulsive low sugar stuff. The normal one is as good as ever.

Sadly it isn't as it has reduced sugar and more sweetener.

I too used to turn to hot ribena when I was poorly but it's just horrible now.

I have found that the Bottle Green Spiced Berry cordial is a good replacement.

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