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:
- Read the label carefully: Some brands, particularly those marketed for babies, explicitly state 'fluoride-free'.
- Contact the company: Most bottled water companies provide information about their water's mineral content on their websites or upon request.
- 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.