Mineral Water or Purified Water: Which is Better for Your Health?

Over 50% of people surveyed say they drink bottled water regularly. But when faced with the choice, which is better: mineral water or purified water? The answer depends on your priorities regarding mineral content, taste, and purification level.

Quick Summary

Compare mineral water, sourced naturally with trace elements, against purified water, which is filtered to remove impurities. The best choice depends on whether you seek beneficial minerals or maximum contaminant removal for your drinking water.

Key Points

• Source Matters: Mineral water comes from a specific natural underground source, while purified water can originate from any source, including tap water.

• Mineral Content: Mineral water contains naturally occurring dissolved minerals, whereas the purification process removes most or all minerals from purified water.

• Taste Profile: Due to its mineral content, mineral water has a distinct taste that varies by source, while purified water has a neutral, flat taste.

• Purification Process: Purified water undergoes extensive treatment like reverse osmosis or distillation, while natural mineral water receives minimal processing to preserve its composition.

• Health Goals: Choose mineral water for potential mineral intake benefits and purified water for maximum contaminant removal, especially if local tap water is a concern.

• Environmental Impact: Reusable bottles and home filtration systems for purified water are more eco-friendly options than single-use bottled water.

What is Mineral Water?

Mineral water originates from a specific natural, protected underground source, such as a spring. It is characterized by a constant level and relative proportion of minerals and trace elements. Regulations in many places, such as the EU, prohibit disinfection treatments to preserve the water's original state. The mineral content is absorbed as the water flows over and through rocks underground. These naturally occurring minerals often include calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which can contribute to a unique taste profile.

The Pros and Cons of Mineral Water

Pros:

• Contains natural minerals: Mineral water provides small amounts of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can support bone health and blood pressure regulation.
• Unique taste profile: The specific mineral composition gives each brand its own distinct, and often preferred, flavor.
• Natural origin: For those who prefer products with minimal processing, mineral water is a more natural option.

Cons:

• Varying mineral levels: The exact mineral content differs greatly between brands and sources, so you may not be getting a consistent intake.
• Potential for higher sodium: Some mineral waters may contain higher levels of sodium, which individuals with high blood pressure should be aware of.
• Naturally occurring microbes: While safe to drink, natural water sources are not sterile and contain a level of microbes.

What is Purified Water?

Purified water is water from any source (tap, well, surface water) that has been treated to remove contaminants, including chemicals, microbes, and pollutants. The primary focus is on achieving a high level of purity, often measured by its total dissolved solids (TDS) content, which must be below a certain threshold (e.g., 10 parts per million in the US). This extensive treatment process often removes both harmful and beneficial elements, leaving a neutral, clean product.

Common purification methods include:

• Reverse Osmosis (RO): Pushes water through a semipermeable membrane that blocks larger molecules and contaminants.
• Distillation: Boils water and condenses the steam, leaving impurities behind.
• Deionization: Removes charged mineral ions using ion exchange resins.

The Pros and Cons of Purified Water

Pros:

• High purity: Effectively removes up to 99% of contaminants, providing a very clean product.
• Neutral taste: The removal of minerals results in a flat, neutral taste, which many people prefer.
• Reliable for compromised water sources: Offers a safer alternative if local tap water quality is questionable or if you have specific health concerns.

Cons:

• Lacks beneficial minerals: The intensive filtration removes essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are valuable nutrients.
• Can taste flat: The neutral taste is a downside for consumers who prefer the flavor of mineral water.
• Resource-intensive process: Some purification methods like reverse osmosis use more energy and can create wastewater.

Comparison Table: Mineral Water vs. Purified Water

Feature	Mineral Water	Purified Water
Source	Specific natural underground spring	Any source (tap, well, surface water)
Mineral Content	Naturally occurring minerals (e.g., calcium, magnesium)	Most or all minerals removed by filtration
Processing	Minimal (filtration, CO2 added/removed)	Extensive (RO, distillation, deionization)
Taste	Distinctive, based on mineral profile	Neutral or flat due to lack of minerals
Purity	Microbiologically safe at source, contains natural microbes	Highly purified, virtually free of contaminants
Regulation	Bottled at source under specific standards	Treated to meet strict purity thresholds

How to Choose: Which is Better for You?

Choosing between mineral and purified water is a personal decision based on your health goals, taste preferences, and priorities. The “better” option is not universal. By considering the following factors, you can make an informed choice.

Consider Mineral Water if...

• You enjoy a unique, richer taste profile in your water.
• You prefer a product with minimal processing and a natural origin.
• You want to supplement your mineral intake with trace elements from a water source, though it shouldn't replace a balanced diet.
• You live in an area with safe drinking water but want a different taste or experience.

Choose Purified Water if...

• Your primary concern is removing as many contaminants as possible from your drinking water.
• You have concerns about the quality of your local tap water and want a safer alternative.
• You prefer a neutral, clean, and flat-tasting water that won't interfere with the flavor of beverages or food.
• You use a home filtration system, which is a more environmentally-friendly option than single-use plastic bottles.

Conclusion

Ultimately, both mineral water and purified water are safe for consumption and have unique characteristics. The notion of which is better depends on individual needs and values. Mineral water offers a natural, mineral-rich option with a distinct taste, while purified water provides maximum contaminant removal and a reliably neutral flavor. For most healthy individuals, the choice can come down to taste and preference, but those with specific health conditions or concerns about local water quality may want to consider purified water. Your final decision should reflect what you prioritize in your hydration, whether it’s mineral content, absolute purity, or simply a specific flavor. For more scientific details, explore research on water bioavailability and health benefits of different mineral contents.

Note: While both are safe for most, some studies suggest that long-term, exclusive consumption of ultra-purified water could potentially affect electrolyte balance, though this is not a concern for most people with a balanced diet.

How the different water types compare on health

While both types provide essential hydration, a study published in Medical News Today found that mineral water can provide a dietary source of magnesium and calcium, which may benefit bone health and blood pressure. However, the same article notes that the differences between tap and mineral water may not be significant, as minerals are also added to tap water. The source and processing methods remain the biggest distinction.

Read more about the benefits and side effects of mineral water on Medical News Today

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mineral water safer than purified water?

Both mineral water and purified water are safe to drink, but in different ways. Purified water is rigorously treated to remove contaminants, while mineral water is naturally clean at its source, but contains more naturally-occurring microbes.

Does purified water taste different?

Yes, purified water has a clean, neutral taste, often described as flat, because the purification process removes the minerals that give water its flavor.

Can I get my daily minerals from water?

While mineral water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, the amount is generally small compared to what you get from a balanced diet, so it should not be your primary source.

Is reverse osmosis water considered purified water?

Yes, reverse osmosis is one of the most common and effective processes used to create purified water by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane.

Why is mineral water often more expensive?

The higher cost of mineral water is often due to its specific natural sourcing, bottling at the source, and the unique mineral composition that can require more specialized collection.

Should I worry about the lack of minerals in purified water?

For most people with a balanced diet, the minerals lost in purified water are easily obtained from other food sources, so it is not a major health concern.

Which type is better for cooking and preparing food?

Purified water, with its neutral taste and high purity, is generally better for cooking because it won't alter the flavor of food or beverages. Mineral water's distinct taste may be noticeable in some dishes.

Which is better for the environment?

The environmental impact depends heavily on the packaging and transportation. Using a home purification system is generally a more sustainable option than buying single-use bottled water, regardless of whether it's mineral or purified.