Can I drink distilled water from a supermarket? A comprehensive guide to safety and risks

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2023 report from Healthline, the question of "Can I drink distilled water from a supermarket?" is very common, and while it is technically safe, it lacks the vital minerals found in regular tap or bottled water. Distilled water is created through a process that removes impurities, but this also strips it of beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can affect its flavor and nutritional value.

Quick Summary

Distilled water from supermarkets is safe for occasional consumption but is stripped of essential minerals. Regular intake may lead to mineral deficiencies if not balanced by diet, and many find its taste flat. It is generally not intended for long-term hydration.

Key Points

Safety for Occasional Drinking: Yes, supermarket distilled water is generally safe to drink, especially for short-term consumption.
Mineral-Free Composition: The distillation process removes virtually all minerals and electrolytes, including beneficial ones like calcium and magnesium.
Risks of Long-Term Use: Exclusive, long-term consumption could lead to mineral deficiencies if not properly supplemented by a balanced diet.
Flat, Bland Taste: The absence of minerals results in a flat or unappealing taste compared to mineral-rich water.
Best for Specific Uses: Distilled water is ideal for appliances like irons and humidifiers, as well as medical devices like CPAP machines, to prevent mineral buildup.
Balanced Diet is Key: If you choose to drink distilled water, it is essential to get your required minerals and electrolytes from a healthy and balanced diet.

Understanding Distilled Water: The Purity Process

Distilled water is a type of purified water created by boiling and then re-condensing steam back into a liquid state. This process is highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, minerals, and heavy metals. The result is exceptionally pure water that is essentially just hydrogen and oxygen, with a very low level of dissolved solids.

Unlike standard tap or spring water, which contains trace amounts of minerals, distilled water is demineralized. This absence of minerals is what gives distilled water its distinctive flat or bland taste that many people find unappealing. It is precisely this purity that makes it ideal for specific non-drinking applications, but also introduces considerations for its use as a regular beverage.

Is Supermarket Distilled Water Safe to Drink?

Yes, the distilled water sold in supermarkets is safe to drink. These products are held to strict standards by regulatory bodies like the FDA, ensuring they are free from harmful contaminants. However, the crucial point is the lack of minerals. While a single glass or two won't harm you, long-term or exclusive reliance on distilled water as your sole source of hydration is generally not recommended by health experts, including the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Risks of Long-Term Consumption

The primary risks associated with drinking only distilled water over an extended period are related to its lack of minerals and electrolytes. The body needs a balance of these nutrients for proper function, and while most come from food, a portion is normally absorbed from drinking water. Exclusive consumption of mineral-deficient water could potentially lead to:

Mineral Deficiencies: The absence of minerals like calcium and magnesium in distilled water can be a concern if your diet is also lacking in these areas. Your body may pull minerals from its own stores, like teeth and bones, to maintain balance.
Electrolyte Imbalance: If you are active and sweat frequently, drinking only distilled water won't replenish the electrolytes (like sodium and potassium) you lose, which are critical for muscle and nerve function.
Poor Hydration: Some reports suggest that due to the lack of minerals, distilled water may not hydrate the body as effectively as mineral-rich water. The bland taste might also discourage adequate intake.

Comparison: Distilled vs. Other Water Types

This table outlines the key differences between distilled water and other common water types available in supermarkets.


Feature	Distilled Water	Tap Water (Municipal)	Purified Water (Bottled)
Purification Method	Boiling and condensation (distillation)	Filtration and disinfection (e.g., chlorine)	Various filtration methods (e.g., reverse osmosis, carbon)
Mineral Content	Almost none, demineralized	Varies significantly by location	May have minerals removed or added back in
Contaminant Removal	Highly effective; removes bacteria, viruses, minerals, heavy metals	Regulated by EPA; removes most harmful substances	Removes chemicals, contaminants, and microbes
Flavor	Flat and bland due to no minerals	Varies based on source and treatment	Often pleasant due to filtration or added minerals
Best For Drinking?	Not ideal for long-term daily use due to lack of minerals	Safe and regulated for daily consumption in most places	Excellent choice for daily consumption

Practical Uses for Supermarket Distilled Water

While not the best choice for everyday drinking, the purity of supermarket distilled water makes it excellent for specific household and technical applications:

Household Appliances: Use it in steam irons and humidifiers to prevent mineral buildup (scale), which can extend the life of your appliances and ensure optimal performance.
Automotive Care: It is recommended for car batteries and cooling systems to prevent corrosion and mineral deposits that can damage components over time.
Medical Equipment: CPAP machines, used for sleep apnea, require distilled water in their humidifiers to prevent mineral buildup and ensure the water delivered is clean.
DIY Projects: The lack of minerals prevents spotting and residue, making it ideal for cleaning windows, mixing with vinegar for a streak-free cleaner, or using in special applications like cleaning contact lenses.

Considerations and Conclusion

For the average, healthy adult with a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, occasionally drinking a glass of distilled water is not a health concern. However, if you are considering making it your primary source of hydration, it is wise to consult a healthcare professional to ensure your diet adequately covers all necessary mineral intake. If your local tap water quality is questionable, distilled water is a safer alternative to avoid contaminants, but remember the mineral trade-off. Ultimately, the distilled water found in supermarkets is safe, but its purity and lack of minerals make it better suited for specific tasks rather than as your sole source of daily hydration.

For more information on the guidelines for drinking water quality, you can refer to the World Health Organization's publications, which address the health implications of drinking low-mineral waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Distilled water is a type of purified water created by boiling and condensing the steam. While both remove contaminants, distillation also removes virtually all minerals, while other purified waters (like reverse osmosis) may have minerals added back in for taste and health.

The theory is that mineral-free water can pull minerals from your body to create balance, which is a concern with long-term, exclusive consumption, especially if your diet is poor. Most experts agree that a balanced diet mitigates this risk.

Distilled water tastes flat because the minerals, salts, and dissolved gases that contribute to the flavor of tap or bottled water are all removed during the distillation process.

Using distilled water for baby formula is considered safe, especially if local tap water quality is a concern. However, you should consult a pediatrician, particularly if the formula was intended to be mixed with fluoridated water, to avoid tooth fluorosis.

Besides drinking, common uses for distilled water include filling steam irons and humidifiers, topping off car batteries, and using it in CPAP machines. The lack of minerals prevents scale buildup.

The main benefit is its purity, as it is free from contaminants, heavy metals, and microorganisms. However, it offers no nutritional benefits and cannot replace the minerals obtained from a balanced diet.

No, it's not the best choice. After an intense workout, your body needs to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. Distilled water lacks these essential minerals, so a mineral-rich water or sports drink is more effective for rehydration.