enhancements
The most refreshing water additives — and the duds
Aglass 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% of the RDA for B12. 55 calories, 11 g sugar, 20 mg sodium. $3.49 for a 0.5-ounce pouch at Whole Foods.
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% RDA. No calories, no sugar. $2.29 for a 0.11-ounce vial at Sprouts.
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.
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% 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.
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% of the magnesium RDA. No calories, no sugar. $2.79 for five 0.12-ounce packets at Sprouts.
Organic India Mindful Lift Fermented Adaptogens
It looks like muddy water, and its gritty and peppery texture comes from 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.