What is the healthiest bottled water to drink?

November 17, 2025 •

6 min read

With hundreds of bottled water products on the market—including spring, purified, and alkaline varieties—navigating what is the healthiest bottled water to drink can be a complex decision for many consumers. It requires looking past clever branding to understand the source, purification process, and overall composition of the water in each bottle.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the differences between spring, purified, mineral, and alkaline water to help consumers make an informed choice based on source, mineral content, and potential contaminants.

Key Points

Source Matters: Spring and mineral waters come from protected underground sources and naturally contain minerals, while purified water can start as tap water that is processed to remove impurities.
Check the Minerals: Mineral water must contain at least 250 ppm of naturally occurring minerals, offering potential health benefits, whereas purified water often has a very low mineral count.
Alkaline Claims Are Debated: Claims that alkaline water significantly balances body pH are not fully backed by science, as the body tightly regulates its own pH level.
Avoid Plastic Risks: Single-use plastic bottles can leach harmful chemicals and contain microplastics, especially when exposed to heat, so choosing glass or aluminum packaging is a safer alternative.
Home Filtration is a Top Option: A high-quality home water filtration system provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and reliably pure alternative to most bottled waters.
Prioritize Your Needs: Your healthiest choice depends on your personal priorities—whether that is natural minerals, extreme purity, or avoiding plastic contamination.
Read the Label Carefully: Always check the source and mineral content information on the bottle to make an informed decision based on facts, not just marketing claims.

The Different Types of Bottled Water

Navigating the bottled water aisle can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of options, each with unique claims and characteristics. Understanding the fundamental differences is the first step toward determining which type is the healthiest for your needs.

Spring Water

Sourced from a natural underground formation from which water flows to the surface, spring water is collected either at the spring or via a borehole. It is naturally filtered through layers of rock and earth, a process that can infuse it with naturally occurring minerals and give it a crisp, fresh taste. Its specific mineral content, and therefore its final taste and health benefits, can vary widely depending on the geological region from which it is sourced. Mountain Valley Spring Water, for example, is sourced from the Ouachita Mountains and has a balanced, naturally alkaline pH. The primary draw for many consumers is its natural origin and minimal processing.

Mineral Water

Mineral water is also sourced from an underground, geologically and physically protected water source. The key differentiator is its Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content; to be classified as mineral water by the FDA, it must contain at least 250 parts per million (ppm) of naturally occurring minerals and trace elements. The source, rather than added minerals, is what defines its profile. Brands like Gerolsteiner and Evian are well-known for their unique and stable mineral compositions. The concentration of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium can offer specific health benefits, such as improved bone health and better digestion.

Purified Water

Purified water is derived from a variety of sources, including tap water, and undergoes rigorous processing to remove chemicals, contaminants, and other impurities. Common purification methods include reverse osmosis, distillation, and deionization. This process results in a very clean and neutral-tasting water with a very low TDS count, as even beneficial minerals are often stripped out. While exceptionally pure and a safe option if the source quality is questionable, it lacks the naturally occurring minerals found in spring or mineral water. Brands like Aquafina and Dasani (before remineralization) fall into this category.

Alkaline Water

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than standard drinking water, typically between 8 and 9. Water can be naturally alkaline, as it is with Icelandic Glacial Water which filters through lava rock, or it can be made alkaline through a process called electrolysis, where minerals and electrolytes are added. Proponents claim it helps neutralize acid in the body, but these claims are not yet fully supported by scientific consensus, though some small studies have shown potential benefits related to acid reflux. It is often infused with electrolytes for taste.

Key Health Factors to Consider

Beyond the type of water, a few critical factors should inform your choice for optimal health.

Mineral Content: The Natural Difference

The mineral content in bottled water is a key area of difference. Water from a natural spring or mineral source can contain bioavailable minerals like calcium and magnesium that are essential for bodily functions such as bone health and nerve regulation. For individuals with specific dietary needs or deficiencies, mineral water can provide a valuable, supplementary source of these nutrients. In contrast, purified water, while free of contaminants, offers no nutritional benefit in terms of minerals. Consumers on low-sodium diets should always check labels, as some mineral waters can be high in sodium.

The pH Debate: Alkaline vs. Neutral

Much marketing focuses on the pH of bottled water. While alkaline water advocates claim benefits such as balancing the body’s pH, flushing toxins, and reducing acid reflux, the scientific evidence is limited. The body has robust mechanisms involving the kidneys and lungs to regulate blood pH within a very tight range, making the impact of water's pH negligible in most healthy individuals. However, some smaller studies suggest a potential link between alkaline water and improved symptoms of acid reflux, though more research is needed. For most people, a neutral pH water is perfectly adequate for hydration.

Contaminants and Purity

The safety of bottled water depends heavily on its source and processing. While federal regulations for bottled water exist, they are not always more stringent than those for tap water. Contamination can occur at the source, during bottling, or through improper storage. Consumer Reports and NRDC have reported instances of heavy metals, bacteria, and PFAS chemicals in some brands. Purified water often offers a high level of purity due to its intensive filtration, but the source must be reliable. For tap water concerns, a home filtration system is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.

Plastic and Microplastics

The container itself is a major health and environmental concern. Many plastic bottles use polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which can leach chemicals like antimony, bisphenols, and phthalates, especially when exposed to heat. These are known endocrine disruptors. Furthermore, studies have shown that bottled water contains thousands of tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics, which have been linked to potential negative health effects. Opting for glass bottles or aluminum cans (like Liquid Death) can mitigate some of these plastic-related risks.

Comparison of Common Bottled Water Types


Type of Water	Primary Source	Mineral Content	pH Level	Taste Profile	Purity	Potential Downsides
Spring	Protected underground spring	Varies naturally by source	Varies, often neutral or slightly alkaline	Crisp, natural, and unique	High, generally low contaminants	Variation in mineral content
Mineral	Geologically-protected mineral spring	Minimum 250 ppm of natural minerals	Varies, often slightly alkaline	Influenced by mineral composition	High, but some mineral variation	Can be high in sodium, more expensive
Purified	Municipal tap or groundwater	Low or zero; minerals removed	Neutral	Flat, flavorless	Very high purity	Lacks minerals, environmental cost of bottling
Alkaline	Tap water or natural source	Often minerals added back for taste	8 to 9+	Smoother taste, sometimes metallic	Dependent on source and process	Health claims lack strong evidence, high cost
Artesian	Confined underground aquifer	Often naturally occurring trace minerals	Varies	Clean and pure	Very high purity at source	Environmental cost of shipping, potential plastic concerns

Making the Best Choice for You

Determining what is the healthiest bottled water to drink ultimately depends on your personal priorities. If you are seeking trace minerals and a natural profile, spring or mineral water is the best option, provided you check labels for mineral content and potential sodium. If absolute purity is your primary concern and you have doubts about your local tap water, purified or distilled water is the safest bet, though you will miss out on mineral intake. For those interested in alkaline water, understand that many of the health claims are unsubstantiated, and a naturally alkaline spring water is generally preferable to an artificially ionized one. Considering the environmental impact and chemical leaching from plastic, choosing brands that use glass or aluminum, or simply investing in a high-quality home filtration system and a reusable bottle, is often the most sustainable and healthiest long-term solution. For more details on bottled water safety and regulations, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines on bottled water safety.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no single “healthiest” bottled water for every person. The ideal choice is a balance of purity, mineral content, and personal values regarding cost and environmental impact. For most people, a high-quality home water filtration system is the most economical and eco-friendly option. For those who rely on bottled water, opting for a naturally sourced spring or mineral water in glass or aluminum is a practical choice. The best advice is to read the labels, research the source, and make a mindful decision that aligns with your health and environmental goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both mineral and spring water can be healthy choices, but their primary difference is mineral content. Mineral water contains a minimum of 250 ppm of naturally occurring minerals, offering potential health benefits from those specific elements. Spring water's mineral content varies depending on its source. Your choice depends on whether you seek the added minerals of a specific mineral water or prefer a natural spring water's taste and profile.

No, claims that alkaline water can significantly alter the body's pH are not fully supported by scientific evidence. The kidneys and lungs work together to maintain a stable blood pH level regardless of what you drink. Any effects are localized and temporary, primarily impacting the stomach's acidity levels.

Yes, some risks are associated with plastic bottles. Many are made from PET plastic, which can leach chemicals like antimony and phthalates, especially when exposed to heat. Recent studies have also detected microplastics in bottled water, which can pose potential health risks over time.

Purified water, which has undergone processes like reverse osmosis or distillation, is considered the purest type of bottled water in terms of having the fewest dissolved solids or contaminants. However, this intensive purification process also removes beneficial minerals that might be present in spring or mineral water.

You can find out what's in your bottled water by carefully reading the label. The label should disclose the source (e.g., spring, artesian, purified) and, for mineral water, it should list the mineral composition and TDS. For tap water sourced purified products, the label will also specify purification methods.

Electrolytes are minerals that perform important bodily functions. While electrolytes are added to some bottled waters for taste, a balanced diet is the primary source of electrolytes for most people. For athletes or individuals losing electrolytes through sweat, some bottled waters can help replenish them, but it's not necessary for general hydration.

Choosing bottled water in glass or aluminum is a more environmentally conscious choice and can reduce the risk of chemical leaching and microplastic contamination associated with plastic bottles, particularly when the bottles are stored in warm conditions.