Too many sweeteners
“Flavored Water”: Consumer advice center warns of social media trend
Updated on November 12, 2024Reading time: 2 min.
Pure water tastes anything but exciting. Syrups, effervescent drops and powders promise taste. But consumer advocates are critical of the products.
Syrups, aroma drops, powders or effervescent drops for water are increasingly being advertised on social media. The so-called “flavored water” products promise to transform plain water into a delicious drink – and get people to drink more. And without having to buy the calories from cola, lemonade or juice.
The North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Center took a close look at nine of these products in a market check. One point of criticism: Almost all products use sweeteners and flavors.
“Drinking more water is good,” says Hannah Zeyßig, food expert at the consumer advice center. “But with ‘flavored water’ there’s a chance you’ll get used to a lot of sweetness and artificial flavors.” The result: Unsweetened foods seem increasingly boring over time. Children and young people in particular should not consume “flavored water” products too often.
A tip to slow down the habituation effect: dilute the drinks. The consumer advocates found that the preparation recommendations for the products usually lead to a very intense sweetness in the glass of water.
Quite apart from the possible habituation effect: Even if sweeteners provide fewer calories compared to sugar and are more tooth-friendly, they can also have negative effects. They are suspected of having a negative impact on the intestinal microbiome, according to the consumer advice center.
By the way: Even if the products advertise natural flavors, that doesn’t mean that the raspberry flavor actually comes from the fruit. A flavor can be called “natural” if it has been obtained from plant, animal or microbiological raw materials. According to the consumer advice center, what tastes like raspberries can also be made from cedar wood.
Many products also advertise vitamin additives. Consumer advocates see this as more of a marketing tool than an actual health benefit. They complain that the vitamin supplements are arbitrary and not well thought out. One product exceeded the maximum amount of vitamin B6 that should be consumed daily through dietary supplements.
In addition, according to consumer advocates, vitamin requirements can usually be adequately covered by a balanced diet.
By the way, enjoying flavored water in moderation is not only good for your health, but also for your wallet. Because “flavored water” products are sometimes quite expensive. According to the consumer advice center’s market check, you pay between 18 cents and 2.65 euros per liter – a multiple of a liter of tap water, which comes to just 0.3 cents.
What are the potential health risks associated with consuming flavored water regularly?
Interview: The Sweet Side of ’Flavored Water’ – An Insightful Discussion with Hannah Zeyßig
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Hannah! Thank you for joining us today. There’s been a noticeable rise in the popularity of flavored water, especially through social media. What’s your take on this trend?
Hannah Zeyßig: Thank you for having me! You’re right—the trend of flavored water is booming. Brands are marketing various syrups, effervescent drops, and powders as alternatives to sugary drinks, claiming they can help people hydrate more efficiently. However, while the intention might be good, there are significant concerns we need to discuss.
Editor: Absolutely! One of your main critiques is the heavy use of sweeteners in these products. Can you elaborate on why this is problematic?
Zeyßig: Sure! Most flavored water products rely heavily on sweeteners and artificial flavors. While this can make water taste more appealing, it raises a risk of consumers, particularly children and teenagers, developing a preference for that intense sweetness. Over time, this can lead to unsweetened foods and drinks tasting bland in comparison, which detracts from the enjoyment of naturally flavored beverages.
Editor: That makes sense. So you’re suggesting that this could potentially alter people’s taste perceptions?
Zeyßig: Exactly! The habituation effect can make plain water or unsweetened beverages seem unexciting over time, which defeats the purpose of encouraging more water consumption. It’s much healthier to appreciate the natural taste of water and other unsweetened drinks without the interference of added sweetness.
Editor: Interesting point! What recommendations do you have for consumers who still want to enjoy flavored water without overdoing the sweetness?
Zeyßig: A simple solution is to dilute these flavored drinks. Often, the preparation guidelines can lead to an excessively sweet flavor, but by adding more water, you can control the intensity and lessen the impact of the sweeteners. This can help maintain a healthier relationship with taste and hydration.
Editor: That’s a practical tip! Now, sweeteners are often marketed as healthier alternatives due to their lower calorie content. Are there any hidden pitfalls with their use?
Zeyßig: Yes, while sweeteners can indeed provide fewer calories and are less harmful to teeth compared to sugar, they aren’t without potential downsides. Some studies suggest they might negatively affect our gut health or metabolic responses. Furthermore, the long-term impacts of daily consumption of sweeteners are not yet fully understood, which should give consumers pause.
Editor: It’s important to consider the long-term implications! In your view, how can social media play a role in shaping perceptions about flavored water?
Zeyßig: Social media can amplify trends quickly, which is both good and bad. On one hand, it helps raise awareness about hydration, but on the other, it can lead to misleading marketing practices. Consumers should be encouraged to critically evaluate these products and not accept all claims at face value. Regulatory oversight and consumer education are key in navigating these marketed trends safely.
Editor: Definitely. As we wrap up, what final advice would you give to someone looking to make healthier hydration choices?
Zeyßig: Drink more plain water! Appreciate its natural qualities, and if you do opt for flavored water, use it sparingly and try to dilute it. Exploring fresh fruits and herbs to infuse plain water can also be a delicious and healthier way to enjoy hydration without overwhelming sweetness.
Editor: Thank you, Hannah. Your insights are invaluable, and this is a conversation that many consumers need to hear as they navigate their beverage choices.
Zeyßig: Thank you for having me! It’s vital we keep discussing these trends for better health choices.