What is the absolute best bottled water to drink?

December 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite bottled water being a massive $22 billion-a-year industry, about 25% of all bottled water comes from the same source as tap water. With so much marketing hype, it's hard to determine what is the absolute best bottled water to drink.

Quick Summary

The best bottled water depends on personal preferences like mineral content and taste, with options ranging from alkaline and mineral-rich varieties to highly purified reverse osmosis products.

Key Points

No single "best": The best bottled water is subjective and depends on individual taste, health goals, and environmental priorities.
Water types matter: Spring, purified, mineral, and alkaline waters each have different sources and processing methods, affecting mineral content and taste.
Check the label: Look for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and pH level to gauge mineral content and alkalinity.
Source influences taste: Water's origin, whether a mountain spring or a volcanic aquifer, creates distinct flavor profiles.
Packaging impacts taste and planet: Glass and aluminum are excellent, while plastic, though convenient, can affect taste and has higher environmental costs.
Taste is personal: Trying different brands side-by-side is the best way to discover your personal favorite flavor profile.

The Myth of a Single "Best" Water

The quest for the single "best" bottled water is a journey, not a destination. It's a common misconception that one brand reigns supreme for everyone. The truth is, the ideal choice is highly subjective, depending on your personal taste, health goals, and even budget. Factors like mineral content (measured in TDS), pH level, source, and packaging all play a significant role in determining what is best for you. For instance, an athlete might prioritize a water with added electrolytes, while someone with a sensitive palate might prefer a low-TDS purified option. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision for your unique needs. We will break down the science, compare the most popular brands, and help you find the absolute best bottled water to drink for you.

Understanding Different Types of Bottled Water

Not all bottled waters are created equal. The source and treatment process heavily influence the final product.

Spring Water

Sourced from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface. It is bottled at the source and contains naturally occurring minerals. The taste and mineral composition of spring water can vary significantly depending on its geographical origin.

Examples: Mountain Valley, Fiji, Evian.

Purified Water (Reverse Osmosis)

This is typically tap water that has been filtered extensively to remove impurities, including minerals. The process, often reverse osmosis, vapor distillation, or deionization, results in a very low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content, creating a clean, almost neutral taste. Some brands add back a specific blend of minerals for taste.

Examples: Aquafina, Dasani, Smartwater.

Mineral Water

Defined by its high, naturally occurring mineral content, which gives it a distinct taste. It must originate from a geologically and physically protected underground water source. Unlike purified water, the mineral composition cannot be altered.

Examples: Acqua Panna, Topo Chico, Perrier.

Alkaline Water

Characterized by a pH level higher than neutral (7.0), typically between 8 and 9.5. This can occur naturally when water flows over alkaline-rich rocks or can be achieved through ionization and the addition of alkaline minerals.

Examples: Essentia, Icelandic Glacial, Flow Water.

Key Factors to Consider for Your Best Water

When choosing bottled water, several factors beyond brand name are worth considering.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): This measures the concentration of dissolved substances, such as minerals, salts, and organic compounds. A higher TDS gives water a more distinct, mineral-forward taste, while lower TDS results in a cleaner, smoother taste.
pH Level: The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline water is. For most people, the difference in pH is negligible, but those interested in alkaline water for potential health benefits may prioritize it.
Source: The water's origin significantly influences its taste and mineral content. A volcanic aquifer like Fiji's will differ dramatically from a protected mountain spring in Arkansas like Mountain Valley.
Packaging: While glass is inert and best for preserving taste, aluminum (like Path Water) is a highly recyclable, eco-friendly option. Plastic, while convenient, has a lower recycling rate and can sometimes impart a subtle taste to the water.
Taste Profile: Ultimately, taste is personal. Do you prefer a silky smooth mouthfeel (Acqua Panna), a neutral, clean finish (Aquafina), or a refreshing minerality (Icelandic Glacial)?

Comparison of Popular Bottled Water Brands


Brand	Source/Type	pH	TDS (ppm)	Taste Profile	Notes
Mountain Valley	Spring	~7.8	68	Clean, soft, and balanced	Glass bottle, sourced from Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas.
Acqua Panna	Natural Mineral	~8.0	150	Exceptionally smooth, light, velvety	Sourced from springs in Tuscany, Italy.
Essentia	Alkaline	9.5	Low	Clean, smooth, no aftertaste	Enhanced with electrolytes, ionized purified water.
Fiji	Artesian	7.7	131	Smooth, somewhat complex	Sourced from an artesian aquifer in Fiji, filtered by volcanic rock.
Smartwater	Purified	6.5	25	Palatable, well-rounded	Vapor-distilled with added electrolytes for taste.
Dasani	Purified	6.1	28	Slight mineral-forward, fresh	Purified tap water with added minerals for taste.
Path Water	Purified	~7.0	Low	Pure, crisp	Refillable aluminum bottle, eco-friendly.
Icelandic Glacial	Alkaline Spring	8.4	52	Refreshing, naturally alkaline	Sourced from Iceland, naturally filtered through lava rock.

Making Your Final Choice

After considering all the factors, the absolute best bottled water to drink is the one that best aligns with your preferences and priorities. If purity is your main goal, a purified and distilled water like Smartwater or Aquafina might be your top pick. If you enjoy a more complex, mineral-rich flavor profile, spring waters like Mountain Valley or Acqua Panna are excellent choices. For those seeking an alkaline boost, Essentia or Icelandic Glacial stand out. The environmental impact of packaging is also a crucial factor, making Path Water an appealing option for the eco-conscious consumer.

Ultimately, taste is a powerful driver. Many brands, including some of those ranked lower in taste tests, still offer a perfectly hydrating and safe product. Trying a few different options is the only way to truly find your personal favorite. Consider a side-by-side taste test with friends to discover the nuanced differences.

The single best water is a myth, but the perfect water for you is a reality waiting to be discovered.

For further reading on the physiological effects of water intake, a detailed study is available from the National Institutes of Health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the market for bottled water is vast and varied, catering to a wide range of tastes and priorities. From the naturally mineral-rich Italian springs of Acqua Panna to the electrolyted-enhanced purified water of Essentia, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. By understanding the different water types—spring, purified, mineral, and alkaline—and considering key factors like TDS, pH, and packaging, consumers can move beyond marketing to find a bottled water that is right for them. Whether you prioritize eco-friendliness, a specific taste, or certain mineral content, the information above provides a solid foundation for making an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. The healthiness of bottled water versus tap water varies by location. While bottled water is often perceived as purer, many municipal tap water sources are highly regulated and perfectly safe to drink. Some bottled water is even just treated tap water.

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, measuring the concentration of inorganic salts and organic matter dissolved in water. It influences the water's taste and mineral content. High TDS water has a more distinct mineral taste, while low TDS water is purer and more neutral in flavor.

Research on the health benefits of alkaline water is not conclusive. Some proponents suggest it can neutralize acid in the body, but most experts agree that the body effectively regulates its own pH. The benefits may be more placebo effect than scientific fact.

Dasani and Aquafina are purified tap water. The purification process (like reverse osmosis) removes all dissolved solids, and then the companies add back a specific blend of minerals (like magnesium sulfate and potassium chloride) to create a distinct, consistent taste profile.

For the most part, yes, plastic bottles are safe and regulated by agencies like the FDA. However, over time and especially when exposed to heat, some plastics can leach chemicals like phthalates and BPA into the water. This is why many eco-conscious consumers prefer glass or aluminum bottles.

Fiji water's unique smoothness comes from its journey through permeable volcanic rock, which naturally filters and enriches it with minerals like silica. This specific mineral content gives it its soft mouthfeel and signature taste.

The most eco-friendly options are those that minimize packaging waste. Brands like Path Water that use refillable aluminum bottles are excellent choices. Other factors to consider are sourcing and transportation, which contribute to a brand's overall carbon footprint.