The Difference Between Pure Life Purified and Spring Water
The most important distinction to understand is the difference between Pure Life Purified Water and Pure Life Natural Spring Water. These two products undergo different processes and, consequently, have different compositions. The 'purified' version explicitly has minerals added back for flavor, while the 'spring' version relies solely on its natural mineral content from its protected underground source. Regional bottling operations also mean the exact blend and origin can vary. For example, some Pure Life products in Canada are natural spring water, while in the U.S. and Pakistan, the purified version is more common.
What Exactly Is Added to Pure Life Purified Water?
For the purified variant of Pure Life water, minerals are deliberately added to the product. The process of purification, which often uses reverse osmosis, can strip the water of most of its dissolved solids, leaving it with a flat or neutral taste. The added minerals are intended to create a more pleasing and consistent taste profile for the consumer.
Common Added Minerals
Based on product ingredient labels, the following minerals are frequently added to Pure Life Purified Water:
- Calcium Chloride: A source of calcium, which also contributes to the water's taste.
- Sodium Bicarbonate: Also known as baking soda, it is used to balance the water's pH and improve flavor.
- Magnesium Sulfate: Also known as Epsom salt, it is another mineral additive used for flavor enhancement.
The 12-Step Purification Process
Pure Life Purified Water undergoes a rigorous multi-step quality process to ensure purity and a clean taste. This process often begins with municipal water and involves a combination of advanced filtration and disinfection before minerals are re-introduced.
- Carbon Filtration: Removes organic matter and impurities that affect taste and odor.
- Demineralization: Uses processes like reverse osmosis to remove salts and other dissolved solids.
- Remineralization: This is the step where the light blend of minerals is added back to enhance the taste.
- Microfiltration: Filters out bacteria and other minute particles.
- Disinfection: Utilizes ultraviolet (UV) light or ozone to ensure the water is free from microbial contaminants.
Comparison: Pure Life Purified vs. Spring Water
To clarify the core differences, here is a comparison table:
| Feature | Pure Life Purified Water | Pure Life Spring Water |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Municipal water sources, then purified through a multi-step process. | Natural, protected underground spring sources. |
| Additives | Yes, minerals (calcium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate) are added for taste. | No, with the exception of temporary ozone for disinfection in some regions. |
| Mineral Content | A controlled, consistent blend is added back after purification. | Naturally occurring, with content varying based on the source's geology. |
| Taste | Consistent, balanced, and crisp due to the added mineral blend. | May have slight variations in taste due to the natural minerals from the spring source. |
Potential Additives and Considerations
Beyond the primary minerals added for taste, there are a few other considerations when discussing Pure Life water's composition:
- Ozone Disinfection: In certain markets, such as Canada, a low amount of ozone is used as a disinfectant during the bottling process for the spring water. It dissipates quickly and is not considered a residual additive.
- Fluoride: Pure Life does not add fluoride to its standard bottled water. Any fluoride present is naturally occurring and depends on the water source. However, it is worth noting that the brand also offers a special 'Baby Purified Water with Fluoride' for specific consumer needs.
- Packaging: While not an additive to the water itself, the plastic used for the bottles is a material consideration. Pure Life uses BPA-free plastics (PET) for its standard bottles.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Pure Life Additives
In summary, whether or not Pure Life water contains additives depends entirely on the specific product and its origin. The purified version, sold widely in the U.S. and other markets, explicitly contains added minerals for taste, such as calcium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and magnesium sulfate. These are added after a comprehensive purification process to achieve a desirable flavor profile. In contrast, the natural spring water version, available in other regions, contains only naturally occurring minerals from its source and is not deliberately enhanced. Both versions undergo strict quality control measures to ensure safety, including disinfection processes like ozonation or UV treatment. When choosing, a quick look at the ingredient label will clarify exactly what's in your bottle.
For more information on the differences between water types, consider visiting Healthline's comparison of spring vs. purified water.
