Why isn't Dasani water good for you? Controversies and health concerns explained

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2004, the Dasani brand was abruptly recalled from the UK market after it was revealed to contain illegal levels of a cancer-causing chemical, bromate. This scandal is just one of several reasons why many people question the quality of Coca-Cola's bottled water, with concerns ranging from its tap water origins to its additives and environmental impact.

Quick Summary

This article examines the health and quality controversies surrounding Dasani water, detailing its municipal water sourcing, remineralization process, microplastic contamination issues, taste complaints, and its environmental footprint. A comprehensive overview sheds light on consumer concerns.

Key Points

Municipal Source: Dasani originates from local tap water supplies, which is then purified through processes like reverse osmosis.
Controversial Additives: After purification, minerals like magnesium sulfate and potassium chloride are added back for flavor, a practice that has drawn criticism and scrutiny from consumers.
Microplastic Contamination: Like many bottled waters, Dasani is susceptible to microplastic contamination from its plastic packaging, raising long-term health concerns.
2004 UK Recall: A major PR disaster occurred when Dasani was recalled in the UK due to illegal levels of bromate, a potential carcinogen, and has never been reintroduced there.
Environmental Impact: The reliance on single-use plastic bottles for Dasani contributes significantly to environmental waste and microplastic pollution.
Subpar Taste: Many consumers complain about Dasani's distinct, sometimes metallic or salty, taste, which is a key reason for its unpopularity compared to other brands.
pH Level Concerns: The water's slightly acidic pH (around 5.6) may pose minor risks to dental health over time, especially for sensitive individuals.

The Tap Water Controversy: Dasani's Humble Origins

One of the most persistent criticisms leveled against Dasani is its source: municipal tap water. While Coca-Cola subjects this water to a rigorous purification process, including reverse osmosis and ozonation, the revelation that consumers were paying a premium for treated tap water sparked outrage, particularly during its failed UK launch in 2004. This contrasts sharply with bottled water brands that market themselves based on being sourced from natural springs or glaciers. While Coca-Cola is transparent about its purification process in the U.S., the perception of simply bottled, filtered tap water remains a significant public relations challenge.

The Role of Controversial Additives

After the water undergoes reverse osmosis, which strips it of minerals, Coca-Cola adds a blend of minerals back in "for taste". This remineralization process involves several ingredients that have come under scrutiny from critics, even though the trace amounts are considered safe by regulatory bodies.

The Ingredients that Raise Eyebrows

Magnesium Sulfate: Also known as Epsom salt, this additive can have a laxative effect in larger doses. Critics have suggested that even in small amounts, it can create a peculiar dry mouth sensation that encourages further consumption.
Potassium Chloride: Commonly used in fertilizers, this salt has been linked to side effects like muscle weakness and stomach pain in large amounts. The minuscule quantity in Dasani is not medically significant, but the association alone is unsettling for some consumers.
Salt (Sodium Chloride): A small amount of salt is added, which can contribute to an increase in thirst for some individuals. For a population already concerned about excessive sodium intake, the addition of salt to supposedly pure drinking water is a point of contention.

Health Implications and Scientific Scrutiny

While the added minerals in Dasani are present in trace amounts generally considered safe, some health-related concerns have been raised. For instance, the use of reverse osmosis removes naturally occurring minerals, which some experts argue could impact electrolyte balance if relied on excessively. Moreover, the pH of Dasani can be slightly acidic (around 5.6), which some oral health professionals note could contribute to minor enamel erosion over time compared to more neutral or alkaline waters.

The Problem with Microplastics

A more contemporary concern for Dasani and the entire bottled water industry is microplastic contamination.

Sources of Contamination: Studies have shown that bottled water can contain microplastics and nanoplastics, with the contamination likely originating from the bottling and packaging processes. The bottles themselves are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and tiny particles can shed into the water over time.
Potential Health Risks: The long-term health effects of microplastic ingestion are still being researched, but some studies have linked these particles to inflammation and endocrine disruption. This growing body of evidence presents a significant risk for the entire bottled water market, not just Dasani.

Dasani vs. Alternatives: A Comparison

To better understand the value proposition of Dasani, it's useful to compare it with other options. This table highlights key differences.


Feature	Dasani	Natural Spring/Mineral Water	Filtered Tap Water
Source	Municipal tap water	Protected underground sources	Local municipal water supply
Treatment	Reverse osmosis, ozonation; minerals added	Minimal processing; bottled at source	Varies; may use carbon, reverse osmosis, etc.
Mineral Content	Artificial blend added back for taste	Naturally occurring minerals; specific composition	Varies by municipality and filtration method
Environmental Impact	High, from plastic bottles and transport	Varies; packaging and transport contribute	Low, reduces single-use plastic waste
Cost	Premium price for purified water	Typically higher cost than purified or tap water	Minimal cost per gallon
Microplastics	Potentially contaminated due to bottling	Still at risk of contamination	Generally free from microplastics

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Ultimately, the question of why isn't Dasani water good for you is complex, encompassing concerns over transparency, ingredients, health, and environmental responsibility. While Coca-Cola maintains that Dasani is safe to drink, its tap water origin, added minerals, microplastic risk, and environmental impact all contribute to public skepticism. Consumers concerned about these issues may find filtered tap water or other naturally sourced bottled waters more appealing alternatives. For those prioritizing convenience and cost, a deeper understanding of what they're drinking allows for a more informed decision. The UK recall and persistent public backlash demonstrate that consumer trust is a fragile asset, especially when it comes to something as fundamental as drinking water. For more information on the bottled water industry's challenges, see this report from ClassAction.org on recyclable packaging claims.

Conclusion

While Dasani is safe for consumption, its origins as treated tap water and the use of controversial mineral additives for taste have generated significant public and media criticism. Concerns about microplastic contamination from plastic bottles and its environmental impact further fuel the debate, presenting a compelling case for consumers to consider alternatives like filtered tap water. The taste, which many find unpleasant or metallic, is also a factor driving consumers toward other brands. Making an informed decision means weighing convenience against these well-documented concerns about health, environmental impact, and product transparency.

Final Summary of Key Issues

Dasani's reputation is influenced by several factors, including its municipal tap water source, the addition of potentially concerning minerals, and microplastic contamination. The 2004 UK recall due to carcinogenic bromate levels significantly damaged consumer trust and highlighted the risks associated with its production process. For the health-conscious consumer, alternatives may offer more transparency and fewer potential downsides. The collective issues surrounding Dasani provide a clear picture for those asking why it isn't considered the best choice for hydration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dasani starts as municipal tap water, which is then purified using reverse osmosis and other methods before being re-mineralized with additives for taste.

Critics point to the additives used to remineralize Dasani water, such as magnesium sulfate and potassium chloride. While in trace amounts, these are generally deemed safe, some find their inclusion and potential side effects in large doses concerning.

Yes, studies have found microplastic contamination in bottled water, including Dasani. The tiny particles are believed to come from the plastic packaging and pose a potential health risk, although research is ongoing.

In 2004, Dasani was recalled in the UK after tests revealed it contained higher-than-legal levels of bromate, a potential human carcinogen. It has not been re-launched in the UK since.

Yes, many consumers report an unpleasant or metallic taste in Dasani water, which is often cited as a key reason for its unpopularity compared to other brands.

As with most bottled waters sold in single-use plastic bottles, Dasani contributes to plastic waste and environmental pollution, including microplastic contamination.

Dasani water has been measured with a slightly acidic pH, sometimes as low as 5.6, which is a factor in its difference from more neutral or alkaline waters.