Dasani Flavoured Water

By Aaron Jacobs

n this world of mass marketing, we, the overly hip consumer collection, are bombarded daily with a mountain of new bottled goods that claim to quench thirst, provide energy, and improve hydration conditions. So, we must wonder, what’s the best hydration source to replace our fluid losses from physical activity? How do we determine what is the optimal fluid source to sustain our precious selves? Should we be drinking plain, grade B water, enhanced water, or a sports drink?

Or, perhaps a lemon re-mineralized water? Better yet, how about raspberry? Water is an indispensable nutrient for all known forms of life. And now, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Nestle are tapping into that very realm, betting that flavoured water will be a monstrous hit among consumers who want their water taken to the next level. PepsiCo is pumping out their flavoured Aquafina, called FlavorSplash (raspberry, wild berry and citrus flavours) and Nestle is hustling their flavoured Pure Life Splash (raspberry, lemon, orange and strawberry).

And this month, Coca-Cola now adds flavoured Dasani water brand to the mix. Extending a roster that already contains Powerade sports drinks, Minute Maid, Five Alive, Bibo and Fruitopia, Coca Cola’s raspberry and lemon versions of Dasani Remineralized Water gears up to hit shelves, aimed straight at Canadians who want to keep hydrated, but want a dose of flavour and no calories.

And timing couldn’t be better; the soft drink sector has been hit hard by a purchasing shift away from carbonated soft drinks towards healthier choices, such as fruit juices and bottled water. Lemon or raspberry flavoured water already sounds like a good contender; the flavoured Dasani waters provide an appealing alternative to traditional water products with no added sugar or calories.

Dasani’s flavoured waters, now part of a group known as "designer waters" or “enhanced waters,” are not heavily sugared and not overly syrupy, but mildly fruity water.

On most days, convenience is paramount for busy people looking for hydration. In the gym, on the road and even at the office, bottled drinks are within short reach. Water - boring or not - is the best diet drink around. If you are burnt out on plain water and want some added flavour with very few added calories, then a lemon and raspberry version of water could fit the bill. - A.J.