What is Enhanced Water? A Guide to the Benefits and Ingredients

Bottled water has long been a staple in the beverage market, but it’s also a category that’s seen significant innovation lately. One segment that’s quickly gaining popularity is enhanced water. Enhanced water is a beverage category marketed as water with added ingredients, such as natural or artificial flavours, sugar, sweeteners, vitamins, and minerals. 

Enhanced waters are marketed under various names, each suggesting different health benefits or functional advantages. It’s important to look beyond the marketing and consider the actual composition and your individual needs when choosing these products.

What is Enhanced Water?

Enhanced water is water that has been fortified with additional ingredients to offer benefits beyond basic hydration. These supplemental ingredients, otherwise known as aquaceuticals,  can include vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and sometimes natural flavours. These enhancements cater to specific health needs or preferences, making enhanced water a versatile choice for those looking to boost their nutrient intake or add variety to their hydration routine.

Common Ingredients You Can Expect from Enhanced Water

Enhanced water is often fortified with a variety of ingredients that provide specific health benefits. Here are some common ones:

Vitamins: Enhanced water may include vitamins such as B12, C, or D. Vitamin C is known for its immune-boosting properties, while B vitamins support energy production, and vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health.

Electrolytes: Electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium are commonly added to help with rehydration, especially after physical activity. They assist in maintaining fluid balance and muscle function.

Minerals: Enhanced water often includes minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc. However, it’s worth noting that many types of Natural Mineral Water are already rich in minerals due to their natural sources. These waters naturally absorb minerals as they pass through various geological formations, making them inherently nutritious without the need for additional fortification.

Flavours: Natural extracts, such as lemon or berry flavours, are often used to make the water more palatable without adding sugars or artificial sweeteners.

Types of Enhanced Water

• Vitamin-enhanced water: This type of enhanced water is fortified with essential vitamins such as B12, C, or D. These vitamins play crucial roles in supporting the immune system, energy levels, and overall well-being.
  • Examples: Acti-Vit, Huel, Vit-Hit, Vitamin Water.

• Electrolyte-enhanced water: Designed to aid in rehydration, especially after physical activity, this water includes electrolytes like potassium and sodium. These minerals help to replenish what is lost through sweat, making it a popular choice for athletes and those with active lifestyles.
  • Examples: ACTIPH, Glaceau Smartwater, Fit Water.

• Flavoured enhanced water: Often lightly flavoured with natural extracts, flavoured enhanced water provides a refreshing taste without added sugars.
  • Examples: Voss Flavoured Water, Volvic, Get More Vits Flavoured Water.

Are There Benefits of Enhanced Water?

The benefits of enhanced water largely depend on individual needs and the specific nutrients added. For those lacking certain vitamins or minerals, enhanced water can be a convenient way to supplement their diet. 

For example, vitamin-enhanced water might help individuals who have dietary deficiencies. Electrolyte-enhanced water can benefit athletes or anyone engaging in intense physical activity, as it helps replenish lost minerals and maintain hydration levels.

However, it’s important to note that enhanced waters are marketed under various names, each suggesting different health benefits or functional advantages. Common terms include fitness, functional, fortified, energy, vitamin, smart, premium, fruit, flavoured, structured, life, and wellness. 

These descriptors are often used to position enhanced waters as superior or tailored for specific needs, although the actual benefits can vary widely depending on the ingredients. When choosing these products, it’s important to look beyond the marketing and consider the exact composition and your individual needs.

Discover Aqua Amore’s Enhanced Water Range

Enhanced water offers a convenient way to boost your hydration with added benefits tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a vitamin boost, improved rehydration, or just a refreshing flavoured option, there’s an enhanced water to suit your needs. 

At Aqua Amore, we’re passionate about providing high-quality, carefully selected enhanced waters that meet diverse preferences and health goals. Explore our range of enhanced water today and discover the perfect option to upgrade your hydration experience.