Every SmartWater Flavor Ranked Worst To Best

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Even if you're not an athlete, it's important to stay hydrated, especially when the hotter seasons strike the northern hemisphere. Drinking water is very important for your health for a large number of reasons, including hydration, assisting digestion, and aiding in nutrient absorption (via Healthline). Sometimes, however, you don't want to drink a plain bottle of water and would rather turn to something like soda or juice instead. But having one of these drinks isn't as healthy as a bottle of water, as they're typically loaded with sugars, according to NPR. Fortunately, there is a middle ground between water and those flavored drinks: SmartWater.

SmartWater is a bottled water brand that uses electrolytes and natural flavorings to add a little extra something to each serving. There are many different kinds of bottled SmartWater, some that simply contain extra antioxidants and minerals and others that add a little more flavor to each sip. Of course, some varieties of SmartWater are a little bit tastier than others. Here are all of the SmartWater products ranked from worst to best, so the next time you're looking for a healthy electrolyte drink, you'll know which products are worth your time.

When you think of kiwis in juices and drinks, you probably think about the unforgettable strawberry and kiwi combination that is commonly found in drinks such as Capri Sun. There are other fruits that kiwis can be paired with, however, that make for an equally refreshing beverage. That includes this next SmartWater flavor, which is Pineapple Kiwi. This bottled water takes the sweet, tropical flavor of pineapple and pairs it with the subtle taste of kiwi. You can differentiate this flavor of water from the regular SmartWater flavors because of the light yellow bottle cap on the Pineapple Kiwi bottle. 

There are pretty mixed reviews of the Pineapple Kiwi flavor, and unfortunately, a good portion of them seem to be a bit more disappointed in the drink than not. Many feel as though this water has a poor taste, with one reviewer even going as far as to compare the experience of drinking this beverage with "licking an old melon rind." And that's not just unsatisfied Amazon shoppers. On the Target website, the SmartWater flavor only has a 2.4 out of 5 star rating. There are some people on there who feel as though the drink is rated rather harshly, but the general consensus seems to be that Pineapple Kiwi SmartWater isn't the brand's strongest showing.

Green Tea is a beverage that seems to have found a permanent place on many coffee shop menus. Part of its popularity has to do with its health benefits. Green tea can help your digestive system, boost your brain, and reduce your risk of heart problems, and it's filled with antioxidants. SmartWater + Clarity water is made with of ginseng and green tea extracts, making for a light yet well-rounded flavor. Green tea on its own is quite healthy, but when you pair ginseng and green tea together, you may want to think twice and be careful.

In small doses, ginseng can be quite healthy for you and help treat diabetes and the common cold, according to MedlinePlus. However, having too much of it could result in various health effects, including both low and high blood pressure (via Livestrong). While this SmartWater drink's use of ginseng extract shouldn't be a problem unless you consume an enormous amount of it, we can't help but be a little wary of this drink. If you have it on occasion, however, you're in for a water that has a nice, light tea taste, so this SmartWater does have that going for it.

There isn't much of a difference between the taste of this next SmartWater product and what comes before it, as it's pretty much just water with a whole lot of minerals and electrolytes.  At first glance, there's only one difference between SmartWater Alkaline and the original SmartWater, and that's the color of its labeling, which is changed from blue to black. What's inside the bottle, while it may seem like regular water, is so much more. It's ionized to a 9+pH, meaning that it's basic (or alkaline), rather than acidic.

The only thing that makes this water stand out among the other SmartWaters is the fact that it's alkalinized. It doesn't typically cost any more money than the original water, so it gets bonus points for the alkalinization. However, there is some controversy around alkaline water. Some argue that the water aids in immune system support, weight loss, cancer resistance, and other bodily functions, while some professionals say that the water doesn't have enough research backing it (via Healthline). Even though there's a bit of uncertainty surrounding the health benefits of alkaline water, there is a chance that it could offer further health benefits, and even if it doesn't, it's still got all the minerals and electrolytes that the original water does, which is why it ranks higher.

When you think of dandelions, you likely think of the pretty yellow flowers you pass on the sidewalk. They aren't just beautiful to look at, however. Like many plants, dandelions actually contain a great number of health benefits. According to Mount Sinai, dandelions contain vitamins such as A, B, C, and D, along with minerals like potassium and zinc. You shouldn't just pluck a dandelion from the side of the road and plop it in your mouth, however, as there are far more safe and delicious ways to go about having it. While you can have dandelion tea, if you're looking for a cooler, lighter beverage, look no further than the SmartWater + Renew drink.

The Renew SmartWater is made out of both dandelion and lemon extracts. This makes for a pretty healthy drink, but your flavored water can't just be healthy — it has to taste good, as well. For the most part, fortunately, people enjoy this SmartWater, praising the light lemon taste and the health benefits that come from the dandelion. There is one reviewer who likens the drink to having a mouthful of a newly mowed lawn, but the positive reviews offset the negative one. Overall, this drink has loads of health benefits and a nice, light flavor, so we recommend you give it a try.

When you go to the spa, or have your own spa day at the house, everything from the music to your beverages is crafted in order to keep you relaxed, refreshed, and feeling good. A common beverage to find at a spa is water with a slice of lemon, lime, or cucumber in it. Cucumber water on its own is very refreshing, and pairing it with the tangy, citrusy taste of lime makes it all the better. This leads us to our next flavor of SmartWater, which is Cucumber Lime. Made out of completely natural flavors, this drink is definitely one of the better SmartWater flavors. No matter where you drink it, it makes you feel like you're having your own little moment at the spa.

If you're looking for a refreshing flavored water drink with light hints of both cucumber and lime, then look no further. Not only do you get the extra boost of electrolytes, but you are also hit with a zesty lime flavor, as well as the fresh, mild taste of cucumber. This seems to be one of SmartWater's more popular flavors, with many reviews on the Walmart site agreeing that the Cucumber Lime SmartWater carries a refreshing, crisp, and light flavor. You might find a scattered reviewer here or there who wasn't a fan of the cucumber or lime taste, and if you don't like cucumbers, you may be a bit warier about this flavor. But even if you're the pickiest of beverage enjoyers, you'll likely find this SmartWater very refreshing.