Essentia is alkaline electrolyte water with a pH of 9.5+, made by adding specific mineral salts to purified water. The product contains no problematic ingredients or seed oils - it's simply clean water enhanced with electrolytes for hydration. DIY versions allow you to control mineral ratios and source higher quality, organic salts while dramatically reducing cost per serving.
Based on: Essentia hydration perfected water
· Makes approximately 48 servings (12 oz each)
· Serving: 12 oz (360ml)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Essentia hydration perfected water from Essentia 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.
The original Essentia hydration perfected water may also contain artificial dyes. Check it on DyeFreeCheck to find out.
Ingredients
Filtered water
18 liters (4.75 gallons) · Berkey or reverse osmosis filtered water, or Spring Water from Mountain Valley
Base for the electrolyte solution, must be pure to avoid interfering with mineral balance
Sodium bicarbonate
2.4g (about 1/2 teaspoon) · Bob's Red Mill Baking Soda or Anthony's Organic Sodium Bicarbonate
Raises pH to alkaline levels and provides sodium for electrolyte balance
Food grade magnesium sulfate
1.2g (about 1/4 teaspoon) · SaltWorks Food Grade Epsom Salt or Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes
Provides magnesium for muscle function and electrolyte replenishment
Food grade calcium chloride
0.8g (about 1/8 teaspoon) · Calcium Chloride Food Grade from Earthborn Elements or OxyChem
Adds calcium for bone health and contributes to overall mineral profile
Potassium bicarbonate
0.6g (about 1/8 teaspoon) · NOW Foods Potassium Bicarbonate Powder (substitute for dipotassium phosphate)
Provides potassium for electrolyte balance and supports alkaline pH - safer consumer alternative to dipotassium phosphate
Instructions
Step 1. Start with 18 liters of the highest quality filtered water you can access - reverse osmosis, Berkey filtered, or natural spring water. The water quality is critical since any impurities will affect the final taste and mineral balance. Room temperature water mixes more easily than cold water.
Step 2. In a large clean mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients: 2.4g sodium bicarbonate, 1.2g magnesium sulfate, 0.8g calcium chloride, and 0.6g potassium bicarbonate. Use a digital scale that measures to 0.1g precision - these small amounts require accuracy. Whisk the powder mixture thoroughly for 30-60 seconds to ensure even distribution, as mineral salts can clump.
Step 3. Add 500ml (about 2 cups) of your filtered water to the mineral mixture and stir vigorously for 2-3 minutes until completely dissolved. This creates your concentrated electrolyte solution. The mixture should be completely clear - any cloudiness indicates undissolved minerals. Let sit for 5 minutes and stir again to ensure full dissolution.
Step 4. Pour the concentrated solution into your large water container (5-gallon carboy or multiple gallon jugs work well). Add the remaining 17.5 liters of water gradually while stirring. Mix thoroughly by swirling or gentle agitation for 2-3 minutes. The final solution should be crystal clear with a slightly alkaline taste - clean and crisp, not salty or bitter.
Step 5. Test the pH using pH strips or a digital meter - you're targeting 9.0-9.5 pH. If below 9.0, add an additional 0.2g sodium bicarbonate dissolved in 50ml water. If above 9.8, add a few drops of lemon juice. Let the solution rest for 30 minutes, then test again for stability.
Step 6. Transfer to individual bottles for storage and use. Fill clean glass bottles or BPA-free plastic bottles, leaving 1 inch headspace. Label with date of preparation. Consume within 7-10 days for best quality and mineral stability. Refrigeration extends shelf life but is not required if stored in clean, sealed containers away from direct sunlight.
Storage
Store in clean, sealed glass or BPA-free plastic containers in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration extends shelf life to 14 days. Do not freeze. If any off-taste develops or solution becomes cloudy, discard immediately. Best consumed within 7-10 days of preparation.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.004
Cost per serving (store-bought)$1.75
Savings99.8%
The upfront investment in mineral salts ($53) creates over 10,000 servings of alkaline water. While the initial purchase requires commitment, the per-serving cost becomes negligible. The dramatic savings make this one of the most cost-effective DIY food projects possible.