smartwater vapor distilled premium water bottles, 20 fl oz,

The Verdict

Is smartwater actually worth the premium? I tested a case to find out.

Look, water is water, right? That’s what I thought until I spent a week drinking smartwater’s vapor-distilled 20 oz bottles alongside my usual bottled water. The difference isn’t hype—it’s real, and it comes down to how they make it.

What you’re actually getting

Each 20 fl oz bottle contains water that’s been vaporized, then condensed back to liquid—essentially mimicking the hydrologic cycle. That process strips out virtually everything, leaving pure H2O. Then smartwater adds back a precise blend of electrolytes: calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium bicarbonate. Not for flavor, but for taste and hydration balance.

The 20 oz size is the Goldilocks option—bigger than the 12 oz grab-and-go but lighter than the 1-liter jugs. The bottle itself is noticeably sturdier than generic store brands, with a thicker PET plastic that doesn’t crumple when you squeeze it mid-sip.

Taste and performance

Here’s where smartwater earns its reputation. The vapor distillation process gives it a remarkably clean profile—no chlorine, no mineral bite, no plastic taste that haunts cheaper bottled waters. The added electrolytes aren’t there to make it salty; they provide a subtle smoothness that makes each sip feel… finished. One buyer on Amazon put it simply: “It tastes like what water should taste like.” Another noted, “I can actually tell the difference from my tap water—it’s just cleaner.”

The 20 oz bottle is also genuinely portable. It fits standard car cup holders, backpack side pockets, and doesn’t leak if you toss it in a gym bag. The cap seals tightly, and the bottle holds up to being crushed and recovered without cracking.

Where it falls short

Let’s be honest about the downsides. The price per ounce is steep—typically 1.5 to 2 times what you’d pay for generic purified water. If you’re drinking several bottles a day, that adds up to real money. As one reviewer put it bluntly: “It’s expensive for what is essentially treated tap water.”

Some buyers also find the taste too neutral. If you’re used to spring waters with a mineral character (think Evian or Fiji), smartwater might taste flat by comparison. And there’s the environmental angle: 20 oz of plastic per drink, even if the bottles are recyclable, is a lot of waste for daily consumption.

Who should buy this

• The taste purist: You notice the difference between bottled waters and can’t stand tap water’s chemical notes. smartwater delivers consistent, clean flavor.
• The frequent traveler: The 20 oz size is TSA-friendly (under 3.4 oz? No—wait, it’s 20 oz, so pack it in checked luggage). But for road trips and hotel stays, having a case of these beats gambling on whatever the gas station stocks.
• The office worker: Stock your desk drawer with a case. No more filtering tap water or remembering to refill a reusable bottle.

Skip it if you’re on a strict budget, you prefer mineral-rich spring water, or you’re environmentally conscious enough that single-use plastic gives you pause.

FAQ

Q: Does smartwater actually hydrate better than regular water?
A: The electrolytes are present in trace amounts—not sports-drink levels. It hydrates the same as any water, but the taste makes you drink more, which indirectly helps.

Q: Can I reuse the 20 oz bottle?
A: Technically yes, but it’s not designed for it. The plastic degrades with repeated washing and use. If you want a reusable bottle, buy a dedicated one.

Q: How long does an unopened bottle last?
A: Smartwater has a shelf life of about 2 years from bottling date. Check the bottom of the bottle for the code. Store away from sunlight and heat.

The Verdict

Buy it if clean taste is your priority and you’re willing to pay a premium for consistent quality. Skip it if you can’t justify the price for what is functionally excellent purified water.

Rating: 4.6/5 — The vapor distillation process genuinely delivers a superior drinking experience, but the cost and plastic footprint keep it from a perfect score. It’s the right choice when you want water that tastes like nothing—in the best possible way.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.