What Is Vitamin Water, Actually?
Vitamin Water and its commandingly named flavors (Focus! Revive! Refresh!) has been a hydration staple for years. While some folks (like me) mostly know it as “that drink 50 Cent promoted in the early aughts,” its lush color spectrum of bottles and bold health claims can tempt even the most resistant consumer! But does it live up to its name? Today we’ll take a deep dive into the world of Vitamin Water to find out. (A metaphorical dive, that is. Probably not a good idea to swim in this stuff, regardless of how healthy it may end up being!)
What is Vitamin Water?
Vitamin water is water infused with vitamins and minerals…and natural colors and flavors and sugar (or artificial sweeteners in the case of the Vitamin Water Zero flavors).
Does Vitamin Water have vitamins?
Yes, Vitamin Water contains vitamins. The label does not lie! Vitamin Water flavors contain 50–120% of the recommended daily intake of B vitamins and 50–150% of the recommended amount of Vitamin C. Some flavors also include smaller amounts of vitamins A and E, as well as the minerals potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and chromium. And, before you ask: Yes, Vitamin Water contains water as well. I’m telling you, the label does NOT lie!
Is Vitamin Water hydrating?
Well, yes, but with a few caveats, if you’ll allow me to rain on this parade! While Vitamin Water definitely hydrates you as much as any other vitamin-rich liquid, it is important to note that these drinks should never be considered a substitute for plain water. In fact, the high sugar content along with the artificial and natural flavor additives within Vitamin Water can even have a dehydrating effect on the body. Plus, Vitamin Water is considerably more expensive than water, making it a less cost-effective choice for keeping hydrated. Let’s just put it this way: There’s a reason your kitchen faucet doesn’t disperse Vitamin Water!
Is there caffeine in Vitamin Water?
There is no caffeine in classic Vitamin Water flavors, but Vitamin Water Energy contains 50 mg of caffeine in every bottle. This is about the same as a small cup of coffee, but much easier and safer (temperature-wise) to guzzle while you’re running a marathon. Unless you take your Vitamin Water hot, in which case, I don’t know what to tell you.
Does 50 Cent own Vitamin Water?
Not currently! In a highly publicized business deal, 50 Cent did own a 10% stake of Vitamin Water starting in 2004 via his partnership with Glacéau. He made a huge profit when it was sold to Coca-Cola for 4.1 billion dollars. He is rumored to have walked away with a monumental figure between $60 million and $100 million, even referencing the blisteringly shrewd business transaction in his aptly titled song “I Get Money.”
Vitamin Water is a better way to treat yourself after a nature hike or sweaty workout than chugging a soda or fruit punch, but it’s important to note one last time that you’d be just as smart, if not more so, to simply drink plain, refreshing water. Use that Vitamin Water fund to take yourself out to a movie or for some ice cream! Trust me, the Coca-Cola company will be just fine!
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