Defining 'Healthy' Bottled Water
When searching for the healthiest bottled water, there is no single consensus, as the term 'healthy' can depend on an individual's specific needs. For some, it might mean the purest water with the fewest contaminants. For others, it might be water with a high mineral or electrolyte content. A third group might prioritize a naturally high pH level. The best choice often comes down to balancing these factors against your own health goals and budget.
Factors to Consider
To determine which bottled water is best for you, evaluate these critical factors:
- Source: The water's origin significantly affects its composition. Spring and artesian waters come from underground sources, which means they naturally filter through rock layers, picking up minerals along the way. In contrast, purified water often comes from a municipal source and undergoes extensive filtering processes like reverse osmosis to remove contaminants.
- Purification Method: This is particularly important for purified water. Reverse osmosis (RO) and distillation remove almost all total dissolved solids (TDS), resulting in very pure water. However, this also strips beneficial minerals. Brands that use RO sometimes re-add a small amount of minerals for taste.
- Mineral Content (TDS): TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids, is a measure of the mineral concentration in water. High-mineral waters like Gerolsteiner and San Pellegrino have high TDS, while purified waters have very low TDS. The right level of minerals depends on your health needs. Excessive minerals can be harsh for some, while too few can leave water tasting flat.
- pH Level: A water's pH indicates its acidity or alkalinity. Neutral pH is 7. Alkaline waters have a pH higher than 7 and are often promoted for balancing the body's pH. Naturally high-alkaline waters, like Icelandic Glacial, are a result of natural filtration, while others, like Essentia, are ionized. The health benefits of alkaline water are often debated.
- Packaging: The bottle itself can affect water quality. Plastic bottles, especially when exposed to heat, can leach chemicals into the water. For this reason, some opt for glass or aluminum cans (like Liquid Death) to avoid potential contamination and reduce their environmental footprint.
Top Contenders for the Healthiest Bottled Water
Naturally Alkaline and Mineral-Rich
- Mountain Valley Spring Water: Sourced from the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas, this water has a naturally balanced, slightly alkaline pH and a healthy mineral profile. It's available in both glass and plastic bottles and is often praised for its clean taste.
- Fiji Water: An artesian water sourced from an aquifer in Fiji, it naturally contains a significant amount of silica, which some studies suggest may have health benefits. It has a naturally high pH and a very smooth taste.
- Icelandic Glacial: This water comes from the Olfus spring in Iceland and boasts a naturally high pH of 8.4. Its journey through volcanic lava rock gives it a unique mineral composition, and the company is also certified carbon-neutral.
Ultra-Pure with Electrolytes
- Essentia Water: Known for its ionization process, Essentia creates a supercharged alkaline water with a pH of 9.5 or higher. It's purified via reverse osmosis, then re-fortified with a proprietary blend of electrolytes for a smooth taste.
- Smartwater: This brand uses vapor distillation to purify its water, a process that mimics the hydrologic cycle. It then adds electrolytes back in for taste, resulting in a clean, crisp, and pure-tasting water.
Sustainable Packaging
- Path Water: This brand stands out for its reusable and recyclable aluminum bottle. The water itself is purified through reverse osmosis and is considered pure and crisp. Their focus on sustainability makes them a top choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
- Liquid Death: Packaged in aluminum cans, this spring water from the Austrian Alps has gained a cult following for its aggressive branding and focus on sustainability. The water inside is pure mountain water, and the can protects it from light and leaching plastics.
Bottled Water Brand Comparison
| Brand | Type | pH Level | TDS (Approx.) | Packaging | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Valley | Spring Water | 7.3–7.7 | N/A | Glass & BPA-free Plastic | Naturally alkaline, mineral-rich, award-winning taste |
| Icelandic Glacial | Spring Water | ~8.0–8.4 | 52 ppm | Plastic & Cans | Naturally alkaline, carbon neutral, volcanic filtration |
| Fiji | Artesian Water | ~7.7 | 131 ppm | BPA-free Plastic | High silica content, smooth taste, natural filtration |
| Essentia | Ionized Alkaline | 9.5+ | 23 ppm | BPA-free Plastic | High pH, added electrolytes, ultra-pure |
| Smartwater | Purified | ~6.5 | 25 ppm | Plastic | Vapor distilled, added electrolytes, clean taste |
| Liquid Death | Spring Water | ~8.0 | 212 ppm | Aluminum Can | Sustainably packaged, unique branding |
The Health and Environmental Trade-Offs
It's important to remember that all bottled water, even the 'healthiest,' comes with trade-offs. Shipping water across the world, for instance, significantly increases its carbon footprint. Furthermore, while some brands use BPA-free plastic, the long-term effects of microplastics on human health are still under investigation. Ultimately, while bottled water offers convenience and choice, a high-quality home water filtration system remains the most sustainable and often most affordable long-term option for ensuring clean, healthy drinking water.
Conclusion
Identifying the single healthiest bottled water brand is impossible because the criteria for 'healthy' are subjective. For those prioritizing natural minerals and alkalinity, brands like Mountain Valley or Icelandic Glacial are top-tier choices. If absolute purity and specific electrolyte content are your goals, Essentia and Smartwater offer compelling options. For environmentally conscious consumers, brands like Path and Liquid Death in alternative packaging are excellent. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with your personal health values and recognizes the broader environmental impact of bottled water. Consider these factors and select the brand that best suits your lifestyle and wellness priorities.
