Is Flavored Water Ultra Processed?
Not Typically Ultra-Processed
Most flavored waters are Level 3-4 despite their "water" branding. They typically contain artificial sweeteners (sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame potassium), artificial flavors, citric acid, and preservatives — making them closer to diet soda than to water.
Key Findings
- •Most flavored waters contain the same synthetic sweeteners as diet soda — the "water" label is a marketing distinction, not a processing distinction
- •Sucralose is produced by chlorinating sugar molecules, replacing three hydroxyl groups with chlorine atoms — a process that does not exist in nature
- •Adding fruit slices or lemon juice to plain water at home achieves the same flavoring at Level 1 without any synthetic additives
Why Is Flavored Water Level 3?
The flavored water category exploits the health halo of water while delivering an industrial beverage. Brands like Propel and Glaceau Vitaminwater use sucralose (manufactured by chlorinating sugar molecules — replacing three hydroxyl groups with chlorine atoms) as the primary sweetener. The "vitamins" in Vitaminwater are synthetic — manufactured in chemical plants and added back for marketing claims. Potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate serve as preservatives. When sodium benzoate combines with ascorbic acid (vitamin C, also commonly added), it can form benzene — a known carcinogen — under certain conditions. This chemistry does not occur in actual water.
Flavored Water Processing Level Distribution
How 996 flavored water products break down by processing level:
Average ingredient count: 9.2 · Average nutrition score: 5.0/10
Flavored Water Brand Comparison
Comparing the least to most processed flavored water products in our database:
| Product | Brand | Level | Score | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Water Beverage | Aj's | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Enhanced Water Beverage | Aj's | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Enhanced Water Beverage | Aj's | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Apple Cheer Flavored Water Beverage, Apple Cheer | Simple Truth | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 3 |
| Metro Mint, Chocolate Mint Flavored Water Beverage, Chocolate Mint | Metro Mint | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 2 |
| Fruit N' Punchy Flavored Water Beverage, Fruit N' Punchy | Simple Truth | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 3 |
| Enhanced Water Beverage, Strawberry | Suja | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 3 |
| Apple Cheer Flavored Water Beverage, Apple Cheer | Simple Truth | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 3 |
| Unsweetened Cucumber Flavored Water Beverage, Unsweetened, Cucumber | Wholesome Pantry | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 2 |
| Aquation, New, Nature Enhanced Water | Aquation | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 3 |
How to Read Flavored Water Labels
- 1
Compare the ingredient list to plain water (1 ingredient) — most flavored waters contain 8-12 industrial additives
- 2
Sucralose in flavored water is the same synthetic sweetener found in diet soda
- 3
"Enhanced water" and "fitness water" are marketing terms for sweetened, preserved beverages
- 4
Water with real fruit slices or squeeze of lemon at home is Level 1 — no additives needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vitaminwater healthy?
Vitaminwater contains sugar or artificial sweeteners, synthetic vitamins, citric acid, and preservatives — Level 3-4. Coca-Cola (which owns Vitaminwater) settled a lawsuit over misleading health claims. The vitamins are industrially synthesized, and a bottle can contain as much sugar as a can of soda.
Is flavored water the same as infused water?
No. Infused water (water with real fruit, herbs, or cucumber) is Level 1 — no additives. Commercial "flavored water" typically contains artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and industrial flavor compounds. The names sound similar but the products are very different.
Is Propel water ultra-processed?
Propel contains sucralose, potassium sorbate (preservative), sodium hexametaphosphate, natural flavor, and synthetic vitamins — Level 3-4. It is closer to a diet sports drink than to water.