As someone who spends a lot of time on TikTok, I can tell you that new food trends pop up all the time. One trend that’s causing a stir is #WaterTok. People are sharing water “recipes” on TikTok by adding flavorings like sugar-free syrups and packets. These recipes have fun names like Orange Mermaid Water and Unicorn Cotton Candy Water, and they’ve become super popular, with the hashtag #WaterTok getting over 220 million views.
The trend seems to have started with a TikToker named Tonya Spanglo, who shared her “waters of the day” videos. She began making flavored water to stay hydrated after bariatric surgery, and her recipes caught on with other creators. However, not everyone on TikTok is a fan of #WaterTok. Some users are upset about being bombarded with videos of flavored water and worry about the health implications of drinking these beverages every day.
There’s also controversy surrounding the trend’s connection to diet culture. While creators like Tonya don’t explicitly promote their water recipes as weight-loss tools, hashtags and packaging can give off that impression. Many videos include hashtags like #WeightLoss and #FitnessMotivation, and some creators mention their weight-loss journeys. This has led to concerns about the impact of these recipes on body image and dieting habits.
Despite the debate, some TikTokers who have had bariatric surgery support the trend. They find that flavoring their water makes it easier to drink and helps them avoid water nausea, a lesser-known side effect of surgery. Dr. Supriya Rao, an expert in internal medicine, explains that water nausea can be caused by dehydration or changes in the gut’s nerve endings.
Recently, #WaterTok has gained attention from major news outlets, with some experts expressing concerns about the health risks of artificially sweetened drinks. These sweeteners can disrupt the gut microbiome and lead to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, warning signs of prediabetes.
Despite the controversy, Tonya stands by her water recipes and has the support of her medical team. Registered dietitian Sam Previte believes that enjoying food and beverages is important and that people should be allowed to have their preferences. She and Dr. Rao agree that diet culture can be harmful and recommend natural flavorings like fruit or coconut water as alternatives to artificial sweeteners.
Whether you love or hate #WaterTok, it’s clear that the trend isn’t going away anytime soon. The ongoing debates about the health and cultural implications of flavored water recipes show that everyone has their own take on this viral trend. If you have thoughts on #WaterTok, share them in the comments below. 👇