Does Dash Water Count as Water? The Ultimate Hydration Answer

November 17, 2025 •

2 min read

Studies have shown that sparkling water hydrates the body just as effectively as still water, according to sources like CNN and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. This is good news for consumers wondering, does Dash water count as water? The simple answer is yes, offering a tasty, naturally-flavored alternative to regular H2O.

Quick Summary

Dash sparkling water hydrates the body as effectively as still water, providing a calorie-free, sugar-free alternative. Made with just spring water, natural bubbles, and infused with wonky fruit extracts, it offers a refreshing taste while supporting daily fluid intake.

Key Points

Just as Hydrating: Research confirms that sparkling water hydrates the body just as effectively as still, plain water.
Simple Ingredients: Dash Water contains only spring water, carbonation, and real wonky fruit extracts—no sugar, no sweeteners, and no calories.
A Healthy Alternative: It serves as an excellent replacement for sugary sodas and juices, helping to reduce calorie and sugar intake.
Low Acidity: Dash Water is significantly less acidic than most sugary fizzy drinks, posing a very low risk to dental health.
Eco-Friendly Choice: The brand uses 'wonky' fruit that would otherwise go to waste, supporting sustainability and reducing food waste.
Encourages Intake: For those who dislike plain water, the fun fizz and subtle flavor can encourage drinking more throughout the day.

The question of whether flavored sparkling drinks like Dash Water provide genuine hydration is a common one. While often viewed differently than plain water, the physiological impact on your body is what truly matters. As long as a beverage consists primarily of water and lacks dehydrating agents like high sugar or alcohol, it contributes positively to your fluid balance. Dash Water, which uses spring water, carbon dioxide, and natural fruit extracts, falls firmly into the hydrating category.

The Science of Carbonation and Hydration

Sparkling water is water infused with carbon dioxide gas. Research indicates that the carbonation doesn't hinder water absorption, showing that sparkling and still water hydrate equally well. Some find the fizz enhances the drinking experience, potentially leading to increased overall fluid intake.

Why Dash Water is a Great Hydration Choice

Dash Water stands out for its simple, clean ingredients: spring water, carbon dioxide, and natural fruit extracts. Crucially, it contains no sugar, artificial sweeteners, or calories. The fruit flavor comes from 'wonky' or misshapen produce, supporting efforts to reduce food waste.

Dental Health Considerations

Sparkling water is slightly more acidic than still water due to dissolved CO2. However, the acidity is much lower than sugary sodas, and studies suggest plain sparkling water poses minimal risk to tooth enamel. Dash Water's pH is between 2.9-3.4, while many sodas are 2.4-2.7. The absence of sugar is key for dental health.

Dash Water vs. Tap Water and Soda: A Comparison

{Link: Quora https://www.quora.com/Does-sparkling-water-hydrate-better-than-regular-water} provides a comparison of Dash Water, tap water, and regular soda, considering factors like hydration effectiveness, added sugar, calories, sweeteners, acidity (pH), flavor, and dental risk.

Benefits of Choosing Dash Water for Hydration

Choosing Dash Water for hydration offers several benefits. It can encourage better hydration for those who dislike plain water due to its subtle flavor and effervescence. As a healthy alternative to sugary drinks, it provides a fizzy, flavorful experience without sugar or calories. Its zero-calorie and sugar-free profile supports a healthy lifestyle. The company also aids sustainability by using 'wonky' fruit and holds a B Corp certification for ethical practices. Dash Water features clean and simple ingredients: spring water, bubbles, and real wonky fruit extract. While hydrating, the carbonation may cause temporary bloating in some individuals.

Although less acidic than sugary sodas, it's slightly more acidic than still water, which might be a minor consideration for those with sensitive teeth. Overall, these are small considerations that don't diminish its hydrating value for most people.

To learn more about the general benefits of sparkling water, read this detailed article: 12 Sparkling Water Benefits.

Conclusion

Dash water absolutely counts as water. It provides effective hydration equivalent to still water, enhanced with natural flavor and carbonation without added sugar, calories, or artificial ingredients. It's a healthy, refreshing, and sustainable option for meeting daily fluid needs, serving as an excellent alternative to sugary drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dash water is spring water infused with carbon dioxide gas for fizz and naturally flavored with extracts from 'wonky' fruit. Regular water is still and unflavored. Both are equally hydrating, but Dash provides a refreshing taste without added sugar or calories.

No, the carbonation in sparkling water, including Dash, does not negatively affect hydration. The body processes the water component just as it would with still water, and studies show it is just as effective for hydration.

No. Dash Water's website clearly states that their products contain no sugar, no sweeteners, and no calories. The flavor comes solely from the infused wonky fruit extracts.

Plain sparkling water like Dash is not considered bad for your teeth. While slightly more acidic than still water, it is far less erosive than sugary sodas, and the lack of sugar minimizes the risk of tooth decay.

Yes, absolutely. Since Dash water contains no sugar or artificial sweeteners, it is a safe and suitable drink for diabetics who need to monitor their blood sugar levels.

The flavor in Dash water is derived from the natural extracts of 'wonky' fruits and vegetables. This process allows them to capture the taste without incorporating sugar or calories.

For some individuals, the carbonation in sparkling water can cause a temporary feeling of fullness or bloating. This is a personal sensitivity and does not impact the water's hydrating properties.