The New Water: From Maple to Watermelon, H2O Has Some Company

It’s no secret we at Spafinder believe hydrating well! We’re always offering tips on how to drink more water and the importance behind guzzling down the good stuff, but over the years trusty old H2O has gotten some company, and dare we say competition, as the best source of hydration (we’re looking at you coconut water). However, in recent months new bottles have been making their ways to shelves everywhere, touting hydration+ benefits, the “new water” if you will. We did some digging and wanted to share a bit about these drinks: from coconut and maple to watermelon and aloe – check out the face of the “new water.”

Coconut Water

A few years ago coconut water, thanks in large part to brands like VitaCoco and Zico, gained an almost overnight popularity. The water, which is derived from the liquid inside young green coconuts, is low in calories, high in potassium, contains electrolytes, and is super hydrating – traits that helped it quickly rise to healthy sports drink status despite the fact that many would argue that it’s an acquired taste (unless you’re drinking Zico Chocolate, because that stuff is unreal!). But, before you switch your favorite sports drink for a bottle of coco-nutty goodness take a look at how strenuous your workout routine really is. Just doing light toning work and 30 minutes of cardio? Coconut water is fine, but during a power sweat-sesh like spin class or heck, a marathon, you’re sweating out sodium that the body needs to bounce back and coconut water just isn’t going to cut it. As well, most of the bottled coconut waters we find in stores are pasteurized not raw, meaning they lack the detoxifying power that one would find straight from the source. Coconut water on average contains nearly 50 calories, and water contains absolutely none! Plus, be sure to check out the labels on your favorite brands – a lot of the flavored varieties, yes even my beloved Zico Chocolate, contain added sugars, so if you’re watching your waistline or looking to lose a few extra pounds, stick with old-fashioned water from tap.

Maple Water

The new-kid-on-the-block that’s been getting lots of buzz lately is maple water, and no before you start envisioning sticky syrup or the Master Cleanse, this new water is clear as can be. Maple water is tapped from actual maple trees that naturally filter and sweeten a thin, clear (non-sticky) sap, which many have said tastes better than the coconut variety. This new water which comes in at about 20 calories a serving and has half the sugar of coconut water, has a list of benefits seemingly a mile long which, in addition to hydration, includes anti-inflammatory powers, help with digestive health, and even blood sugar control. However, there hasn’t been much research done to-date, to support many of these claims and maple waters have only just hit the shelves in North America a few months ago.

Watermelon Water

Now if you know me, you know if it comes in pink I’m buying it, so of course watermelon water sparked my interest. With claims like anti-inflammatory and antioxidant health benefits, potassium, magnesium and lycopene, and vitamins A and C, watermelon water, sourced from cold-pressed watermelon, is another bottled beverage people are talking about. With 12g of sugar (the same as coconut water) the drink comes in my favorite shade of bright pink and tastes, very honestly, delish. However, while I wouldn’t switch it out for my 8 glasses of H2O, I do love it for a healthy alternative to soda or when I want a little flavor in my day!

What are your thoughts on the new waters?