What's the Healthiest Bottled Water You Can Drink?

November 14, 2025 •

5 min read

With the global bottled water market projected to grow significantly, many consumers are asking: What's the healthiest bottled water you can drink? The answer isn't simple, as it depends on factors like mineral content, source, and processing, all of which vary widely across different brands.

Quick Summary

This article explores different types of bottled water, from spring to purified and alkaline, evaluating their mineral content, sourcing, and health implications. Discover the pros and cons of each type to inform your hydration choices.

Key Points

Source Matters: Spring and mineral waters typically offer natural minerals that purified water lacks, with the mineral content varying by source.
Purification isn't Perfect: While purified water is consistently free of contaminants, the process can also strip it of beneficial, naturally occurring minerals.
Alkaline Claims are Debated: Many health claims for alkaline water, such as balancing body pH, are not strongly supported by scientific evidence, as the body already has effective mechanisms to regulate its pH.
Packaging Impacts Health: Single-use plastic bottles pose a risk of chemical leaching, making glass or aluminum a healthier and more sustainable option.
Minerals from Food: Relying on water for a significant mineral intake is misleading; a balanced diet is the most effective way to obtain essential electrolytes.
Consider Sustainability: For the most eco-friendly and affordable hydration, consider a high-quality home filtration system over constantly buying bottled water.

Navigating the Bottled Water Aisle

Choosing a bottled water can be a confusing experience, with an array of labels—spring, purified, mineral, alkaline, and artesian—all vying for attention. The concept of "healthiest" is subjective and often tied to personal health goals, taste preferences, and budget. While proper hydration from any safe water source is critical for health, the specific type of bottled water can offer different benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the distinction between these water types is the first step toward making an informed decision about your daily hydration needs.

Types of Bottled Water: A Deeper Dive

Spring Water

Spring water is collected from a naturally occurring underground source and is known for its crisp, clean taste. As it flows through layers of rock and soil, it naturally absorbs minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The mineral content can vary significantly depending on the spring's location and geological makeup. While minimally processed, reputable spring water brands still undergo testing and filtration to ensure safety.

Mineral Water

Mineral water is similar to spring water but must contain at least 250 parts per million (ppm) of dissolved minerals, which gives it a more distinct flavor. These minerals are naturally occurring from the source and cannot be added artificially. It is believed to support bone and heart health due to its mineral richness, and some varieties are also naturally carbonated. Well-known brands include San Pellegrino and Topo Chico.

Purified Water

Purified water can originate from any source—including municipal tap water—but it undergoes a rigorous purification process to remove impurities. Methods like distillation, reverse osmosis, or deionization are used, which remove not only contaminants but also beneficial minerals. Brands like Aquafina and Dasani are examples of purified water, with some manufacturers later adding electrolytes back for taste. The benefit is consistent purity, making it a reliable choice when the source is unknown, but it lacks the natural minerals of spring or mineral water.

Alkaline Water

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than neutral water, typically between 8 and 9.5. It can be naturally alkaline from minerals picked up in its source (like volcanic rock) or artificially created through a process called electrolysis. While promoted for claims like neutralizing body acidity and antioxidant benefits, the scientific evidence is limited, and the body already regulates its own pH effectively. Naturally sourced alkaline water, such as Icelandic Glacial, may be a better option than artificially ionized versions.

The Importance of Packaging and Contaminants

Beyond the type of water, its packaging and potential contaminants are major health considerations. The risk of chemical leaching, especially microplastics from single-use plastic bottles, is a growing concern. Glass bottles or aluminum cans offer a safer alternative for storage, though they often come at a higher cost. It's also important to be aware of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as 'forever chemicals,' which have been detected in some bottled water brands. While many brands have low or undetectable PFAS levels, opting for glass or using a high-quality home filtration system remains the most sustainable and potentially safest choice.

Comparison of Common Bottled Water Types


Feature	Spring Water	Mineral Water	Purified Water	Alkaline Water
Source	Natural underground springs	Protected underground mineral springs	Any source (tap, groundwater)	Natural mineral springs or municipal water
Processing	Minimal filtration (carbon filter, UV light)	Not significantly processed at the source	Extensive filtration (RO, distillation)	Varies; electrolysis or natural filtration through rock
Mineral Content	Varies, naturally occurring	>250 ppm dissolved minerals	Very low, removed during purification	Contains alkaline minerals (Ca, Mg, K)
pH Level	Often naturally slightly alkaline	Variable, can be high	Neutral or slightly acidic	Higher pH (8-9.5), either natural or artificial
Taste	Fresh, clean taste (variable)	Distinctive, mineral-rich taste	Neutral, sometimes described as 'flat'	Smooth, sometimes slightly sweeter
Cost	Mid-range	Generally higher than spring water	Often lower cost	Often higher cost than purified
Key Benefit	Natural minerals, minimal processing	Rich in essential minerals	Consistent purity, free of contaminants	Can aid certain conditions (e.g., acid reflux)
Key Drawback	Trace contaminants possible	Expensive, may taste salty	Lacks beneficial minerals	Health claims lack strong evidence, can affect stomach acid

Making an Informed Choice

Ultimately, the healthiest bottled water you can drink is the one that best aligns with your individual needs and priorities. For those prioritizing natural sourcing and mineral content, spring and mineral waters are excellent choices, with brands like Mountain Valley Spring Water offering a quality product in reusable glass bottles. If consistent purity is your top concern and you get your minerals from a balanced diet, purified water is a safe and affordable option. For those interested in the potential benefits of alkalinity, naturally alkaline spring waters may be preferable, although you should consult a doctor, especially if you have a pre-existing condition.

Conclusion

There is no single "healthiest" bottled water universally. The best choice is a balance of your hydration needs, taste preference, and a critical evaluation of a product's source, processing, and packaging. Prioritizing brands that use sustainable packaging, like glass or aluminum, can also mitigate health risks associated with plastic leaching and reduce environmental impact. Staying informed about the pros and cons of each water type empowers you to make a choice that is truly the healthiest for you. Always consider your diet for mineral intake, as food remains the primary source for essential nutrients. The Mayo Clinic provides further information on alkaline water claims and potential health implications.

Healthiest Bottled Water:

Naturally Sourced is Best: Spring and mineral waters retain natural electrolytes and minerals, providing more than just hydration.
Prioritize Glass or Aluminum: Reusable glass or aluminum packaging helps avoid the risks of microplastic and chemical leaching found in some plastic bottles.
Check for PFAS: Look for brands that test for and have low or non-detectable levels of PFAS to avoid 'forever chemicals'.
Balanced Minerals: Opting for mineral water can provide a beneficial intake of electrolytes like calcium and magnesium.
Know Your Needs: If a specific health goal, like increasing mineral intake, is important, choose a water type that supports it, but remember food is the primary mineral source.

Frequently Asked Questions

In many developed countries, tap water is highly regulated and safe to drink. While bottled water may contain certain minerals, tap water often has comparable, or even better, quality for a fraction of the cost and with less environmental impact.

Spring water comes from a natural underground source and retains its natural mineral content after minimal filtration. Purified water, however, is treated using methods like reverse osmosis to remove almost all impurities, including beneficial minerals.

Yes, some naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium in spring and mineral water are beneficial, but the concentration can vary. For most people, a healthy, balanced diet provides sufficient minerals, and the contribution from water is minor.

There is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that alkaline water can significantly alter the body's pH balance. The body has its own robust mechanisms, primarily the kidneys and lungs, to regulate blood pH within a very tight, healthy range.

To minimize exposure to microplastics, choose bottled water packaged in glass or aluminum. Alternatively, invest in a high-quality home water filtration system and use a reusable stainless steel or glass bottle.

Artesian water comes from a confined underground aquifer where water is under enough pressure to rise naturally to the surface, sometimes through a borehole or well. It's a type of spring water but with a specific extraction method.

For athletes, the key is replacing lost electrolytes. Some mineral or enhanced alkaline waters with added electrolytes (like Essentia) can be beneficial, but for intense exercise, a purpose-designed sports drink or supplement may be more effective.