Birch sap water takes on sugary drinks market

Buddha Water is described as a "sophisticated premium soft drink with a secret ingredient" – with no artificial flavourings or sweeteners, the six flavours are simply a combination of sparkling water, pure birch sap and all-natural flavours.

Each flavour comes in 250 ml cans with customers able to choose between hibiscus, lemon & lime, mango, cherry, cranberry and original.

"The adult soft drinks category is enjoying renewed growth as consumers seek out healthier alternatives to sugary fizzy drinks and alcohol," Catherine Mulcahy, CEO of UK distributors YourTonic Ltd, said.

"We are really excited to be distributing Buddha Water in the UK. We really do believe it will be the next super drink.

"Buddha Water is a unique soft drink that is a natural alternative to the usual sugary offerings and alcohol with added health benefits too."

What is birch sap? ​

Birch sap looks very much like water both in colour and consistency and is directly tapped from silver birch trees. Crisp and clean, it has a slightly sweet taste with a gentle 'woody' aroma.

Buddha Water's birch sap is collected during two weeks of the year in the forests of Finland.

Tapping starts in the spring, when the snow melts, and it stops when the first spring leaves start to flourish – this is considered the optimum time to harvest due to the sap moving freely throughout the tree.

As well as being a low-calorie, Buddha Water claims it comes with an array of health benefits related to birch sap:

• Cholesterol – birch water sap contains 'saponins', which Buddha Water claims have powerful cholesterol-reducing properties, along with its apparently powerful hydrating and detoxifying effects
• Rich in vitamin C and potassium – both of which are said to contribute to helping relax the mind and body 
• Highly nutritious – plant waters are known for the number of nutrients they contain, which allegedly promote healthy skin and flush out unwelcome toxins