What’s Included in Flavored Water?

Stroll down a grocery store’s aisle labeled “Flavored Water Beverages.” It is a maze of colors: red, pink, blue, orange, purple, yellow, green, and lime. What is used to make the color? Is there a difference in nutritional benefits? According to the Food and Drug Administration, flavored and/or nutrient-added water beverages have begun to appear in stores and on food service menus. “Some are simply bottled water with flavoring, others may also contain added nutrients such as vitamins, electrolytes like sodium and potassium, and amino acids.” “Bottled water ingredients of flavored and nutrient-added water beverages must meet the bottled water requirements if the term "water" is highlighted on the label as in, for example, a product named Berry Flavored Spring Water Beverage. In addition, the flavorings and nutrients added to these beverages must comply with all applicable FDA safety requirements and they must be identified in the ingredient list on the label.” The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are both responsible for the safety of drinking water. EPA regulates public drinking water (tap water), while FDA regulates bottled drinking water.

If natural flavors are listed on the water's ingredient list, it could mean a lot of different things. Natural flavors can mean something as simple as the essential oil of a product that has been heated. It can also mean flavor-adding chemicals from artificial sources.

The FDA has set Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs) specifically for bottled water. They require bottled water producers to: Process, bottle, hold, and transport bottled water under sanitary conditions; Protect water sources from bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants; Use quality control processes to ensure the bacteriological and chemical safety of the water; Sample and test both source water and the final product for contaminants. FDA monitors and inspects bottled water products and processing plants under its food safety program. When FDA inspects plants, the Agency verifies that the plant's product water and operational water supply are obtained from an approved source; inspects washing and sanitizing procedures; inspects bottling operations; and determines whether the companies analyze their source water and product water for contaminants.

For those who purchase flavored bottled water, here are a few tips to note:

• Watch the Sweeteners. Check the label for artificial sweeteners (sorbitol, sucralose, and aspartame).
• What Additives are used? Are the vitamins the same as one takes daily? If so, might this mean an overdose of dietary supplements? If one consumes foods rich in vitamins, does this mean an overdose of vitamins and minerals?
• Is the amount of sodium high? Comparing brands can show which ones are low in sodium and which are high. Note that one can lose sodium with intense exercise but there is no loss of vitamins.
• Check how much acidity is in the product. Frequent drinking of flavored drinks high in acidity is a concern relating to dental health. Citric and fruit acids can lead to dissolving away of the enamel on teeth. Long term use can lead to making teeth hypersensitive to temperature and be more cavity prone.

So, read the label and set a better table!

NOTE: The FDA updated Nutrition Facts Labels in Feb 2022.