Water Taste Test
Date Tested: February 11, 2019
Competitors: Dasani, Fiji, Smart, Aquafina, Life, Kroger, Evian, Pellegrino, Tap Water, Coconut Water
Test Description: Blind test, set up by third party – Unmarked containers each pre-filled. Tester may drink out of each in whatever order and render a brand guess and/or rating.
Some say all water tastes the same, yet at the same time people will turn their nose up to Dasani when perusing a store’s water selection. Classic double think. So whats the deal? Are all big name brands indistinguishable? Do rich suburban white women have the true cream of the crop with their Evian and Pellegrino? Or would a $1.99 24 pack of Kroger water hydrate you after spin class just the same?
| Guess | Color | Rating | Actual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dasani | Goldish | 6/10 | Smart |
| Evian | Crystal | 4/10 | Fiji |
| Kroger | Yellowish (white wine) | 6/10 | Tap |
| Coconut Water | 8/10 Clear | 3/10 | Coconut |
| Aquafina | 8/10 Clear | 8/10 | Life |
| Fiji | Crystal | 8/10 | Kroger |
| Life | 9/10 Clear | 7/10 | Aquafina |
| Tap Water | 8/10 Clear | 7/10 | Dasani |
| Smart | Crystal | 9/10 | Evian |
| Pellegrino | Carbonated Clear | 7/10 | Pellegrino |
I always knew water tasted different. Minerals, filtering, what ever. But this test surprised even me. Also, when all the waters were in cups in front of me, I realized they were also slightly different colors, which is why that column was added. Any who, this test did provide some interesting results. Notably, Dasani outperforming its predicted results. A lot of people, myself included attribute a plastic-y taste to Dasani, and we did indeed find a strong plastic-y taste during this test, so Dasani I guessed. Turns out, it was actually the isle of Fiji delivering those flavors. I guess we should take plastic waste in the pacific more seriously. I believe that the Dasani plastic-y taste does exist, just that it was hard to notice next to the much stronger taste found in Fiji water. I was also a big proponent of our Tap Water, confident it was comparable to the purified store bought. But even though I drink it daily, I guessed it incorrectly and scored it below its bottled counterparts. Kroger generic water also did better than I expected, tying for second with Life water with an astounding eight out of ten. The final key takeaway was the fact that there was a clear winner out of all of these waters. It was clear as soon as it touched my lips. Like Indiana Jones drinking from the Holy Grail. I felt renewed. I felt as though I was drinking from the rivers of Rivendell. Evian was equal parts crystal clear, smooth, crisp, and refreshing. It was a standout from the group and the only to score a nine – a rating I do not give out easily. The premium brand comes out on top this time. Maybe i’ll try lullulemon next.
