Aquafina's Sodium-Free Promise
Aquafina is a purified drinking water, meaning its water is sourced from municipal supplies and then extensively treated to remove impurities. A key part of this process is the removal of total dissolved solids (TDS), which include minerals and salts like sodium. Aquafina does not add any sodium or minerals back into the water after purification, unlike some other brands. For this reason, the brand's nutrition facts consistently list 0mg of sodium per serving.
The HydRO-7 Purification Process
Aquafina's signature purification process is called HydRO-7. This rigorous, seven-step system is designed to remove a wide range of dissolved solids and organic compounds to create a product with a consistently pure taste. The removal of these elements is what ensures the water is sodium-free.
Here is a breakdown of the key steps in the purification process:
- Prefiltration: Initial filters remove larger particles and debris from the water source.
- Polishing Filter: This step catches any smaller particles that were missed during the initial filtration.
- Activated Carbon: Carbon filtration removes chlorine, a common water disinfectant, which improves the water's taste and odor.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): This is the core purification stage, where water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane. The RO membrane has very small pores that effectively remove 98% or more of dissolved solids, including salts like sodium and chloride.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Light & Ozonation: These advanced sterilization methods are used to eliminate any remaining bacteria or microorganisms, acting as an extra layer of safety.
Nutritional Comparison: Aquafina vs. Other Water Types
Understanding the difference between purified water like Aquafina and other water types can clarify why sodium levels vary so much. Aquafina, with its near-zero TDS, is at one end of the spectrum, while mineral water or tap water can have higher mineral and sodium content.
| Feature | Aquafina (Purified Water) | Spring Water | Municipal Tap Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Public water sources | Underground spring formations | Public water systems |
| Processing | Extensive purification (e.g., HydRO-7, RO) | Minimal filtration to remove contaminants | Treated and filtered by municipality |
| Sodium Content | 0 mg per serving | Varies significantly depending on source | Varies depending on location; generally higher than Aquafina |
| Mineral Content | Near-zero TDS (average ~4 ppm) | Retains naturally occurring minerals | Retains some minerals, dependent on source and treatment |
| Taste Profile | Neutral, clean taste | Unique taste profile based on mineral content | Can vary significantly, sometimes with a chlorine aftertaste |
The Flavor Profile of Purified Water
Some consumers report a distinct taste with purified waters like Aquafina. This isn't due to added chemicals but rather the absence of minerals. Water that has gone through extensive purification, like reverse osmosis, has a neutral flavor profile because the dissolved solids have been removed. This contrasts with the taste of spring water, which gets its flavor from the minerals it picks up from the ground. A person's preference for either a neutral or mineral-rich taste is entirely subjective. For those who find the taste of their tap water unpleasant due to chlorine or other minerals, Aquafina's neutral taste is a key selling point.
Conclusion: The Absence of Sodium is Intentional
In summary, Aquafina does not put sodium in its water. The brand's state-of-the-art HydRO-7 purification process, which includes reverse osmosis, is specifically designed to remove sodium and other dissolved solids to produce water that is as pure as possible. The result is a consistently clean-tasting product with 0mg of sodium per serving, as confirmed by its nutrition facts. While some international or different product variations may differ, the standard US Aquafina is reliably sodium-free. For more information on their process, you can consult the official PepsiCo FAQ page.
