A Closer Look at the Ingredient List
The ingredient list for Great Value Hydrate Alkaline Water is surprisingly straightforward. Beyond the purified water base, it contains a small number of minerals added to achieve its alkaline state and improve flavor. The primary components are:
- Purified Water: The foundation of the product is water that has been purified, typically through a process like reverse osmosis, to remove impurities and contaminants.
- Potassium Hydroxide: A mineral compound that is added to increase the water's pH level, making it alkaline.
- Calcium Chloride: An electrolyte that contributes to the water's taste profile.
- Magnesium Chloride: Another key electrolyte added to enhance the flavor.
These electrolytes work together to not only raise the water's pH but also to provide the crisp, smooth taste that consumers often report.
The Role of Electrolytes and pH in Water
The terms "electrolytes" and "alkaline" are often central to the marketing of specialty bottled waters. Here's a deeper dive into what they mean in the context of Great Value alkaline water:
What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals with an electric charge, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. In the human body, they are essential for regulating hydration, nerve and muscle function, and maintaining proper blood pH levels. When added to purified water, these minerals serve two main purposes: to enhance taste and to contribute to the desired pH level. Since the water is first purified to remove most dissolved solids, including natural minerals, electrolytes must be added back in to improve the flavor, which would otherwise taste flat.
The Importance of a High pH
Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular drinking water, typically around 8 or 9 compared to regular water's neutral pH of 7. For Great Value Hydrate, the pH is 9.5 or higher. While advocates suggest that alkaline water can neutralize acid in the body, health professionals note that the body's pH is tightly regulated and not significantly affected by drinking alkaline water. The higher pH is primarily a product characteristic rather than a proven health benefit, though some small studies suggest minor benefits for issues like acid reflux.
The Purification and Production Process
Before the minerals are added, the water undergoes a significant purification process to create a clean slate. Great Value uses reverse osmosis, a multi-stage filtration method.
Reverse Osmosis Filtration
- Sediment Pre-filtration: The process begins by removing larger particles like dirt, sand, and rust.
- Carbon Filtration: The water passes through an activated carbon filter to remove chlorine and other organic chemicals that affect taste and odor.
- Membrane Filtration: The core of the process, reverse osmosis, forces water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks dissolved salts, heavy metals, and most impurities.
- Electrolyte Infusion: After purification, the water is infused with the specific mineral compounds (potassium hydroxide, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride) to achieve the target pH and add electrolytes for taste.
This process ensures the water is consistently pure before the specific alkaline formula is introduced.
Comparison: Great Value Alkaline Water vs. Regular Purified Water
| Feature | Great Value Alkaline Water (Hydrate) | Great Value Purified Drinking Water |
|---|---|---|
| Purification Method | Reverse osmosis | Reverse osmosis |
| Final pH Level | 9.5 or higher | Neutral (around 7) |
| Added Ingredients | Potassium Hydroxide, Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride | Calcium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate |
| Taste Profile | Crisp and smooth due to added electrolytes | Often described as clean but can be flat |
| Electrolyte Content | Specific blend added to achieve high pH and taste | May contain trace amounts of sodium and calcium for taste |
| Primary Benefit | Potential minor health effects from alkalinity and taste | Basic hydration from pure, clean water |
Conclusion
In summary, the ingredients in Great Value alkaline water are straightforward: purified water and a specific blend of minerals. While the term "alkaline" is the main marketing point, the ingredients that make it so—potassium hydroxide, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride—are also responsible for its distinct and popular taste. The water begins its journey through a stringent reverse osmosis process to remove contaminants, ensuring a pure base for the added electrolytes. For most consumers, the choice between alkaline water and regular purified water is one of taste preference, as the health benefits of store-bought alkaline water are still under debate within the scientific community.
To learn more about the general science behind alkaline water and its purported benefits, consult reputable health resources such as the Mayo Clinic.(https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/alkaline-water/faq-20058029)
