A Look at 7-Select's Ingredients List
Understanding what makes up your bottled water is important for both taste and health. For 7-Eleven's house brand, 7-Select Purified Water, the ingredient list is straightforward. The product's packaging and online listings consistently show three key components.
The three ingredients are:
- Purified Water: The base of the beverage, which has undergone a rigorous cleaning process.
- Calcium Chloride: A salt used to add essential minerals and improve flavor.
- Sodium Bicarbonate: Another mineral compound, also known as baking soda, added for taste and alkalinity.
These added minerals, also known as electrolytes, serve a crucial purpose beyond simple taste. They help to replicate the feel and flavor of natural water, which can sometimes be stripped away during the purification process.
The Reverse Osmosis Purification Process
The core of 7-Select's production is its purification method: reverse osmosis (RO). This is an advanced filtration technique that forces water through a semipermeable membrane. The membrane is fine enough to block and remove the vast majority of contaminants, including bacteria, heavy metals, and other impurities, leaving behind a very clean, neutral-tasting water.
How reverse osmosis works:
- Pressurization: Water is placed under high pressure.
- Membrane Filtration: The pressurized water is pushed through the RO membrane.
- Contaminant Removal: The tiny pores of the membrane prevent dissolved solids and other large molecules from passing through.
- Pure Water Collection: The pure water, now free of most contaminants, is collected on the other side.
- Mineral Reintroduction: After purification, a controlled amount of minerals is added back to enhance flavor and balance.
This process results in a consistent product, but it's different from sourcing water from a natural spring, which contains a native mineral profile.
Why Add Minerals and Electrolytes?
The addition of calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate to 7-Eleven's purified water serves a specific function. While the reverse osmosis process effectively removes unwanted substances, it can also leave the water with a flat or slightly acidic taste. Reintroducing a small, controlled amount of these minerals accomplishes several things.
Benefits of added minerals:
- Enhances Flavor: The minerals create a more pleasant, rounded mouthfeel and taste, similar to what you might expect from a natural spring water.
- Adds Electrolytes: Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge and are essential for many bodily functions, including hydration and nerve signaling. Adding them back can improve the water's hydrating properties.
- Buffers pH: Sodium bicarbonate helps to raise the water's pH, creating a more alkaline product. This is a common practice in the bottled water industry.
Purified vs. Spring vs. Tap Water: A Comparison
To fully appreciate 7-Eleven's product, it helps to understand its place in the world of bottled water. The primary difference lies in the source and treatment process. Here is a simple comparison of popular water types.
| Feature | 7-Eleven Purified Water | Natural Spring Water | Tap Water (City) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Public water supply | Naturally occurring springs | Public municipal water supply |
| Purification | Reverse osmosis | Filtered, often minimally | Chemical treatment, filtering |
| Mineral Content | Added electrolytes for taste | Naturally occurring | Varies by location |
| Consistency | Highly consistent taste | Varies based on spring source | Varies by city and season |
| Regulation | Regulated by FDA (as bottled water) | Regulated by FDA | Regulated by EPA |
As the table shows, 7-Eleven's approach prioritizes consistency and purity by controlling the entire process from filtration to mineral reintroduction. Some consumers may prefer the consistent taste profile this provides, while others may opt for the natural minerality of a spring water.
Health Considerations for Purified Water
From a health perspective, drinking purified water like 7-Select is generally considered safe. The reverse osmosis process removes contaminants and ensures the water meets strict safety standards. The small amounts of added minerals are also safe for consumption and are common additions in the industry.
However, it's worth noting that relying exclusively on purified water for hydration could lead to a minor mineral deficiency over a long period, though this is easily compensated for by a balanced diet. For most people, the minerals in food provide more than enough to cover daily needs. Consumers who prefer higher mineral content may choose bottled mineral water or spring water instead, but purified water is a perfectly safe and reliable option.
Conclusion
In summary, the ingredients in 7 Eleven purified water are purified water, calcium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate. The water is processed using reverse osmosis to ensure purity, after which the minerals are added back to enhance taste and provide electrolytes. The resulting beverage is a safe, consistent, and cleanly flavored option for hydration that differs significantly from natural spring or mineral water. The next time you grab a bottle of 7-Select water, you'll know exactly what's inside and why it tastes the way it does.
For more information on the purification process and other water types, resources like the Wikipedia page on purified water can be helpful: Purified water.
