John Myers
With keywords such as fresh, natural, active, vital, wellness, harmony, balance or energy, they are intended to appeal to different target groups – with a surcharge, of course.
The essentials in brief:
- The basis of near-water drinks is water in the form of drinking water, mineral water or plain tap water.
- It’s not the small amounts of herbal extracts or fruits that add flavor, but mostly cheap flavors. Sweetness is provided by a wide variety of sugars, often classic household sugar, but sometimes also agave syrup or fructose. Sugar-reduced or sugar-free variants contain sweeteners as an alternative.
- If the taste of water is too boring for you, you can spice it up with pieces of fruit and herbs.
They have conquered the shops: near-water drinks, also known as fitness, wellness or aqua plus drinks, are clear or delicately colored water. With keywords such as fresh, sport, active, vital, wellness, harmony, balance or energy, they are intended to appeal to different target groups – with a surcharge, of course.
Natural and fruity are also often advertised. But what comes across as a refined mineral water from the Gesundbrunnen is often a mineral or drinking water spiced up with additives. Bottom line: The thirst quenchers – in new German near-water drinks – are usually expensive and actually superfluous.
Color, extracts and aromas
Fruit images and fruit names are often used in advertising, but the fruity taste is mainly created with the help of aromas and not through the use of fruits. Exotic plant extracts and medicinal herbs – such as lemongrass, ginger, guarana, green tea, aloe vera, sea buckthorn, elderflower or apple cider vinegar are usually contained in such low concentrations that amounts that are effective for health are not reached. Rather, these extracts often serve as colorants and must be supplemented with flavoring or sweeteners.
Not always calorie free
Although near-water drinks are also offered as sugar and calorie-free variants, some also contain sugar, fructose, glucose or honey. The calorie content of wellness waters can be between 130 and 250 kilocalories per liter. Drinks up to 200 kcal per liter are considered low in calories.
Arbitrary vitamin mix
In addition to vitamin C, the special thirst quenchers mainly contain B vitamins such as vitamin B6, folic acid, biotin or vitamin B12 as nutrients. This group of B vitamins is generally said to have a positive effect on nerves and beauty. From a nutritional point of view, this addition of vitamins is not necessary. Added citric acid, especially in combination with sugar, can damage teeth.
Mineral water – not always
Mineral water can provide the body with a significant proportion of minerals such as calcium or magnesium. However, some near-water drinks are made from regular, partially carbonated drinking water. Even if these drinks suggest a natural healing and health effect, many of them cannot do without preservatives or antioxidants.
- If you want to buy near-water drinks, you should make sure that they are made on the basis of mineral water and not only contain flavorings, but also the right proportion of juice.
- Anyone who pays attention to their figure and health should study the calorie and sugar content as well as the list of ingredients on the bottle.
- Products in reusable bottles are more ecological than disposable versions.
- The jazzed up wellness waters cost between 35 cents and over 2 euros per liter and are therefore significantly more expensive than mineral water.
Mix yourself
You can easily mix water with a real fruit note yourself: mix water or mineral water with some fruit juice, pieces of fruit or herbs such as basil, mint or lemon balm or a mixture of these. The whole thing in a carafe – possibly with a few ice cubes – looks appetizing and invites you to drink.
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