Comparing Alkaline Waters: Essentia vs. Smartwater vs. Alklyte

Not All Alkaline Waters Are Created Equal: A Comparison of Ingredients & Buffering Principles

When it comes to choosing an alkaline water product, the ingredient list can tell you a lot. While popular brands like Essentia® and Smartwater® Alkaline offer vapor-distilled or purified water with added minerals, they differ in terms of the types of buffers used and the mineral load they carry.

In this post, we compare the ingredient profiles of three products—Essentia, Smartwater, and Alklyte—focusing on their buffering composition and formulation intent.

1. Essentia® Alkaline Water

Ingredients:
Purified Water, Sodium Bicarbonate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Calcium Chloride

Considerations:

• Contains a single buffer (bicarbonate) without citrate

• Includes magnesium and calcium salts, which increase total mineral load

• Phosphate-based compounds contribute additional dietary phosphorus, which may not be ideal for some dietary preferences

2. Smartwater® Alkaline

Ingredients:
Vapor-Distilled Water, Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Bicarbonate, Sodium Selenate

Considerations:

• Uses chloride-based salts for re-mineralization

• Contains magnesium and calcium, which contribute to overall mineral intake

• Citrate buffers are not included

3. Alklyte™ – Quad Buffer Electrolyte System

Ingredients:
Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Bicarbonate, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Citrate

What Sets Alklyte Apart:

• Designed with four buffering agents used by the body: bicarbonates and citrates

• Contains no chloride, phosphate, sulfate, calcium, or magnesium — keeping the total mineral load intentionally low

• Uses only sodium and potassium as “carrier” ions for its buffers

• Delivered via a unique effervescent reaction, promoting faster dissolution and refreshing taste

Alklyte’s simplified formula focuses purely on acid-base buffering support — not general re-mineralization. This may appeal to individuals seeking to support dietary acid balance with fewer added minerals.

Final Thoughts

If you're choosing alkaline water with health and wellness in mind, take a closer look at the ingredients. Not all formulas are created with the same goals. The type of buffer, quantity, and delivery method all matter.

Alklyte is purpose-built as a dual-citrate and bicarbonate effervescent electrolyte solution. Unlike many bottled waters that simply reintroduce minerals into distilled water, Alklyte focuses solely on the alkalizing effect — without the extra load of heavy minerals.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.