What Brand of Bottled Water is the Healthiest? An In-Depth Guide

December 13, 2025 •

5 min read

In a 2018 study, researchers found that over 90% of samples from major bottled water brands contained microplastics, highlighting potential purity issues. When considering what brand of bottled water is the healthiest, it's essential to look beyond marketing claims and analyze source, processing, and packaging.

Quick Summary

Comparing bottled water brands involves analyzing factors like source, mineral composition, filtration methods, and container materials. The healthiest choice is often a matter of individual needs and priorities, weighing natural minerals against potential contaminants.

Key Points

Source matters: Spring and mineral waters retain natural, beneficial minerals from their protected sources, unlike purified water which strips them away.
Packaging impacts health: Choose glass or aluminum bottles, like those from Mountain Valley or Liquid Death, to avoid microplastics and chemical leaching from plastic.
Check for recalls: Recent recalls, such as Fiji's 2024 issue with manganese and bacteria, highlight the need to stay informed about product safety.
Naturally alkaline is preferred: If you want alkaline water, opt for naturally sourced brands like Icelandic Glacial, as the benefits of artificially ionized water are debated.
Filtered tap water is a top contender: For the most affordable and sustainable choice, a quality home filter on your tap water provides pure water while minimizing environmental impact.
Purity vs. Minerals: Purified water offers high purity but lacks minerals, while mineral water provides beneficial minerals but can be high in sodium.

Understanding the Different Types of Bottled Water

To determine what brand of bottled water is the healthiest, it is important to first understand the various types of water available. Each type has a different source and undergoes a unique purification process, which directly impacts its final composition and health benefits.

Spring Water

Sourced from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface, spring water is often naturally filtered and retains essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The purity and mineral content depend heavily on the source's location. While minimally processed, the water's quality can be susceptible to environmental changes. Brands like Mountain Valley Spring Water emphasize their protected sources and use of glass bottles to preserve purity and freshness.

Purified Water

Often originating from a municipal source, purified water is treated to remove impurities and contaminants. Common methods include reverse osmosis (RO), distillation, and deionization. This results in a product with a very high level of purity, but the process also strips the water of its natural minerals. Brands like Aquafina and Dasani are examples, with Dasani adding a mix of minerals back for taste.

Mineral Water

Mineral water is bottled at the source and naturally contains a minimum of 250 parts per million (ppm) of total dissolved solids (TDS). These minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and sodium, are absorbed as the water travels through rock layers. The European Union has strict regulations for mineral water labeling. Brands like Evian and Acqua Panna are examples, though high sodium levels in some mineral waters can be a concern for certain health conditions.

Alkaline Water

With a pH level above 7, alkaline water can be naturally sourced, like Icelandic Glacial Water, or artificially ionized. While some claim it can neutralize body acidity, scientific evidence is inconclusive, and your body naturally regulates its pH. Artificially ionized alkaline water, like Essentia, uses a proprietary process involving microfiltration, RO, and added electrolytes to achieve a higher pH.

Key Factors for Choosing a Healthy Brand

Determining the healthiest bottled water brand is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Several factors contribute to a water's overall health profile, and a consumer's personal needs are key.

Source and Mineral Profile: A protected, natural source is often considered superior for its unique mineral composition, which can contribute to daily mineral intake. Check the label for mineral content. Waters from different sources have distinct mineral profiles, affecting taste and nutritional value.
Packaging: The container can be a significant health consideration. Plastic bottles are a source of microplastics and can leach chemicals like BPA over time, especially when exposed to heat. Glass and aluminum cans, used by brands like Mountain Valley and Liquid Death, respectively, are superior choices for avoiding these contaminants.
Processing: While purification methods like RO produce very pure water, they can remove beneficial minerals. The healthiest water involves a balance, offering purity without stripping away natural goodness. Be aware of brands that add minerals back for taste, as their source is often less transparent.
Contaminants: While the FDA regulates bottled water, recent headlines, such as the Fiji recall in 2024 due to manganese and bacterial contamination, demonstrate that recalls can happen. Consumers can research brand-specific recalls and use resources like the CDC for information on contaminants like manganese.

Comparison of Popular Bottled Water Brands


Brand	Water Type	pH Level	Packaging	Notable Characteristics	Potential Drawbacks
Mountain Valley	Spring Water	7.3–7.8 (Naturally Alkaline)	Glass, BPA-free Plastic	Sourced from Ouachita Mountains, rich mineral profile, naturally sodium-free.	Potentially higher cost, availability varies.
Icelandic Glacial	Spring Water	~8.0 (Naturally Alkaline)	Plastic	Sourced from Olfus Spring in Iceland, naturally alkaline from lava rock filtration.	High shipping carbon footprint, plastic bottles.
Essentia	Purified, Alkaline	≥9.5	BPA-free Plastic	Ionized to achieve high pH, added electrolytes for taste.	Not naturally alkaline, some critics question health claims, plastic bottles.
Fiji	Artesian	~7.7 (Alkaline)	Plastic	Filtered through volcanic rock, soft taste.	2024 recall due to bacteria and manganese, presence of microplastics.
Liquid Death	Spring Water	~8.0 (Alkaline)	Aluminum Can	Sourced from deep underground, unique packaging that avoids plastic.	Metallic taste from can, high cost.
Aquafina	Purified	6.5 (Slightly Acidic)	Plastic	Municipal water purified by reverse osmosis, low mineral content.	Lacks minerals, plastic bottles.

The Verdict: So, what brand of bottled water is the healthiest?

The healthiest bottled water isn't a single brand but a category. Natural spring and mineral waters, particularly those bottled in glass or aluminum, often contain beneficial minerals without the concern of chemical leaching from plastic. Brands like Mountain Valley Spring Water stand out for their protected source, naturally alkaline pH, and use of glass bottles, minimizing contamination risks. Icelandic Glacial is another strong contender for its naturally alkaline nature, though shipping costs and plastic packaging are considerations. For those seeking mineral-rich water, Acqua Panna is a solid choice, but remember to monitor sodium intake. Purified waters like Aquafina and alkaline brands like Essentia offer pure hydration but lack natural mineral content, with some alkaline health claims lacking strong scientific backing. The safest and most environmentally friendly option for many remains filtered tap water at home.

Prioritizing Your Health and Hydration

Ultimately, selecting the healthiest water brand involves a personal assessment of priorities. Do you value natural mineral content, minimal processing, or the purest possible water? Are you willing to pay a premium for glass packaging to avoid microplastics and chemicals? The best choice combines safety, taste, and your specific nutritional goals. Always research a brand's source and processing, and for the most informed decisions, review the latest water quality reports and product recalls.

Conclusion

When asking "what brand of bottled water is the healthiest?", the answer depends on balancing mineral content, processing, and packaging. Natural spring or mineral water in glass bottles, like Mountain Valley, often represent the best combination of purity and beneficial minerals. Alkaline water, while popular, lacks definitive scientific proof for all its health claims. Meanwhile, purified water is a safe and pure choice but without the added mineral benefits. For the health and environmentally conscious, investing in a home water filter and a reusable glass bottle is arguably the most sustainable and controlled option.

Outbound Link

For more information on health concerns regarding manganese, a contaminant recently linked to a Fiji Water recall, consult the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plastic water bottles, especially when exposed to heat or stored for extended periods, can leach microplastics and chemicals like BPA into the water. For safety, many experts recommend choosing glass, stainless steel, or aluminum containers instead.

While some studies suggest minor benefits for certain conditions like acid reflux and bone health, the overall health benefits of alkaline water are not strongly supported by scientific evidence. Your body effectively regulates its own pH level.

Spring water comes from a natural, underground source and contains naturally occurring minerals. Purified water, on the other hand, is treated (often using reverse osmosis) to remove impurities and, consequently, its mineral content.

Fiji water had a recall in 2024 for specific lots due to manganese and bacterial contamination. While the FDA classified it as a low-risk Class III recall, many affected bottles were reclaimed. Still, it highlights the importance of checking product recalls and packaging.

Not all mineral water is high in sodium. The mineral composition varies by source. You should check the analytical extract on the label, which specifies the amount of sodium and other minerals present, especially if you monitor sodium intake.

Some bottled water, particularly purified water, can have a slightly acidic pH (below 7) because the purification process removes the minerals that would otherwise buffer its pH. While a lower pH is not typically harmful, some people prefer a more neutral or alkaline option.

TDS is a measure of the total concentration of dissolved substances, including minerals and salts, in water. Mineral water, by definition, has a high TDS level, while purified water has a very low TDS. The TDS level affects the water's taste.