Smart Water Review - 15 Things You Need to Know
Smart Water is in nearly every grocery store and gas station in the country. The product claims to be better for you due to added electrolytes. While extra electrolytes are usually beneficial, they only assist in weight loss when a person is electrolyte-deficient – and even then, the weight loss would be incidental and modest.
We asked our research team to look deeper into Smart Water to determine if the added ingredients made it worth the extra cost. Our team examined all available scientific research, and helped us break everything down to bring you the Bottom Line on the product. Read on to learn what we found.
Smart Water can be purchased through their Official Site.
What is Smart Water?
Smart water is water that has been distilled by vapor and contains electrolytes. It goes through purification, during which time all the minerals are removed. It has no additives, but the Smart Water manufacturing company adds electrolytes, potassium, and magnesium chloride. It can also be referred to as enhanced water because it is water that has added components.
In terms of weight loss, what does water offer?
- International Journal of Obesity – “Replacement of DBs [diet beverages] with water after the main meal in women who were regular users of DBs may cause further weight reduction during a 12-month weight maintenance program.”
- Obesity (A Research Journal) – When water was compared to drinks that contained non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), the results were surprising. “Results suggest that NNS beverages can be an effective tool for weight loss and maintenance within the context of a weight management program.”
- Contemporary Clinical Trials – There’s further research showing the possible weight-loss benefit of NNS. “Acute and medium-term intervention studies suggest that non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are beneficial for weight loss, however, there is limited human data on the long-term effects of consuming NNS on weight loss, maintenance, and appetite.”
Smart Water Competitors
| Product | Review | |
|---|---|---|
| Ab Slim | read | |
| Align | read | |
| Acxion | read | |
| 4 Day Diet | read | |
| Noom | read |
How Did Smart Water Start?
J. Darius Bikoff started Smart Water in May 1996. He aimed to have the nutrients which he otherwise ate alongside water, in the form of vitamin supplements, to be incorporated into the water itself, instead of taking them separately. The company’s name was Glaceau Smart Water.
He started distributing the Smart Water to natural food stores in New York, which were small and independent at the time. Soon after, the product became successful, and he formally launched state-wide.
When his products were firmly established, he started developing relationships with distributors, which enabled him to start distributing nationwide.
LVMH bought a 30% stake in company shares. LVMH sold those shares to a different investor, and this new investor subsequently sold as well. This pattern continued until the Coca-Cola company finally bought the company for $4.1 billion on May 25th, 2007.
The Smart Water lineup includes:
- Smartwater Original
- Smartwater Flavor-infused
- Smartwater Alkaline 9.5+pH
- Smartwater Antioxidant
Other water products by the Coca-Cola Company:
- Dasani® Water
- Fresca Sparkling Soda Water
- Glacéau Vitaminwater
- AHA Flavored Sparkling Water
- Topo Chico Mineral Water
- Ciel Mineralizada
- Powerade Power Water
- Bodyarmor Sportwater
Coca-Cola and the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Coca-Cola, a renowned beverage company, has maintained accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 1952, showcasing a long-standing commitment to business excellence and customer satisfaction. This year marks their 71st anniversary in the industry, reflecting a rich history and enduring presence in the market.
On the BBB platform, Coca-Cola has received feedback from 11 customers. These reviews collectively amount to a 1 out of 5-star rating, indicating some areas of customer dissatisfaction. This rating provides valuable insights into the consumer experience with the company.
Over the past three years, there have been 52 complaints filed against Coca-Cola on the BBB website, a number that reflects various customer experiences and issues. Of these, 22 were lodged in the last 12 months alone, highlighting recent concerns or challenges faced by consumers.
Despite these complaints and the low customer review rating, Coca-Cola has managed to secure an A+ rating from the BBB. This top-tier rating is indicative of the company’s efforts in addressing customer complaints and adhering to the BBB’s accreditation standards, which include a commitment to making good faith efforts to resolve consumer grievances.
Scroll below for one of the best products we’ve seen over the last year.
Smart Water Claims
Smart Water is supposed to be better for you than regular water because of its extra ingredients. It boasts of the fact that it can have a distinct taste (from the added electrolytes) and also offers more benefits than the average bottled water or tap water can. The manufacturer also claims that it has all been distilled by vapor, and it is obtained from municipal water systems.
The water is wholly rid of all its components apart from hydrogen and oxygen. After that, the company adds extra ingredients: potassium bicarbonate, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride. These electrolytes, which are added, do not have the ”Gatorade” effect, with added sugars and unnecessary chemical additions.
Smart Water Ingredients
The following are the Smart Water ingredients, measured per liter:
- Distilled water
- 15 mg of magnesium
- 10 mg of calcium
- 10 mg of potassium carbonate
- Smartwater Original: Vapor Distilled Water, Calcium Chloride And Magnesium Chloride And Potassium Bicarbonate (Electrolyte Sources*) *Electrolytes Added For Taste
- Smartwater Flavor-Infused: Vapor Distilled Water, Natural Flavors, Calcium Chloride And Magnesium Chloride And Potassium Bicarbonate (Electrolyte Sources*). *Electrolytes Added For Taste
- Smartwater Alkaline 9.5+Ph: Vapor Distilled Water, Calcium Chloride And Potassium Bicarbonate (Electrolyte Sources*) *Electrolytes Added For Taste
- Smartwater Antioxidant: Vapor Distilled Water, Calcium Chloride And Magnesium Chloride And Potassium Bicarbonate (Electrolyte Sources*), Sodium Selenate. *Electrolytes Added For Taste.
Smart Water Flavors
Glaceau Smart Water flavors include:
- Smartwater® (Original, Alkaline, Antioxidant)
- Smartwater Flavor-infused (cucumber lime, strawberry blackberry, pineapple kiwi, and passionfruit mango)
Does Smart Water Work?
Smart bottled water has been made to seem like it is a revolutionary deal. This is probably because of the name that it was given by its creator, which was meant to entice consumers.
On the contrary, it has nothing to do with making a person smart or working smartly in the human body (almost as if other types of water operate in the body in any other way), but this is what anyone would be led to think when they first hear of this water.
As far as we are concerned, there is no scientific backing for the benefits of Smart Water. And even though the three electrolytes can help when it comes to recovery, there is nothing more to it.
Water is vital for life. Furthermore, it also plays a key role for anyone who wants to lead a healthy lifestyle and can help people who are trying to lose weight.
Smart Water Benefits and Results
Smart Water has the potential of helping people who are in fitness training as they tend to take fewer water breaks. Those who exercise in the heat for prolonged hours will automatically sweat profusely. This will result in their bodies needing some extra electrolytes.
The role of these electrolytes is to help with their heart functioning well under the stress of exercise. By drinking Smart Water during their few breaks, they will have access to these vital electrolytes easily.
In general, drinking water can be healthy, as per Nutrition Reviews. Additionally, Preventing Chronic Disease and Drinking Water and Health note that certain populations can benefit from more drinking water.
Details on Smart Water And Weight Loss
Smart Water is just regular water, minus the minerals, and with some electrolytes added. So there’s honestly nothing special here. Nothing inside this will somehow cut your calories or make your body gain extra nutrients.
However, we have to keep in mind that the main ingredient in this product is, well, water. Water just happens to constitute 50 to 60 percent of our bodies. This just goes to show how important water is.
There are a lot of dangers of being dehydrated. The healthy functioning of your organs will slow. You also need to remember that dehydration can contribute to adverse water weight circumstances, and any form of added weight during your weight loss journey is unwanted.
Water weight comes about when your body reacts to not having enough water. When it detects that sufficient water is not being supplied, the body’s automatic retaliation is to store as much water as it possibly can. This storage of water is what results in excess water weight.
So hopefully, you can now start to see the impact of not drinking enough water. And that’s not all. There are more reasons why you are supposed to drink water if you would like to lose weight.
First, the most commonly known reason for drinking water when dieting is that it gives you the feeling of being full, according to research published in Nutrition Reviews and Frontiers in Nutrition. The water fills your stomach right before you eat, and as a result, you end up consuming less food, per Obesity (Silver Spring).
Sometimes when we feel thirsty, we mistake the hunger feeling. This happens because the same thing that makes us think we are thirsty makes us feel hungry. And even though it can be distinguished most of the time, many people mistake thirst for hunger.
This is the reason why it is advisable to drink water right before we eat, or whenever we feel hungry. Not only will it help to satisfy you more quickly, but it will also make sure that if it is thirst you are feeling, it will wear off, and you might not even have to eat or will eat less.
Overall, more research is needed to associate drinking water with weight loss, according to Nutrients.
Effect of Water on Metabolism
There are so many more reasons why drinking water is essential for weight loss. One of the most crucial things it does is speed up metabolism. Metabolism is the process by which calories are burned inside the body. When we drink water, for example, a lot of energy is used, and therefore calories are burnt up, as the body is trying to heat the water taken in.
Furthermore, water can boost your energy levels when you are working out. Staying hydrated during workouts will prevent you from being slow and becoming fatigued quickly.
To find out if you are taking in enough water, a good trick is to pee before your exercise session. Afterward, get on a scale and measure your weight. Then after you have finished working out, get on the scale, and measure yourself again.
If your weight has dropped, then it means that you are not taking in enough water, and there is a danger of having water weight gain due to dehydration.
Energy for Your Workouts
Water will enable you to have power workouts, which will speed up your efforts in weight loss. This means that you will not need to take any other energy drink before, during, or after your workout session.
These energy drinks usually have high amounts of sugar, which supply energy. This translates into calories. The advantages of taking water instead of high-calorie energy drinks are apparent- calories are unwanted in any weight loss journey.
Potential Smart Water Side Effects
According to our research, there aren’t any known side effects of drinking Smart Water.
Smart Water Lawsuits
We have not come across any Smart Water lawsuits so far.
Update 2020: We found a voluntary SmartWater recall in 2010, due to quality issues with a particular batch of products.
Smart Water Alternatives
When a person decides to buy Smart Water, it is usually due to one of two reasons. The first being that they only put their trust in bottled water and do not feel safe when they drink tap water.
The second reason would be that the word ”smart” in the product name enticed them to do so, or they just want to try something new, and it does not matter if it could be a little more costly.
The bottom line is that the only alternative to water is simply: water. For those who want more or something a little different, we have compiled a list of other kinds of bottled water that you can try. They also have something that makes them more than just water. Below is the list.
Evian
This water is said to have passed through some complicated layers underground. According to its manufacturers, rain and snow worked their way inside a spring, which was underground.
Here, the water is harvested, having naturally acquired minerals and electrolytes. It is said that it has a lot of minerals and the electrolyte level is high. It also has a thin texture.
Aquafina
Aquafina claims to be the purest drinking water available by its manufacturers. They say that this water goes through a highly complex filtration process called HydRO-7.
This process supposedly goes through seven steps, which ensure that all the solids are taken out. This, according to them, is a process that takes away much more solids than the other methods of filtration. It has been described as voluptuous water.
Voss
This one comes from an artesian well located in Norway. It happens to be costly water, which is said to be gravelly. It also contains minerals.
Fiji Natural Artesian Water
This water originates from Fiji, as the name suggests, on the island of Viti Levu.
It comes from tropical rain and is filtered through the volcanic rock in that area. As it is getting filtered, it picks up electrolytes and minerals. It goes to an aquifer underground where it is ”stored.”
Mountain Valley Spring Water
This is spring water that comes from Arkansas. There is an aquifer to which rainwater goes, over a very long amount of time; 3500 years. It has been said to have a high pH, and so it can work well to neutralize highly acidic foods.
It has a sweet flavor, which gives a good feeling to the mouth.
Nestle Pure Life
As the name suggests, this is pure water. It is obtained from municipal sources of water or a well. It is then softened and filtered, demineralized, and then re-mineralized. Disinfection is then done by using ultraviolet light and ozone.
It has a neutral flavor, and the taste is clean without the residue of any minerals.
Smart Water Price
The cost of Smart Water varies based on the quantity and packaging options selected. For individual purchases, a single 1-liter bottle of Smart Water is priced at $1.98. This option is ideal for those seeking a convenient and portable hydration solution.
For bulk buyers or those looking to stock up, Walmart offers a 6-pack of 1-liter bottles for $10.18. This package provides a balance between quantity and affordability, making it a popular choice for regular consumers of Smart Water.
Additionally, for those who require a larger supply, there is the option to purchase a 12-pack of 1.5-liter bottles, which is available for approximately $34.50. This larger pack is suited for families or those who consume a significant amount of water daily. It offers the convenience of a larger volume per bottle, reducing the frequency of purchases.
Smart Water’s pricing structure provides flexibility to cater to different needs and consumption patterns, ranging from individual use to bulk purchasing options.
Smart Water Consumer Care Information
- Address: The Coca-Cola Company PO. Box 1734 Atlanta, GA 30301
- Phone: +1 800-520-2653
What Users Are Saying
“Like the taste and hydrates you well..cost not too bad.”
“I like the individual bottles easier to handle instead of picking up big jugs. Plus, it’s portable enough to take with you if you have to use a CPAP and travel good item delivery quick.”
“They add things to it which defeats the purpose of buying distilled water.”
The Bottom Line on Smart Water
Alrighty, we’ve come to the conclusion that we bet you’ll be interested in. While we were pretty interested in Smart Water to start off, it quickly became apparent that this one doesn’t live up to the hype. We like that it hydrates, but we are hesitant to suggest something that isn’t any different from a similar product. If consumer reviews are to be trusted, the taste isn’t worth the price tag, which is also a problem.
If weight-loss is the end goal, we suggest drinking plenty of water and maybe trying out a support program designed to help you adopt healthy lifestyle changes to reach your weight-loss goals.
Among the best products we’ve seen this year is one called Noom. It combines human coaching, food and exercise tracking, personalized meal plans, expert articles, and more to keep you on track. Dieters are reporting seeing amazing results.
The makers of Noom are offering a free trial offer to Dietspotlight readers to show just how confident they are in the program.
Learn More About Noom »
CN Nicholle (Verified Purchase)
I drink Smart Water on a regular basis. I usually purchase from Sam’s Club because it’s cheaper. My usual go to bottled water is Dasani but I decided to switch to this brand one because I love the 33 fl oz bottles, it helps me keep count of my water intake for the day; and I enjoy the taste. Evian water taste bland to me, Aquafina is also a ‘funny’ tasting water to me. This one is fresh and I don’t have any significant after taste or ‘side effects’ from drinking it. My ultimate favorite bottled water is Hawaiian Springs Artesian Water, it’s very hard to find. Behind Hawaiian and Dasani this bottled water is a close third.
Great points, Connie. As the review suggests, SmartWater doesn’t include enough electrolytes to make much of a difference, so why bother. That doesn’t stop buyers from thinking that they’ve got something special. Even more important, if you get too much electrolytes, it could be harmful; kidney, heart, etc., can be negatively impacted. If you aren’t working out regularly, you don’t need to raise your electrolyte levels. Spring water, higher pH, and, if possible, negative oxygen reduction potential are all qualities of good water. Dasani, Aquafina are opposites in all respects of good water. Whenever I see someone drinking them, I ask if they’re researched it. Almost no one says yes. The power of marketing and following the crowd; Coke and Pepsi are counting on it.
Bronson, you mention OPR (oxygen reduction potential). Do you know the OPR value for SmartWater?
Your Name (Verified Purchase)
On three different occasions I drank a bottle of smart water. All three times it made me have to pee a lot. It was bad enough that I was getting up out of bed every 30 minutes each night after I had drank it during the day. Has this happened to anyone else? BTW I drink water all the time, at least 8 glasses a day and rarely drink anything else. So I know it wasn’t because I drank more than normal. I won’t touch it now because I don’t want to be up all night.
Well smart water is good but the taste doesn’t last long enough like primo water
I like smart water but Dasani water has ruined me I’m always having a bladder infection and like you said running The bathroom and never done that on anything else..
Yes. I havw rhe samw iasue. Constantly eunning to rhe bathroom ro pee. It only happens when I drink Smart water. I thought it was due to the eletributes, but as it was mention there’s not enough.
That is because it is distilled water. If you research distilled water you will be surprised that it actually starts a ‘cleaning’ process in your body. And yes, you will pee 3X more when you drink distilled. It is flushing you out .
I pee more and for see its cleansing my system !
I drank a bottle of Dasani and peed every 30 minutes for the afternoon and evening. Very uncomfortable. Just realized that there are additives in the water and it is “remineralizrd”
kelly
Smart Water in Canada – is labelled Spring water – from different sources across Canada. Is not tap water. Suggest people start PH testing their tap water and bottled water.
Your Name (Verified Purchase)
I just started drinking a bottle less than one hour ago and every time I took a drink I was then sick… Not impressed
Hi Jenn … I am with you ,,, seems someone needs a chill pill. And I happen to love Jen … there have been lots of spokespeople out there that were a lot less worthy of an opportunity than Jen. Geesh! Let the woman live her life she isn’t hurting anyone!
Again … You go GF (Jen)
GO JENNIFER
Foxtrot Oscar (Verified Purchase)
This is essentially just tap water that has been boiled then condensed back into water with the minerals that were left behind when it was boiled added back in to it.
Jackie Murphy (Verified Purchase)
I bought a bottle of smart water and I love smart water but this particular bottle had the most awful taste that I have ever taste. I don’t know if I just got one of the bad bottle or they all were like that. I was very disappointed. I bought the water from a dollar tree 18 miles from my house. I was really upset about this.
You are right, you probably got one of the bad ones.
joanie
Can drinking too much smart water cause or add to a constipation problem?
The minerals and electrolytes in claimed to be found in Smart Water is not known to cause constipation, Joanie. If after you stop drinking it, it continues seek medical attention.
thomas croteau
I opened a bottle of Smart Water on Mother’s day and found several reddish brown insects or flies or something along thee threaded portion of the bottle and inside the threaded portion of the cap. You really had to look to see if they were moving, being so small, and they were. It was disgusting needless to say. Have you received similar complaints?
Please contact either Smart Water or the store you bought it from; either the insects entered at the bottling plant or sometime when it was shipped to the store. We have listed contact info in the Q&A section, Thomas.
Joan McDonald
Can you open a bottle of Smart Water not finish and save for another day. I was told that you could not open a bottle and then use it again later or another time. I do not like my water cold so I do not refrigerate.
Nope, no refrigeration required. Leave it on the counter as long as you’d like to! 🙂
Rachel Long
How many ounces of smart water to replenish potassium each day?
great
Liz
To be honest, it’s easy to think this could be “Emporer’s new clothes” type water, and I can’t vouch for the health benefits it claims…however, what I’ve kind of been looking for in a water, I found in this- a really clean, sharp, fresh taste in a nice shape bottle. Not expensive either.
Cole (Verified Purchase)
Such a disconnect in peoples minds about this, they buy a bottle at a price they could buy 5 times as much PURE VAPOR DISTILLED WATER buying it by the gallon, or getting a machine or Solar distiller to distill your own water.
THIS is the “Smart” part of this water.! Nutritionists and people who think the body uses isolated chemical elements, overlook the simple fact that the REASON this water is so amazing is because its VAPOR DISTILLED WATER!!!
Tom Blakley
Nice marketing ploy. This water has very low electrolyte content. Nothing compared to the traditional Gatorade or PowerAde. the label indicates that electrolytes are added for flavor only.
Gatorade and PowerAde are also very acidic, more like soda. You still need water, plain water, of sufficient pH to be on the right side of health.
Check the label on Gatorade and Powerade…..Natural? Glucose syrup, fructose syrup… Disease feeding ingredients.
Trudy Christiansen
I would like to know the pH if smart water. Hoping it is 10 or better.
Like Chlorox?
6.95
alica
i really like they way smart water tasres like beacause it has spot light
Albert (Verified Purchase)
This water is really good and refreshing. It can boost your energy. It cost very much , but it’s really cool
steve fecser
does smartwater contain fluoride and/or chlorine?
Nope its vapor distilled so it doesn’t matter where the source is and they list what they add
Yes it does contain Floride AND Chlorine. Check its ingredients online or on the bottle.
Maybe you should read the bottle, have one in front of me – No Floride or Chlorine. Which make sense, when you distill water you get pure water vapor, anything else you have to add. Or maybe you’re just misreading Chloride for Chlorine, where you got Floride I have no idea?
Just checked the bottle….it does not contain fluoride or chlorine
I have a bottle right here in front of me too, I see nothing that says fluoride or chlorine at all.
please check the public water quality report posted on their website! Theres a reason fiji and smart water are the best! Although fiji does contain some deinfectant probably because its imported from a lowly country
Pam Reeves (Verified Purchase)
Your article said if you drink too much smart water it could cause problem with electorlytes. How much do you consider too much? I drink about 8 or glasses a day. Thank you for your response
No drink as many as possible science has studied that if you drink smart water ones a day it can reveal 6sense abilities
Is it safe to use for baby formula ,for baby four months old.
NO
How can you say NO??? Oh but fluoride-riddled plain tap water is yes? Hahaha so what do YOU use for formula milk then??? LOL
Probably piss.
They sell water that has been purified just for babies. It’s usually in the baby food isle of your local grocery store or big brand pharmacy.