I'm alway skeptical of new beverages that claim to be a healthy alternatives to anything. Most new products are mainly marketing (i.e. they don't pay off when it comes to your health).
As far as the
Glacéau brand of vitamin water is concerned:
While marketed as an enhanced, health-promoting water, nutrition experts question whether vitaminwater beverages are indeed healthful. Depending on the variety, each 20 fl. oz. bottle contains 100 to 125 calories and from 20 to 32.5 grams of sugar, nearly the equivalent of a 12 fl oz. can of Coca-Cola. Instead of "1 serving" on the nutrition label, Vitamin Water's 20 oz bottles say "2.5 servings", which enables the label to state the sugar content as "13 grams" when it is really 32.5 grams.
A derivative of corn syrup isn't likely healthier than corn syrup itself. And corn syrup itself should be consumed in moderation (i.e. as a treat). How much vitamin water do you drink? Do you consume the whole 2.5 servings in the container at a time?
And just because it has vitamins, it doesn't mean it's healthful. Fruit Loops and Pop Tarts have vitamins too. I wouldn't call this a health drink; I would call it an "energy drink" as it is marketed. Calories are energy. I would probably drink it if I were an athlete.
If you are on a diet and you want a health drink, the choices are pretty obvious. Try plain water and green tea for starters. Another thing to try is cutting your 100% pure fruit juice 50/50 with sparkling water such as Perrier or San Pellegrino.
Heck, even skim milk would be better. A single 8 oz. serving would have nearly the same amount of sugar as 2.5 servings of vitamin water, but at least it has the protein, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals. Much better balance for your diet.