What Brands of Bottled Water are Distilled?

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the University of Georgia, distillation can remove up to 99.9% of minerals and impurities from water, making it one of the purest forms available. For those wondering what brands of bottled water are distilled, Glacéau Smartwater and Nestlé Pure Life are two of the most widely available and recognized options on the market.

Quick Summary

This article details brands of bottled water that are distilled, distinguishing them from other purified water types. It explains the distillation process and compares common brands, addressing specific uses and concerns about mineral content.

Key Points

Smartwater is distilled: Glacéau Smartwater is a primary brand that uses vapor distillation, adding electrolytes back for a refreshing taste.
Nestlé Pure Life can be distilled: Certain product lines of Nestlé Pure Life utilize distillation along with other purification methods, but labels should be checked.
Distillation removes minerals: The process of distillation eliminates almost all minerals, including beneficial ones, resulting in a 'flat' taste.
Not all purified water is distilled: Brands like Dasani and Aquafina are purified, often through reverse osmosis, which is not the same as distillation.
Use for appliances: Distilled water is ideal for steam irons, humidifiers, and CPAP machines to prevent mineral buildup and extend their lifespan.
Safe for drinking but lacks minerals: While safe to drink, it provides no dietary minerals, so a balanced diet is necessary to compensate for the deficiency.

What is Distilled Water?

Distilled water is a type of purified water that has gone through the process of distillation. This involves boiling water into vapor and then condensing the steam back into a liquid in a separate, clean container. This process is highly effective at removing contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals, as well as minerals and other dissolved solids. Because of its high purity, it lacks the taste that minerals typically provide, resulting in a "flat" flavor.

Prominent Distilled Bottled Water Brands

While many bottled water brands undergo some form of purification, not all use distillation. Some of the most common brands that explicitly state they use vapor distillation or include distilled water products are:

Glacéau Smartwater: This is one of the most recognizable brands using vapor distillation. Smartwater is vapor-distilled, and electrolytes are added back for a crisp taste. This added step distinguishes it from pure distilled water, which lacks minerals, making it a good choice for those who prefer the taste of mineral-enhanced water but desire the purity achieved through distillation.
Nestlé Pure Life: In some regions, Nestlé Pure Life products are purified using a combination of reverse osmosis and distillation. It's crucial to check the label, as their product offerings can vary by location and specific product line (e.g., purified vs. distilled).
Crystal Springs: Known primarily for large-format water cooler bottles and home delivery, Crystal Springs offers distilled water in various sizes. The brand focuses on providing pure water options for both drinking and other household uses.
Store Brands/Generics: Many major retailers and grocery chains offer their own store-brand distilled water. These are often less expensive and can be found in gallon jugs, typically in the beverage or home goods aisle. Check the label to confirm the purification method and that it is for drinking purposes if desired.
Local Suppliers: Smaller, regional bottled water companies may also offer distilled water. For example, some companies like Idaho Ice or Carolina Summit offer both spring and distilled water options, catering to local needs.

Distilled Water vs. Other Bottled Waters

It's important to understand the differences between distilled and other types of bottled water, such as spring, purified, and mineral water. The primary distinction lies in the purification process and the resulting mineral content.

Spring Water: This water comes from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface. It is minimally processed and retains its natural minerals, giving it a distinct flavor profile. Brands like Fiji and Evian are well-known spring water brands.
Purified Water: Often sourced from public water systems, purified water has been treated to meet strict standards. Common purification methods include reverse osmosis, deionization, and distillation. The key is that purified water is processed to remove chemicals and contaminants. Dasani and Aquafina are examples of purified water brands, though not primarily distilled.
Mineral Water: This water contains a constant level of naturally occurring minerals and trace elements, often bottled at the source. It is not considered to be a form of purified water.

Comparison of Common Water Types


Feature	Distilled Water	Purified Water (e.g., Dasani/Aquafina)	Spring Water (e.g., Fiji)
Purification Process	Boiled into vapor, then condensed	Often reverse osmosis, deionization, or filtration	Minimally processed, comes from a natural spring
Mineral Content	Virtually none, all minerals are removed	Very low, as many minerals are removed during purification	Retains natural minerals from the source
Taste Profile	Flat or bland due to lack of minerals	Can have a modified taste, often with added electrolytes	Distinct, can vary based on mineral content
Typical Uses	Medical equipment, humidifiers, appliances	Drinking, general hydration	Drinking, general hydration

Uses Beyond Drinking

While drinking distilled water is safe, its lack of minerals gives it specific advantages for many household and industrial applications. It is recommended for devices sensitive to mineral buildup, such as steam irons, humidifiers, and CPAP machines. Distilled water is also used in automotive cooling systems and batteries to prevent corrosion. In laboratories and medical settings, its purity is essential for experiments and sterilization. This makes distilled water a versatile product beyond standard hydration.

Considerations for Drinking Distilled Water

For healthy individuals with a balanced diet, drinking distilled water is generally not harmful. However, the lack of minerals like calcium and magnesium means it offers no nutritional benefits, unlike mineral-rich tap or spring water. The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted concerns regarding demineralized water, particularly the risk of mineral deficiency if a person's diet does not compensate. Some people find the bland taste unappealing, which could lead to reduced water intake. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and dietary considerations.

Conclusion

Several brands of bottled water, such as Glacéau Smartwater and Nestlé Pure Life, include distilled water products, often labeling them specifically or adding electrolytes back for taste. While different brands use varied purification methods, true distilled water is produced by boiling and re-condensing steam, removing virtually all impurities. Its primary value lies in applications where mineral buildup is undesirable, such as in appliances and medical equipment. While safe to drink, its taste and lack of minerals make it less appealing to some, highlighting the importance of understanding the difference when choosing the right water for your needs. For those seeking maximum purity, especially for specialized uses, choosing a product explicitly labeled as distilled is key. For more information on water quality, resources like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offer extensive details on public water safety regulations. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Aquafina is not distilled. According to PepsiCo, Aquafina is purified water that uses a multi-step process including reverse osmosis, but it is not a vapor-distilled product.

No, Dasani is not distilled. It is purified water enhanced with a proprietary blend of minerals for a crisp taste, but its purification method does not primarily rely on distillation.

You can find bottled distilled water at most major grocery stores, pharmacies, and retailers. Look for brands like Glacéau Smartwater or the store's own generic brand, which is often sold in gallon jugs.

The main difference is the purification method. Distilled water is made by boiling and condensing water vapor, while purified water can use various methods like reverse osmosis, deionization, and filtration to remove impurities. Not all purified water is distilled.

Drinking distilled water is generally safe, provided you maintain a balanced diet that supplies essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are removed during distillation. Its flat taste is the primary reason many people prefer not to drink it daily.

Yes, distilled water is highly recommended for humidifiers and other appliances that produce steam, such as steam irons. Using it prevents the mineral buildup, or scale, that can clog or damage the machine over time.

Distilled water is used in CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines to prevent the accumulation of mineral deposits in the humidifier chamber. This buildup can damage the equipment and harbor bacteria, so using mineral-free distilled water is the safest option.