What is magnesium sulfate in Dasani water?

November 15, 2025 •

2 min read

According to Coca-Cola, Dasani water uses tap water that is purified through reverse osmosis before minerals are added for flavor. One of these key additives is magnesium sulfate, also known as Epsom salt, which helps create the consistent and distinct taste of Dasani water.

Quick Summary

Magnesium sulfate is a mineral added to Dasani water after purification to enhance and stabilize its flavor profile. It's a common practice in the bottled water industry to prevent the water from tasting flat. The added mineral is safe for consumption and used in very small amounts for this purpose.

Key Points

Taste Enhancement: Dasani adds magnesium sulfate and other minerals to prevent its purified water from tasting flat.
Purification Process: Before minerals are added, Dasani's water undergoes a reverse osmosis process that removes almost all dissolved solids.
Ingredient Safety: The trace amounts of food-grade magnesium sulfate in bottled water are safe for consumption.
Laxative Effect: Large doses of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) can act as a laxative, but the quantity in Dasani is too low to cause this effect.
Consistent Flavor: Mineral additives ensure Dasani maintains the same flavor profile globally, regardless of its municipal water source.
Nutritionally Insignificant: The amount of magnesium in Dasani (30mg per liter) is minimal and does not provide a significant nutritional boost.
Industry Standard: Adding minerals for taste is a standard practice for many purified bottled water brands.

Why Is Magnesium Sulfate Added to Dasani Water?

Magnesium sulfate is added to Dasani water primarily for taste enhancement. The water undergoes reverse osmosis purification, which removes almost all minerals and impurities, resulting in a 'flat' taste. To give the water a consistent and palatable flavor, a blend of minerals, including magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, and salt, is added back.

The Purification and Re-Mineralization Process

Dasani's production process, which often uses local municipal water as its source, involves several steps, including filtration, reverse osmosis, UV light disinfection, re-mineralization with trace minerals like magnesium sulfate for taste, and a final ozonation step. For detailed information on the purification process and added minerals, you can refer to the {Link: DASANI Bottled Water Report https://www.coca-cola.com/us/en/media-center/DASANI-water-quality-report}.

Is Magnesium Sulfate in Dasani Water Safe?

The small amount of food-grade magnesium sulfate in Dasani water is considered safe for consumption. While large doses of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) can have a laxative effect, the trace amounts in bottled water do not pose this risk.

Comparison of Common Bottled Water Additives


Ingredient	Purpose	Common Sources	Health Considerations
Magnesium Sulfate	Enhances taste, adds magnesium	Mineral springs, naturally occurring compounds	Safe in trace amounts; laxative in large doses
Potassium Chloride	Enhances taste, provides electrolytes	Mineral salt	Safe in small amounts; excess can be unhealthy
Calcium Chloride	Enhances taste, adds calcium	Mineral salt	Safe in trace amounts; beneficial for bone health in larger quantities
Sodium Bicarbonate	Adjusts pH, balances minerals	Mineral salt	Generally recognized as safe

Benefits and Potential Concerns of Added Minerals

While minerals in water can offer nutritional benefits, the amount of magnesium sulfate in Dasani is primarily for sensory purposes. A 1L serving contains only 30mg of magnesium, which is too low to provide significant nutritional benefit.

A past issue in 2004 involved a recall of Dasani in the UK due to elevated levels of bromate, a byproduct of ozonation. This led to the brand's withdrawal from that market, though it was a processing issue, not related to magnesium sulfate itself.

Conclusion

Magnesium sulfate is included in Dasani water to ensure consistent flavor after purification. This re-mineralization is a standard practice in the bottled water industry to prevent the water from tasting flat. The amount of magnesium sulfate is safe for consumption and, while providing negligible nutritional value, is crucial for maintaining the brand's intended taste profile. For more information on food additives, consult the {Link: Food and Agriculture Organization https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/agns/pdf/jecfa/cta/68/Magnesium_Sulfate.pdf}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Magnesium sulfate is added to many bottled water brands, including Dasani, to enhance and stabilize the flavor. The rigorous purification process removes natural minerals, so companies add specific trace amounts back to prevent a bland, 'flat' taste.

No, the small amounts of food-grade magnesium sulfate in Dasani are not bad for you and are considered safe for consumption. It's a common food additive and is used in a dosage too low to cause any significant health effects.

The primary purpose is to ensure a consistent and pleasant taste. Following reverse osmosis purification, the water is virtually tasteless, so minerals like magnesium sulfate are introduced to give it a signature flavor profile.

Yes, magnesium sulfate is the chemical compound commonly known as Epsom salt. While Epsom salt is typically used for therapeutic baths or as a laxative, the food-grade version is safe in the tiny quantities found in bottled water.

Yes, in addition to magnesium sulfate, Dasani adds other trace minerals, including potassium chloride and salt, to achieve its specific taste.

The amount of magnesium in Dasani water is too small to provide any significant nutritional or health benefits. It is added purely for taste purposes, not as a dietary supplement.

Dasani is purified tap water that has had its original minerals removed, and then a specific blend of minerals is added back. The consistent addition of magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, and salt gives Dasani a distinct and uniform flavor, unlike varied tap water sources.