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What brand of bottled water does not contain fluoride?

3 min read

According to the CDC, nearly 73% of the US population receives water with added fluoride from their community water systems. For those seeking to avoid it, finding a brand of bottled water that does not contain fluoride requires understanding the different purification processes and water sources. This guide provides a detailed look at several options available on the market.

Quick Summary

Several brands of bottled water, especially those using reverse osmosis or distillation, do not contain fluoride. The fluoride content of spring water can vary, while distilled water is reliably free of the mineral. Purification methods and source water are key factors determining the presence of fluoride.

Key Points

  • Purification Method Matters: Water brands using reverse osmosis or distillation, such as Aquafina and Smartwater, actively remove fluoride.

  • Source Impacts Natural Levels: Natural spring water from remote or volcanic regions, like Fiji and Icelandic Glacial, tends to be low in fluoride.

  • Distilled Water is Reliably Fluoride-Free: The distillation process is highly effective at removing all minerals and impurities, including fluoride, making distilled water a sure bet.

  • Added Minerals Don't Necessarily Mean Fluoride: Some brands add minerals or electrolytes for taste after purification but specifically omit fluoride, such as Dasani and Essentia.

  • Verification is Possible: If fluoride content is not listed on a bottle, consumers can contact the manufacturer or use a home testing kit for confirmation.

In This Article

For consumers who want to limit their fluoride intake, choosing the right brand of bottled water is important. The key lies in understanding the difference between various water types, such as purified and natural spring water, and the processes used to produce them.

Purified Water Brands with No Fluoride

Purified water is treated to remove chemicals and contaminants, including fluoride. This is typically achieved through reverse osmosis, distillation, or deionization. If a label states 'purified by reverse osmosis,' it's a strong indicator that fluoride has been removed.

  • Aquafina: Owned by PepsiCo, Aquafina is purified municipal water that undergoes a multi-step process, including reverse osmosis, to remove impurities, leaving it free of added fluoride.
  • Dasani: A Coca-Cola product, Dasani is also purified using reverse osmosis. While minerals are added back for taste, no fluoride is included in the process.
  • Glaceau Smartwater: This vapor-distilled water has electrolytes added for taste but remains fluoride-free.
  • Essentia: This brand produces ionized alkaline water that is 99.9% pure through a proprietary process involving microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet exposure. It is explicitly advertised as fluoride-free.
  • LIFEWTR: Another PepsiCo brand, LIFEWTR is purified through reverse osmosis and also has electrolytes added for taste, but not fluoride.

Naturally Sourced Waters with Low or No Fluoride

For those who prefer water from natural sources, the fluoride content is dependent on the geological location. Volcanic rock and remote springs often yield water with low or no detectable fluoride.

  • Fiji Water: Sourced from an artesian aquifer in the Fiji Islands, Fiji Water is filtered through volcanic rock and has naturally occurring mineral content, with no added fluoride.
  • Icelandic Glacial: Harvested from Iceland’s Ölfus Spring, this water is filtered through lava rock, giving it a naturally high pH and low mineral content, with no detectable fluoride.
  • Evian: Sourced from the French Alps, Evian water has a low fluoride level because it is naturally filtered through glacial rock formations. The brand is often recommended for infant formula for this reason.
  • Mountain Valley Spring Water: Sourced from a protected spring in Arkansas, this natural spring water is known for its purity and low mineral content, which includes minimal natural fluoride.
  • Acqua Panna: This Tuscan spring water is also known to have very low levels of naturally occurring fluoride.

Distilled Water: The Purest Option

For guaranteed fluoride removal, distilled water is the most reliable option. The distillation process involves boiling the water and collecting the steam, which leaves all minerals, contaminants, and chemicals behind.

  • Common Brands: Many grocery and drugstore chains offer their own distilled water, often labeled as 'Distilled Water' or 'Nursery Water.' These products undergo the distillation process and are reliably fluoride-free.
  • Bay Bay Water: This brand specializes in distilled, fluoride-free nursery water, available in multi-packs for convenience.

Comparison Table: Fluoride-Free Water Brands

Brand Type of Water Purification Method Fluoride Content Added Minerals/Electrolytes
Aquafina Purified Reverse Osmosis None Added None
Dasani Purified Reverse Osmosis None Added Added for taste
Fiji Artesian Spring Natural Filtration Naturally Low Naturally Occurring
Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring Natural Filtration Not Detected Naturally Occurring
Evian Natural Spring Natural Filtration Naturally Low Naturally Occurring
Smartwater Distilled Distillation, Vapor None Added Added for taste
Essentia Ionized Alkaline Microfiltration, RO None Added Added for taste
Distilled (Generic) Distilled Distillation Not Detected None

How to Verify Fluoride Content

Because regulations do not always require bottled water companies to list fluoride levels on their labels, verification can sometimes be necessary. To be certain, you can:

  1. Read the label carefully: Some brands, particularly those marketed for babies, explicitly state 'fluoride-free'.
  2. Contact the company: Most bottled water companies provide information about their water's mineral content on their websites or upon request.
  3. Perform a water test: For ultimate certainty, at-home test kits or professional lab testing can measure the exact fluoride concentration.

Conclusion

For consumers looking for bottled water without fluoride, several reliable options are available. Purified and distilled waters, such as Aquafina, Dasani, Smartwater, and generic distilled water, undergo processes that effectively remove fluoride. For those who prefer naturally sourced water, brands like Fiji, Icelandic Glacial, and Evian consistently contain very low levels of naturally occurring fluoride due to their geological source. Ultimately, understanding the source and purification method of your bottled water allows you to make an informed decision aligned with your health preferences.

Additional Resources

  • The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) provides labeling requirements and information on fluoridated bottled water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Distilled water is the most reliable option for avoiding fluoride, as the boiling and condensation process used to create it removes all impurities and minerals, including fluoride.

Yes, reverse osmosis is a purification process that effectively removes fluoride, along with many other contaminants. Brands like Aquafina and Dasani use this method.

Yes, natural spring water can contain trace amounts of naturally occurring fluoride depending on the geology of the source. The levels are typically much lower than in fluoridated tap water.

Not necessarily. While some alkaline water brands, like Essentia and Icelandic Glacial, are fluoride-free due to their source or purification, the pH level does not guarantee the absence of fluoride. You should still check the purification method or contact the manufacturer.

No, it is not legally required for bottled water companies to list fluoride content on the label unless fluoride is specifically added to the product. This is why checking the water type or contacting the company is often necessary.

No, brands that use purification methods like reverse osmosis and then add electrolytes for flavor do not reintroduce fluoride. Electrolytes like potassium bicarbonate or magnesium sulfate are used instead.

You can purchase a home fluoride testing kit, which typically involves adding a reagent to a water sample and comparing the resulting color to a chart. For more precise results, you can send a sample to a professional laboratory.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.