How much bicarbonate is in bottled water? A detailed guide

December 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Bicarbonate concentrations in bottled water vary enormously, with median levels in sparkling water sometimes fluctuating by over 50 times between different brands and regions. This extreme variability is why answering how much bicarbonate is in bottled water is not straightforward and depends entirely on the specific product you choose from the shelf.

Quick Summary

The bicarbonate content in bottled water varies widely by brand, source, and water type. Natural mineral waters often contain higher levels, influencing taste and potential health benefits related to acid-base balance.

Key Points

Source Matters: Bicarbonate levels vary based on whether water is from a natural mineral spring or is purified and enhanced.
Check the Label: The mineral analysis or 'Typical Analysis' on a bottle's label will detail its bicarbonate ($HCO_3^-$) content.
Mineral Water is Higher: Natural mineral waters, especially sparkling varieties, often have significantly higher bicarbonate concentrations than purified brands.
Alkalinity Buffer: Bicarbonate contributes to the water's alkalinity, which helps stabilize its pH level.
Health Benefits: Consuming bicarbonate-rich water may help with digestion, support athletic performance, and improve acid-base balance.
Consider Sodium Intake: High bicarbonate levels in water can mean higher sodium levels, which is important for those on low-sodium diets.

Understanding Bicarbonate in Bottled Water

Bicarbonate, also known as hydrogen carbonate, is a crucial compound naturally present in many water sources. Its chemical formula is $HCO_3^-$. The presence of bicarbonate in water is a major contributor to its alkalinity, which acts as a buffer to help stabilize the water's pH. In bottled water, the level of bicarbonate is dependent on the water's origin and how it is processed.

How Bicarbonate Levels Are Determined

For natural mineral waters, bicarbonate levels are determined by the geological strata the water passes through on its way to the source. As water filters through limestone, chalk, and other mineral-rich rock formations, it dissolves carbonates, which then become bicarbonates. For example, some natural mineral waters like Gerolsteiner are known to have very high bicarbonate levels due to their volcanic rock origins.

On the other hand, purified and enhanced waters may have little to no naturally occurring bicarbonate. Some manufacturers may add sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate to purified water to enhance the taste and raise the pH level, mimicking the natural alkaline profile of mineral water.

Natural vs. Purified: A Tale of Two Water Types

Natural mineral water is bottled directly from a natural spring or source and contains a fixed mineral composition, including bicarbonate. The level of bicarbonate can vary significantly from one natural source to another, which is a key factor in the water's taste profile. These waters are often regulated to ensure the mineral content remains consistent from source to bottle.

Purified water, however, undergoes extensive treatment like reverse osmosis to remove contaminants and naturally occurring minerals. The result is pure $H_2O$ with a neutral pH. Manufacturers then add electrolytes or minerals back into the water for taste. The amount of bicarbonate added, if any, is entirely at the manufacturer's discretion and is often significantly lower than what is found in natural mineral water.

Comparison of Bicarbonate in Popular Bottled Water Brands

To highlight the dramatic differences, here is a comparison table of the bicarbonate concentrations found in various bottled water brands, based on data available from labels and research studies:


Water Brand	Bicarbonate (mg/L)	Water Type	Notes
Gerolsteiner Sparkling	1,816	Natural Mineral	Very high bicarbonate content.
Gerolsteiner Naturell	577	Natural Mineral	Still water with high bicarbonate.
Buxton Water	248	Natural Mineral	Found in UK study with moderate levels.
San Pellegrino	245	Natural Mineral (Sparkling)	Moderate-to-high bicarbonate for a sparkling water.
U.S. Still Water (Median)	118.5	Various	Represents the median of various brands.
Frize®	2,100	Natural Mineral (Sparkling)	An example of extremely high bicarbonate content.
Caldas de Penacova®	2.6	Natural Mineral	An example of very low bicarbonate content.
Most Purified Waters	Varies widely (often low)	Purified	Content may be low or added by manufacturer.

Health Implications of Bicarbonate Consumption

While not an essential mineral like calcium or magnesium, bicarbonate can offer health benefits, primarily related to its ability to buffer acids. Recent studies indicate that consuming bicarbonate-rich mineral water can reduce the body's net acid excretion (NAE), which is a promising strategy for maintaining acid-base balance. Other potential benefits include:

Aiding Digestion: Bicarbonate can neutralize stomach acid, which can provide relief from indigestion and heartburn. This is why it is used in some over-the-counter antacid products.
Enhancing Athletic Performance: Some athletes engage in 'bicarbonate loading' before intense exercise. Bicarbonate can buffer lactic acid buildup in muscles, potentially delaying fatigue and improving endurance.
Supporting Kidney Health: For some individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), managing blood acidity is important. Studies have shown that bicarbonate intake can help slow the progression of CKD.
Urinary Tract Support: By helping to alkalinize urine, bicarbonate may help alleviate the burning sensations associated with urinary tract infections, though it does not cure the underlying infection.

How to Find Bicarbonate Levels on the Label

To determine how much bicarbonate is in bottled water, always check the nutritional or mineral analysis label. Here’s what to look for:

Check the 'Typical Analysis' Section: Most high-mineral content waters will have this section on their label. It details the concentrations of various minerals and ions. Bicarbonate will usually be listed as $HCO_3^-$.
Look for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): While not specific to bicarbonate, a higher TDS generally indicates a higher overall mineral content, which often correlates with higher bicarbonate levels.
Compare the Water Type: Knowing if the product is natural mineral water, spring water, or purified water provides a good starting point. Natural mineral water and some spring waters are more likely to have significant bicarbonate levels.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While beneficial for some, high-bicarbonate mineral water should be consumed with consideration. Because bicarbonate is often paired with sodium (as sodium bicarbonate), individuals on a low-sodium diet, or those with high blood pressure, should monitor their intake. In very high doses, sodium bicarbonate can potentially lead to electrolyte imbalances. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if you have an underlying health condition. For more research on the effects of mineral water on health, see the study on mineral water and acid-base balance published on the NIH website.

Conclusion

The amount of bicarbonate in bottled water is not uniform, varying widely based on the water's source and processing. Natural mineral waters can offer significant levels of bicarbonate, contributing to their unique taste and potential health benefits like aiding digestion and buffering lactic acid. Purified waters, conversely, may have added bicarbonate at the manufacturer's discretion. By checking the mineral analysis on the label, you can easily determine the bicarbonate content and make an informed choice based on your health goals and preferences. Understanding these differences empowers consumers to select a bottled water that is right for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bicarbonate is naturally present in many mineral waters, where it is dissolved from rocks like limestone as the water filters through the earth. In purified or enhanced waters, it may be added by manufacturers to improve taste and adjust pH.

Not necessarily. Higher bicarbonate levels can be beneficial for buffering stomach acid, aiding digestion, and potentially for athletes. However, the optimal amount depends on individual health needs, and high levels can come with high sodium content.

You can find the specific bicarbonate concentration by checking the 'mineral analysis' or 'typical analysis' section printed on the bottle's label. It is usually listed in milligrams per liter (mg/L).

Yes, sparkling mineral waters generally have higher bicarbonate levels than their still counterparts from the same source. Sparkling water can also be produced by adding carbonation, which forms carbonic acid and is often buffered with added minerals like sodium bicarbonate.

Bicarbonate in water can have an alkalinizing effect, helping to buffer acids in the stomach and blood. Studies show that daily consumption of bicarbonate-rich mineral water can reduce net acid excretion and stabilize blood pH.

For most healthy individuals, it is safe. However, individuals on a low-sodium diet or with pre-existing conditions like kidney or heart disease should consult a healthcare provider due to the potential for high sodium intake associated with some high-bicarbonate waters.

No. While high bicarbonate levels contribute to alkalinity, some artificially alkaline waters are made using ionization (electrolysis) without adding significant alkaline minerals like bicarbonate. Naturally alkaline waters, however, get their pH from their mineral content.