What is smartwater?
Smartwater is a brand of bottled water, a product of the Coca-Cola Company, that distinguishes itself through its unique processing method. The brand markets its water as 'inspired by clouds' because it is first vapor-distilled, a process that mimics the natural hydrological cycle. This involves boiling a water source, such as municipal or spring water, to turn it into vapor, which is then condensed back into a liquid state. This process is highly effective at removing a wide range of impurities, contaminants, and naturally occurring minerals.
After distillation, a proprietary blend of electrolytes is added back into the water. These ionized minerals, which typically include calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium bicarbonate, are not for significant nutritional benefit but rather for taste. The addition of these electrolytes is what gives smartwater its specific clean, crisp taste that many consumers enjoy.
Smartwater vs. tap water
For most people in developed nations, tap water is a safe, effective, and economical source of hydration. The quality of tap water is regulated by government agencies, which ensure it is treated and monitored for contaminants. The primary distinctions between smartwater and tap water are the source, processing, and cost.
- Processing and Purity: Tap water undergoes filtration and disinfection by municipal authorities. While safe, its exact mineral content and taste can vary widely by location. Smartwater's vapor distillation process ensures a consistent, high level of purity by removing almost all dissolved solids and minerals before re-mineralizing it with a specific electrolyte blend.
- Minerals: Tap water's mineral content is naturally occurring and varies depending on the source. Smartwater's minerals are added back intentionally for taste, and their contribution to daily nutritional needs is negligible compared to a balanced diet.
- Cost and Environmental Impact: Tap water is significantly cheaper and more environmentally friendly, requiring minimal processing and distribution. Smartwater carries a higher price tag due to its manufacturing, bottling, and transportation. Its reliance on single-use plastic bottles also contributes to a larger environmental footprint, even with the use of recycled materials.
Smartwater vs. other bottled waters
Smartwater is just one player in the crowded bottled water market, each with its own purification and sourcing story. Other common types include purified, spring, and distilled waters.
- Purified Water: This is water from any source that has been purified to meet certain standards. Methods can include deionization, reverse osmosis, or distillation. Brands like Dasani and Aquafina use these methods and then add minerals for taste, much like smartwater. The key difference is often the specific purification process and the final mineral blend.
- Spring Water: Sourced from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the earth's surface, spring water is collected at the spring or via a borehole. Its mineral content is natural and can fluctuate. In the case of smartwater, it often begins with spring water, which is then processed, meaning a consumer is paying for the brand's intervention, not the natural spring composition.
- Distilled Water: This is the purest form of water, created by boiling and condensing steam. It has a flat taste because all dissolved solids, including beneficial minerals, are removed. While safe to drink, it is generally not recommended as a sole source of hydration for extended periods. Smartwater takes this process a step further by adding electrolytes back.
Table: Smartwater vs. Common Water Types
| Feature | Smartwater | Tap Water | Spring Water | Purified Water | Distilled Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sourcing | Municipal or spring water | Local municipal sources | Natural underground source | Any source (e.g., tap) | Any source |
| Purification Method | Vapor distillation | Filtration and disinfection | Natural filtration | Deionization, reverse osmosis, distillation | Vapor distillation |
| Added Electrolytes | Yes (for taste) | No (naturally occurring minerals) | No (naturally occurring minerals) | Often (for taste) | No |
| Taste | Clean, crisp, consistent | Varies by location | Varies by source | Consistent, neutral | Flat, bland |
| Environmental Impact | High (plastic bottles, energy) | Low (infrastructure) | Variable (transportation) | High (bottling, energy) | Moderate (energy) |
| Cost | High | Low | Variable | Moderate to High | Moderate to High |
Making an informed hydration choice
Choosing your water comes down to personal preferences, budget, and priorities concerning environmental impact. Smartwater offers a reliably clean and consistently flavored product. However, it's a premium product with a price tag and environmental footprint to match. Many consumers may find that standard tap water, potentially enhanced with a home filter, provides perfectly sufficient and healthy hydration for a fraction of the cost. Water filter specialists often highlight the superior, cost-effective, and sustainable benefits of at-home filtration systems as a direct alternative.
Ultimately, whether or not the added electrolytes in smartwater offer substantial benefits beyond what is required for basic rehydration remains a point of debate, especially for individuals with a balanced diet. The decision depends on an individual's value for consistency and taste versus the economic and ecological costs associated with the product. The most important aspect is to stay hydrated, regardless of the source, but understanding the differences allows for a smarter choice.
Conclusion
While smartwater's vapor distillation and added electrolytes provide a distinct and consistent taste, they do not offer significant health advantages over more affordable and eco-friendly options like filtered tap water. The process of vapor distillation removes impurities but also strips naturally occurring minerals, which are then re-added in trace amounts primarily for flavor. Consumers are ultimately paying a premium for a specific taste profile and brand experience, rather than a uniquely superior health product. For those concerned with hydration, sustainability, and budget, a home filtration system and reusable bottle offer a far more practical and effective solution.
