We're not the only ones concerned by these products' health claims and lack of nutritional value. In the US, the Centre for Science in the Public Interest (a nutrition advocacy group), is suing Coca-Cola. It accuses Coke of selling basically sugary water with vitamins that claim to boost immunity and reduce the risk of disease.
Last year, the Australian consumer organisation Choice lodged a complaint about Coca-Cola's Glaceau Vitamin Water with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the NSW Food Authority. The ACCC thought that consumers could tell from the vivid colour that the drinks would be sugary and since they were marketed as a water also wouldn't expect to find much fruit.
We disagree with this finding and think the title vitamin water does mislead consumers about the nutritional value of these drinks.
Our advice
- Don't waste your money on fancy flavoured drinks. Drinking tap water is fine. And for your daily vitamin fix, eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables - it'll give you lots of other nutrients ... and fibre too.
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