Does water have a taste?

Join us on a journey to explore what gives water its unique flavor and what you need to know about finding high-quality H20.

Are you someone who thinks water tastes like…well, nothing? Or do you find yourself picky about the taste of your water? It's a debate that's been going on for ages - does water actually have a taste?

Some argue that water is tasteless and odorless, while others  swear they can detect even the slightest difference in flavor. But the truth is, our perception of water taste is influenced by various factors like temperature, carbonation, and mineral content. 

In this article, we'll explore the science behind water taste, the benefits of choosing the right kind of water, and how you can make your water drinking experience even more enjoyable. 

So does water have a taste? Let's dive in and quench our thirst - for knowledge, that is!

What Gives Water its Flavor?

Have you ever wondered why water tastes different sometimes, even when it's supposed to be just plain old H2O? The answer lies in the four main contributors to water taste: temperature, carbonation, mineral content, and contaminants.

Temperature

Let's start with temperature. Have you noticed that water tastes different when it's hot or cold? That's because temperature affects the way our taste buds perceive flavor. Cold water can reduce our ability to taste certain flavors, while hot water can enhance others. 

A study published in the Chemical Senses Journal found that participants rated cold water as less sweet and less sour than room temperature or hot water. It's no surprise that many people prefer cold water, as it can be more refreshing and thirst-quenching than warmer options.

Carbonation

Next up, carbonation. Carbon dioxide gas is infused into water to create that bubbly texture and slightly sour taste that we know and love in sparkling water. 

Carbonation is a popular addition to water for those who love a little fizz in their beverages. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global sparkling water market size was valued at a whopping $34.33 billion in 2022. It's expected to grow by more than 12% by 2030.

Clearly, many people enjoy the taste and texture that carbonation adds to their water.

But what about those who don't enjoy carbonation? They're not alone. 

A study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology found that carbonation can decrease the perceived sweetness of water, while increasing sourness and bitterness. So, if you're not a fan of bubbly drinks, it's not just in your head – carbonation really does change the taste.

Mineral Content

The amount and type of minerals in water can greatly affect its taste. But how much of a difference can minerals really make? 

Well, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals is referred to as "hard water," while water with low levels of minerals is called "soft water." 

Hard water can have a taste that some may describe as "mineral-y" or even slightly metallic. And it's not just about taste – hard water can also leave behind mineral residue on dishes and in pipes. On the other hand, soft water can taste "flat" or "bland" to some, but it's often preferred for washing clothes and hair because it doesn't leave behind mineral buildup.

Fun fact: the USGS has a National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program that monitors water quality across the United States. They found that around 85% of the country's drinking water is considered "hard water," with the highest concentrations found in the Midwest and West regions.

So what minerals are in water? The most common minerals to add to water or naturally found there include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, and zinc. Calcium and magnesium are the two most prevalent minerals found in water and are responsible for water hardness. These minerals are essential for bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission.

Potassium is another important mineral found in pure water, which helps regulate fluid balance in the body. Sodium is also found in water and is essential for nerve and muscle function, but excessive intake can lead to high blood pressure.

Iron is another mineral that is commonly found in water, but its presence can vary depending on the source of the water. It is important for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.

Zinc is a trace mineral found in water that is essential for wound healing, immunity, and cell growth.

In addition to these minerals, water can also contain other trace minerals such as selenium, fluoride, and iodine, which are all essential for human health in small amounts.

Minerals are important in water, as they play an important role in the water taste.  When you choose products like LANGWATER, you'll enjoy the best-tasting water without any unpleasant tastes. We carefully add 15.8 mg of potassium and 0.4 mg of magnesium per 100 ml of Reverse osmosis water benefits to offer a subtle refreshing taste that most people love - but these concentrations can also be manually adjusted outside of the standard setting so you can get the absolute perfect taste to satisfy your needs. 

Contaminants

This is where things get a bit more serious. Contaminants in water can not only affect taste, but they can also make us sick. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, an estimated 2.2 billion people globally lack safe drinking water. 

Contaminants can range from bacteria and viruses to chemicals and heavy metals, and their effects can vary from gastrointestinal issues to long-term health problems.

It's important to note that many contaminants can be removed or reduced through proper filtration and treatment. 

A study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Insights found that home filtration systems, such as activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems, can effectively remove or reduce a variety of contaminants. 

Should Water Taste Like…Water?

When it comes to water, some people argue that it should taste like...well, nothing. After all, water is meant to quench our thirst and hydrate our bodies, not necessarily to tantalize your taste buds. However, not everyone finds the taste of plain water enjoyable. For some, the lack of flavor can be a turn-off, leading them to choose sugary drinks or other beverages instead. 

And if you're not getting enough water because you don't like the taste, your body will suffer.

Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, and even more serious health problems if left untreated. 

Of course, not all water tastes the same - some people claim that bottled water tastes better than tap water, for example. But is this really true? The answer is...complicated. 

While some people may prefer the taste of bottled water, studies have shown that it's not necessarily any safer or healthier than tap water. In fact, many brands of bottled water are simply filtered tap water, sold at a premium price. 

So what should you do if you don't like the taste of water? One option is to try infusing it with fruits, herbs, or other natural flavors. This can add a hint of sweetness or tanginess without adding extra calories or sugar. 

Another option is to choose a high-quality water like LANGWATER, which comes in a variety of mineralized recipes designed to enhance the flavor and health benefits of water. The contaminants are filtered out to achieve the maximum purity and best taste - then the water is mineralized to have all the key minerals you need put back in.

The Downfalls of Flavored Water

Water is the elixir of life - we need it to stay alive. But sometimes, its taste can be downright boring, and there are plenty of people out there (maybe you're one of them) who just don't like the taste of water.

But finding water that tastes great will encourage you to drink more, leading to better hydration levels and improved bodily functions. Many companies have capitalized on this, offering artificially flavored water that seem like a healthier option than sugary sodas - but still often contain added sugars and chemicals that can wreak havoc on your body. They can also be addictive.

That's why you need natural water with a pleasant flavor. Water sommeliers like LANGWATER are experts who take water seriously and who've gone above and beyond to create the perfect water flavor profiles. 

We have state-of-the-art filtration methods that we use to remove contaminants and pollutants, leaving behind only the purest water. Then, we add natural liquid extracts for an intense flavor boost without the additives, sugar, or artificial flavorings. From orange to peach and even lemon, there's a flavor out there for just about everyone.

Hydrate Happily With LANGWATER

So does water have a taste? Definitely - but if you're not a fan of the taste of plain old H20, don't worry - you have options.

Hydrate happily with LANGWATER and enjoy water that not only quenches your thirst but makes you feel your best. 

And with plenty of flavors to choose from, you'll never run out of options. 

So what are you waiting for? Choose LANGWATER for all your hydration needs - and experience the taste of water like never before.