The Three-Step Process Behind Essentia's Chemical Composition
Essentia Water is not simply drawn from a single source; it is a meticulously processed product designed to achieve a specific chemical profile. The company uses a proprietary, three-step method to transform ordinary water into its ionized alkaline product. This process is crucial to understanding what are the chemicals in Essentia Water and their intended purpose.
Step 1: Purification
The process begins with water sourced from local municipal supplies. This water undergoes a rigorous purification process to remove impurities. The initial phase involves microfiltration to remove visual and sub-visual suspended particles. This is followed by activated carbon filtration, which targets organic chemicals, chlorine, and chlorine byproducts that could affect the taste and odor. Finally, the water is put through reverse osmosis (RO), which effectively removes over 99% of dissolved salts, metals, and other contaminants, resulting in water with extremely low total dissolved solids (TDS).
Step 2: Electrolyte Infusion
After purification, the water is infused with a specific blend of electrolytes in trace amounts. These electrolytes are added primarily for taste and to achieve the desired alkaline properties. The key chemical compounds added include:
- Sodium Bicarbonate: A common ingredient often used as a pH buffer and to give water a smooth taste. It is also known as baking soda.
- Dipotassium Phosphate: A source of potassium and phosphorus, this electrolyte also serves as a pH buffer and is important for cellular functions.
- Magnesium Sulfate: Commonly known as Epsom salt, magnesium sulfate provides magnesium and sulfur, contributing to taste and alkalinity.
- Calcium Chloride: This compound adds calcium and chloride ions, which also contribute to the water's taste profile and mineral content.
Step 3: Ionization
The final step is the ionization process, which removes bitter-tasting acidic ions. This "supercharging" of the water raises the pH to 9.5 or higher, creating the signature alkaline profile that Essentia is known for. The combination of purification, electrolyte addition, and ionization results in a finished product with a distinct, clean, and smooth taste.
Comparison: Essentia Water vs. Standard Tap Water
To better understand the chemical differences, a comparison can be helpful. While tap water is safe to drink in most regions, its chemical makeup and taste can vary significantly depending on the local source.
| Feature | Essentia Water | Standard Tap Water |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Municipal water supplies, heavily purified. | Varies by municipality (e.g., reservoirs, groundwater). |
| pH Level | 9.5 or higher (consistently alkaline). | Varies, typically falls within a neutral range (6.5 to 8.5). |
| Electrolytes | Added blend of sodium bicarbonate, dipotassium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, and calcium chloride. | Naturally occurring minerals; content varies widely depending on the source. |
| Purification | Multi-stage process including microfiltration and reverse osmosis. | Regulated filtration and disinfection (e.g., chlorination). |
| TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) | Very low, under 10 ppm after RO treatment. | Varies significantly; can be much higher than purified bottled water. |
| Taste | Clean, smooth, and distinct due to added electrolytes and high pH. | Variable; can have off-tastes depending on source and chlorine content. |
Are the Chemicals in Essentia Water Safe?
The chemicals found in Essentia Water are commonly used food-grade additives and are considered safe for consumption by regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The electrolytes are added in trace amounts to achieve a desired taste and pH, not to provide significant nutritional value. The purpose is to create a specific flavor profile and alkaline state, not to act as a dietary supplement. The base water is purified to a very high standard, ensuring harmful contaminants are removed before the electrolytes are added.
Conclusion
What are the chemicals in Essentia Water? Beyond the base of highly purified water, the primary chemical components are specific, food-grade electrolytes added for taste and alkalinity. These include sodium bicarbonate, dipotassium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, and calcium chloride. Through a multi-step process of purification, electrolyte infusion, and ionization, Essentia creates its signature product with a pH of 9.5 or higher and a clean, smooth taste. The electrolytes are functional ingredients that contribute to the product's unique profile, and their presence is the key differentiator from standard purified water.
For more detailed information on water quality standards and bottling regulations, visit the International Bottled Water Association website.
The Role of Each Electrolyte
- Sodium Bicarbonate: Acts as a buffering agent to control acidity and contributes to the water's alkaline state. It enhances the smooth mouthfeel and clean taste.
- Dipotassium Phosphate: A potassium salt that influences pH and provides a source of the essential mineral potassium.
- Magnesium Sulfate: Known as Epsom salt, it adds both magnesium and sulfur, and contributes to the overall mineral and alkaline profile.
- Calcium Chloride: Adds trace amounts of calcium and chloride, which helps balance the mineral content and fine-tune the flavor profile.
These chemicals are not contaminants but carefully selected food-grade compounds. They are a deliberate part of Essentia's recipe to achieve its specific characteristics, distinguishing it from regular purified or tap water.
Common Questions About Essentia's Ingredients
- Does Essentia add artificial flavors? No, the company states that electrolytes are added "for taste" and no other flavors are mentioned in the ingredients list for its plain water.
- Is Essentia water just tap water? Essentia starts with municipal water, but it undergoes a rigorous purification process and has electrolytes added and is ionized to create a specific product that is different from regular tap water.
- Are there any harmful chemicals in Essentia? No, the chemicals added are food-grade and considered safe by the FDA. The purification process removes harmful contaminants. The bottles are also BPA-free.
- How does Essentia ensure quality? Essentia's production facilities and water suppliers are regularly audited by third parties like the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) and Safe Quality Foods (SQF) to ensure federal and industry standards are met.
- Why is the TDS so low if it contains minerals? The water's TDS is measured after the initial purification via reverse osmosis, which removes nearly all dissolved solids. The small, trace amounts of electrolytes added afterward do not significantly raise the TDS.
- What about Essentia's flavored products? Essentia also offers flavored products like Hydroboost, which contain additional ingredients such as natural flavors, vitamins, and potentially other additives not found in their plain water. The ingredients should be checked for the specific product.
Are Essentia's Claims Substantiated?
- Claim: "99.9% Pure" - Substantiation: The microfiltration and reverse osmosis processes effectively remove most contaminants, leaving the water at a high level of purity.
- Claim: "pH 9.5 or Higher" - Substantiation: The ionization process is designed to remove acidic ions and raise the pH to this specific alkaline range.
- Claim: "Better Hydration" - Substantiation: Essentia cites a double-blind, placebo-controlled study that suggests it may offer better rehydration than a leading bottled water.
The Science Behind Alkaline Water
The idea that alkaline water offers superior health benefits is a topic of ongoing research and debate. While proponents suggest benefits from neutralizing acidity, improving hydration, and providing antioxidants, many health organizations state that a healthy body maintains its own pH balance regardless of the water consumed.
The trace electrolytes added to Essentia can aid in hydration, especially after exercise, by replenishing some of the minerals lost through sweat. However, this is distinct from the claims about the health impact of the alkaline pH itself. Regardless of the broader health claims, the combination of purification and added minerals gives Essentia a consistent, clean taste preferred by many consumers.
