What's the Healthiest Brand of Bottled Water?

While tap water is highly regulated and safe in many regions, millions of consumers still turn to bottled water for a variety of reasons, from taste preference to perceived purity. This raises a key question: what's the healthiest brand of bottled water, and how do you even define 'healthiest'?

Quick Summary

Deciding on the healthiest bottled water involves more than just brand recognition, encompassing water type, mineral content, and purification methods. Consider spring, purified, and alkaline options based on individual needs, focusing on purity and beneficial mineral profiles. Assessing the source and manufacturing process is crucial for making a well-informed choice.

Key Points

• Source Matters: Water from natural springs and artesian wells contains naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes, while purified water, like Aquafina, is often filtered municipal water with minerals added back.

• Alkalinity is Not a Guarantee: While some people prefer alkaline water for its potential health benefits, the best options like Icelandic Glacial and Fiji have naturally high pH levels, while others are artificially enhanced.

• Plastic is a Problem: The plastic in many bottles can leach harmful chemicals such as bisphenols and microplastics into the water, especially when exposed to heat.

• Packaging Impacts Health: For a truly healthy choice, consider water packaged in glass or aluminum to avoid chemical leaching from plastic containers.

• 'Pure' is Different from 'Mineral-Rich': Purified waters offer minimal mineral content for a clean taste, whereas mineral waters like Evian offer a complex blend of natural minerals.

• Sustainability and Health are Linked: The environmental and health concerns associated with plastic bottled water mean refilling a reusable bottle with filtered tap water is often the best overall choice.

Understanding the Different Types of Bottled Water

To determine what's the healthiest brand of bottled water, it's essential to first understand the different types available on the market and what makes each unique. Each type of water has a different origin and undergoes a specific treatment process, affecting its final composition and potential health benefits.

Spring Water

Spring water is sourced from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the Earth's surface. It is collected directly at the spring or via a borehole tapping the underground source. This water is filtered naturally through rock and soil layers, which imbues it with a unique mineral composition. Brands like Evian and Fiji are examples of spring or artesian water, known for their distinct taste and naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes. While minimally processed, the mineral content can vary significantly, which is an important consideration for health.

Purified Water

Purified water starts from a public or private source and is treated to remove chemicals, contaminants, and other impurities. Common purification methods include reverse osmosis, distillation, and deionization. This process results in a very low total dissolved solids (TDS) content, producing a clean, neutral-tasting water. Brands like Aquafina and Dasani are purified waters, and they sometimes add minerals back in for taste. While pure, this process can also remove beneficial, naturally occurring minerals.

Mineral Water

Mineral water is distinguished by its constant level and relative proportions of minerals and trace elements at the point of origin. It is sourced from a geologically and physically protected underground water source and must be bottled at the source. The mineral content, such as calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonates, can be highly beneficial for health, including supporting bone density and blood pressure regulation. Brands like Acqua Panna and Gerolsteiner fall into this category, but mineral content varies greatly.

Alkaline Water

Alkaline water has a pH level higher than neutral (7.0), which proponents claim can help neutralize acid in the bloodstream. The higher pH can occur naturally, as is the case with water filtered through specific rock formations (like Icelandic Glacial), or it can be artificially produced via electrolysis or mineral additives. While research on the full range of health benefits is ongoing, some studies suggest it may help with acid reflux.

The Health Risks of Plastic Packaging

Beyond the water itself, the packaging is a significant factor in determining the overall healthiness of bottled water. Many water bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. Over time, particularly when exposed to heat or sunlight, this plastic can leach harmful chemicals such as bisphenols (BPA), phthalates, and microplastics into the water. The long-term effects of ingesting these substances are still under investigation, but studies indicate potential links to oxidative stress, immune system dysregulation, and hormonal disruptions. For this reason, many health experts now recommend opting for brands packaged in glass or aluminum, or simply refilling a reusable, non-plastic bottle.

Comparison of Popular Bottled Water Brands

Brand	Water Type	Source	pH Level	Key Characteristics	Considerations
Essentia	Purified, Alkaline	Municipal	9.5+	Enhanced with electrolytes for taste. Claims superior hydration.	Artificially ionized; electrolytes added. Still packaged in plastic.
Fiji	Artesian Spring	Viti Levu, Fiji	7.7	Naturally sourced. Contains naturally occurring minerals like silica.	Higher price point. Transport from Fiji adds to carbon footprint.
Evian	Natural Spring	French Alps	7.2	Balanced mineral composition from natural filtration.	TDS is higher than average, may not be ideal for those on a mineral-sensitive diet.
Acqua Panna	Natural Spring	Apennines Mountains	>8.0	Very low TDS and naturally alkaline.	Considered high-end and more expensive. Packaged in both plastic and glass.
Smartwater	Purified	Municipal	6.5	Distilled with electrolytes added back for flavor.	Acidic pH; electrolytes are added, not natural. Higher price for purified water.
Icelandic Glacial	Natural Spring, Alkaline	Ölfus Spring, Iceland	8.0+	Naturally alkaline, low TDS, and carbon neutral certified.	Sourced internationally, impacting carbon footprint due to transport.
Liquid Death	Mountain Spring	Alps	8.0+	Packaged in aluminum cans, reducing plastic use. Natural spring water.	Marketing is unconventional. High TDS means higher mineral content.

How to Choose the Healthiest Option

Choosing the healthiest bottled water isn't a one-size-fits-all decision, but depends on your priorities and health goals. For most people, the differences are minimal, and the most important factor is staying hydrated. However, if you are concerned about contaminants, mineral content, or plastic exposure, consider these factors:

• Prioritize purity and minimize contaminants. Look for brands that have transparent testing results or are certified by independent third parties. Consider brands with low TDS if you prefer very pure water.
• Consider the mineral content. If you're seeking to supplement your mineral intake, natural mineral waters or spring waters can be a great option. However, individuals with certain health conditions, like kidney issues, should consult a doctor regarding high-mineral water.
• Evaluate the pH level. For those interested in the potential benefits of alkaline water, look for brands with a naturally occurring high pH, like Icelandic Glacial. Be wary of artificially enhanced options.
• Avoid plastic bottles. To mitigate the risks of chemical leaching and microplastic ingestion, opt for water in glass or aluminum bottles. Using a home water filter with tap water is an even better and more sustainable alternative.
• Support sustainable packaging. When bottled water is necessary, choose brands that use eco-friendly and recyclable materials like aluminum cans, such as Liquid Death.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the quest for the healthiest brand of bottled water leads to a consideration of multiple factors beyond just the label. The best choice is highly personal, depending on whether your priority is minimal processing, specific minerals, or avoiding plastic. While some premium brands like Fiji and Icelandic Glacial offer naturally occurring minerals and alkalinity, purified brands like Aquafina are a reliable, albeit less mineral-rich, choice. The single most significant health improvement from bottled water might not come from the water itself, but from choosing sustainable, non-plastic packaging to avoid chemical contamination and reduce environmental impact. By considering your personal needs and priorities, you can make the most informed and healthiest choice for your hydration needs.

Authoritative Outbound Link

For more in-depth information on the safety of bottled versus tap water, you can consult studies and expert analysis from reputable sources like Consumer Reports, which investigates product safety and quality.

Understanding Water Terms

Here is a quick reference for common water-related terms to help you make sense of the market:

• pH: The measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is, with 7 being neutral. Water below 7 is acidic, above 7 is alkaline.
• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): A measure of the total amount of mineral salts, metals, and ions dissolved in a volume of water. High TDS can indicate high mineral content, while low TDS means high purity.
• Electrolytes: Minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium that carry an electric charge and are vital for bodily functions.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO): A purification process where water is forced through a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities and contaminants.
• Microplastics: Tiny plastic fragments resulting from the degradation of plastic bottles, which can be found in bottled water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of bottled water is generally considered the healthiest?

There is no single 'healthiest' type of bottled water, as the best choice depends on individual needs. Some prefer natural spring water for its inherent minerals, while others opt for purified water for its low-contaminant profile.

Is alkaline water truly healthier than regular water?

Proponents of alkaline water claim it offers benefits like neutralizing acidity, but scientific evidence is limited and more research is needed. The pH level is one factor, but purity and mineral content are also important to consider.

Do I need electrolytes in my bottled water?

Most of the electrolytes your body needs come from a balanced diet, not water. While some brands add electrolytes for flavor, they are not a substitute for a healthy eating regimen.

What are the health risks associated with plastic bottled water?

Plastic bottles, especially when heated, can leach harmful chemicals such as bisphenols and microplastics into the water. Long-term exposure to these substances is linked to potential health issues.

How can I avoid microplastics in my drinking water?

The most effective way to avoid microplastics is to choose water packaged in glass or aluminum, or to use a high-quality filter for tap water and carry it in a reusable, non-plastic bottle.

Are expensive bottled water brands always better for my health?

Not necessarily. Higher price often reflects sourcing location, marketing, or premium packaging, not necessarily superior purity or health benefits. Some purified brands at a lower price point are highly pure but lack minerals.

Is tap water a healthier and safer alternative to bottled water?

In many developed countries, regulated tap water is often safer and more rigorously tested than bottled water. Using a home water filter can further enhance the purity and taste of tap water, making it a more eco-friendly and cost-effective choice.