The truth you need to know - Does water have calories?

Drinking water is a simple yet effective solution for improving health, but many people still wonder, "Does water have calories?". To help you understand the calorie content in water and the benefits of proper hydration, Zextrasure has compiled detailed information in the article below.

1. Does water have any calories?

With the rapid development of food technology, you can now enjoy a variety of flavored waters. This diversity has led to differences in calorie content between plain water and other types of water-based drinks. 

1.1. Plain water - No Calories

The answer to the question “Does water have calories?” is No. Plain water contains zero calories, with 0g of protein, 0g of carbohydrates, and 0g of fat. But do you wonder why water has no calories? The simple answer is that calories come from three nutrients: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Water, however, is made up of hydrogen and oxygen molecules, so it lacks these energy-providing nutrients and therefore contains no calories. While water is calorie-free and doesn’t provide direct nutrients, it does contain trace amounts of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, and zinc,...

Research from the NIH shows that drinking around 68 ounces (2 liters) of water daily can meet 8–16% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) for calcium and 6–31% of the DV for magnesium. Additionally, increasing water intake may help reduce calorie intake, sodium levels, and sugar consumption, as well as lower cholesterol levels. These benefits contribute to a healthier lifestyle, as water’s calorie-free nature supports weight management and overall health by positively impacting diet and nutrition.

The answer to the question "How many calories does water have?" is 0 calories.

1.2. Some types may contain calories

While the answer to "Does water have calories?" of plain water is no, what about other bottled water products on the market? According to our survey, there are types of water that either contain no calories or have very small to moderate amounts of calories.

Carbonated Water

Carbonated water like soda water or sparkling water, contains carbonic acid formed from dissolved carbon dioxide. Carbonated water can be simply plain water infused with natural flavorings or minerals to enhance taste or create bubbles so they don't contain too many calories.

However, energy drinks, which are also classified as carbonated beverages, tend to have higher calorie content due to the addition of artificial sugars. For example, a 355ml can of energy drink may contain around 124 calories and 32 grams of added sugar, although the exact numbers can vary by brand. 

So, the answer to the question “Does water have calories?” for these types of drinks is yes, but it depends on the amount of added sugar. Therefore, when choosing carbonated beverages, it’s important to carefully check the ingredients to see if added sugars are included.

Carbonated Water has a low-calorie content

See other: 

• Is almond milk low FODMAP?

• Does milk have iron? Exploring the truth

Fruit Juices or Fruit-Flavored Water

Fruit juices or fruit-infused waters are commonly known for types such as:

• Blueberry and mango juice
• Cucumber and orange juice
• Grapefruit and rosemary juice
• Raspberry, basil, and lime
• Strawberry, lemon, and basil mix
• Watermelon and mint infusion

These types of drinks can contain calories, even if the fruit itself is low in calories. However, since fruit is naturally low in calories, the amount of calories you’ll consume from drinking these flavored waters is minimal. Additionally, vitamins like Vitamin C, which is water-soluble, can be absorbed from the fruits into the water, providing extra nutritional value. 

However, be cautious with store-bought fruit-flavored waters, because they might be sweetened with sugar or concentrated fruit juice, which can significantly increase their calorie content. 

Fruit juice or fruit-flavored water is high in natural sugar

Protein Water

Protein water contains concentrated whey protein, which is a high-quality source of protein. Protein waters are a great low-calorie option for those looking to increase their protein intake. Typically, a bottle of protein water contains around 70 to 90 calories and 15 to 20 grams of protein. They are often sweetened with natural flavors or low-calorie sweeteners like stevia, so it is a convenient and nutritious drink option.

Do water have calories? Processed waters with added ingredients and sugars often contain higher calorie counts

2. How much water should you drink per day?

The section above has helped answer the question "Does water have calories?", and from that, you can see that the amount of water you drink each day can also affect the number of calories you consume. The amount of water you should drink can vary based on factors like age, sex, activity level, climate, and overall health. 

• For adults: A common guideline is to drink about 8 cups (64 ounces or 2 liters) of water per day.
• For men: Around 3.7 liters (125 ounces) of total water.
• For women: Around 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of total water.

However, you need to note that the recommended water intake doesn't come from drinking water. About 80% of your daily hydration comes from beverages, while the remaining 20% comes from the foods you consume. Therefore, you can incorporate water-rich foods, like watermelon, citrus fruits, cucumbers, and others, into your diet to help meet your body's hydration needs.

A common guideline is to drink about 8 cups (64 ounces or 2 liters) of water per day

3. Summary

So, the final answer to the question “Does water have calories?” is that plain water contains no calories, but bottled and processed waters can have varying amounts of calories. Therefore, if you're on a diet or looking to limit calorie intake, it's best to choose plain water. 

Additionally, everyone's daily water needs are different, so it's important to consider your BMI and individual hydration requirements to maintain a healthy balance for your body's optimal function.

Above is all the information that helps answer the question “Does water have calories?”. Understanding the calorie content and nutritional composition of foods will help you control the nutrients entering your body, ensuring that your body absorbs the right nutrients and the appropriate amount of calories.