SmartWater is vapor distilled water enhanced with three electrolyte salts for taste and mineral content. The original product contains no seed oils or problematic ingredients - it's already clean. This DIY version replicates the exact mineral profile using food-grade salts, providing the same hydration benefits at a fraction of the cost.
Based on: SmartWater
· Makes approximately 32 servings (1 gallon batches)
· Serving: 20 fl oz (591ml) bottle equivalent
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial SmartWater from Glacéau,Sarah Farms often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
Provides calcium electrolytes and contributes to the characteristic slightly salty-bitter taste profile
Food grade magnesium chloride
0.3g (about 1/16 teaspoon) · Ancient Minerals Magnesium Chloride Flakes
Adds magnesium electrolytes and creates the subtle mineral complexity that differentiates enhanced water from plain distilled
Food grade potassium bicarbonate
0.2g (tiny pinch) · NOW Foods Potassium Bicarbonate Powder
Balances the mineral profile with potassium and slightly buffers pH to prevent overly acidic taste
Instructions
Step 1. Start with exactly 1 gallon (3.78L) of distilled water in a large glass pitcher or food-grade container. Room temperature water works best for dissolving the minerals evenly. Never use tap water as chlorine and existing minerals will interfere with the precise electrolyte balance.
Step 2. Measure the calcium chloride precisely: 0.4g weighs about the same as 1/8 teaspoon, but use a digital scale for accuracy since this small amount is critical to taste. Add the calcium chloride first and stir vigorously for 30 seconds. The water may briefly cloud as the salt dissolves - this is normal.
Step 3. Add the magnesium chloride (0.3g or about 1/16 teaspoon) next. If using flakes, crush them lightly first between your fingers. Stir for another 30 seconds until completely dissolved. The water should remain clear with no floating particles.
Step 4. Finally, add the tiny pinch of potassium bicarbonate (0.2g). This is the smallest amount and hardest to measure - it's about 1/32 teaspoon or what fits on the tip of a butter knife. Stir gently for 15 seconds. Adding too much will make the water taste chalky, so err on the side of less.
Step 5. Mix the entire batch thoroughly by stirring or gentle agitation for 1-2 minutes. Taste a small sample - it should have a very subtle mineral taste, slightly salty but clean, with no bitter or metallic notes. If it tastes too salty, you added too much; dilute with more distilled water.
Step 6. Transfer to clean glass bottles or BPA-free plastic containers in serving sizes. Label with the date and 'DIY Enhanced Water.' Store in the refrigerator for best taste, though room temperature storage is fine for up to 2 weeks. Use within 1 month of preparation. Shake gently before drinking as minerals may settle slightly over time.
Storage
Store in clean, sealed containers for up to 1 month. Refrigeration improves taste but isn't required. Shake gently before drinking. No preservatives means shorter shelf life than commercial versions.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.041
Cost per serving (store-bought)$1.25
Savings97%
Enormous upfront investment in minerals pays off dramatically - one purchase of salts makes thousands of bottles. The per-serving cost is almost entirely the distilled water, making this one of the highest-savings DIY projects possible.