Nutrition Diet: Decoding What are the top 5 worst bottled water?

October 22, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2024 study by the National Institutes of Health, a single liter of bottled water can contain an astonishing 240,000 micro- and nanoplastics, far more than previously reported. In the broader context of a nutrition diet, this and other contaminants raise serious questions about perceived purity, prompting a deeper look into what are the top 5 worst bottled water brands and why they earn this distinction.

Quick Summary

An examination of bottled water reveals potential downsides beyond just poor taste, including concerns about microplastic contamination, PFAS chemicals, and questionable sourcing. Various brands, particularly those sourced from municipal tap water with added minerals, have been identified for these issues, impacting perceived quality and health. Healthier, more sustainable alternatives exist for daily hydration needs.

Key Points

Dasani & Aquafina are Often glorified tap water: Major brands like Dasani and Aquafina use municipal sources and then add minerals back for taste, a practice many find deceptive given the premium price.
Microplastics are a widespread issue: Nearly all plastic bottled water contains microplastics, which shed from the bottle and cap, posing potential long-term health risks.
PFAS contamination is a growing concern: Studies have found PFAS "forever chemicals" in numerous bottled water brands, raising concerns about potential health effects.
Certain brands have heavy metal issues: Some bottled waters, like Starkey Spring Water, have been flagged for containing elevated levels of contaminants like arsenic.
Environmental impact is significant: The bottled water industry relies heavily on plastic derived from fossil fuels and generates massive waste, contributing to pollution and resource depletion.
Filtered tap water is a healthier and cheaper alternative: For daily use, filtered tap water is a more transparent, sustainable, and cost-effective option for hydration.

What Defines the 'Worst' Bottled Water?

The term 'worst' is subjective and can be based on several criteria. While taste is a common factor, more critical measures for a nutrition-focused diet include potential health risks from chemical and plastic contamination, misleading marketing, and a negative environmental footprint. Several brands consistently appear on lists for negative attributes based on various independent reports and consumer reviews.

1. Dasani

Owned by Coca-Cola, Dasani is one of the most frequently criticized brands. The reasons are multifold:

Source and Processing: Dasani is purified tap water that undergoes reverse osmosis filtration. While this process is effective, many consumers feel cheated, paying a premium for a product sourced from the municipal supply they could get from their faucet.
Added Minerals: To reintroduce taste lost during purification, Dasani adds a blend of minerals like potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and salt. Water sommeliers and many consumers often find this combination results in an unpleasant, slightly metallic or salty taste.
Contamination Concerns: In the UK, Dasani was recalled due to bromate contamination, a chemical linked to cancer. Although such recalls are rare in the US, the incident highlighted potential quality control issues.

2. Aquafina

Aquafina, a PepsiCo product, is another purified tap water brand that draws frequent criticism. Its primary issues are similar to Dasani but with its own unique taste profile.

Filtered Tap Water: Like its competitor, Aquafina is sourced from public water systems and then purified via reverse osmosis. This again raises questions for consumers about value for money.
Unpleasant Taste: Reviews from taste tests have described Aquafina as having a "chemically" or "powdery" taste, with a distinct minerally finish. This taste profile is a significant turn-off for many consumers seeking pure, clean-tasting water.

3. Nestlé Pure Life (now BlueTriton)

This brand has faced extensive controversy and earned a poor reputation due to ethical and quality concerns.

High Microplastic Levels: Nestlé Pure Life has been cited in studies for containing high levels of microplastic particles. As plastic bottles degrade, they shed these tiny particles, which can carry harmful chemicals and accumulate in the human body, with long-term effects still under study.
Questionable Sourcing: The company has faced backlash for its water extraction practices in water-stressed communities, with lawsuits challenging the legitimacy of its "spring water" claims. This disregard for community resources contributes to its negative standing.

4. Propel

While marketed as a fitness water, Propel is often ranked among the worst bottled waters for taste, despite its added electrolytes.

Metallic and Salty Taste: Water tasters have consistently noted an off-putting, metallic, and salty odor and flavor. For many, the taste is more akin to a watered-down sports drink than refreshing water, making it a poor choice for simple hydration.
Unnecessary Additives: For regular hydration, added electrolytes are often not necessary unless engaging in intense exercise. For many, Propel represents a processed beverage masquerading as simple water.

5. Starkey Spring Water (Whole Foods)

This brand earned a mention from Consumer Reports for having concerning levels of arsenic in one of its product tests.

Arsenic Contamination: In a 2020 test, Consumer Reports found that Starkey Spring Water had arsenic levels just below the federal limit but more than three times the level recommended by the publication. While the brand claims it meets federal standards, the elevated level of this heavy metal is a red flag for health-conscious consumers.

Potential Health and Environmental Risks

Beyond individual brand issues, the bottled water industry as a whole presents concerns.

Microplastics: Almost all plastic bottled water contains microplastic particles, which studies show can be ingested and potentially carry toxins. The friction from screwing on bottle caps is a significant source of this contamination.
PFAS: A 2021 study led by Johns Hopkins University researchers detected PFAS chemicals in 39 of 101 bottled water products tested. These "forever chemicals" are linked to several adverse health effects.
Plastic Leaching: When plastic bottles are exposed to heat or sunlight during transport and storage, chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates can leach into the water.
Environmental Toll: The production of plastic bottles is energy-intensive and creates massive amounts of plastic waste. This pollution harms marine and wildlife and can degrade into microplastics that enter our food and water systems.

Comparison of Water Options


Feature	Worst Bottled Water	High-Quality Spring/Mineral Water	Filtered Tap Water
Source	Municipal tap water	Natural underground springs/aquifers	Local public water supply
Purity	Often purified tap water; potential for contaminants like microplastics, PFAS, additives	Naturally filtered; often retains beneficial minerals, but can be contaminated from source	Highly regulated and tested; filters remove most remaining contaminants
Taste	Can be flat, metallic, or chemical-tasting due to processing and additives	Varies by source; often described as crisp and clean	Varies by location; can be improved with filtration
Mineral Content	Low minerals, but some are added back artificially for taste	Rich in naturally occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium	Varies by region; can be optimized with remineralization filters
Contaminants	High risk of microplastics; potential for PFAS and chemical leaching from plastic packaging	Possible contamination from source or packaging; generally lower microplastic risk with glass/aluminum	Lower risk of microplastics; filtration removes contaminants; no packaging-related leaching
Cost	Relatively inexpensive for major brands; high markup for glorified tap water	More expensive; reflects natural sourcing and bottling process	Significantly cheaper than bottled water
Environmental Impact	High carbon footprint from manufacturing, transportation, and waste; significant plastic pollution	Lower carbon footprint than most plastic options, especially in glass/aluminum; still has transportation impact	Extremely low carbon footprint and waste production

How to Make a Healthier Choice

Prioritize Filtered Tap Water: For a consistent, affordable, and environmentally friendly choice, invest in a quality home water filtration system. Many pitcher, under-sink, or whole-house filters can effectively remove chlorine, lead, microplastics, and other impurities. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a useful guide to different filtration options.
Choose Better Packaging: If you must buy bottled water, opt for brands packaged in glass or aluminum cans to avoid plastic leaching and microplastics.
Check the Label: Be an informed consumer. Look for transparency regarding the water's source and treatment methods. Brands that use reverse osmosis or distillation followed by controlled remineralization can be purer.
Avoid Excessive Additives: For everyday hydration, avoid brands with unnecessary added electrolytes, sugars, or flavorings. Plain, pure water is the healthiest option.

Conclusion

Identifying what are the top 5 worst bottled water brands goes beyond simple taste preferences. It uncovers a complex web of issues related to sourcing, processing, and packaging that can impact both individual health and the environment. Brands like Dasani, Aquafina, Nestlé Pure Life, Propel, and Starkey have earned negative reputations for various reasons, from unpleasant taste and questionable sourcing to the presence of harmful contaminants like arsenic and microplastics. By understanding these issues, consumers can make more informed decisions, prioritizing healthier and more sustainable hydration practices, with filtered tap water being the most recommended option.

For more information on water quality and safety standards, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. In many high-income countries, municipal tap water is more strictly regulated and tested than bottled water. Some bottled water is simply purified tap water, and the bottling process itself can introduce contaminants like microplastics.

Microplastics enter bottled water primarily through the packaging itself. Friction from screwing and unscrewing the bottle cap and natural degradation of the plastic can cause tiny particles to shed into the water.

PFAS are man-made "forever chemicals" that don't break down easily in the environment or the human body. They have been found in some bottled water and are linked to adverse health effects such as immune system issues, liver function impairment, and certain cancers.

Yes, prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight can cause plastic chemicals, such as BPA and phthalates, to leach into the water. This can pose health risks and alter the water's taste.

Some bottled water brands filter their water to remove all minerals, resulting in a "flat" taste. They then add minerals back to improve flavor, but this can create an artificial, metallic, or salty taste that many consumers find unpleasant.

The bottled water industry has a significant environmental footprint, using vast amounts of fossil fuels for manufacturing and transport. A low recycling rate means billions of plastic bottles end up in landfills or oceans, where they pollute ecosystems.

For optimal health and minimal environmental impact, filtered tap water is the best choice. High-quality home filtration systems can effectively remove contaminants while being more cost-effective and sustainable than relying on bottled water.