Smartwater's Unique Process: Distillation and Remineralization
Smartwater is created through a process known as vapor distillation, which is essentially boiling water and condensing the steam to collect pure water, leaving most impurities and dissolved minerals behind. The manufacturers then add a proprietary blend of electrolytes, including calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium bicarbonate, to enhance the taste. The entire process is described as being "inspired by the clouds," a marketing phrase for what is a standard industrial practice.
While this process effectively purifies the water, it also raises several nutritional and ethical questions. When you drink Smartwater, you are not consuming naturally occurring minerals but rather a select few added back in trace amounts.
The Nutritional Disadvantages of Smartwater
From a nutritional standpoint, Smartwater's premium price and specialized process do not translate to superior health benefits for the average person. The disadvantages related to nutrition are significant:
Minimal Electrolyte Contribution
The electrolytes added to Smartwater are in such small quantities that they provide no significant nutritional value. For example, the amount of calcium, magnesium, and potassium is negligible compared to what you would get from a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Many consumers believe they are getting a substantial electrolyte boost, but this is largely a marketing tactic. For individuals engaged in intense exercise, the trace amounts of electrolytes are insufficient to replenish what is lost through sweat. A true sports drink or a more concentrated electrolyte supplement would be necessary for effective rehydration in these scenarios.
Inadequate for Active Lifestyles
For high-performance athletes or those with significant electrolyte needs, Smartwater is a poor choice. It contains virtually no sodium, the most crucial electrolyte for hydration during prolonged training. Relying on Smartwater during endurance training could even increase the risk of hyponatremia (overhydration with low sodium). For most people, plain tap water is just as effective for staying hydrated, and a healthy diet ensures sufficient mineral intake.
The "Aggressive" Nature of Distilled Water
Demineralized water, like the base for Smartwater, is more "aggressive" as it lacks dissolved minerals. It can and will leach minerals from wherever it can to achieve a balanced state. While short-term consumption is safe for most healthy individuals, some experts caution that prolonged, exclusive consumption of demineralized water could potentially lead to mineral deficiencies over time. The added electrolytes in Smartwater are intended to mitigate this and improve taste, but they are not a complete replacement for the natural minerals found in other water sources.
A Costly and Unnecessary Product
Smartwater is considerably more expensive than both tap water and many other bottled water brands. Given that for most people, it offers no proven nutritional advantage over tap water, the cost represents a significant disadvantage. Consumer advocacy groups have criticized the brand, with Foodwatch Germany awarding it an anti-award for "the most brazen lie in food advertising" in 2018 for selling "ordinary water" at an inflated price. The extra cost is for a manufacturing process that provides minimal added value to the end consumer.
The Environmental Disadvantages of Smartwater
Beyond the nutritional and financial aspects, the production and packaging of Smartwater have considerable environmental drawbacks:
High Energy Consumption
The vapor distillation process is energy-intensive, requiring a significant amount of electricity. This high energy demand for purification and packaging increases the overall carbon footprint of each bottle compared to less processed options like municipal tap water.
Single-Use Plastic Waste
Like most bottled water brands, Smartwater contributes to the environmental problem of single-use plastic waste, despite using recycled plastic (rPET) in its bottles. The production, transportation, and eventual disposal of billions of plastic bottles annually place a heavy burden on the environment. The most eco-friendly alternative remains filtered tap water in reusable containers.
Comparison: Smartwater vs. Tap Water vs. Mineral Water
To better understand the disadvantages, here is a comparison of Smartwater with common alternatives.
| Feature | Smartwater | Tap Water | Mineral Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing | Vapor-distilled, then re-mineralized. | Treated by municipality (filtering, chlorine). | Naturally sourced from underground springs with minerals. |
| Mineral Content | Trace amounts of added electrolytes (Ca, Mg, K). | Varies by location, contains naturally occurring minerals. | High mineral content, varies by source. |
| Cost | Premium price. | Extremely low cost. | Can be premium, varies by brand. |
| Environmental Impact | High due to distillation and plastic bottles. | Low due to local infrastructure. | Low-medium depending on packaging and transport. |
| Taste | Clean, crisp, uniform taste due to added electrolytes. | Varies depending on source and treatment. | Distinct, mineral-rich taste. |
A Better Approach to Hydration
Instead of relying on a costly, heavily processed bottled product, a more sustainable and nutritionally sound approach to hydration includes:
- Installing a water filter: For taste and peace of mind, a simple carbon filter on your tap or a pitcher filter can improve tap water quality and taste while removing chlorine and some contaminants.
- Emphasizing a mineral-rich diet: Most of the essential minerals, like calcium and magnesium, should come from your food, not from water. Leafy greens, nuts, and seeds are excellent sources.
- Choosing natural mineral water: For a genuine mineral boost, opting for bottled natural mineral water provides a higher concentration of naturally occurring minerals than Smartwater.
- Using reusable bottles: Reduce your plastic waste by filling a durable, reusable water bottle with filtered tap water.
Conclusion
While Smartwater is a safe drinking option, understanding what are the disadvantages of Smartwater reveals that it is primarily a marketing product designed to sell a heavily processed commodity at a high price. Its nutritional value is minimal, and for most people, it provides no substantial benefit over tap water, which is a fraction of the cost. The environmental toll of its energy-intensive production and reliance on single-use plastic bottles adds further drawbacks. Ultimately, a balanced diet and eco-friendly hydration from a tap or natural mineral source offer a smarter and more nutritious choice.
Key Takeaways
- Minimal Nutritional Value: Smartwater's added electrolytes are in trace amounts and offer no significant nutritional benefit for a healthy, balanced diet.
- High Cost for Little Return: The premium price of Smartwater is not justified by any proven health benefits over tap water for the average consumer.
- Heavy Environmental Footprint: The energy-intensive vapor distillation process and continued use of single-use plastic bottles contribute to significant environmental waste.
- Inadequate for Intense Exercise: The low electrolyte content in Smartwater is insufficient for replenishing minerals lost by athletes during rigorous activity.
- Marketing Over Substance: Smartwater's marketing relies heavily on its purification process, yet its end product offers little advantage beyond a consistent taste.
- Demineralization Risk: As it is made from distilled water, it is important to be aware of the theoretical risks of consuming demineralized water, though the added electrolytes mitigate some concerns.
