At first glance, Vitamin Water may seem like the perfect healthy drink alternative, with a refreshing taste, colorful packaging and added vitamins. But behind the distinct branding and its appealing name, it is not really that healthy.
Taste plays a huge factor in influencing how healthy we feel a drink is. Sophomore Brandon Do feels that Vitamin Water is able to help him concentrate because of its flavor. “I think Vitamin Water helps with focus because it tastes good so your taste buds communicate with your brain,” Do said.
Sophomore Ashton Bernacki thinks that packaging can unknowingly influence a decision. “The flavor influences it a lot. It’s the only factor in my standards of excellence. The packaging might influence my decisions subconsciously,” Bernacki said.
In fact, many well known brands use strategic packaging to appeal to consumers. For example, Gatorade uses vibrant colors and athletic branding to promote the idea of increased performance. Similarly, Vitamin Water markets itself as a healthier alternative, but it actually contains a high sugar content.
Some students prefer Vitamin Water, believing it is a better choice than soda and energy drinks since it contains added vitamins and electrolytes. While it can serve as a hydration alternative, it should not be relied on as a primary source of nutrients.
Vitamin Water is owned by The Coca-Cola Co., which is best known for their sugary soft drinks. According to the nutrition facts provided by The Coca-Cola Co., Vitamin Water contains about 26 to 27 grams of added sugars.Diets high in added sugars can contribute to various health problems such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that added sugars make up less than 10% of daily calorie intake and preferably less than 5% per day of daily calorie intake for added health benefits. A single bottle of Vitamin Water can easily exceed that limit, especially for teens who may consume sugary drinks frequently without realizing the impact.
For individuals aiming to reduce soda intake, Vitamin Water could be a healthier step in the right direction since it also has zero sugar alternatives. However, while zero sugar versions eliminate added sugars, many of them rely on artificial sweeteners. This means replacing one sugary drink with another zero sugar substitute is not much of a significant change.
Freshman Aurelian Shen believes it is important to enjoy drinks like Vitamin Water in limited amounts. “I think it’s healthy only to a certain extent and that everything becomes unhealthy if overly consumed,” Shen said.
Ultimately, looking beyond the packaging and examining the nutrient facts and ingredients list is essential when it comes to drinks like Vitamin Water. The name “Vitamin Water” may sound like a shortcut to better health, but this is clever marketing aimed at making the product more appealing. Just because a product contains vitamins doesn’t mean that it is necessarily healthy, especially when it is packed with large amounts of added sugars. In many cases, the sugar content outweighs the benefits of the provided vitamins.
Vitamin Water is not as healthy as it is portrayed to be and people should strive to make more informed and healthier choices.
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