The Surprising Truth: Separate Companies, Rival Products
Aquafina and Dasani are two of the most recognizable bottled water brands in the United States, and their market presence often leads consumers to believe they might be related. However, this is not the case. Aquafina is owned by PepsiCo, and Dasani is owned by The Coca-Cola Company. These two brands are direct competitors, mirroring the long-standing rivalry between their parent companies in the soft drink market.
A Tale of Two Purification Processes
While both brands are purified, their specific processes are different, which accounts for the variations in their final product. Both start with municipal water and subject it to extensive treatment to remove impurities.
Aquafina's Hydro-7™ Process Aquafina uses a seven-step process known as Hydro-7™. This system is designed to strip the water of most total dissolved solids (TDS) for a 'purer' taste. The process includes:
- Initial filtration
- Deionization
- Activated carbon filtration
- Reverse osmosis
- Ozone sterilization
- UV light disinfection
- Polishing filtration
Dasani's Purification and Mineral Addition Dasani's process also involves rigorous filtration, including reverse osmosis. The key difference lies in the final step, where Dasani reintroduces a proprietary blend of minerals after purification. This unique mineral blend, which includes magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, and sodium chloride, is what gives Dasani its specific, and often debated, flavor profile.
Comparison Table: Aquafina vs. Dasani
| Feature | Aquafina | Dasani |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | PepsiCo | The Coca-Cola Company |
| Water Source | Municipal Water Supply | Municipal Water Supply |
| Purification Process | HydRO-7™, a 7-step process including reverse osmosis | Multi-barrier system with reverse osmosis and nano-filtration |
| Flavoring | No minerals added for flavor | Enhanced with a proprietary blend of minerals for taste |
| Key Characteristic | A very low TDS count, aiming for a neutral taste | Distinctive mineral-enhanced taste |
| Environmental Note | Reduced plastic packaging in 2009 | Bottles made with plant-derived plastic |
The Battle of the Bottled Waters: A Corporate Rivalry
The comparison between Aquafina and Dasani is more than a simple taste test; it's a reflection of the intense, decades-long competition between PepsiCo and Coca-Cola. When Aquafina was gaining ground in the bottled water market, Coca-Cola responded with the launch of Dasani. This market entry created a fierce competition for consumer loyalty in the purified water segment, with both companies using tap water as their source and focusing on marketing their purification processes and taste profiles.
The 'Tap Water' Controversy
Both brands have faced criticism over their use of municipal water sources. In 2007, amidst pressure from consumer groups, PepsiCo added a label to Aquafina bottles stating the water comes from a "public source". This move was seen as a step toward transparency, acknowledging the tap water origins that both brands share. Similarly, Dasani has also faced public scrutiny, particularly during its UK market entry in 2004, which led to an embarrassing recall and the brand's eventual withdrawal from that market. These incidents highlight the importance of brand transparency and the consumer perception of bottled water quality. For a more in-depth look at how various bottled waters are sourced and processed, AquaOx Water Filters offers an informative blog post.
Conclusion: Understanding the Distinction
Ultimately, the question, "Is Aquafina made by Dasani?" is a case of mistaken identity. The two brands are products of rival corporations, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, respectively. While they share a common starting point in municipal water, their proprietary purification methods and flavoring approaches create the distinct tastes and characteristics that define them. For the consumer, understanding these distinctions clarifies brand identities and explains the nuances behind their bottled water choices.
