Water, for all its simplicity as a drink, remains an enigma. What’s the difference between spring water and natural mineral water? Sparkling or flat? Flavored or not?
What water definitely is, is a massive beverage business, globally worth some $348.64 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $509.18 billion by 2030. And that means lots of companies want to stake their claim and grab a share. After all, you just need water, bottles or cans, and some marketing.
Another question is just how healthy is water? With a recommended intake of “average daily water for men is about 15.5 cups and for women about 11.5 cups.” To keep us hydrated, including from other drinks and foods.
Just How Healthy is Water?
As long as the water is from a trusted source, any water is good for us in the mission to stay hydrated. In some countries, boiling tap water is recommended, especially for visitors. Who should also beware of buying bottled water where the lid has been previously opened or poor-quality packaging indicates it is a fake.
If you live in an area with trace chemicals like chlorine or fluoride are at the risk of regular pollution, then bottled water looks and tastes like a much better alternative.
According to scientists, still water is the healthiest, but sparkling is fine for people who don’t like to drink still water. When it comes to flavored water, some additives like sugar can make it slightly less healthy than pure water, but added nutrients, like vitamins, antioxidants and so on, can increase the health benefits.
Some brands will definitely over-do it on the sugar content to make us want to consume more of it, but recipes and trends change over time. One of the best examples is JUST Water, using Montana spring water and natural flavorings like the new cucumber offering, there’s nothing but natural ingredients and no extra sugar to worry about.
Other flavors include strawberry, coconut, and Valencia orange. And JUST comes in plant-based packaging and recyclable aluminum to minimize their environmental impact. Make sure you reuse or dispose of them properly to prevent pollution to your own water sources and the rivers and seas that we all rely on for food and fresh water.
Is Flavored Water Better Than Colas and Energy Drinks?
The majority of flavored waters are way better than carbonated high-sugar or artificial sweetener drinks, fruit juices and natural fruit juices in terms of their sugar level. Look for waters with no added sugars or artificial ingredients to maximize the health benefits.
For energy drinks, the chemicals that give you the energy boost are typically short-lived and unlikely to be good for your health over time. And the more you drink of any type of beverage the more likely you are to waste the hydration value through urination, so drink slowly and moderately across your day to avoid constant trips to the bathroom.
Otherwise, as long as you consume them in moderation, most drinks will help you maintain hydration as well as give off their described benefits, whatever the ingredients. But when it comes to sugary drinks there can be long-term dental health impacts, the risk of diabetes, and other impacts, so perhaps just stick to plain or flavored water when you can.
More Than Just Water
Of course, you don’t just have to stick to plain water, you can add a squirt of fresh orange, lemon or lime to any water, bottled or tap, to give it a little zip or zest. Just give it a little shake with the lid on to spread the taste and joy.
Or, you can fill a jug and add different fruits to let their flavor infuse into the water over time, keep it cool for best results and your whole family can share a long-lasting, refreshing and healthy beverage at a way lower cost than cans or bottles of water and other drinks. You can fill your old bottles with it to drink on the go, making it your own convenient, safe and low-cost way to stay hydrated, wherever you go.
Summary
Flavored water is usually a healthy alternative to sugary drinks if it contains no added sugars or artificial ingredients. While still water is considered the healthiest option, flavored varieties with natural additives like vitamins or antioxidants can offer added benefits.
JUST Water is a recent brand on the US market that stands out for using Montana spring water and natural flavors like cucumber, strawberry, and coconut, with no extra sugar. It also uses eco-friendly packaging.
Compared to colas and energy drinks, plain or flavored water is generally better for hydration and long-term health. Homemade infusions with fruit can be a cost-effective, sustainable way to enjoy flavored water at home.