What is the Healthiest Brand of Water to Drink? A Comprehensive Guide

October 10, 2025 •

5 min read

Many people believe bottled water is inherently healthier than tap water, yet studies show tap water is often just as safe and can be a more sustainable option. With a growing market of purified, spring, mineral, and alkaline waters, it is a complex question to determine what is the healthiest brand of water to drink?

Quick Summary

Choosing the healthiest water involves assessing mineral content, source, pH level, and considering filtered tap water as an eco-friendly alternative to bottled brands, rather than focusing on a single 'best' brand. The ideal choice depends on individual health goals, budget, and environmental concerns.

Key Points

No Single Healthiest Brand: The concept of a single 'best' brand is a myth; the healthiest water depends on your personal needs, source, and processing methods.
Mineral Content Matters: Water sources vary significantly in mineral content, with some natural mineral waters providing beneficial electrolytes like calcium and magnesium, while purified waters have had most minerals removed.
Purified Water vs. Mineral Water: Purified water is extensively filtered, removing contaminants but also beneficial minerals, whereas mineral water comes from a natural, protected source and retains its minerals.
Tap Water is a Viable Alternative: In many regions, tap water is a safe, budget-friendly, and environmentally superior option, especially when enhanced with a home filtration system.
Environmental Impact is Significant: Bottled water carries a heavy environmental cost due to plastic production and transport, making filtered tap water the more sustainable choice.
Choose Based on Your Needs: Your best hydration choice should consider your local water quality, mineral needs, budget, and environmental footprint.

The concept of a single “healthiest” brand of water is misleading. The quality of water, and its potential health benefits, depend on its source, mineral content, pH balance, and purification process. Consumers must look beyond brand marketing to make an informed decision, considering that their local tap water might be an excellent, and often superior, option.

Understanding Different Types of Water

Not all water is created equal. The type of water is a crucial factor in determining its health profile and taste.

Purified Water: This water, often sourced from municipal supplies, undergoes extensive filtration via processes like reverse osmosis (RO) or distillation. This effectively removes contaminants but also strips away natural minerals. Brands like Aquafina and Dasani fall into this category. The health benefits are tied to the removal of harmful substances, but concerns exist about the potential long-term effects of drinking demineralized water. Some companies add minerals back for taste (remineralization).
Mineral Water: Originating from naturally protected underground sources, this water contains a consistent level of naturally dissolved minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It must be bottled at the source and cannot be treated to alter its original composition. Brands like Evian, Acqua Panna, and Fiji are classified as mineral water. These minerals can contribute to daily intake and overall health.
Spring Water: Sourced from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the earth's surface, spring water is naturally filtered but may undergo minimal processing. Its mineral content and pH can vary widely depending on the geological area. Brands like Poland Spring and Arrowhead fall under this classification.
Alkaline Water: This water has a higher pH level, typically between 8 and 9.5, compared to neutral water (pH 7). The alkalinity comes from dissolved minerals, either naturally occurring or added through ionization. Proponents claim it can neutralize acidity in the body, but scientific evidence is limited. Brands like Essentia and Icelandic Glacial are known for being naturally alkaline.

Key Factors to Consider Beyond the Brand Name

When evaluating the healthiness of water, consider these key aspects:

Mineral Content: Essential minerals like calcium and magnesium are vital for bodily functions. Naturally sourced mineral water often contains these, while purified water does not unless they are added back. For individuals with a balanced diet, the minerals from water may be a small contribution, but for those with deficiencies, it can be more significant.
pH Level: While alkaline water is popular, the human body's pH is tightly regulated regardless of what you drink. For most people, consuming water with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH (6.5-8.5) is perfectly safe and palatable, but extreme pH levels are not recommended.
Source and Contaminants: The source of water and the purification method are critical. While bottled water is generally safe due to regulations, some municipal tap water is equally, if not more, rigorously tested. The potential for microplastics in bottled water is also a growing concern.
Taste and Personal Preference: The taste of water is subjective and influenced by its mineral profile. Some people prefer the pure taste of purified water, while others enjoy the minerality of spring or mineral water.

Comparison of Popular Bottled Water Brands


Brand	Water Type	Source	pH Range (Approx)	Key Notes
Evian	Natural Mineral	French Alps	7.2-8.0	Naturally high in calcium and magnesium. Known for its smooth, mineral taste.
Fiji	Artesian	Fiji	7.7	High silica content gives a smooth, silky mouthfeel. Sourced from an artesian aquifer.
Icelandic Glacial	Natural Spring/Alkaline	Olfus Spring, Iceland	8.4	Naturally alkaline from volcanic filtration. Carbon neutral certified.
Acqua Panna	Natural Spring	Tuscany, Italy	8.0	Naturally occurring minerals give a smooth, subtle taste.
Dasani	Purified	Municipal	5.6	Purified tap water with added minerals for taste. Can taste harsh to some.
Aquafina	Purified	Municipal	5.5-6.0	Purified tap water via a 7-step process. Often described as clean and crisp.

Bottled Water vs. Filtered Tap Water

For many people, the healthiest and most responsible choice is right at their kitchen tap, once filtered.

The Environmental Cost of Bottled Water

Bottled water has a significant environmental footprint, from manufacturing plastic bottles (often made from non-renewable fossil fuels) to transporting heavy water across long distances. Only a fraction of plastic bottles are recycled, contributing to landfill waste and microplastic pollution in our ecosystems. A study found that bottled water is 3,500 times worse for the environment than tap water in some regions.

The Case for Filtered Tap Water

In many developed countries, tap water is safe, inexpensive, and readily available. Simple at-home filtration systems, such as pitchers with filters (like Brita) or more advanced systems like reverse osmosis (with remineralization) or carbon block filters, can remove remaining impurities and contaminants, improving both safety and taste. This dramatically reduces plastic waste and provides a more cost-effective source of hydration. Drinking filtered tap water is often cited as the most eco-friendly option.

Choosing the Best Water for You: A Practical Approach

To decide what is right for you, consider these points:

Assess your local water quality: Check the annual water quality report from your local utility company. If it's excellent, tap water might be all you need.
Consider your needs: If you have mineral deficiencies and a healthy diet isn't providing enough, a high-quality mineral water might be beneficial. If you are mainly concerned with hydration and purity, filtered tap or a basic purified water is fine.
Prioritize sustainability: If reducing your environmental impact is a goal, investing in a good home water filter and a reusable bottle is the clear winner. Filters reduce waste and can be more sustainable over their lifespan.
Taste test: Your personal preference matters. Try different brands or tap filters to find a taste you enjoy, as consistent hydration is the most important factor.

Conclusion: Your Hydration Choice is Personal

Ultimately, there is no single best bottled water brand. The healthiest water depends on your individual needs, budget, and environmental values. For most people in areas with safe public water, filtered tap water offers the best balance of safety, cost, and sustainability. However, those seeking specific mineral benefits or a particular taste might prefer a natural mineral or spring water. The most crucial aspect of healthy hydration is simply drinking enough water regularly, regardless of the brand. Making an informed choice based on the factors discussed is more beneficial than hunting for a nonexistent perfect brand.

For further reading on tap water vs. bottled water, check the CDC's guide on water and healthier drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

While proponents suggest alkaline water can balance body pH, this is not supported by scientific consensus. The human body naturally regulates its pH. Alkaline water can be a source of minerals, but its claimed health benefits are largely unsubstantiated.

Reverse osmosis water is not necessarily bad, as it effectively removes harmful contaminants. However, it also removes beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium. For healthy individuals with a balanced diet, this is unlikely to cause issues. Long-term consumption without sufficient mineral intake from food could potentially lead to mineral deficiencies.

Not always. Some expensive brands offer high mineral content or unique sources, which affects taste, but they are not necessarily healthier. Cheaper brands are often purified tap water with added minerals. The price difference often reflects marketing, source, and packaging, not a significant health advantage.

You can check your local water quality report (also known as a Consumer Confidence Report) issued annually by your municipal water utility. This report details the source and contaminants found in your water supply and is often available online.

Mineral water must originate from a naturally protected, underground source and have a consistent mineral composition, bottled at the source. Spring water also comes from an underground source but can undergo more treatment and have a more variable mineral profile.

Yes, many studies have detected microplastics in bottled water, which can potentially leach from the plastic bottle. This is a primary health and environmental concern associated with bottled water consumption.

Yes, filtered tap water is significantly better for the environment. It drastically reduces reliance on single-use plastic bottles, decreases transportation emissions, and produces far less waste overall.