Is All Bottled Water Mineral Water? The Key Differences Explained

December 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to be labeled as 'mineral water,' a product must contain at least 250 parts per million of total dissolved solids, but not all bottled water has this designation. This means that while some bottled water is indeed mineral water, the two terms are not interchangeable, and there are distinct differences to consider.

Quick Summary

Bottled water is a broad category encompassing various types of drinking water, including spring and purified water. Genuine mineral water is defined by its protected underground source and consistent, naturally occurring mineral content, which is distinct from other types that may undergo more intensive processing.

Key Points

Not All the Same: All mineral water is bottled, but not all bottled water is mineral water; the categories are not interchangeable.
Source is Key: Genuine mineral water must originate from a protected underground source with a stable, naturally occurring mineral composition.
Strictly Regulated: Mineral water is defined by its minimum Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content (at least 250 ppm) and cannot have minerals artificially added.
Variable Content: Unlike mineral water, spring water has a variable mineral content based on its source and is not regulated for a minimum TDS.
Intensive Treatment: Purified water undergoes extensive treatment like reverse osmosis to remove almost all minerals and contaminants, resulting in a neutral taste.
Check the Label: To know exactly what you are drinking, always check the label for the water's type, source, and mineral content.

What is Bottled Water?

Bottled water is a general term for any potable water packaged in sealed, hygienic containers, typically plastic or glass. The source and treatment methods for bottled water can vary widely, leading to several different types available to consumers. The primary misconception is that all bottled water, regardless of its origin or treatment, is of the same quality or composition as mineral water. The reality is that it includes everything from municipal tap water that has been filtered and bottled, to water collected from underground springs or wells.

The Defining Characteristics of Mineral Water

For a product to be officially labeled as mineral water, it must meet specific regulatory criteria. The FDA stipulates that it must meet these standards to be sold as such in the United States.

Natural and Protected Source: Mineral water must come from a geologically and physically protected underground water source. The water is collected directly from boreholes or natural springs. This protected origin ensures the water's original purity and shields it from potential contamination that can affect surface water sources.

Specific Mineral Composition: The water must contain a constant level of naturally occurring minerals and trace elements, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This mineral composition must be stable over time and cannot be artificially altered or enhanced. A minimum of 250 parts per million (ppm) of total dissolved solids (TDS) is required for this classification. This high TDS count often gives mineral water a more distinct and sometimes 'earthy' taste compared to other water types.

Minimal Processing: To preserve its natural character and mineral content, genuine mineral water undergoes minimal processing. While some treatments like filtration for unstable elements are permitted, disinfection methods, such as adding chlorine, are strictly prohibited in the EU and regulated elsewhere.

Comparing Different Types of Bottled Water

Mineral Water vs. Spring Water

While often confused, mineral water and spring water have key differences. Spring water is sourced from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface. As it travels through rock and soil, it also picks up naturally occurring minerals, but there is no minimum TDS requirement like there is for mineral water. The mineral content in spring water can vary depending on the geology of the source, unlike the regulated and consistent profile of mineral water. Some spring water is also treated with ozone or UV light to ensure safety.

Mineral Water vs. Purified Water

Purified water undergoes extensive treatment to remove contaminants and minerals. These processes typically include distillation, deionization, or reverse osmosis. The result is water that is almost 100% pure H₂O, with a flat, neutral taste. This is in stark contrast to mineral water, which is prized for its specific mineral composition and associated taste. Some brands add minerals back into purified water to create a consistent taste, a process that is not permitted for genuine mineral water.

Mineral Water vs. Tap Water

Tap water, which comes from a public water system, is sourced from both surface and groundwater and is chemically treated to meet safety standards. While tap water can contain minerals, the levels vary widely and are not regulated for consistency like mineral water. The taste and purity of tap water depend heavily on the local municipal supply. Some bottled waters are simply sourced from municipal tap water before being filtered.

The Rise of Niche Bottled Waters

Beyond the primary categories, other types of bottled water cater to specific consumer preferences:

Artesian Water: Collected from a well tapping a confined aquifer under pressure, causing the water to rise naturally.
Alkaline Water: Has a higher pH level (typically 8-9) either occurring naturally from volcanic rock or achieved through electrolysis.
Sparkling Water: Contains carbon dioxide, which can be naturally occurring from the source or added during bottling.

The Health Benefits and Taste Profile

The potential health benefits of mineral water are tied directly to its specific mineral content. For example, some studies suggest that magnesium-rich mineral water can aid in digestion and have cardiovascular benefits. Calcium-rich mineral water may help support bone health. The taste of mineral water is heavily influenced by the type and concentration of these naturally dissolved minerals, making it a unique sensory experience. Spring water, with its natural but variable mineral profile, offers a fresh, clean taste. Purified water, stripped of minerals, has a very neutral taste.

Comparison Table: Mineral vs. Spring vs. Purified Water


Feature	Mineral Water	Spring Water	Purified Water
Source	Protected underground mineral spring or reservoir.	Underground formation flowing to surface.	Any source, including tap, well, or spring.
Mineral Content	Minimum 250 ppm Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), stable.	Variable, not regulated for minimum TDS.	Minerals are intentionally removed.
Processing	Minimal processing; no added minerals.	Minimal processing with possible filtration or disinfection.	Rigorous treatment (reverse osmosis, distillation, etc.).
Taste Profile	Distinctive, based on consistent mineral composition.	Clean, refreshing, varies by source geology.	Neutral, flat taste due to mineral removal.
Regulations	Highly regulated, with strict criteria for source and composition.	Must meet safety standards; fewer compositional regulations.	Regulated as a food product, focuses on removing contaminants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to "Is all bottled water mineral water?" is a definitive no. The term 'bottled water' is a broad category encompassing various types of drinking water, each with its own source, treatment, and mineral content. Genuine mineral water is defined by its protected underground source and stable, naturally high mineral content, with minimal processing. By understanding these key distinctions between mineral, spring, and purified water, consumers can make a more informed choice based on their preferences for taste, mineral intake, or processing methods. Always check the label to understand what is in your bottle.

Authoritative Link: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Bottled Water

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference lies in the source and mineral content. Mineral water comes from a protected underground source, with a naturally stable and high mineral content (over 250 ppm TDS). Other bottled waters, like purified water, can come from any source and have their minerals removed, while spring water has variable mineral content.

Whether mineral water is 'healthier' is subjective. Mineral water contains naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium that offer potential health benefits. However, purified water has almost all contaminants and minerals removed. The 'better' choice depends on your preference for taste and desired mineral intake.

Yes, tap water can be bottled and sold as 'purified water.' Many brands use municipal water as their source and put it through purification processes like filtration or reverse osmosis before bottling.

Yes, spring water does contain naturally occurring minerals. However, unlike mineral water, there is no minimum mineral content requirement, and the levels can fluctuate depending on the source.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refers to the concentration of inorganic salts and other organic matter dissolved in water. It is a key metric for defining mineral water, which must have a minimum TDS of 250 ppm.

Sparkling mineral water is genuine mineral water that is either naturally carbonated at the source or has carbon dioxide added back after bottling. Regular sparkling water can be made from any water source and is artificially infused with CO2.

Price differences can be attributed to the source, the amount of processing involved, and marketing. True mineral water from specific protected sources is often more expensive due to its unique mineral profile and bottling requirements. Other factors include transport and brand perception.