Is Dasani a Mineral Water? Understanding Purified Water vs. Natural Mineral Water

By definition, Dasani is not a mineral water, but a purified drinking water enhanced with minerals. The crucial distinction lies in its origin, as Dasani begins as municipal tap water rather than being sourced from a natural, protected underground spring. This intensive purification and re-mineralization process fundamentally separates it from what is legally and scientifically considered natural mineral water.

Quick Summary

Dasani is a purified bottled water, not a mineral water. It is sourced from municipal tap water, undergoes a rigorous reverse osmosis purification process, and then has a custom blend of minerals added for consistent taste.

Key Points

• Dasani is Purified, Not Mineral Water: Dasani is made from municipal tap water that has been purified, not sourced from a natural mineral spring.

• Intensive Purification Process: Dasani undergoes several purification steps, including reverse osmosis and ozonation, to remove impurities.

• Minerals Added for Taste: After purification, a blend of minerals like magnesium sulfate and potassium chloride is added to Dasani for a consistent flavor profile.

• Different from Natural Mineral Water: True mineral water must originate from a protected underground source with naturally occurring mineral content.

• Taste is Subjective: While some find Dasani's taste artificial or salty due to added minerals, others describe it as crisp.

Dasani: The Purified Water Process

Dasani is a brand of bottled water owned by the Coca-Cola Company, and its identity is often misunderstood. It is classified as purified water, not natural mineral water, because its source and treatment process are fundamentally different. Unlike a natural mineral water, which derives its mineral content from a specific geological location, Dasani begins as water from local municipal supplies. This water is then put through a multi-step purification system to ensure consistent quality and taste in every bottle, regardless of the initial source.

The Dasani purification process is a precise, multi-stage operation. It is designed to strip the source water of all impurities and contaminants before rebuilding a consistent taste profile. This is why it is often described as “enhanced” water rather than naturally mineral-rich. The key steps include:

• Granular Activated Carbon Filtration: This initial step uses hardened charcoal to absorb chlorine and volatile organic compounds from the water.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO): Often called the most important step

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary source of Dasani water?

Dasani water is sourced from local municipal tap water supplies.

Does Dasani naturally contain minerals?

No, Dasani's natural minerals are removed during purification, and a blend is artificially added back for taste.

Why does Dasani use reverse osmosis?

Reverse osmosis is a key purification step in making Dasani, removing minerals and impurities from the source water.

What minerals are added to Dasani water?

Minerals added to Dasani typically include magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, and a small amount of salt (sodium chloride).

How does Dasani's processing compare to natural mineral water?

Natural mineral water has minimal processing and is bottled at the source, preserving natural mineral content. Dasani undergoes extensive purification and re-mineralization.

Is Dasani safe to drink?

Yes, Dasani is considered safe to drink as it undergoes rigorous purification and is regulated by authorities like the FDA.

Does Dasani contain microplastics?

Studies have detected microplastics in many bottled water brands, including Dasani, often believed to come from packaging.