Writer: Jinessa Lewis
Water, the very essence of life, saturates our bodies and our planet. Yet for many, hydration feels like a chore. We’re drawn to more flavorful alternatives like sodas and energy drinks, which offer a quick energy boost but often come at a cost to our health.
Spotting a gap in the market, Big Drink introduced a wave of water additives designed to make hydration more appealing. In the summer of 2023, TikTok was flooded with “WaterTok,” when people showed off their oversized Stanley cups of water packed with tiny ice cubes, flavored powders and concentrated syrups, all for the sake of hydration. But many of these were loaded with artificial sweeteners.
As WaterTok crested, people eventually realized this wasn’t the best way to go, but our thirst for tasty-but-healthy beverages persisted.
Today, the beverage aisle is brimming with infused bottled waters that offer virtually every health benefit imaginable. Whether plain or infused, fizzy or flat, the growing variety of once-simple H2O reflects a broader shift toward more mindful hydration. And at the end of the day, the goal remains: to find simple, enjoyable ways to drink more water and support overall well-being, in whatever liquid form it takes.
We took our handy dowsing rod to a few local grocery stores to find the latest greatest waters this side of the Mississippi.
Photo: Duane Tinkey
Alo:
This bottled water is blended with aloe vera, which is known for its soothing properties. It claims a unique combination of amino acids, minerals and vitamins specifically chosen to support healthy digestion. (Hy-Vee)
Ardor:
For those seeking a gentle lift, Ardor offers a flavored sparkling water featuring L-theanine and caffeine. This blend aims to provide a natural energy lift without the jitters that come with coffee or traditional energy drinks. (Whole Foods)
Protein 20:
This flavored water is packed with 20 grams of protein, specifically formulated to aid in muscle recovery and growth for athletes. (Target)
Recess:
Known for its focus on mental well-being, the Recess brand offers a core line of sparkling water made with hemp and American ginseng for mind-balancing benefits. Their “mood” line takes it a step further, incorporating magnesium and adaptogens to help reduce stress and promote calm. (Target)
Roar:
This “organic” water is enriched with a blend of antioxidants, electrolytes and essential vitamins like B12 for a hydrating wellness boost. (Whole Foods)
Trip:
This sparkling water is infused with a mix of botanicals and adaptogens, carefully concocted to stabilize the mind and body. (Whole Foods)
Wildwonder:
Promoted as a product for gut health, this sparkling water offers both prebiotics and probiotics, which boost the immune system and foster a healthy gut microbiome. (Target)
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