Dispelling the Myth: Why does Walmart put baking soda in water?

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

While baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a common household product, the viral inquiry, 'Why does Walmart put baking soda in water?', is rooted in a misconception, as there is no evidence the retailer adds this ingredient to its private-label water. This confusion likely stems from the broader alkaline water trend, where some brands deliberately add sodium bicarbonate to adjust their product's pH level. This article clarifies the distinction between marketing claims and nutritional reality, detailing the reasons some water is alkalinized and the potential health implications, good and bad.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies that Walmart does not add baking soda to its water products; rather, some bottled water brands do to achieve alkalinity, a practice with disputed health benefits and notable health risks when consumed excessively.

Key Points

Misconception Debunked: Walmart does not add baking soda to its water; this is a viral myth stemming from the broader alkaline water trend.
Alkalinity is the Goal: Some bottled water brands add sodium bicarbonate to raise the pH level, creating alkaline water.
Limited Scientific Evidence: Many health benefits claimed for alkaline water, such as cancer prevention, lack robust scientific backing.
High Sodium Content is a Risk: Consuming large amounts of baking soda water can lead to excessive sodium intake, which is risky for individuals with high blood pressure or kidney issues.
Potential for Digestive Distress: Overconsumption can cause negative side effects, including bloating, nausea, and, in severe cases, metabolic alkalosis.
Small Amounts for Indigestion: Sodium bicarbonate is an effective, temporary antacid for some, but it should not be used as a long-term dietary habit without medical guidance.

Setting the Record Straight on Walmart and Baking Soda in Water

Contrary to popular belief circulating online, Walmart, as a retailer, does not have a policy of adding baking soda to its private-label bottled water products. The rumor likely originates from the widespread practice of some bottled water brands that add sodium bicarbonate to achieve a higher pH, marketing it as "alkaline water". The perception may also be fueled by people purchasing baking soda from Walmart and adding it to their own water, mistakenly attributing this behavior to the company itself. For consumers, understanding the reasons behind this practice in the bottled water industry is key to making informed dietary choices.

Why Some Brands Add Sodium Bicarbonate

The primary reason some beverage companies add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is to increase the water's alkalinity. The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, with a pH of 7 being neutral. Alkaline water typically has a pH between 8 and 9. This process can be achieved artificially by adding minerals like sodium bicarbonate. Specific reasons include:

Flavor Profile: Some people prefer the taste of alkaline water, which can be less acidic and have a smoother mouthfeel than regular tap or purified water.
Marketing Strategy: The health and wellness industry frequently promotes alkaline water, and adding baking soda is a simple way for brands to produce and market their own version of the product.
Water Treatment: On a more functional level, sodium bicarbonate can be added during water treatment to balance the water's pH, particularly if the source water is acidic and corrosive. It can also help to soften hard water.

Disputed Health Claims: What Does Science Say?

The marketing of alkaline water often includes a variety of health claims, ranging from improving hydration to fighting disease. It's crucial to examine these claims based on scientific evidence, not marketing hype.

Commonly Alleged Benefits:

Neutralizing Stomach Acid: Baking soda is a known antacid, so a baking soda and water mixture can temporarily neutralize excess stomach acid and relieve symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
Boosting Exercise Performance: Some athletes consume sodium bicarbonate to improve performance during high-intensity, short-duration exercise by buffering lactic acid buildup.
Slowing Chronic Kidney Disease: Some studies suggest sodium bicarbonate may slow the progression of chronic kidney disease, but more rigorous research is needed.
Reducing Inflammation: Limited and short-term studies have shown potential anti-inflammatory effects in animals and humans, but this is not enough evidence to recommend it as a treatment.

It's important to recognize that robust scientific evidence is often lacking for many of these claims, particularly those related to chronic disease prevention or long-term health benefits.

Risks and Considerations of Excessive Intake

While small amounts of baking soda for occasional indigestion are generally safe for most healthy adults, excessive or frequent consumption carries significant risks, primarily due to its high sodium content.

Potential Risks:

Electrolyte Imbalance: The high sodium content can disrupt the body's electrolyte balance, which is particularly risky for individuals with pre-existing conditions like hypertension or kidney disease.
Digestive Issues: Excessive intake can cause gastrointestinal distress, including bloating, gas, nausea, and stomach cramps.
Metabolic Alkalosis: In rare and severe cases of overdose, consuming too much baking soda can lead to a life-threatening condition called metabolic alkalosis, where the body's blood pH becomes too alkaline.
Kidney Strain: The high sodium load can put a strain on the kidneys, especially for those with compromised kidney function.
Medication Interference: Sodium bicarbonate can interfere with the absorption of certain medications, making them less effective.

Comparison of Water Types


Feature	Standard Tap/Purified Water	Artificially Alkalinized Water	Naturally Alkaline Water
pH Level	Typically around 7 (Neutral)	8-9 (Basic/Alkaline)	8+ (Basic/Alkaline)
Alkalinity Source	Natural mineral content (varies)	Added sodium bicarbonate or electrolysis	Naturally occurring alkaline minerals
Mineral Content	Varies by source	Can have added minerals; often from municipal sources	Rich in naturally dissolved minerals (e.g., calcium, magnesium)
Taste	Varies; often neutral	Often described as smoother	Mineral-rich taste
Health Claims	Generally none	Marketed with various wellness claims	Marketed with wellness claims, often associated with mineral content
Potential Risks	Minimal (if treated properly)	High sodium intake with excess consumption	Minimal (monitor mineral content for specific health needs)

Conclusion: The Myth and the Reality

The belief that Walmart adds baking soda to its water is a myth, likely a misunderstanding of the broader trend of artificially alkalinizing bottled water. While some brands do this for marketing and flavor, and there are limited, short-term benefits (like temporary indigestion relief) for some individuals, the practice is not without risks, especially concerning excessive sodium intake. Consumers are best served by focusing on a balanced diet with proper hydration, rather than relying on unproven wellness trends. As always, for specific health concerns or before significantly altering your diet, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure your wellness routine is both safe and effective.

For more information on the benefits and potential risks of sodium bicarbonate consumption, consult a trusted medical resource like the National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682001.html

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not true. There is no evidence that Walmart adds baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, to its private-label bottled water products. The idea is a misconception that has likely spread through social media.

Some brands add sodium bicarbonate to raise the water's pH level, making it alkaline. This is often done for marketing purposes, appealing to consumers interested in the alkaline water trend, or to adjust the water's flavor profile.

Alleged benefits include neutralizing stomach acid to relieve indigestion, improving athletic performance, and potentially slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease. However, many of these claims are not strongly supported by scientific evidence.

In small, occasional doses for temporary relief of indigestion, it can be safe for many healthy adults. However, excessive or frequent consumption is not recommended and carries risks due to its high sodium content.

Consuming too much baking soda can lead to digestive issues like bloating and nausea. More seriously, due to its high sodium content, it can cause electrolyte imbalances, especially in people with high blood pressure or kidney problems. A severe overdose can even cause metabolic alkalosis.

No, there is no reliable scientific evidence to support the claim that drinking alkaline water helps with weight loss. This is one of the unsupported wellness claims associated with the trend.

You should not do this regularly without consulting a healthcare professional. For temporary relief of acid indigestion, a very small amount is sometimes used, but relying on this as a regular dietary supplement is risky due to the high sodium content and potential for side effects.