What is Liquid Death?
Founded in 2017 by Mike Cessario, Liquid Death is a beverage company known for its humorous, edgy, and metal-inspired marketing. The company's initial mission was to make the "healthiest thing you can drink"—water—feel more like a rebellious beverage, similar to beer. By packaging water in infinitely recyclable tallboy cans, the brand appeals to a younger, alternative audience while promoting its "Death to Plastic" message.
Beyond its core product of still mountain water, Liquid Death has expanded its lineup to include flavored sparkling waters, iced teas, and an electrolyte mix called "Death Dust". This expansion means that the answer to whether Liquid Death is healthy is no longer a simple 'yes' or 'no' but depends entirely on the specific product being consumed.
Plain Mountain and Sparkling Water: A Healthy Hydration Choice
The most straightforward and healthy options in the Liquid Death portfolio are its plain mountain water and unflavored sparkling water. These products are exactly what they claim to be: water sourced from deep underground mountain sources.
Key health benefits of the unflavored products include:
- Zero Calories and Sugar: Both the still and unflavored sparkling waters contain no calories, sugar, or other additives, making them an excellent choice for pure hydration.
- Essential Minerals: The mountain water naturally contains a mineral profile that includes electrolytes, which can aid in hydration.
- BPA-Free Cans: By using aluminum cans instead of plastic bottles, the company avoids the potential health risks associated with BPA found in some plastic packaging.
Flavored Sparkling Water: A Healthier, but Not Perfect, Alternative
Liquid Death's flavored sparkling waters, with names like "Severed Lime" and "Grave Fruit," position themselves as a healthier alternative to traditional soda. While they are indeed a better choice than sugary soft drinks, they are not as pure as the plain water varieties.
Ingredients to consider in the flavored sparkling waters:
- Added Sugar: Each flavored can contains a small amount of added agave nectar, along with stevia leaf extract for sweetness. This adds a few calories and a small amount of sugar, which should be noted by those monitoring their intake.
- Citric Acid: Citric acid is used as a flavor enhancer and preservative. Excessive consumption of citric acid, especially in combination with carbonation, can potentially erode tooth enamel over time.
- "Natural Flavors": The flavored waters list "natural flavors" as an ingredient. The lack of specificity means the exact components are unknown, which can be a concern for some consumers.
Iced Teas and Electrolyte Mix: The Least Healthy Options
For those seeking the pinnacle of health from Liquid Death, the iced teas and Death Dust are the least advisable choices. These products stray furthest from the core mission of selling pure water.
Key health considerations for these products:
- Added Sugars: Both the iced teas and Death Dust contain agave nectar, with the electrolyte mix having a significantly higher sugar and sodium count to aid in absorption.
- Vitamins and Caffeine: The iced teas include added B vitamins and a moderate dose of caffeine. While vitamins are generally good, experts argue that supplementation is unnecessary without a deficiency.
- Higher Calorie Count: With added sugars and vitamins, the iced teas and Death Dust are the only Liquid Death products that significantly increase calorie intake.
Plain vs. Flavored vs. Teas: A Nutritional Comparison
| Feature | Plain Mountain Water | Flavored Sparkling Water | Iced Tea | Electrolyte Mix (Death Dust) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 0 | 10-20 per can | ~30 per can | ~35 per serving |
| Sugar | 0g | 2-4g per can | ~6g per can | ~8g per serving |
| Sodium | Minimal | ~10mg per can | ~15mg per can | ~300mg per serving |
| Carbonation | Still or Sparkling | Sparkling | None | None (mixed with water) |
| Best For | Pure hydration, daily drinking | Flavorful soda alternative | Moderate energy boost | Post-intense workout recovery |
Understanding the Edgy Marketing
Liquid Death's branding is a masterclass in irony and humor. By packaging water in metal cans with a sinister theme, the company targets consumers who are typically attracted to unhealthy energy drinks and alcohol, offering them a healthier alternative. This marketing approach, while successful and entertaining, is meant to stand out rather than highlight specific health merits, and some of the more aggressive claims are purely for entertainment.
The Truth Behind "Mountain Water"
The brand originally sourced its water from the Austrian Alps, but labels now indicate sourcing from US locations like Virginia or Idaho. While the water is still sourced from a mountain aquifer, as the brand claims, this aspect is more about marketing a premium, pure image than a significant nutritional difference from high-quality tap water.
Conclusion: So, Is Liquid Death Healthy?
Whether Liquid Death is a truly healthy choice depends on the specific product and your health goals. The unflavored still and sparkling waters are genuinely healthy, providing pure, zero-calorie hydration and a greener alternative to plastic bottles. However, as the product line expands, the health halo becomes less clear.
The flavored sparkling waters contain a small amount of sugar and citric acid, making them a better alternative to sugary sodas but still not as healthy as plain water. The iced teas and electrolyte powders are the least healthy options due to higher sugar and added ingredients. As with any beverage, it is important to read the nutritional facts carefully. Overall, if you stick to the plain water, Liquid Death is a healthy, if expensive, option. But for optimal health, hydration, and cost-effectiveness, tap or filtered water is always the best choice. For more on dental health, the American Dental Association offers expert resources on consumption of acidic beverages like sparkling water.
