Is Dasani a Good Bottled Water to Drink?

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

Owned by The Coca-Cola Company, Dasani water begins as municipal tap water that is then purified using a multi-step process. So, is Dasani a good bottled water to drink, or does its origin and formulation raise questions for consumers?

Quick Summary

Dasani is purified municipal tap water enhanced with a proprietary mineral blend for a consistent taste, though it faces criticism regarding its additives, acidic pH, and environmental footprint.

Key Points

Purified Tap Water: Dasani is purified municipal tap water, not spring water, and is processed using methods like reverse osmosis.
Mineral Additives: Minerals are added for a consistent taste, which some describe as salty or bitter.
Slightly Acidic pH: With a pH around 5.6, Dasani is slightly acidic, which can affect taste.
Microplastic Concerns: Like many bottled waters, Dasani has been found to contain microplastics.
Environmental Impact: Single-use plastic bottles make Dasani a less sustainable choice compared to filtered tap water.
Health Benefits: While safe, Dasani does not offer significant health benefits over tap water; its main advantage is hydration.

Understanding the Dasani Water Source and Purification

Unlike natural spring waters, Dasani is not sourced from a spring or specific aquifer, but from local municipal tap water supplies. The Coca-Cola Company employs an extensive multi-barrier treatment system for purification.

This system includes:

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filtration: Removes impurities and chlorine.
Reverse Osmosis (RO): Filters out dissolved minerals and contaminants.
Ultraviolet (UV) Light Disinfection: Destroys microorganisms.
Ozonation: A final disinfection step using ozone gas.

The Role of Added Minerals and Taste Profile

After purification, Dasani adds a blend of minerals for taste consistency. While the company states these are for flavor, critics suggest the added salt could increase thirst. This results in a taste profile that consumers often find polarizing.

The Slightly Acidic pH

Dasani typically has a pH around 5.6, making it slightly acidic. This can impact taste and potentially affect those with sensitive stomachs or contribute to dental enamel wear over time for frequent consumers.

Controversies and Public Perception

Dasani faced a significant issue in the UK in 2004 when its launch was halted due to excessive bromate levels in a batch. More recently, like many bottled water brands, Dasani has been found to contain microplastics from the packaging process, raising concerns about potential health effects and challenging the idea that bottled water is inherently purer than tap water. The brand also faces criticism regarding the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles.

Dasani vs. Other Water Options

Here is a comparison of Dasani with other common water types:


Feature	Dasani	Tap Water	Natural Spring Water	Filtered Tap Water
Source	Municipal Tap Water	Public Water System	Naturally occurring springs	Public Water System
Purification	Reverse Osmosis, UV, Ozonation	Regulated by EPA; municipal treatment	Minimal processing; natural filtration	Home filtration system (e.g., carbon filter, RO)
Mineral Content	Added proprietary blend	Varies by location; naturally occurring	Naturally occurring; varies by source	Varies based on filter type
Taste Profile	Consistent, but controversial (can be perceived as metallic or salty)	Varies widely; can have chlorine taste	Distinct, often smoother taste	Varies; cleaner than unfiltered tap
Cost	High	Very Low	Varies; often premium priced	Low to moderate initial investment
Environmental Impact	High (plastic bottles, transportation)	Low	High (bottles, transportation)	Low (reusable bottle)

Health and Environmental Considerations

While Dasani's additives are generally considered safe in small amounts, questions about the effects of demineralized water and microplastic exposure persist. The primary health benefit is simply hydration. Environmentally, single-use plastic bottles are a significant concern. Choosing reusable bottles with filtered tap water is the more sustainable option.

Conclusion: Is Dasani a Good Choice for You?

Deciding if Dasani is a "good" water depends on personal preferences. It offers convenience and consistent taste. However, if taste is a concern, or if you prioritize environmental impact and the source of your water, alternatives like natural spring water or filtered tap water might be better choices. Understanding the purification process and environmental implications of bottled water helps in making an informed decision.

For additional information, you can consult the official {Link: Coca-Cola.com https://www.coca-cola.com/us/en/media-center/DASANI-water-quality-report}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dasani is sourced from local municipal tap water supplies and not from natural springs. This water is then purified through reverse osmosis and other treatments.

The polarizing taste of Dasani is often attributed to the proprietary blend of minerals added after purification. Some consumers report a slightly salty, metallic, or chemical taste.

Dasani water does not have intentionally added fluoride in the U.S. market. The purification process of reverse osmosis effectively removes fluoride, though trace amounts might be present depending on the source.

Moderate consumption of Dasani is not harmful to healthy kidneys. However, excessive reliance on any demineralized water (like Dasani) could potentially affect the body's electrolyte balance over time, so those with kidney issues should consult a doctor.

Dasani water has a pH of approximately 5.6, which is slightly acidic.

Dasani uses PET plastic bottles. Studies have found microplastics and nanoplastics in bottled water, including Dasani, likely from the packaging process.

Yes, Dasani is a brand of bottled water owned by The Coca-Cola Company.