What is the healthiest bottled water to get? A nutritional deep dive

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a January 2024 NIH study, a single liter of bottled water can contain an average of 240,000 micro- and nanoplastic particles. With growing concerns about purity and content, understanding what is the healthiest bottled water to get is crucial for making an informed choice for your hydration and overall health.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the key differences between various types of bottled water, such as spring, mineral, purified, and alkaline, to help consumers assess factors like mineral content, purification methods, and potential microplastic risks.

Key Points

Source vs. Process: Bottled water types differ based on their source (spring, mineral) and purification process (distilled, reverse osmosis, alkaline).
Minerals vs. Purity: Spring and mineral waters retain beneficial minerals, while purified waters offer maximum purity but lack these minerals.
Microplastic Concerns: Plastic water bottles contain micro- and nanoplastics, with potential health implications from chemical leaching and particle ingestion.
Alkaline Water Debate: While promoted for health benefits, evidence for alkaline water is limited, and artificial variants may carry risks with excessive consumption.
Sustainable Alternative: Filtered tap water, used with a reusable bottle, is often the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly option, addressing microplastic concerns.
Personal Choice: The healthiest bottled water depends on individual needs, taste preferences, dietary mineral intake, and local tap water quality.

The bottled water market is awash with options, each promising a unique path to hydration. From waters sourced from pristine glaciers to those enhanced with electrolytes, the claims can be overwhelming. The best choice for you depends on what you prioritize: mineral content, purity, taste, or a lower environmental footprint. Examining the pros and cons of each type is the first step toward finding the option that aligns with your health and nutritional goals.

Understanding Different Types of Bottled Water

Spring Water: The Natural Choice?

Spring water comes from an underground source where it naturally flows to the surface. As it travels through the earth, it picks up essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are beneficial for health. However, mineral content can vary significantly depending on the source. While spring water is generally considered pure and chemical-free, its quality is not always uniform and requires testing.

Mineral Water: Rich in Nutrients

Mineral water is sourced from protected underground mineral springs and must contain at least 250 parts per million of dissolved solids, such as sulfates and bicarbonates. The key characteristic is that its mineral composition remains constant at the source, though the specific types and levels of minerals vary by brand. Drinking mineral water can contribute to your daily intake of important electrolytes, but it can also be expensive.

Purified Water: Purity at What Cost?

Purified water, which includes types like distilled and reverse osmosis (RO) water, is treated to remove chemicals, pathogens, and other impurities. The rigorous filtration process yields a high level of purity, making it a safe choice in areas with questionable tap water. The downside is that this same process also strips the water of beneficial minerals, which can lead to a 'flat' taste. Some purified water brands re-add electrolytes for taste.

Alkaline Water: High pH, High Hype?

Alkaline water has a higher pH level, typically between 8 and 9. Proponents suggest it can neutralize acidity in the body, but scientific evidence is limited. Naturally alkaline water, like Icelandic Glacial, gains its higher pH from filtering through rocks. Other brands achieve this artificially through electrolysis, which may have different health implications and can introduce metals. Excessive consumption of high-pH alkaline water may pose risks like alkalosis or mineral imbalances.

The Hidden Dangers: Microplastics

One of the most significant concerns with bottled water is microplastic contamination.

A 2024 NIH study found that a typical liter of bottled water contains hundreds of thousands of plastic fragments.
These microplastics can originate from the plastic packaging itself, especially with prolonged storage or heat exposure.
Nanoplastics, which are even smaller, can potentially cross biological barriers in the body.
Research into the long-term health effects of ingesting microplastics is ongoing, with some preliminary findings suggesting potential cellular and reproductive issues.

Comparison of Popular Bottled Water Brands

The table below compares common bottled water types and brands to help you identify what is the healthiest bottled water to get based on your criteria.


Feature	Spring Water (e.g., Fiji)	Mineral Water (e.g., Evian)	Purified Water (e.g., Aquafina)	Alkaline Water (e.g., Essentia)
Source	Natural underground springs.	Protected underground springs with defined mineral content.	Tap water, treated with reverse osmosis or distillation.	Processed purified water with added minerals or electrolytes.
Mineral Content	Naturally contains minerals like calcium and magnesium; content varies.	High concentration of minerals, specific ratios are consistent by brand.	Stripped of most minerals during purification.	Electrolytes added back for a specific pH balance and taste.
pH Level	Varies naturally, often neutral or slightly alkaline.	Varies by source, can be neutral or alkaline.	Typically mildly acidic or neutral.	Higher pH (8-9.5) achieved through additives.
Microplastics	Vulnerable to microplastics if packaged in plastic.	Vulnerable to microplastics if packaged in plastic.	Vulnerable to microplastics if packaged in plastic.	Vulnerable to microplastics if packaged in plastic.
Taste	Often described as clean, crisp, and fresh.	Distinct, sometimes slightly mineral-rich taste.	'Flat' or flavorless due to lack of minerals.	Smooth, often with no lingering aftertaste.

Making the Healthiest Choice for You

Determining the absolute healthiest bottled water is not straightforward, as it depends on your specific needs and concerns. For those prioritizing natural minerals, certain spring or mineral waters might be the best option. For individuals seeking maximum purity without contaminants, purified water is a solid choice, provided you get your minerals from a balanced diet. Given the growing concerns about microplastics, glass or aluminum-bottled options might be preferable.

It's important to weigh these factors, including the environmental impact and cost of bottled water. For many, the healthiest and most sustainable option is often filtered tap water. Using a high-quality home filtration system, such as a reverse osmosis unit, can remove contaminants and microplastics without the waste and cost of single-use plastic. Consider your priorities carefully before reaching for the next bottle on the shelf.

Conclusion: Beyond the Bottle

While bottled water offers convenience and specific mineral profiles, the healthiest choice is not one-size-fits-all. The debate around what is the healthiest bottled water to get underscores a broader conversation about water purity, nutritional value, and environmental responsibility. Prioritizing safe, clean hydration is paramount, and for many, that can be achieved more sustainably and economically with a quality home filter and a reusable bottle. Always consider the source, the processing, and the packaging before concluding which bottled water is best for you and your health.

For more information on water quality and contaminants, a helpful resource is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. Mineral water comes from a protected underground source with a consistently high mineral content, while spring water's mineral levels can vary. The 'healthier' option depends on which minerals you prefer and your overall dietary needs, as both can be beneficial.

Yes, purification processes like reverse osmosis and distillation remove almost all dissolved minerals, in addition to contaminants. This leaves the water with a neutral, sometimes 'flat' taste.

Yes, studies have confirmed the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in bottled water, which can leach from the plastic packaging. While research into the full health impact is ongoing, many opt for alternatives to reduce exposure.

Health claims surrounding alkaline water are debated and lack robust scientific backing. Your body has a natural system to regulate pH, so drinking alkaline water is unlikely to have a major impact. Some risks exist with excessive consumption of high-pH water.

To significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics, use a home water filtration system and refill a reusable bottle made from glass or stainless steel. This avoids reliance on single-use plastic.

Drinking distilled water is generally safe, provided you get your essential minerals from food sources. Since it contains no minerals, it is not recommended as a primary source of hydration for athletes or individuals with poor diets.

Consider the source (natural springs or tap-based purification), the mineral content (if you need specific electrolytes), the type of packaging (plastic vs. glass/aluminum), and your personal taste preferences. Don't forget to weigh the cost and environmental impact.