Finding the Best Store-Bought Water for Your Taste and Health

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

The bottled water market is a multi-billion dollar industry, yet many people cannot differentiate between tap and bottled water in blind taste tests. Choosing the best store-bought water is not just about price, but about understanding the different types, sources, and processing methods available.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the different types of bottled water, from purified to mineral, and compares popular brands on factors like pH, taste, and environmental impact. Understand the variables to find the perfect choice for your hydration needs.

Key Points

Purity vs. Minerals: Purified waters like Aquafina have low mineral content for a flat taste, while spring waters like Mountain Valley contain natural minerals that affect flavor and health benefits.
Alkaline for Smoothness: Alkaline water (pH > 7) often has a smoother taste and is favored for potential health benefits, with brands like Essentia achieving this via ionization and added electrolytes.
Consider the Source: The origin, whether a protected spring or a processed municipal source, fundamentally shapes the water's profile and taste.
Packaging Matters: Environmental impact varies significantly by packaging. Choose brands that use sustainable options like glass or aluminum cans to reduce plastic waste.
Taste is Subjective: In blind taste tests, many people can't distinguish between bottled and tap water, highlighting that brand perception often influences preference more than actual taste.
Higher TDS for Flavor: Mineral waters with high TDS, such as Acqua Panna, offer a richer, heavier taste and higher mineral content compared to low-TDS purified options.

Understanding the Different Types of Bottled Water

Navigating the bottled water aisle can be overwhelming, with options ranging from simple purified water to specialty alkaline varieties. Each type offers a unique profile shaped by its source and processing. Knowing the differences is the first step toward finding the right bottle for you.

Purified Water

Purified water starts from a municipal source, like tap water, and undergoes a stringent process to remove impurities. The most common purification methods include reverse osmosis (RO) and distillation. This process strips the water of most total dissolved solids (TDS), leaving a very pure, often flat-tasting, product. Brands like Aquafina and Dasani are popular examples. While extremely pure, some brands, like Dasani, add a mineral blend back in for taste, which can slightly increase its TDS level and alter the flavor profile. Purified water is a reliable and safe option, especially if you prefer a neutral taste, but it lacks the natural minerals found in other types.

Spring and Artesian Water

Spring water is collected from an underground source and bottled directly at the spring. Its mineral content and pH can vary significantly depending on the geology of the spring's location. Artesian water is similar but comes from a confined aquifer under natural pressure, which forces the water to the surface. Both types retain naturally occurring minerals and a distinctive flavor profile. Well-known spring water brands include Mountain Valley Spring Water, Fiji, and Evian. Their taste can be described as fresh, crisp, or even slightly sweet due to the mineral composition. For those who value a natural, unprocessed product with a unique taste, spring water is an excellent choice.

Mineral Water

Mineral water comes from a mineral spring and contains a high and consistent level of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sulfates. By definition, it must have a TDS of at least 250 parts per million (ppm). The high mineral content gives it a heavier mouthfeel and distinct flavor. Popular examples include Acqua Panna and San Pellegrino, often served in restaurants to complement meals. Mineral water can contribute to your daily mineral intake, but its strong taste may not be for everyone.

Alkaline Water

Alkaline water has a pH higher than neutral 7, typically between 8 and 9.5. This is achieved either naturally by passing through mineral-rich rocks (like Icelandic Glacial) or through an ionization process where electrolytes are added (like Essentia). Many proponents claim health benefits, such as improved hydration and pH balancing, though scientific evidence for many of these claims remains limited. However, many people prefer the smoother taste associated with alkaline water. Essentia and Icelandic Glacial are two top contenders in this category.

Key Factors to Consider Before You Buy

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): This measures the concentration of minerals and salts. Low TDS (under 50 ppm) results in a flat, pure taste, while high TDS (over 250 ppm) adds noticeable flavor and mineral benefits.
pH Level: Affects taste and potential health benefits. A neutral pH of 7 is standard, while alkaline waters are higher.
Source: The water's origin (spring, artesian, municipal) dictates its natural mineral content and overall character.
Packaging: Consider the material (plastic, glass, aluminum) and its environmental impact. Recycled plastic and aluminum are becoming more common.
Taste: The most subjective factor. Taste is a function of the mineral balance and source, and preferences differ greatly.

Comparison of Popular Store-Bought Water Brands


Brand	Type	pH	TDS (ppm)	Source	Notable Characteristic
Mountain Valley	Spring	7.3–7.7	220–230	Ouachita Mts., USA	Naturally alkaline, glass bottled
Essentia	Alkaline	9.5+	N/A*	Processed	Ionized for high pH, added electrolytes
Acqua Panna	Spring	7.9+	N/A	Tuscany, Italy	Smooth taste, premium choice
Fiji	Artesian	7.7	222	Viti Levu, Fiji	Silky mouthfeel, naturally filtered
Smartwater	Purified	~6.8	25	Municipal	Distilled with added electrolytes
Aquafina	Purified	1.0 (tested)	4	Municipal	Reverse osmosis filtered, very low TDS

*Essentia does not publicly list a TDS value, but it is very low after purification.

The Verdict: Which Bottle to Choose?

Ultimately, the best store-bought water is a matter of personal preference. If you prioritize purity and a neutral taste, options like Aquafina or Smartwater are your best bet. If you enjoy the unique flavor and mineral benefits of a natural source, spring waters like Mountain Valley or Fiji offer a richer taste. For those focused on a higher pH, Essentia or Icelandic Glacial are excellent choices. Don't be fooled by celebrity endorsements or fancy packaging alone; pay attention to the source, mineral content, and processing method to make an informed decision.

Considering the environmental impact is also crucial. The production and transportation of bottled water are resource-intensive. Opting for brands that use recycled packaging, like Path Water's aluminum bottles, or choosing spring waters bottled closer to home can reduce your carbon footprint. A home water filter remains the most cost-effective and eco-friendly option for consistent, high-quality water right from your tap.

The bottom line is that the most important thing is to stay hydrated, and whether you prefer the crisp taste of spring water or the pure sensation of purified water, there is a perfect option out there for you. Your journey to finding the best bottled water will lead you to a better understanding of what you value in your hydration.

Frequently Asked Questions

While proponents suggest benefits like improved hydration and pH balancing, scientific research has not conclusively proven that alkaline water is significantly healthier than regular water for the average person.

The higher price of Fiji water is primarily due to its remote sourcing from an artesian aquifer in the Fiji Islands and the cost of transport. Its specific mineral profile gives it a unique, silky taste that some consumers are willing to pay a premium for.

No, purified water has very little to no mineral content, as the purification process (like reverse osmosis or distillation) is designed to remove all dissolved solids. Some companies add a blend of minerals back in for taste.

TDS is a measure of the dissolved minerals, salts, and other substances in water. It is important because it largely dictates the water's taste and can influence its potential health benefits, with higher TDS often resulting in more flavor.

To reduce your impact, consider brands that use alternative, recyclable packaging like aluminum or glass. The most effective method is to use a home filtration system and a reusable bottle, as this eliminates the waste and energy associated with production and transport.

Both come from underground sources. Spring water flows naturally to the surface, while artesian water is from a confined aquifer under pressure, which pushes it up. Both are naturally filtered and can contain unique mineral profiles.

Electrolytes are added to some bottled waters to enhance taste and aid in hydration, especially for athletes. However, a balanced diet provides most of your necessary electrolytes, and a simple water bottle provides sufficient hydration for general purposes.