Understanding Sam's Choice Purified Drinking Water
Sam's Choice, a Walmart private label brand, offers purified drinking water that uses a reverse osmosis filtration process. This is a common method in the industry that removes most dissolved solids, including minerals and contaminants. After purification, the brand adds specific minerals back into the water for taste enhancement, a process known as 'remineralization'. The ingredients listed typically include magnesium sulfate, potassium bicarbonate, and potassium chloride.
The Purification Process: Reverse Osmosis and Ozonation
The label on Sam's Choice purified water explains that it is filtered by reverse osmosis and ozonated. This two-step process is intended to produce a clean, crisp taste. Here is a breakdown of what that entails:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): This is a process that pushes water through a semipermeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles. Because it's so effective, it strips the water of nearly everything, including beneficial minerals.
- Ozonation: Ozonation is a disinfection process that uses ozone to sanitize the water and packaging. This helps to prevent bacterial growth in the finished product and is a common practice in bottled water production.
Flavor-Enhancing Minerals for a Crisp Taste
After reverse osmosis and ozonation, Sam's Choice adds minerals back to the water. This step is crucial for taste. Water without any minerals can taste flat or bland, so manufacturers add a small blend of minerals to give it a more refreshing, palatable flavor. For Sam's Choice, the added minerals are magnesium sulfate, potassium bicarbonate, and potassium chloride. This practice is common across many purified bottled water brands.
Past Concerns and Current Quality Standards
In 2008, an Environmental Working Group (EWG) study raised concerns after finding contaminants in some Sam's Choice samples that exceeded certain state standards. These included trihalomethanes, which are disinfection byproducts. At the time, EWG also highlighted that the water was sourced from municipal tap water, specifically from Las Vegas. In response to such findings and stricter regulations, Walmart has since stated that it regularly tests its private-label bottled water to ensure it meets quality standards that exceed federal FDA standards. It's worth noting that many bottled water brands use purified tap water as their source.
Sam's Choice vs. Other Bottled Water Brands
When evaluating bottled water, consumers often consider taste, purification method, source, and price. Here is a comparison of Sam's Choice with some of its competitors.
| Feature | Sam's Choice Purified | Aquafina (Purified) | Nestlé Pure Life (Purified) | Fiji (Artesian) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Municipal Tap Water | Public Water Source | Public Water Source | Natural Artesian Aquifer |
| Purification | Reverse Osmosis, Ozonation | Reverse Osmosis | Multiple filtration, Reverse Osmosis | Natural Filtration |
| Added Minerals | Yes (Magnesium Sulfate, Potassium Bicarbonate, Potassium Chloride) | Yes (Magnesium Sulfate, Potassium Chloride, Salt) | Yes (Calcium Chloride, Potassium Bicarbonate, Magnesium Chloride) | No (Naturally Occurring) |
| Reported pH | 6.29 (in a 2023 test) | 6.31 (in a 2023 test) | 6.38 (in a 2023 test) | 7.15 (in a 2023 test) |
| General Perception | Budget-friendly, sometimes flimsy bottles | Mid-tier, widely available | Mid-tier, widely available | Premium, higher price |
What Customers Say About Sam's Choice Water
Online reviews of Sam's Choice water offer a mixed perspective, with opinions often centering on taste, packaging, and value. Many customers appreciate the product's affordable price and the crisp, clean taste, particularly praising the 20-ounce bottle size. However, some have complained about inconsistencies in taste and reported receiving cases with unusually flimsy bottles that struggle to stand upright. Some long-time customers have even noted a change in taste over the years, speculating that a supplier or formula change may have occurred.
Taste Profile
For most consumers, the taste of Sam's Choice bottled water is considered neutral and refreshing. The added minerals are intended to create a balanced flavor profile, avoiding the flat taste of demineralized water. A dental office study from 2023 measured its pH at 6.29, placing it on the slightly acidic side but well within the typical range for common bottled waters.
Packaging Concerns
A notable recurring complaint in recent years revolves around the quality of the plastic bottles. Several reviewers on Walmart's site mention that the bottles have become noticeably thinner and flimsier, making them difficult to hold without collapsing. While this is a common cost-cutting measure across the bottled water industry, it has clearly impacted customer satisfaction for the Sam's Choice brand.
Value and Affordability
One of the most significant advantages of Sam's Choice bottled water is its price point. As a store-brand product, it is one of the most budget-friendly options available, especially when purchased in bulk. For many consumers, the low price justifies any minor issues with bottle quality or taste consistency. For someone seeking a cheap, convenient way to stay hydrated, it remains a popular option.
The Final Verdict
Is Sam's Choice bottled water good? The answer depends heavily on your priorities. If you are seeking a no-frills, affordable, and readily available purified water for daily hydration, Sam's Choice delivers. Its taste is generally well-regarded, and it undergoes a standard purification process. However, if you are concerned with past quality control issues, stricter regulation (like that governing tap water), or if you prioritize premium packaging, you may want to look elsewhere. The 2008 EWG report, while dated, still highlights the historical context of its quality, but the company asserts it has since improved its standards. The ultimate decision rests on balancing cost-effectiveness with your personal expectations for quality and packaging. For most, Sam's Choice serves its purpose as a reliable and budget-conscious choice.
Conclusion
Overall, Sam's Choice purified drinking water is a budget-friendly option that uses a standard reverse osmosis process with added minerals for taste. While past studies by the EWG raised concerns about contaminants, Walmart asserts it now exceeds federal FDA standards for bottled water. The low price is its main selling point, though some customers have noted inconsistencies in bottle durability and taste. For consumers prioritizing value and basic hydration, it remains a suitable choice, while those with greater concerns about regulation or plastic quality may opt for alternatives. Its relative quality is good for its price point but not exceptional when compared to more premium brands.
