What is Smartwater and How Is It Made?
Smartwater is a brand of bottled water owned by Coca-Cola. Its primary selling point is its unique production process, which the company claims results in a 'purer' and 'cleaner' tasting water. This process is known as vapor distillation, a method that simulates the natural hydrologic cycle.
The Vapor Distillation Process
During vapor distillation, water is boiled, turning it into steam. This steam then leaves behind impurities and minerals. The steam is captured and condensed back into liquid form, resulting in distilled water. The brand's initial water source can even be treated municipal tap water. Critics note that this process is energy-intensive and not nutritionally valuable.
Adding Electrolytes for Taste
After the water has been stripped of everything—both good and bad—the company adds a blend of electrolytes back in. These include calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium bicarbonate, with the brand noting they are added 'for taste'. The mineral amounts are very small, offering little to no nutritional benefit compared to a balanced diet.
Smartwater vs. Tap Water: A Head-to-Head Comparison
To truly evaluate if Smartwater is better for you, it's essential to compare it directly with what most people have readily available: municipal tap water. Here's a look at how they stack up across several factors.
Mineral Content and Health Benefits
For a healthy individual, the trace electrolytes in Smartwater provide no meaningful health advantage over tap water. In fact, some analyses suggest that many tap water sources naturally contain more electrolytes than Smartwater. While Smartwater's electrolytes are added for a clean, consistent taste, tap water's mineral content varies by location but often contributes more significantly to daily mineral intake. A balanced diet provides a far more substantial source of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Purification and Safety
Smartwater's vapor distillation is a thorough purification method that removes most impurities. However, municipal tap water in developed countries is strictly regulated and tested for contaminants, ensuring it is safe to drink. While concerns over aging infrastructure can exist, a simple home water filter can address many taste or impurity issues in tap water at a fraction of the cost. The high energy usage and plastic waste associated with bottled water also raises sustainability concerns.
Cost and Environmental Impact
Smartwater comes with a premium price tag, driven largely by its branding and manufacturing process. Tap water is drastically cheaper and comes with minimal packaging waste. The production, transport, and disposal of single-use plastic water bottles have a significant environmental footprint, making tap water the more eco-friendly choice.
The Marketing Behind the "Smart" Name
Part of Smartwater's success lies in its savvy marketing, which positions the product as a premium, healthy lifestyle choice. The name itself suggests a level of intelligence or superiority that other waters lack. This perception is reinforced by celebrity endorsements and aspirational advertising. However, consumer rights groups have criticized this marketing as misleading, with one group even giving Smartwater an award for the "most brazen lie in food advertising" for its scientifically-unnecessary production process. This highlights that the brand's 'smart' reputation is built on perception rather than proven nutritional superiority.
Comparison Table: Smartwater vs. Tap Water
| Feature | Smartwater | Tap Water |
|---|---|---|
| Purification Method | Vapor distilled; removes impurities and minerals | Regulated municipal treatment (e.g., filtration, disinfection) |
| Mineral Content | Trace electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, potassium) added back for taste | Varies by location; can contain higher levels of natural minerals |
| Health Benefits | Minimal to no significant benefit over tap water for general health | Safe and healthy for consumption in developed areas |
| Cost | Significantly more expensive due to packaging and branding | Drastically cheaper; low-cost home filters are also an option |
| Taste | Clean, crisp, consistent due to added electrolytes | Varies by location, though can be improved with filtration |
| Environmental Impact | High, due to single-use plastic and energy-intensive production | Low, as it is delivered through existing infrastructure |
Conclusion: Is the Smart Choice the Obvious Choice?
For the average consumer in a region with safe, potable tap water, Smartwater is not definitively better for you from a health perspective. While the vapor distillation process is effective at purifying water, it doesn't provide any significant benefits over regulated municipal tap water, especially when considering the negligible mineral content and high cost. The decision to purchase Smartwater boils down to personal preference for taste and a willingness to pay a premium for consistent flavor, convenience, and brand image. However, for those seeking cost-effective and environmentally friendly hydration, a reusable bottle filled with filtered tap water remains the smarter, healthier, and more sustainable choice. To learn more about water quality in your area, contact your local municipality or check your local water quality report. A reliable and free resource for checking water reports in the U.S. can often be found on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.
