Understanding the pH Scale and Water
To answer the question, "Is smart water actually alkaline?," it is crucial to understand the pH scale. The pH scale measures how acidic or basic (alkaline) a substance is, with a range from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, with anything below being acidic and anything above being alkaline. For reference, pure water is typically a neutral 7.0 pH. Smartwater, a product of the Coca-Cola company, actually sells different varieties of its bottled water, which is where the confusion lies.
The Standard Smartwater: Not Alkaline
The original, standard Smartwater is not alkaline. It begins as vapor-distilled water, which is a process inspired by the hydrologic cycle. This distillation removes almost all impurities, as well as naturally occurring minerals, resulting in a clean, crisp taste. After distillation, a proprietary blend of electrolytes—calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium bicarbonate—are added back for flavor. A test of standard Smartwater showed it to have a pH around 6.7, which is slightly acidic but very close to neutral. It is important to know that this process does not make the standard version alkaline.
The Smartwater Alkaline Variety: Ionized for a High pH
For consumers seeking a higher pH, Smartwater offers a separate product line specifically labeled as "smartwater alkaline." This variety is also vapor-distilled for purity, but it goes through an additional step: it is ionized to achieve a pH of 9.5+. Like the standard version, it also has electrolytes added for taste. The distinct branding clearly differentiates it from the standard product, ensuring consumers know they are purchasing a specifically alkaline water. This version is the one that is actually alkaline, a characteristic achieved through the ionization process rather than being naturally occurring.
How Alkalinity is Achieved in Bottled Water
The alkalinity in Smartwater Alkaline is not natural; it is created intentionally through a specific manufacturing process. After the initial vapor distillation purifies the water, minerals are ionized and added back in. These are not just any minerals, but specific compounds like potassium bicarbonate and calcium chloride that help raise the water's pH level. In contrast, some naturally sourced alkaline waters draw their higher pH from mineral deposits in the spring water itself. The key takeaway is that Smartwater's alkalinity comes from a controlled process, not from its source.
The Science Behind Alkaline Water: Separating Fact from Marketing
While Smartwater markets its alkaline product for daily fitness and hydration, the scientific community remains cautious about the purported health benefits of alkaline water. Many of the claims, such as slowing the aging process or preventing chronic disease, are not conclusively backed by science. Some research suggests very limited evidence to either support or disprove the promotion of alkaline water for health benefits. The body has robust mechanisms, primarily the kidneys and lungs, to maintain a stable pH balance in the blood, so consuming alkaline water is unlikely to have a significant effect on overall body pH. It is best to view alkaline water as a hydration choice rather than a cure-all. For antioxidants, many dietitians recommend getting them from whole foods rather than isolated additives in water.
Comparison Table: Smartwater Varieties vs. Tap Water
| Feature | Standard Smartwater | Smartwater Alkaline | Typical Tap Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Municipal tap water | Municipal tap water | Local municipal water source |
| Purification | Vapor distillation | Vapor distillation & ionization | Filtration and chlorination |
| Final pH Level | ~6.7-7.0 (Slightly Acidic/Neutral) | 9.5+ (Alkaline) | Varies by location (~6.5-8.5) |
| Added Ingredients | Electrolytes for taste | Ionized electrolytes & antioxidant selenium | Fluoride, trace minerals, chlorine |
| Primary Benefit | Pure, crisp taste | Higher pH with antioxidant | Hydration and access to minerals |
| Cost | Premium bottled water pricing | Premium bottled water pricing | Lowest cost |
The Smartwater Production Process: A Step-by-Step Look
- Source: The journey of Smartwater begins with municipal tap water.
- Vapor Distillation: The tap water is heated to become vapor, leaving behind contaminants, dissolved solids, and other impurities.
- Condensation: The clean water vapor is then cooled to condense back into pure liquid form.
- Proprietary Filtration: The distilled water undergoes a second, proprietary filtration stage for further purification.
- Electrolyte Addition: For the standard product, a blend of electrolytes like calcium chloride and potassium bicarbonate is added for taste. For the alkaline variety, ionized electrolytes and an antioxidant (selenium) are introduced.
- Ionization (Alkaline Version Only): The Smartwater Alkaline product undergoes a special process to ionize the minerals and elevate the pH to 9.5+.
Conclusion: Standard vs. Alkaline
In conclusion, whether smart water is actually alkaline depends entirely on which product you are holding. The standard Smartwater is a purified, neutral water with added electrolytes for taste. The Smartwater Alkaline variety, on the other hand, is specifically manufactured to have a higher pH of 9.5+ through an ionization process and added minerals. While the standard version is a simple, premium bottled water, the alkaline option is designed for those specifically seeking a higher pH beverage. It's not a universal trait of the brand, but a distinct product offering. Understanding this difference allows consumers to make an informed choice based on their hydration needs and preferences.
For more detailed information on smartwater products, visit the official Coca-Cola website.
