Not All Kirkland Water is the Same
When discussing Kirkland water, it's crucial to distinguish between the two primary bottled water products offered under the Kirkland Signature brand: the standard Purified Drinking Water and the specialty Ionized Alkaline Water. The answer to whether Kirkland water is alkaline depends on the specific bottle you hold in your hand, as the two have very different pH levels and properties.
Kirkland Signature Purified Drinking Water
The bulk-pack, 16.9 oz (40-count) bottles most commonly associated with the Kirkland brand are Purified Drinking Water.
- Source: Sourced from municipal water supplies.
- Purification: Undergoes a multi-stage purification process that includes reverse osmosis and other filtration technologies to remove impurities, contaminants, and dissolved solids. This process effectively strips the water of most natural minerals.
- pH Level: As a result of the purification process, the pH is typically neutral, around 7. Some third-party tests have found it to be very close to neutral, around 7.01.
- Additives: A proprietary blend of minerals, including potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium citrate, is added back for a crisp, fresh taste. These are primarily for flavor and not enough to alter the pH significantly.
- Fluoride: No added fluoride is present in this purified water product.
Kirkland Signature Ionized Alkaline Water
In addition to its standard purified water, Kirkland also offers a product specifically labeled as "Ionized Alkaline Water." This product is distinctly different and is explicitly alkaline.
- Source: This product begins as purified water.
- Process: It is then ionized through electrolysis to increase its pH.
- pH Level: The product label clearly states a pH of 9.5 or higher at the time of bottling.
- Additives: Electrolytes are added for taste, contributing to the water's smooth flavor.
- Packaging: This version is typically sold in larger (1L) bottles and packaged differently than the 40-count purified water.
Purified vs. Alkaline: A Comparison Table
To clarify the differences, here is a breakdown of Kirkland's two main water types.
| Feature | Kirkland Signature Purified Drinking Water | Kirkland Signature Ionized Alkaline Water |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Municipal water supplies | Starts as purified water |
| Processing | Reverse Osmosis, Filtration, UV Light | Purification, then Electrolysis |
| pH Level | Approximately 7.0 (Neutral) | 9.5+ at time of bottling |
| Minerals | A blend of minerals added for flavor | Electrolytes added for taste |
| Alkalinity | Not alkaline | Explicitly alkaline |
| Fluoride | No added fluoride | Label-dependent, often none |
| Primary Goal | Provide clean, basic hydration | Offer potential health benefits associated with alkalinity |
The Debate Over Alkaline Water Benefits
The marketing around alkaline water often promotes various health benefits, including enhanced hydration, neutralization of bodily acids, and antioxidant properties. However, the scientific community holds a more skeptical view.
- Physiological Regulation: The human body has natural and highly effective mechanisms, primarily involving the kidneys and lungs, to maintain a tightly regulated blood pH within a healthy range. Drinking alkaline water has a minimal, if any, lasting effect on this process.
- Limited Evidence: While some preliminary studies suggest minor benefits, such as potentially helping with acid reflux (by deactivating pepsin) or improving hydration in athletes, the overall body of evidence is limited and often criticized for methodological issues.
- Potential Side Effects: Consuming excessive amounts of alkaline water can lead to side effects. For example, it might over-neutralize stomach acid, which is necessary for digestion and killing bacteria. It could also lead to a condition called metabolic alkalosis, though this is rare in healthy individuals.
Which Water Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between Kirkland's purified and alkaline water comes down to personal preference and your specific hydration goals. For most people seeking simple, clean, and affordable hydration, the standard purified water is perfectly sufficient. If you are interested in trying alkaline water for its purported health benefits or prefer its taste, the ionized version is available. However, consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing conditions like kidney disease or take medications that regulate stomach acid. For further reading on the science behind alkaline water, Healthline provides a helpful overview. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/alkaline-water-benefits-risks.
The Takeaway
The key is to be an informed consumer. The packaging and labeling clearly distinguish between the two products. While the bulk packs are purified and neutral, the 1-liter bottles are clearly marked alkaline. Reading the label will ensure you get the specific type of water you intend to purchase.
Other Water from Kirkland
Beyond these two products, it is worth noting that Kirkland also offers a Natural Spring Water product in some regions. Its pH is typically neutral or slightly alkaline due to natural mineral content, but it does not undergo the ionization process of the dedicated alkaline product. It's crucial to check the label for each product to understand its specific properties.
Conclusion
In summary, the statement "Kirkland water is alkaline" is only half-true. Kirkland sells two distinct bottled water products: a standard purified drinking water that has a neutral pH of around 7, and a specific ionized alkaline water product with a pH of 9.5+. The purified version is sourced from municipal supplies, processed via reverse osmosis, and has a mineral blend for taste. In contrast, the alkaline version is intentionally ionized to raise its pH and has electrolytes added for flavor. While proponents claim health benefits for alkaline water, these are not fully substantiated by research, and the body's natural processes effectively regulate pH. For everyday, cost-effective hydration, the purified water is a solid choice. For those seeking a high-pH product, the ionized alkaline water is the correct option to look for on Costco's shelves.
