With wellness taking the world by storm, there are a lot of bizarre and wacky food trends out there. But, none quite compare to Hot Dog Water. Introduced earlier this month at a street festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, Hot Dog Water is exactly what you think it is: Water infused with the essence of your favorite barbecue indulgence.
Street festivals are a great way to discover new companies, wellness crazes, and — of course — try trendy foods. But, a bottle of water with a floating hot dog inside is not the most appetizing. That said, the new craze received a lot of attention from festival goers, despite the $37.99 Canadian (or, about $28.57 in U.S. dollars) price tag.
"Fire distillate carts on deck – all natural strain-specific #terps for the true chronnoisseur. Half Gs wholesale at $50 per, but you're fam so I can do four for $350." #patientsoverprofits #hotdogwater
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The surprising health benefits of Hot Dog Water
So, why are people spending their hard-earned money on this bizarre beverage? It’s creator, Douglas Bevans claims it has outstanding (and, also: doubtful) health benefits. From increasing brain function to aiding in weight loss to anti-aging, Hot Dog Water is essentially a magic potion for all of your wellness worries.
In addition, it is said to balance electrolytes, protect against infection and disease, and is also keto diet-friendly. These amazing health benefits are probably why so many people didn’t think twice about trying the over-priced elixir. That said, the water’s label has a hidden message for consumers.
The #hotdogwater stand was by far the most interesting thing I saw at this years Car Free Day on Main. But $39 for hotdog flavored water still seemed a little steep. #carfreeday
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The real reason people are drinking it
As it turns out, Hot Dog Water is not a quick fix to all your wellness woes. In fact, it doesn’t have any outstanding health benefits, aside from the fact that it is water (and therefore hydrating).
The beverage company is actually a social experiment that exists to teach consumers a valuable lesson. A closer look at the label’s fine print — which many of Bevans’ customers failed to read — explains everything. “Hot Dog Water in its absurdity hopes to encourage critical thinking related to product marketing and the significant role it can play in our purchasing choices,” read the label.
According to USA Today, Bevans’ purpose for creating Hot Dog Water was to “make a statement about the modern era,” and to teach consumers about the control many companies — especially health and wellness brands — have over their purchasing power. “With clicks, likes, and social media combines with pseudoscience, we are particularly vulnerable when it comes to our purchases,” Bevans said in a statement.
Hot Dog Water might be a hoax, but its trendy aura — paired with its fabricated health benefits — leaves a lasting impression on what modern consumerism is today. In a world where people get paid to market products to their social media followers, it’s easier than ever to jump on the bandwagon without reading the fine print first.
Drinking Hot Dog Water might not be the next craze, but knowing what is real and what is not could help steer modern consumerism in a new direction.
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