What is DASH Water?
DASH Water is a brand of flavoured sparkling water known for its simple ingredient list and its mission to reduce food waste. The product is made with three core components: carbonated spring water, bubbles, and natural fruit extracts derived from 'wonky' or surplus fruit that would otherwise be discarded. The brand is also a Certified B Corporation, which signifies a commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance. Available in flavours like lemon, raspberry, and grapefruit, DASH aims to provide a tasty, zero-calorie, and sugar-free alternative to traditional soft drinks.
The 'Wonky' Fruit Mission
The company's use of 'wonky' fruit is a central part of its brand identity and sustainability efforts. By sourcing imperfectly shaped or excess produce, DASH helps tackle the global issue of food waste. This not only contributes to a positive environmental impact but also ensures that the flavours are derived from real fruit, not artificial compounds or sugars.
Nutritional Profile: Zero Sugar, Zero Calories
From a nutritional standpoint, DASH water is a straightforward product. Unlike many other flavoured beverages on the market, it contains no sugar, no artificial sweeteners, and zero calories. A typical 330ml can has virtually no carbohydrates, proteins, or fats. This clean nutritional profile makes it a healthy choice for most diets, including keto and diabetes-friendly regimens. The subtle flavour is achieved purely through the fruit extracts, without the addition of natural sugars that can be present in fruit juice-based drinks.
Health Benefits and Considerations
Incorporating a drink like DASH water into your diet offers several potential health benefits, but it also has some considerations to keep in mind, similar to other sparkling waters.
Benefits of Drinking Infused Sparkling Water
- Promotes Hydration: As a beverage that is primarily water, DASH effectively contributes to your daily fluid intake. For those who find plain water boring, the subtle flavour can encourage increased hydration throughout the day.
- Aids Digestion: Research suggests that carbonated water may aid digestion and alleviate constipation. The bubbles can stimulate nerves responsible for digestion and may help improve swallowing ability in some individuals.
- Supports Weight Management: Choosing a zero-calorie, zero-sugar drink like DASH over sugary soft drinks can significantly reduce your daily calorie and sugar intake. This can be a key factor in supporting weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight. The carbonation may also increase feelings of fullness or satiety, potentially helping to reduce overall food consumption.
- Healthy Alternative to Sugary Drinks: For those looking to kick a soda habit, DASH provides the satisfying fizz and flavour without the associated health risks of high sugar intake, such as blood sugar spikes, tooth decay, and weight gain.
Potential Considerations
- Bloating and Gas: For some individuals, the carbonation in sparkling water can lead to gas and bloating. People with sensitive digestive systems or conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) might find that excessive sparkling water intake aggravates their symptoms.
- Dental Health: While not as detrimental as sugary sodas, sparkling water is slightly acidic due to the carbonation process. DASH products also contain citric acid as an acidity regulator. Over time, frequent consumption of acidic drinks can potentially contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to drink in moderation, use a straw, or rinse your mouth with plain water after consumption.
DASH Water vs. Other Beverages
When considering DASH water, it's helpful to see how it compares to other common drink choices. The table below provides a quick nutritional comparison.
| Feature | DASH Water (Flavoured) | Standard Soda (e.g., Cola) | Plain Sparkling Water | Diet Soda (artificially sweetened) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar | 0g | High (approx. 39g/12oz can) | 0g | 0g |
| Calories | 0 kcal | High (approx. 140 kcal/12oz can) | 0 kcal | 0 kcal |
| Sweeteners | None | High Fructose Corn Syrup | None | Artificial Sweeteners (e.g., Aspartame) |
| Ingredients | Spring Water, Bubbles, Real Fruit Extract | Carbonated Water, Sugar, Colouring, Phosphoric Acid | Water, Carbon Dioxide | Carbonated Water, Artificial Sweeteners, Flavouring |
| Sustainability | Uses 'wonky' fruit to reduce food waste | Low | Can be more sustainable if from local sources | Low |
| Digestion | Can aid digestion in some | Often contributes to bloating | Can aid digestion in some | Conflicting evidence on gut health |
Conclusion: Is DASH Water a Healthy Choice?
Ultimately, DASH Water is a healthy and sustainable choice for those seeking a flavourful, fizzy beverage. Its zero-calorie, zero-sugar, and zero-sweetener profile makes it a far superior option to traditional and even diet sodas, helping you stay hydrated without consuming empty calories or harmful additives. The use of real fruit extract and wonky produce is a standout feature that adds a positive ethical dimension to your purchasing decision. While it is not a replacement for plain water and comes with minor considerations like the slight acidity common to all carbonated drinks, it serves as an excellent, refreshing alternative. For most people, incorporating DASH Water into their daily routine is a positive step toward healthier and more sustainable beverage consumption.
How to get the most out of your DASH Water
- Use it as a soda alternative: It's a great way to satisfy a craving for fizz without the sugar and calories.
- Drink it chilled: Best served cold or over ice to maximize the refreshing flavour.
- Pair it with meals: Enjoy with food to help aid digestion.
- Consider a straw: If you are concerned about dental health, using a straw can help reduce contact with your teeth.
By being mindful of your individual health needs and considering it as one part of a balanced diet that still includes plenty of plain water, DASH Water can be a guilt-free and refreshing addition to your routine. For more information on sparkling water health benefits from an authoritative source, you can consult WebMD.
