What is Smartwater and How is it Made?
At its core, smartwater is vapor-distilled water with added electrolytes. The brand, a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, uses a multi-stage process. The initial source is often municipal or spring water, which is then purified through vapor distillation. This process mimics the natural hydrologic cycle by heating the water until it turns into vapor, which leaves behind impurities and minerals. The steam is then condensed back into pure water. After this purification, a blend of electrolytes—specifically calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium bicarbonate—are added back into the water.
The Purpose of Added Electrolytes
The electrolytes added to smartwater serve a primary purpose: enhancing the taste. Vapor-distilled water alone can taste flat due to the removal of all dissolved minerals. The added minerals give it a crisp, fresh, and slightly sweeter flavor profile that many consumers find appealing. While electrolytes are crucial for bodily functions like nerve signaling and fluid balance, the trace amounts added to smartwater are minimal and are not a significant source of these essential minerals for healthy individuals. Most people receive sufficient electrolytes through a balanced diet.
The Health and Hydration Question
For the average person, there is no significant scientific evidence to suggest that smartwater is healthier or provides better hydration than regular, safe tap water. The main benefit is its purity, which is also achieved by municipal water treatment plants in developed countries. Where tap water quality is questionable, smartwater offers a safe alternative, but for most people, it's an unnecessary expense.
However, there are scenarios where the added electrolytes can be beneficial:
- Replenishing Minerals During Intense Exercise: Athletes or individuals engaged in prolonged, strenuous activity lose electrolytes through sweat. In these cases, smartwater can aid in rehydration, though high-intensity athletes may need a sports drink with higher electrolyte concentrations.
- Aiding Rehydration During Illness: During bouts of illness involving vomiting or diarrhea, electrolyte-enhanced water can help restore the body's mineral balance.
Smartwater vs. The Alternatives: A Comparison
| Feature | Smartwater | Tap Water | Home Filtered Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purification Method | Vapor distillation followed by remineralization | Municipal treatment (varies by location) | Home filter (carbon, RO, etc.) |
| Electrolyte Content | Added minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium) for taste | Naturally occurring minerals (varies by location) | Naturally occurring minerals (some removed by filters) |
| Taste | Clean, crisp taste due to added minerals | Varies depending on source and treatment | Improved taste, removes chlorine |
| Health Benefits | Equal to tap water for general health. Electrolytes are minimal. | Sufficient and safe in developed nations. | Safe, removes contaminants, but may strip some minerals. |
| Cost | Significantly more expensive than tap water | Virtually free or minimal utility cost | Initial cost for filter and periodic replacement |
| Environmental Impact | High due to plastic bottles and energy-intensive distillation | Low environmental footprint | Low, reduces reliance on plastic bottles |
The Environmental Cost of Bottled Water
Beyond the health aspects, the environmental impact of smartwater is a significant consideration. The energy-intensive vapor distillation process and the extensive use of plastic bottles contribute to a high environmental footprint. While smartwater does offer bottles made from 100% recycled plastic, the label and cap are often not recycled, and the production and transportation of bottled water still generates considerable waste. This stands in stark contrast to the low environmental impact of drinking from a reusable bottle with tap water. For environmentally conscious consumers, choosing a home water filtration system is a more sustainable option that provides pure-tasting water at a fraction of the environmental and financial cost.
Smart vs. Smarter Choices
Ultimately, whether smartwater is the 'right' choice depends on your priorities. For everyday hydration, it's generally unnecessary, and safe tap water is a perfectly healthy, free, and eco-friendly alternative. The additional electrolytes are minimal and mostly for taste, which can be achieved at home by simply filtering tap water and adding a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of minerals. For those with specific health needs, like athletes, a more targeted rehydration product might be more effective. However, smartwater's purity and consistent taste do offer a benefit for those concerned about local tap water quality or who prefer its specific flavor profile. The 'smartest' choice for most people, however, is a reusable bottle and a quality home water filter.
Conclusion
While smartwater's vapor-distilled process and added electrolytes are heavily marketed, they do not make it significantly healthier than standard tap water for general daily consumption. The electrolytes primarily improve taste, and the trace amounts provide no notable nutritional advantage over a balanced diet. Its benefits are situational, best suited for post-exercise recovery or illness where electrolyte replacement is needed, or for those in areas with unsafe tap water. Consumers must weigh the premium price and environmental impact against the minimal health benefits for everyday hydration, and consider more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives.
