have you tried prickly pear? | Free shipping over £20

have you tried prickly pear?

Cacto was born after Sam fell in love with the prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica). Amazed by its incredible flavour and refreshing feel, he compared its taste to strawberry and watermelon, but with a cool, mellow finish. Grown under the Sicilian sun, the fruit felt perfect for active hydration, morning refreshment and to be simply enjoyed as an everyday drink.

Today, we’re the UK’s first prickly pear drinks brand dedicated to celebrating this remarkable cactus fruit’s flavour, health benefits and planet-loving nature. Our multi-award-winning recipes contain meaningful amounts of real fruit purée, zero nasties, and premium Sicilian prickly pear for a true flavour you can trust.

Our Story

Cacto began with a discovery of flavour. The first time Sam tasted prickly pear fruit, he fell in love. Bright and refreshing, it quickly became his favourite fruit. As a consumer of coconut water for its hydration benefits, he quickly discovered this rare cactus fruit didn’t just taste better, it felt better too.

Not only did it taste great, it happens to be one of the most resourceful fruits on Earth. A flavour discovery turned into a life's passion and Sam set out to share this remarkable plant. Able to grow without irrigation or pesticides, and used for centuries for its medicinal properties, the prickly pear and quite literally evolved to hydrate® and was the perfect foundation for a new kind of drink. Working with sun-drenched farms of Sicily, famed for growing some of the world's finest fruits, Sam set out to do things the right way: the prickly pears are harvested at peak ripeness, puréed fresh on-site to deliver real fruit flavour.

Today, every batch of prickly pear used in our drinks has to pass Sam's seal of approval, reflecting his passion for his favourite fruit. We are proud to be The Real Cactus Water®. A planet loving, and refreshing alternative for healthier soft drinks.

  • Fresh Prickly Pear

  • Founder-Led Passion

  • Regenerative Farming

  • Clean, Simple Ingredients

  • Functional Hydration

  • Award-Winning Taste

  • 100% Recyclable Packaging

Why Prickly Pear?

Prickly pear cactus is nature’s water-efficient champion – thriving without irrigation or pesticides, capturing large amounts of carbon and regenerating soil as it grows. It’s rich in magnesium, vitamins C & E, antioxidants, fibre and essential fatty acids, making it a centuries-old remedy for hydration, recovery and overall balance. It is one of the most sustainable fruits on Earth and at the heart of the Cacto brand. Oh... And it's super tasty too.

Explore Our Flavours

Our range brings the vibrant spirit of prickly pear to life in three exciting blends - each made with real fruit purée and pure sparkling water. Whether you crave something crisp and classic or a tropical twist, there’s a Cacto to match your mood.

Flavour Line-Up

  • Original Prickly Pear Soda
     Pure, subtly sweet prickly pear purée meets gentle bubbles for a clean, refreshing sip.

  • Golden Pineapple Soda
     A sun-kissed fusion of prickly pear and ripe pineapple - think tropical refreshment with a cactus-driven twist.

  • Kiwi & Strawberry Soda
     Bright kiwi and juicy strawberry swirl around our signature prickly pear base for a playful, fruity finish.

  • White Peach Soda
    An origin recipe from the Southern States, Cacto's Prickly Pear & White Peach brings magical flavour to leave your taste buds grateful.

  • Original Cactus Water (STILL)
    Still, crisp and mightily refreshing, our original cactus water is light, mellow and perfect for everyday hydration.

FAQ

Cactus water? Sounds like it’s from another planet. Delicious, sustainable, and packed with natural goodness... It might as well be!

  • A naturally functional soft drink crafted from real prickly pear cactus fruit.

  • 'Cactus Water' is the common term for prickly pear fruit juice combined with water. The fruiting flower of a cactus plant. It is very popular in California and other parts of North & Central America as a lower calorie & lower sugar alternative to coconut water.

  • It is low in sugar & calories, a source of Fibre, Vitamin C and contains no added sugars or sweeteners.

  • This planet-positive cactus: can grow without water irrigation, no pesticides & captures carbon during CAM photosynthesis and soil-regenerating growth. Compared to other hydration options it requires far less water to grow than coconuts & cacao.

  • It is suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and free from all major allergens.

  • Family-run Mediterranean farms that use time-honoured, sun-powered methods – short supply chains, fewer emissions, and fruit that’s as good for the earth as it is for you.

  • We can locally in the UK using lightweight, fully recyclable cans and minimal packaging.

  • Often described as a subtly sweet watermelon our fresh prickly pear puree has a light but lasting flavour with a pleasant mouthfeel. It carries fruity notes of strawberry and watermelon with a refreshing citrusy finish.

  • Fear not... We use the deliciously pink, juicy fruits that grow on top of the prickly pear cactus plant, not the green pads that are busy capturing carbon dioxide from our atmosphere. These vibrant fruits are sweet, refreshing, and totally safe to sip (no gloves or tweezers required). Zero spikes. Just bold, beautiful flavour.

Cacto Drinks Company Ltd © 2026
Company No. 12444727
Registered in England & Wales
Registered Office / Food Business Operator:
PO Box 6047, Bath, BA1 0GP, UK
hello@cactodrinks.com