Essentia Water is a brand of ionized alkaline water that markets itself as "overachieving H2O". While all bottled water promises hydration, Essentia emphasizes its specific process and ingredients to justify its high pH and smooth taste. The key to understanding this beverage lies in its core components and the manufacturing steps that produce the final product.
The Core Ingredients of Essentia Water
The ingredient list for Essentia Water is transparent and relatively simple, built around a base of highly purified water. Unlike spring waters, which draw minerals directly from their source, Essentia's mineral content is carefully added in specific trace amounts.
- Purified Water (by Reverse Osmosis): The foundation of Essentia is purified tap water, which undergoes extensive filtration processes to remove contaminants. Reverse osmosis is a key part of this, forcing water through a semipermeable membrane to remove dissolved ions, molecules, and larger particles. This is what makes the water 99.9% pure.
- Sodium Bicarbonate: Commonly known as baking soda, this compound is added as an electrolyte to help raise the water's pH level. Sodium is a vital electrolyte for regulating blood volume and pressure, as well as for proper nerve and muscle function.
- Dipotassium Phosphate: This is another electrolyte included in the proprietary blend. Phosphate is essential for energy production and storage in the body, while potassium is crucial for muscle contractions and maintaining proper digestion.
- Magnesium Sulfate: Also known as Epsom salt, magnesium sulfate contributes to the water's mineral content and alkalinity. Magnesium is a key mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
- Calcium Chloride: This salt compound is added as an electrolyte and to further increase the water's pH. Calcium is well-known for its importance in bone health and is also involved in heart, muscle, and nerve function.
- Ozone: Some versions of the Essentia Water formula also list ozone, which is used during the bottling process as a powerful disinfectant to ensure the product remains free of harmful microorganisms.
The Proprietary 3-Step Process
Essentia uses a unique and proprietary three-step ionization process to achieve its signature qualities.
- Purification: The process begins with microfiltration and reverse osmosis to strip the water of unwanted particles and contaminants, resulting in 99.9% pure water.
- Electrolyte Infusion: Next, the purified water is infused with the specific blend of trace electrolytes (sodium bicarbonate, dipotassium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, and calcium chloride). This step is done not only to create a clean, smooth taste but also to enable the final ionization step.
- Ionization: In the final step, the water is ionized, a process that removes bitter-tasting acidic ions. This further increases the water's pH level to 9.5 or higher, creating the final alkaline product.
How Essentia Compares to Other Waters
For consumers, the key differences between Essentia and other water options come down to processing, mineral content, and pH. The table below outlines a comparison to help illustrate these differences.
| Feature | Essentia Water | Standard Purified Water | Natural Alkaline Water | Tap Water (Average) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processing | Microfiltration, reverse osmosis, electrolyte infusion, and ionization. | Reverse osmosis and distillation to remove impurities. | Filtered from an underground source, retains natural minerals. | Varies by municipality; includes filtration and disinfection. |
| pH Level | 9.5 or higher, created through an artificial ionization process. | Typically neutral (around 7), though this can vary slightly based on the initial water source. | Naturally occurring alkaline pH (8 or 9 typically) from mineral content. | Typically neutral or slightly alkaline, but can vary by source. |
| Mineral Source | Electrolytes are added back in specific amounts after purification. | Mineral content is often stripped away during purification unless remineralized. | Minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium occur naturally. | Varies widely depending on the water source and local geography. |
| Taste Profile | Advertised as having a clean, smooth taste, though some reviewers have noted a slightly lingering or bitter taste. | Can be bland due to the removal of all minerals. | Often described as having a crisp, clean taste, reflecting its natural mineral profile. | Taste varies significantly based on its source and treatment. |
The Verdict: Is Essentia Worth the Premium?
While Essentia's unique processing and pH level set it apart, the scientific backing for all of its claimed health benefits is still evolving. For individuals seeking potential advantages like improved acid reflux relief or hydration after intense exercise, the product may hold appeal. However, the cost and the fact that its alkalinity is manufactured rather than natural are important considerations. For most people, regular, clean water is perfectly sufficient for daily hydration, but for those with specific health interests or who prefer the taste profile, Essentia offers a compelling alternative. Ultimately, a balanced diet and consistent hydration with any clean water source are the most important factors for overall health. The question of whether Essentia is the "best" water depends entirely on individual priorities and budget. A study from the National Institutes of Health has explored the effects of electrolyzed high-pH alkaline water on hydration, providing some insight into the potential physiological effects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what does Essentia water contain? It contains highly purified water, a blend of added electrolytes (sodium bicarbonate, dipotassium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, and calcium chloride), and is treated with ozone. The product's key differentiators—its 99.9% purity and high pH level—are achieved through a rigorous three-step proprietary process that sets it apart from both standard purified waters and natural alkaline springs. While a premium product, its appeal rests on the promised taste, specific mineral additions, and potential hydration benefits, although consumers should weigh these against the cost and the current body of scientific evidence. Staying well-hydrated is always recommended, but whether you opt for standard tap water or a specialty product like Essentia is a personal choice based on individual needs and preferences.
