What to Consider When Choosing Bottled Water
Deciding what brand of bottled water is best is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Your ideal choice hinges on several key factors. Before we dive into specific brands, it's crucial to understand these distinctions.
Types of Bottled Water
- Purified Water: This type, like Aquafina or Dasani, typically starts from a municipal source and is filtered using processes like reverse osmosis or distillation to remove contaminants and minerals. The result is a very pure but often mineral-deficient water with a neutral, sometimes described as 'flat,' taste. Some brands add minerals back for flavor.
- Spring Water: Sourced from natural, underground springs, this water contains naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes. The taste and mineral profile depend on the geological features of the source. Brands like Evian and Mountain Valley Spring Water fall into this category.
- Mineral Water: This is spring water with a higher total dissolved solids (TDS) count, a technical term for mineral content. The specific minerals can offer potential health benefits and influence the taste. Examples include San Pellegrino and Gerolsteiner.
- Alkaline Water: Alkaline water has a higher pH than standard drinking water, which some people prefer for its potential health effects, such as neutralizing acidity. It can be naturally alkaline, like Icelandic Glacial Water, or purified water with added minerals to raise the pH.
Factors to Evaluate
- Mineral Content (TDS): Total Dissolved Solids directly correlates with taste and potential health effects. A low TDS water often tastes 'purer' or 'lighter,' while a higher TDS water will have a more noticeable, mineral-rich flavor. The World Health Organization rates water with less than 300 mg/L TDS as excellent for palatability.
- pH Level: This measures how acidic or alkaline the water is. A neutral pH is around 7, while a higher pH (8+) is alkaline. Some research suggests health benefits from alkaline water, though evidence is debated.
- Taste: Water taste is subjective and influenced by its mineral content and processing. A high-mineral spring water may taste thick and distinct, while purified water is more neutral.
- Sustainability: The environmental impact of bottled water is significant due to plastic waste and transportation. Some brands, like Path Water and JUST Water, offer more sustainable packaging options, such as aluminum bottles or recyclable cartons.
Bottled Water Brands Comparison Table
| Brand | Type | TDS (mg/L) | pH | Sustainability | Notes | Taste Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evian | Natural Spring | ~357 | ~8.0 | Recyclable PET bottles | Sourced from the French Alps, known for its iconic branding. | Smooth, balanced, distinctly clean. |
| Fiji | Artesian Spring | ~210 | ~7.7 | Recyclable PET bottles | Sourced from a Fijian aquifer, high silica content. | Silky, smooth, soft mouthfeel. |
| Smartwater | Purified (Vapor-Distilled) | ~25 | ~6.5 | 100% Recycled PET | Vapor-distilled with electrolytes added for flavor. | Crisp, clean, with a neutral texture. |
| Aquafina | Purified (Reverse Osmosis) | ~1 | ~6.5 | Recyclable PET bottles | Owned by PepsiCo, uses municipal sources, low mineral content. | Clean and fresh, with a very neutral taste. |
| Dasani | Purified (Reverse Osmosis) | ~28 | ~6.1 | 100% Recycled PET | Owned by Coca-Cola, adds minerals for flavor, including salt. | Slightly salty or metallic, polarizing taste. |
| Mountain Valley | Natural Spring | N/A | 7.3-7.7 | Aluminum & glass bottles | Sourced from the Ouachita Mountains, known for glass packaging. | Naturally alkaline, lush and crisp. |
| Path Water | Purified (Reverse Osmosis) | Varies | Varies | Aluminum bottle | Refillable, uses RO-purified water with minerals added back. | Pure and crisp, good for refilling. |
Spring vs. Purified: The Great Debate
The choice between spring and purified water is often at the center of the bottled water debate. Purified water, typically made via Reverse Osmosis (RO), is meticulously processed to remove almost everything from the water, both good and bad. This results in a very low TDS and a neutral taste. The main benefit is a consistent, highly-controlled product. Some purified water brands add back a specific blend of minerals for taste, like Dasani. However, some critics argue that stripping water of its natural minerals makes it less beneficial and creates a 'flat' flavor.
On the other hand, spring water is naturally sourced and retains its unique mineral profile from its geological source. For example, Fiji's water is known for its high silica content, which contributes to its signature smooth taste. Supporters of spring water appreciate the natural mineral content and the distinct taste that varies by brand. However, the exact mineral makeup can fluctuate, and critics raise concerns about the energy used to transport these heavy bottles from distant sources like the French Alps or Fiji. The ultimate choice depends on your preference for a neutral, consistent product or one with natural, unique characteristics. Many also find the taste of natural mineral waters more refreshing and less processed.
Conclusion: Finding Your Best Fit
There is no single best bottled water brand, as the ideal choice is highly personal. If your priority is a neutral, consistent taste with maximum filtration, a purified brand like Smartwater or Aquafina may be your best option. For those who prefer a naturally-occurring mineral flavor and don't mind the higher price point and environmental cost of transportation, premium spring waters like Evian or Fiji are excellent choices. If sustainability is your main concern, brands with alternative packaging like Path Water's aluminum bottles are the way to go. Evaluate your personal preferences for taste, mineral content, and environmental impact before making your choice. Ultimately, the right answer lies in what you value most in your hydration experience. For further insight into the bottled water market, exploring a resource like this industry analysis can be helpful.
