A glass of water is always good. But water that’s been transformed into a drink that promises youth, energy, alertness, intelligence or beauty — with the simple addition of powder or drops — sounds like magic. And maybe it is.
Adding flavor and nutrients to water is not a new idea — Emergen-C has been around for decades. But in recent years, the concept of enhanced water has exploded, generating a plethora of packets, liquids and vials that turn water into all manner of functional drinks.
Some target those headed into a tough workout. Others are designed to relax, to energize, to repair skin and nails, to boost brain activity and more. Navigating the category of water enhancers is far from simple. It requires reading lots of fine print, and having the courage to taste elixirs that are made with oddball elements — think mushrooms and hyaluronic acid.
The best water enhancers are fresh, crisp and pleasant-tasting, with minimal sugar or sugar substitutes. They also deliver a substantial vitamin or mineral boost. The worst are viscous, strange concoctions that are punishingly sugary, salty, artificial or slimy, and add minimal nutritional benefits.
Here’s the scoop on the water enhancers that make swilling vitamins and other nutrients a tasty experience, and those that turn water into undrinkable sludge. (Nutrition details refer to a single serving. Percentages refer to the U.S. government’s recommended dietary allowance figures.)
Garden of Life Sport Energy + Focus Blackberry
The fresh taste of raspberries and a touch of sweetness make this easily the best-tasting water cocktail on the shelf. This highly caffeinated mix incorporates coffee berry and delivers trace K and C vitamins, plus 3,700 percent of the RDA for B12. 55 calories, 11 g sugar, 20 mg sodium. $3.49 for a 0.5-ounce pouch at Whole Foods. (4 stars)
Magtech with Cognition & Brain Health Lemon Flavor
This tiny pouch of white powder is nearly impossible to dissolve, but the flavor is bright, tart and quenching. Ingredients include three types of magnesium, totaling 50 percent RDA. No calories, no sugar. $2.29 for a 0.11-ounce vial at Sprouts. (3½ stars)
Whole Foods Energy Support Pre-Workout Sweet Lemon
While this powder is neither sweet nor lemon-flavored, it’s a fine choice for those looking for a tart mix of caffeinated muscle food. Ingredients include creatine, green tea and mushrooms. It has trace amounts of Vitamin C and potassium, plus BCAAs, amino acids, Cordyceps fungi. 20 calories, 15 mg sodium. $1.69 for a 0.35-ounce pouch. (3½ stars)
Nuun Hydration Vitamins + Caffeine Ginger Lemonade
Even though this is crazy salty and sour, it delivers a well-rounded dose of vitamins and minerals, including 11 to 25 percent of the RDA for vitamins A, C, D, E and B; plus calcium and magnesium. It also has a touch of caffeine from green tea. 10 calories, 2 g sugar, 100 mg sodium. $6.99 for a dozen 53 g tablets at Safeway. (3 stars)
Natural Vitality Calm Anti-Stress Drink Mix Raspberry-Lemon
Turn tap water into mineral water without the fizz with this clear white powder. It has fruity essence, but understated flavor. The single benefit is 56 percent of the magnesium RDA. No calories, no sugar. $2.79 for five 0.12-ounce packets at Sprouts. (3 stars)
Organic India Mindful Lift Fermented Adaptogens
It looks like muddy water and its gritty and peppery texture is due to the ground Tulsi tea and Gotu Cola, but the flavor is grassy and mild. The combination is believed to support the nervous system and quash stress. Vitamin and mineral content is limited to trace amounts of calcium, iron and potassium. 10 calories, 20 mg sodium. $1.29 for a 0.1-ounce pouch at Sprouts. (2½ stars)
Harmony Proteins Beauty Collagen Water Crisp Apple
In addition to bovine collagen, this powder adds trace amounts of vitamin C and calcium to water — and virtually no flavor at all. This product might rate higher if it provided information on how much collagen is in each serving. 20 calories, no sugar, 20 mg sodium, 5 g protein. $3.98 for 5 packets at Walmart. (2 stars)
Signature Liquid Water Enhancer with B Vitamins Lemonade
Tart lemon and a touch of sweetness serve as a good flavor-changer for those who dislike plain water, but these drops don’t add much in terms of vitamin value — a mere 10 percent RDA for B vitamins. No calories, no fat, 20 mg sodium. $2.99 for 1.62 ounces (24 servings) at Safeway. (1½ stars)
Mio Sport Electrolytes + B Vitamins Lemon Lime
Water-weary drinkers who want a citrusy, non-sweet gulp will enjoy these drops that turn water into a Gatorade-like drink. It tastes artificial, but it’s not off-putting. Delivers 10-25 percent RDA of various B vitamins. No calories, 80 mg sodium. $4.29 for 1.62 ounces (18 servings) at Safeway. (1½ stars)
Raley’s Liquid Water Enhancer Orange Tangerine
A blast of artificial sugar and a tinge of bitterness due to too much orange dye make this one to avoid. A half-teaspoon serving provides 10 percent RDA of B vitamins. No calories, 45 mg sodium. $3.69 for 1.62 ounces (24 servings) at Raley’s. (1 star)
Vega Sport Sugar-free Energizer Strawberry Lemonade
A massive dose of stevia makes this nearly undrinkable. It has trace amounts of magnesium, calcium and Vitamin C — plus 95 mg caffeine from green tea extract and coffee berry, about the same as a cup of coffee. 10 calories, 120 mg sodium. $1.69 for one 0.12-ounce vial at Whole Foods. (½ a star)
Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen Strawberry Lemon
A massive hit of strawberry perfume from this mix fills the entire room, but the powder turns water into a bitter, slimy gulp. 50 calories, 2 g sugar, 55 mg sodium, 11 g protein. 99 cents for a 0.56-ounce packet at Whole Foods. (No stars)
Om Energy+ Intelligent Sustained Energy
This wickedly viscous drink may be a vitamin powerhouse, but it tastes like pureed mushrooms. Made with turmeric, yerba mate and mushroom powder, it boasts between 110 and 660 percent of the RDA for B vitamins. 15 calories, 3 g sugar. $1.99 for a .21-ounce packet at Sprouts. (No stars. Swallowing pills is much more pleasant)
Reviews are based on product samples purchased by this newspaper or provided by manufacturers. Contact Jolene Thym at timespickyeater@gmail.com. Read more Taste-off columns at www.mercurynews.com/tag/taste-off.
