What is Smartwater?
Smartwater is a brand of bottled water owned by Coca-Cola that is purified through a process called vapor distillation. The source water for smartwater is British spring water, but it undergoes an intense industrial process that strips away both impurities and naturally occurring minerals. After this rigorous distillation, a blend of electrolytes—specifically potassium, magnesium, and calcium—is added back to the water to improve the taste. The company markets this process with phrases like "inspired by the clouds," playing on the natural water cycle to highlight its purification.
The process behind smartwater
- Source Collection: The process begins with spring water, which contains a variety of dissolved minerals and solids.
- Vapor Distillation: The water is boiled until it turns into steam, leaving nearly all contaminants and minerals behind.
- Condensation: The steam is then captured and cooled, condensing it back into liquid, which is now considered highly pure and essentially devoid of minerals.
- Proprietary Filtration: The vapor-distilled water undergoes a secondary, proprietary filtration to further ensure purity.
- Re-mineralization: Finally, a blend of electrolytes, such as calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium bicarbonate, is reintroduced to enhance the taste.
What is springwater?
Springwater comes directly from a natural underground source or aquifer where water flows to the earth's surface. For a product to be labeled as springwater, it must be collected at the spring or from a borehole that taps the underground formation from which the spring naturally emerges. Unlike purified water, authentic springwater retains its naturally occurring minerals and unique mineral composition, which gives each brand its characteristic taste profile. Springwater is not chemically treated, although it may be filtered and disinfected using methods like UV light to ensure safety.
Characteristics of springwater
- Natural Source: Sourced from a naturally flowing underground aquifer.
- Retains Minerals: The mineral content reflects the geological conditions of the source, varying from one spring to another.
- Minimal Processing: Bottled at the source with minimal treatment, such as filtration or UV disinfection, without chemical alteration of the mineral profile.
- Variable Taste: The taste can vary based on the specific mineral makeup, such as calcium, magnesium, or iron, absorbed from the surrounding rock.
smartwater vs. springwater: The key differences
| Feature | smartwater | Springwater |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Originates from spring water or municipal sources, which are then heavily treated. | Sourced directly from a natural, underground spring or aquifer. |
| Purification Method | Purified via vapor distillation and proprietary filtration, which removes nearly everything. | May be filtered or disinfected with UV light but is not distilled; its natural state is preserved. |
| Mineral Content | Naturally occurring minerals are removed, and a specific blend of electrolytes is added back. | Contains naturally occurring minerals that give it a unique composition and taste. |
| Taste Profile | Consistent, crisp, and pure taste profile due to standardized re-mineralization. | Taste can vary from brand to brand due to differences in natural mineral content. |
| Nutritional Value | Added electrolytes provide minimal nutritional value; most mineral intake is from a balanced diet. | Contains naturally derived minerals, which some consider more desirable. |
| Environmental Impact | Higher energy consumption due to the distillation and re-mineralization process. | Generally a lower processing footprint, though bottling and shipping still contribute to environmental impact. |
Which is right for you?
Deciding between smartwater and springwater depends on your preferences and priorities. If you prefer a consistently pure, crisp taste with a specific, curated electrolyte profile, smartwater is the intended choice. The meticulous process ensures every bottle tastes exactly the same, free of any potential taste variations from a natural source. For those who enjoy a more natural product with a unique regional flavor profile, springwater is the better option. Its mineral composition reflects its origin, and minimal processing preserves that natural character. The choice is less about health superiority and more about personal preference in taste and processing. For most people, the minerals in bottled water offer little significant nutritional benefit, as they are primarily obtained from food.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the distinction between smartwater and springwater is clear: smartwater is a purified, re-mineralized water, while springwater is a minimally processed product with its natural mineral content intact. Smartwater begins with a water source that is heavily purified using vapor distillation, effectively stripping it of all impurities and naturally occurring minerals, before specific electrolytes are added back for a consistent taste. Springwater, on the other hand, is collected from a natural underground source and its character comes directly from the earth, with only basic filtration. The final choice rests on whether you prefer a scientifically tailored taste or the natural, variable taste of the earth. Outbound Link: For further details on water purification methods, you can read the Wikipedia article on Water Purification.
