MiO: Customizable Water or Sugary Dye?

Many different waters and water enhancers have been developed over the years. It all started with Canadian Clear and was followed by the easy to transport Crystal Light. In March 2011 Kraft launched MiO, what they call the first ever customizable water enhancer. MiO’s claim to fame has many dimensions. Not only are there six “epic” flavors, but each of those flavors boasts what seems to be a myriad of features. According to the official MiO website, all are caffeine-free, calorie-free, contain zero carbohydrates, and are sugar-free, free of artificial flavors, kosher, gluten-free, tasty, and good-looking. Whew. That was quite a list. That all sounds pretty fantastic, right? Well, that is until the remaining ingredients are inspected.

MiO is sweetened with sucralose. According to the official website, Kraft states that sucralose is a “calorie-free, artificial sweetener that is 600 times sweeter than sugar.” That is indeed fact. There are some downsides to sucralose, though. Ingesting sucralose can lead to some uncomfortable and embarrassing gastrointestinal issues, which include and are not limited to bloating, gas, and diarrhea. On a more serious health note, sucralose is linked to anxiety and depression, breathing problems, migraines, decreased fetal weight, and decreased red blood cells.

It’s disappointing that an artificial sweetener was used in MiO instead of a natural alternative. What makes matters worse is that sucralose is not the only artificial sweetener added; apparently, being 600 times sweeter than sugar wasn’t enough. Acesulfame potassium, an artificial sweetener 200 times sweeter than sugar, is also in MiO. Kraft then added propylene glycol, a form of mineral oil that can lead to allergic reactions in the form of skin allergies, to further sweeten and distribute flavor. To balance some of the sweetness, citric acid and malic acid were mixed in to bring some tartness.

Sweeteners are only the beginning. MiO’s website claims that some artificial colorings and preservatives were used in the product, “to maintain color and freshness.” Among those artificial colorings, MiO flavors contain yellow 5, blue 1, and/or red 40. Multiple studies have been conducted stating the harsh consequences of ingesting red 40. It has been found that this particular dye can heighten the effects of ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, most commonly found in children and young adults, and has been linked to certain tumors and lymphomas. Several countries in Europe have banned red 40 and the European Union does not recommend childhood consumption.

In terms of being customizable in a world where every aspect of life is formulated to fit each person’s individual needs, MiO fits the bill. MiO can make a standard bottle of water something “special” just for the drinker. In terms of being a healthy drink option, however, MiO fails miserably. A better option for a sweet drink would be 100% organic fruit juice, where the sweetener is only the sugar from the fruit. One could also just add a pinch of lemon to their water instead. The best option would be to drink water with nothing added at all, where the only ingredient is, well, water.