What Bottled Water Is Considered Mineral Water?

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a bottled water must contain at least 250 parts per million (ppm) of total dissolved solids (TDS) to be labeled as mineral water. These dissolved minerals must occur naturally at the source and cannot be added during the bottling process. This strict regulation helps distinguish genuine mineral water from other bottled varieties, such as purified or spring water.

Quick Summary

This article defines mineral water and explains the key regulations from the FDA and other bodies. It identifies popular brands that meet the criteria, explores the differences between mineral, spring, and purified water, and provides a comparative analysis of mineral content across several well-known brands.

Key Points

FDA Requirements: For a bottled water to be labeled mineral water in the U.S., it must contain at least 250 ppm of naturally occurring total dissolved solids (TDS) and come from a protected underground source.
Source is Key: Genuine mineral water's origin from a geologically and physically protected underground spring ensures its unique, consistent mineral composition.
No Added Minerals: Unlike some other bottled waters, mineral water cannot have minerals added during the bottling process.
Distinction from Spring Water: While spring water also comes from an underground source, its mineral content is not consistently regulated, unlike mineral water.
Brand Examples: Well-known brands like Evian, San Pellegrino, Gerolsteiner, and Perrier are widely recognized as mineral waters.
Check the Label: To be sure, look for the term "natural mineral water" on the bottle and review the listed mineral analysis, which confirms its source and composition.
TDS and Taste: Higher TDS levels generally correlate with a more pronounced, distinctive mineral taste.

The Defining Characteristics of True Mineral Water

True mineral water is not simply tap water with some minerals added; it is a product of geological processes, sourced from a protected underground spring. The water flows through layers of rock and soil for decades, picking up a stable and consistent proportion of minerals and trace elements like calcium, magnesium, and potassium along the way. Regulations require that this water be bottled directly at the source to preserve its unique composition and microbial purity. This natural, untouched state is what gives mineral water its distinctive taste and potential health benefits.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): The Key Metric

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is the primary criterion for classifying mineral water. TDS refers to the concentration of mineral salts, metals, and organic matter dissolved in a volume of water. For water to be labeled as mineral water in the U.S., it must have a TDS of at least 250 ppm. Brands with a TDS between 500 and 1,500 ppm may be labeled as “low mineral content,” while those exceeding 1,500 ppm can be classified as “high mineral content”. The higher the TDS, the more pronounced the mineral taste will be.

The Importance of the Source

The origin of mineral water is crucial to its authenticity and quality. Brands like Evian, for instance, highlight their source in the French Alps, where rain and snowmelt take a 15-year journey through glacial rocks before being collected. Similarly, FIJI Water originates from an artesian aquifer in the remote Fiji Islands, where it's naturally filtered through volcanic rock. These protected, geologically distinct sources are central to the marketing and identity of these brands because they guarantee a consistent and natural mineral profile.

Popular Bottled Waters Considered Mineral Water

Several well-known bottled water brands meet the criteria to be legally and accurately called mineral water. These include:

Evian: Sourced from the French Alps, Evian is a natural mineral water with a balanced composition of electrolytes and a TDS of 357 mg/L.
San Pellegrino: This Italian sparkling mineral water is captured from a source in the Italian Alps and is notable for its high mineral content, with a TDS of 1,109 mg/L.
Gerolsteiner: A German brand known for its naturally sparkling water, Gerolsteiner has a very high mineral content, boasting a TDS of 2,527 mg/L.
Perrier: Sourced from a spring in Vergeze, France, Perrier is a naturally carbonated mineral water with a TDS of 475 mg/L.
Acqua Panna: Also from Italy, Acqua Panna offers a smooth, still mineral water experience with a lower TDS of 188 mg/L, though some regulations classify it as a mineral water.
Topo Chico: A sparkling mineral water from Mexico, Topo Chico has a cult following and a TDS that reflects its unique geological source.

Mineral vs. Other Bottled Water Types

Understanding the differences between mineral, spring, and purified water is key to making an informed choice. The main distinctions lie in their source, mineral content, and processing.

Comparison Table: Mineral vs. Spring vs. Purified Water


Feature	Mineral Water	Spring Water	Purified Water
Source	Protected, deep underground spring.	Underground formation that naturally flows to the surface.	Any source, including tap water.
Mineral Content	Required to have a minimum of 250 ppm TDS. Consistent composition.	Contains naturally occurring minerals, but levels are not consistent or regulated.	Minerals are removed during processing and may be added back artificially.
Processing	Must be bottled at the source with no added minerals.	Must be collected from the spring and can be treated (e.g., ozonation) but not for minerals.	Treated through methods like distillation, deionization, or reverse osmosis.
Taste Profile	Distinctive, often salty or earthy, reflecting its mineral makeup.	Clean and crisp, but taste can vary depending on the source's geology.	Neutral, clean taste with no noticeable flavor from minerals.

How to Check if Your Bottled Water is Mineral Water

To confirm if a bottled water is truly a mineral water, you should look for specific information on the bottle's label. The label must state "natural mineral water" or "mineral water," and in many regions, the name and location of the spring source must be specified. The mineral composition is also often listed, which will include key minerals like calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonates. Additionally, the TDS can be found in the water analysis report, either on the label or the brand's website. If the water has undergone significant treatment, it cannot be called mineral water.

The Potential Health Benefits of Mineral Water

Beyond simple hydration, mineral water can contribute to your daily mineral intake. Studies suggest that the calcium and magnesium found in mineral water are easily absorbed by the body. For individuals with a magnesium deficiency, magnesium-rich mineral water has been shown to be a beneficial source. However, it is important to note that the World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend minimum concentrations of micronutrients in drinking water and emphasizes that solid foods are typically the main source of mineral intake.

Conclusion

Understanding what bottled water is considered mineral water comes down to a few key factors: its specific, protected underground source, a naturally occurring and consistent mineral composition, and a minimum TDS of 250 ppm. Brands like Evian, San Pellegrino, and Gerolsteiner proudly fit this description, while others like Fiji Water fall into the "artesian" or "spring" category, despite having a rich mineral profile. The best way to identify true mineral water is to read the label carefully, checking for the source and mineral analysis report to confirm its natural and authentic origin.

Sources

FDA.gov: Bottled Water Everywhere: Keeping It Safe: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/bottled-water-everywhere-keeping-it-safe
FineWaters.com: Minerality (TDS) - Fine Bottled Water: https://www.finewaters.com/the-story-of-fine-water/key-concepts/minerality-tds
Danone.com: Evian natural mineral water: https://www.danone.com/brands/waters/evian.html
SanPellegrino.com: S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water: https://www.sanpellegrino.com/uk/water
IBWA.org: Types of Water - Bottled: https://bottledwater.org/types-of-water-bottled/

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is their source and processing. Mineral water comes from a specific, protected underground spring and its minerals are naturally present. Purified water, however, is sourced from various places (including municipal supplies) and is treated to remove all minerals and impurities, which may be added back artificially.

Fiji Water is classified as natural artesian water, not mineral water, despite having a rich mineral profile. While it comes from a protected aquifer and contains natural minerals like silica, the FDA and other regulatory bodies have specific criteria that may categorize it differently from designated 'mineral water'.

Yes, Evian is a natural mineral water. Sourced from the French Alps, its unique mineral composition is developed over a 15-year journey through glacial rocks before being bottled directly at the source.

TDS is a measurement of the inorganic salts and organic matter dissolved in water. For a product to be sold as mineral water in the U.S., the FDA requires a minimum TDS of 250 ppm that is naturally occurring.

No, you cannot. A key regulation for true mineral water is that no minerals can be added by the manufacturer. The mineral content must be naturally present and consistent from the protected underground source.

Some sparkling mineral waters are naturally carbonated, while others have carbon dioxide added during bottling to replicate or enhance the natural effervescence. For example, Perrier naturally contains carbonation, but CO2 is often extracted and reincorporated during bottling.

Most bottled water labels, especially for mineral water, will include a water analysis report listing the concentration of key minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium. The TDS level is often stated here as well.

Mineral water can be a source of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium that are easily absorbed by the body. Some studies have suggested benefits, though experts recommend a balanced diet as the primary source of minerals.