Advertisers spent more than $200 million last year promoting bottled water in North America, despite the fact we probably have the best drinking water in the world.
The bottled water battle has resulted in several new "enhanced" waters hitting the market.
These waters have everything from herbs to vitamins, even protein added in. In fact -- some of the offerings are getting down right ridiculous.
In the states -- they are really 'out there' like Metromint chocolate mint water that says it has "turned water into chocolate." Aquamantra says it is infused with mantras: "I am lucky", "I am healthy", and "I am loved."
"Water now plays host to calcium, electrolytes, herbs and even weight-loss ingredients," lists Consumer Reports tester Jamie Hirsh.
And there's more. Kellogg's Special K2 OH Protein Water even says it has five grams of protein and "can be used as a dietary exchange for one serving of very lean meat or meat substitute."
The selection of enhanced waters isn't as broad in Canada, but vitamin water hit the stores this summer. The concept appeals to those who want to boost their nutrition so we decided to test the taste.
We pitted Aquafina Plus against Glaceau Vitamin Water
Aquafina has slightly fewer calories. It says on the label "recommended dose - twice daily".
Glaceau has more calories, more sugar and more vitamin "C" along with a wider range of vitamins.
Some testers thought the products smelled like pool water. Others said they tasted like watered down Jell-O. Opinions were divided
But the majority liked at least one of them --though they disagreed on which one.
Then we counted the votes. The drink labeled "A" was Aquifina Plus.
"B" was the Glaceau Essential. Overall: 45 % liked the Aquafina
And 55% preferred the Glaceau product. But a few people said they didn't like either of them.
More than 22 billion plastic water bottles are thrown out each year across North America, so drinking less bottled water is a greener option.
And if you want a vitamin -- you can take a multi-vitamin pill for just 12 cents a day.
But manufacturers will make what people will buy. If you can believe it, the next enhanced water might be for dogs.
A company called FortiFido says it's going to be coming out with enhanced bottled water for canines.
With a report by CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
