Why Does Kirkland Brand Water Taste Like That? - Tasting Table

"Water is supposed to taste like water. Flavored water is so popular because many people prefer their water to have a taste, so companies add ingredients to create one, or offer enhancers you can add to your own water. But if you have sampled different kinds of bottled water, and especially if you've tried the tap water from various cities, you know the taste of water is a little more complex than all that."

"Costco says it uses a "proprietary mineral blend" to achieve the water's distinct taste. The label for each bottle lists sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium citrate, sodium chloride, and magnesium oxide. Many other popular bottled water brands add minerals to improve the taste, with mixed results. Dasani water, for instance, includes magnesium sulfate and potassium chloride, but the taste did not impress us very much when we reviewed it."

"So why add minerals to water? For starters, calcium changes the mouthfeel and makes it smooth, while magnesium gives it a more refreshing taste. Bicarbonate helps balance the pH, and sodium helps maintain proper fluid balance to improve hydration. If any of these minerals are out of balance, it can really throw off the taste. Too much sodium will make it taste salty, and if there is too much magnesium, the water could become bitter."

Many people prefer water with a taste, so companies add ingredients or sell enhancers. Water flavor varies with mineral content and municipal sources. Kirkland Signature water includes a proprietary mineral blend and lists sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium citrate, sodium chloride, and magnesium oxide. Other brands add minerals too; Dasani adds magnesium sulfate and potassium chloride. Calcium smooths mouthfeel, magnesium refreshes, bicarbonate balances pH, and sodium supports fluid balance and hydration. Mineral imbalances produce off flavors: excess sodium tastes salty, excess magnesium tastes bitter, and sensitive drinkers may find mineral-enhanced water less enjoyable.

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