Consumer Reports

Are Pricey New Bottled Waters Worth It?

(KDKA) Advertisers spent more than $200 million last year promoting bottled water.

And now there are many new "enhanced" waters that have everything from herbs to vitamins, even protein added.

Consumer Reports took a look to find out what you're getting in enhanced water, and whether you need it delivered in water.

The commercial for Propel Fit says, "Some vitamin-enhanced waters are enhanced with 125 calories a bottle."

Metromint Chocolate Mint Water says it's "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.

And there's more. Kellogg's Special K20 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."

Consumer Reports says those fancy waters aren't cheap, and asked 10 of the bottled waters' manufacturers what's wrong with just plain old water?

Pepsi-Cola, which makes Aquafina Alive, said consumers are now looking for water that multitasks.

And Kellogg's, which makes Special K20 Protein Water, said that consumers are looking for easy, portable ways to add more protein to their diets.

While the ads for enhanced waters keep coming, drinking tap water is a lot cheaper and a lot better for the environment.

More than 22 billion plastic water bottles are thrown out each year, so drinking less bottled water is a greener option.

As for how far the enhanced water craze has gone.

Well, it's literally gone to the dogs.

A company called Fortifido says it's going to be coming out with enhanced bottled water for canines.

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