The rise of mineral water among consumers leaves the shelves empty as demand grows
NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
High shortages of some of the hottest mineral water products – combined with growing demand – are reshaping the beverage landscape.
Topo Chico, Coca-Cola’s cult favorite sparkling mineral water, has been unavailable nationwide since February as the company upgrades facilities at its source in Mexico, which is expected to return in late 2026.
The disruption has left some shelves empty, with consumers turning to alternatives as other brands move in to fill the gap.
HARD SODA TEST BENDS LIKE A SWEET SUPER SWEET FOUNTAIN DRINKS SPARK BUZZ ON THE INTERNET
Demand for mineral water has been on the rise for years, and recent shortages are accelerating that trend, Forbes reports.
Unlike seltzer, which is usually made by adding carbonation to pure water and can be produced almost anywhere, mineral water must come from specific natural sources, making it difficult to scale production when demand arises.
Mineral water is gaining popularity as some consumers move away from seltzer and alcohol. (Stock)
This difference helps set mineral water apart from seltzer. It contains naturally occurring electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, giving it a complex flavour, a slightly salty edge and strong, long-lasting carbonation.
As people cut back on alcohol, mineral water is increasingly filling the role of wine and other alcoholic beverages, according to Ben Tannenbaum, an alcohol industry analyst in New York and vice president of partnerships at LineLeap, a nightlife technology platform.
“Mineral water fills a slot that wine often has — a drink that shows you’re paying attention without needing an explanation,” Tannenbaum told Fox News Digital.
‘BLOODBATH’ HITS WINE COUNTRY AS YEARS AND BOOMERS DROP ALCOHOL
“The bottle is important. A Topo Chico or a San Pellegrino on the table says something that tap water, or regular seltzer, can’t.”
He added that sales related to origin – such as the “terroir” of a wine – are affecting consumers.
“People are ordering a place, not just a drink,” Tannenbaum said.
A nationwide shortage of Topo Chico has left some store shelves empty as demand for mineral water rises. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
That positioning may help explain why premium bottled water is a growing category, as Fox News Digital previously reported.
For years, flavored seltzers dominated the sparkling water boom as healthy, low-calorie alternatives to soda and alcohol.
WITH AMERICANS ‘ZEBRA STRIPING’ INSTEAD OF QUITTING DRINKING, MICHELOB ULTRA ZERO IS CASHING IN
But the category is now shifting to simpler, “ingredient forward” options that incorporate natural sources.
Cocktail author and educator Camper English said the growing interest in infusing water, along with confusion about water quality, is also fueling demand.
Limited supply and growing interest have made some types of mineral water difficult to find. (Stock)
“People are bombarded with messages about the need to hydrate and drink more water, and always carry water with them to work and the gym and other places — often in decorated water bottles,” English, who is based in San Francisco, told Fox News Digital.
The category is now shifting to simpler, “ingredient forward” options that incorporate natural sources.
He added that consumers are becoming more aware that even unflavored water can have unique flavor profiles, which he highlighted in water tasting classes.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LIFE NEWSLETTER
“There is a lot of pressure to know more about the ‘right’ water to drink,” he said. “That may mean the safest or the most fashionable or the most perceived health.”
Industry experts say the interest in mineral-rich bottled water is part of a well-run restaurant movement. (Stock)
He also said that giving up alcohol creates more opportunities to get good water.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS
Topo Chico’s rapid growth in the US following the 2017 acquisition of Coca-Cola has helped drive demand, potentially adding pressure to supply.
Coca-Cola said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital that the renewal of facilities at the water source and production sites in Mexico is related to the company’s priorities in safety and quality.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
“We intend to have Topo Chico Mineral Water back later this year,” the company said.
The company added that the change only involves Topo Chico Mineral Water, and that other Topo Chico drinks are still available in the US.
Consumers are increasingly choosing mineral water for its taste and natural minerals. (Stock)
Even after the product is back on shelves, analysts say the shift to mineral water is likely to continue.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
“The consumers who are driving this practice are not exchanging,” Tannenbaum said. “They don’t change the tap because Topo Chico is gone. They want the next bottle that shows the same thing.”
