Does Boxed Water better have fluoride? The Answer Explained

December 29, 2025 •

3 min read

The CDC reports that as of 2022, 72% of the U.S. population on public water systems receives fluoridated water, a mineral valued for its dental health benefits. However, many consumers choose to monitor their fluoride intake, leading to questions about brands like Boxed Water. This article explains the purification process that makes Boxed Water a fluoride-free option.

Quick Summary

Boxed Water is a purified water product that undergoes an 8-step process, including reverse osmosis, effectively removing minerals like fluoride. It is therefore a fluoride-free beverage, distinguishing it from tap water and some natural spring waters.

Key Points

Fluoride-Free: Boxed Water contains no added fluoride and is effectively fluoride-free due to its purification process.
Reverse Osmosis: The brand uses an 8-step filtration process, with reverse osmosis being the key technology that removes fluoride and other dissolved solids.
Consistent Purity: Unlike tap or spring water, Boxed Water offers a consistent mineral-free and fluoride-free composition.
Comparison to Tap Water: Boxed Water is a purified alternative to tap water, which is often intentionally fluoridated in communities for dental health.
Informed Choice: Consumers can use Boxed Water to manage their fluoride intake, supplementing with other fluoride sources like toothpaste or seeking a fluoridated bottled water brand.

Understanding Boxed Water's Purification

Boxed Water undergoes a rigorous multi-step purification process to ensure a clean, crisp taste with no added minerals. This extensive filtration is the key reason the product contains no fluoride. The proprietary 8-step process includes reverse osmosis, a highly effective technology that removes unwanted dissolved solids and ions from water, including fluoride. While some water brands may add minerals back in for taste, Boxed Water deliberately refrains from doing so, resulting in its "fluoride free" status.

The Impact of Reverse Osmosis on Fluoride

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a core component of the Boxed Water purification system. This process works by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane, leaving behind larger molecules and particles, including a vast majority of dissolved minerals and salts. When a water source contains naturally occurring fluoride, the RO membrane effectively filters it out, along with other substances like chlorine, heavy metals, and trace pharmaceuticals. This is in stark contrast to standard carbon filters, which are typically not designed to remove fluoride.

Comparing Boxed Water to Other Sources

Knowing that Boxed Water is purified and fluoride-free helps consumers make informed decisions, especially when comparing it to other common water sources. Below is a comparison to illustrate the differences in composition and treatment.


Feature	Boxed Water	Tap Water (U.S.)	Spring Water
Fluoride Content	Fluoride-free due to reverse osmosis.	Varies by municipality; most is fluoridated for dental health.	Varies widely based on natural source; some contain natural fluoride, but most are low.
Mineral Content	No added minerals; trace amounts left post-purification.	Varies significantly depending on local water source.	Contains naturally occurring minerals that differ by spring source.
Source	Local U.S. sources, purified close to consumers.	Local municipal water supply.	Water from an underground source, which may be filtered.
Treatment	Multi-stage purification, including reverse osmosis.	Chlorination, filtration, and other treatments based on local regulations.	May be filtered, but natural mineral content is largely preserved.
Packaging	Primarily plant-based, recyclable cartons.	Distributed via pipes; consumer containers vary.	Typically plastic or glass bottles.

The Role of Fluoride in Health

Fluoride is a mineral recognized by organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for its effectiveness in preventing dental cavities. It works by strengthening tooth enamel and reversing early tooth decay. For decades, many communities have added fluoride to tap water to promote oral health across the population.

However, the conversation around fluoride is complex. Health professionals note that while beneficial in controlled amounts, excessive fluoride intake can lead to dental fluorosis, a condition causing discoloration of tooth enamel, especially in young children. This is why the FDA mandates labeling for bottled waters with added fluoride, ensuring consumer awareness. The decision to consume water with or without fluoride often depends on individual health needs, access to other fluoride sources (like toothpaste), and personal preference.

Making Your Water Choice

Choosing a water brand involves more than just taste; it's also about understanding its composition and how it aligns with your health goals. If you consume tap water regularly, it's likely you receive fluoride already. Brands like Boxed Water offer a way to consume purified water that is consistently free of added minerals and fluoride, giving you control over your intake.

For families with infants, or individuals who are closely monitoring mineral intake, a purified water product can provide a consistent and predictable option. Conversely, those seeking to maximize their fluoride exposure for dental health might prefer fluoridated tap water or a specifically labeled bottled water with added fluoride. The FDA regulates added fluoride levels in bottled water to ensure they are consistent with public health recommendations. The availability of different water options allows consumers to choose what best fits their needs. For more information on fluoride and oral health, visit the CDC's website.

Conclusion

In summary, Boxed Water does not contain fluoride because it is purified using a multi-step filtration system, including reverse osmosis, which effectively removes the mineral. This makes it a suitable option for consumers who prefer to avoid fluoride or manage their intake from other sources. While fluoridated tap water is a recognized public health measure for preventing cavities, products like Boxed Water offer a consistent, fluoride-free alternative for those seeking it. Ultimately, understanding your water source and its treatment is key to making a well-informed hydration choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Boxed Water is purified and fluoride-free, making it a safe option for mixing with infant formula if you are looking to avoid fluoridated water.

Boxed Water's purification process, including reverse osmosis, removes most dissolved minerals and salts. It contains no added minerals, resulting in a clean, pure taste.

For most brands, if fluoride is intentionally added, it must be clearly listed on the label as an ingredient, per FDA regulations.

Whether fluoride removal is 'bad' depends on individual needs. While fluoride is beneficial for dental health, some people prefer to manage their intake, and products like Boxed Water offer that control.

Yes, reverse osmosis is highly effective at removing both unwanted substances and naturally occurring minerals like calcium. That is why Boxed Water has no added minerals.

Many communities add fluoride to tap water as a public health measure to help prevent tooth decay and strengthen dental enamel across the population.

No, different companies may have different sourcing and purification methods. It is important to check the labeling and brand information for specific products. The brand natrl, for example, also states its boxed water is fluoride-free.

Fluoridated toothpaste is a significant source of topical fluoride that benefits oral health. While some dental health benefits come from ingesting fluoride, topical application is also highly effective.