What's the healthiest type of bottled water?

December 29, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies have revealed that up to two-thirds of bottled water sold in the US may simply be repackaged tap water, a fact that challenges the marketing claims of purity and superior health benefits. Navigating the bottled water aisle can be confusing, with numerous labels and health claims. This guide will help you understand the different types of bottled water and determine which option best suits your wellness goals.

Quick Summary

This guide compares the pros and cons of spring, mineral, purified, and alkaline bottled water to help you find the right option for your needs. It covers sourcing, mineral content, and potential risks, offering actionable advice for making an informed choice.

Key Points

Mineral Content: Natural spring and mineral waters contain essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can contribute to daily nutrient intake.
Source Transparency: Many purified bottled water brands are simply filtered tap water, so checking the source and processing methods on the label is important.
Packaging Risks: Plastic bottles can leach harmful chemicals, including BPA and microplastics, into the water, a risk that increases with heat exposure.
Filtration vs. Minerals: Intense purification removes most impurities but also strips beneficial minerals. Purified and distilled water are often mineral-deficient.
Alkaline Claims: Claims of superior hydration or health benefits from alkaline water are largely unsubstantiated and require more scientific research.
A Homegrown Alternative: For the purest, most cost-effective, and environmentally friendly option, consider filtering your own tap water at home.

The bottled water industry is booming, but with so many choices, it can be difficult to decipher which option offers the most health benefits. From the naturally sourced to the highly processed, each type has distinct characteristics that affect its taste, mineral content, and purity. Understanding these differences is key to making the best choice for your health.

Understanding Bottled Water Types

Spring Water

Spring water is sourced from a protected underground aquifer where water naturally flows to the surface. This water often contains naturally occurring minerals and is typically minimally processed, sometimes with only carbon filtration and UV light to remove bacteria. Its mineral content can vary depending on the geological source, giving it a unique regional flavor. The natural alkalinity of spring water from certain sources is often cited as a benefit. However, quality control can vary between brands, and storage conditions during transport can also affect the water's integrity.

Mineral Water

Mineral water also originates from an underground source, but it is defined by its consistent level of naturally occurring minerals, containing at least 250 parts per million (ppm) of total dissolved solids. These minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonates, contribute to the water's taste and may offer specific health benefits like improved bone density. Mineral water is typically bottled at the source and cannot be treated to change its mineral composition.

Purified Water

Purified water can come from any source, including municipal tap water, and has been treated to remove chemicals, dissolved solids, and other contaminants. Common purification methods include distillation, reverse osmosis, and deionization. The result is a very clean and pure product, often with less than 10 ppm of total dissolved solids. The downside is that this intensive processing also strips the water of its natural, beneficial minerals. Some manufacturers add a mineral blend back in for taste, but this is an artificial process.

Alkaline Water

Alkaline water has a pH level higher than neutral (7), typically 8 or above. This can occur naturally when water flows over rocks that increase its mineral content, or it can be artificially produced via electrolysis or mineral additives. Proponents claim alkaline water can neutralize acidity in the body and provide better hydration, though scientific evidence for these claims is limited and debated. Its high pH is often due to the addition of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Distilled Water

Distilled water is a type of purified water created by boiling water into steam and then recondensing it back into liquid. This process effectively removes all minerals and contaminants, including pathogens. While it is extremely pure, it lacks the minerals found in other water types and can taste flat as a result. It is often used for medical and industrial purposes rather than regular consumption.

Comparison Table: Bottled Water Types


Type	Source	Mineral Content	pH Level	Best For	Potential Drawbacks
Spring	Protected underground aquifer	Varies; contains natural minerals	Typically neutral or naturally alkaline	Natural hydration; specific mineral intake	Quality can vary; potential for contaminants
Mineral	Geologically protected underground spring	Rich in minerals (>250 ppm)	Varies; often around neutral	Mineral supplementation; distinct taste	Higher cost; potentially high sodium
Purified	Any source (often tap water)	Minimal to none (unless added)	Generally neutral or slightly acidic	When guaranteed purity is a priority	Lacks beneficial minerals; potential repackaged tap water
Alkaline	Tap water or specific source	Varies; often added minerals	pH > 7; alkaline	Balancing body pH (claimed); enhanced hydration (claimed)	Unproven benefits; impacts stomach acid

Factors That Impact Bottled Water Health

Beyond the type of water, other factors significantly influence its health profile.

Packaging

Plastic bottles pose a serious health risk due to the leaching of harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and microplastics. This risk increases when bottles are exposed to high temperatures, such as when left in a car. Choosing water in glass or aluminum bottles, or using reusable containers, can mitigate these risks.

Contaminants and Purity

While FDA regulations exist, contaminants can still find their way into bottled water from the source, during manufacturing, or during storage. Consumer Reports has found heavy metals, PFAS, and other contaminants in some bottled water brands. Looking for third-party certifications like NSF can provide assurance of quality.

Environmental Impact

The environmental toll of bottled water is substantial, from the manufacturing of plastic bottles to the energy and emissions involved in transport. This has led many to seek more sustainable options like filtered tap water or brands that use eco-friendly packaging.

Is There a Single 'Healthiest' Option?

The quest for a single healthiest option is complex. For those seeking mineral benefits, natural spring or mineral water is the best choice, provided the source is reputable and the packaging is safe. For absolute purity, filtered tap water or purified water (in non-plastic packaging) is ideal. The claims of alkaline water benefits remain largely unsubstantiated by science. Ultimately, the healthiest option depends on your personal priorities regarding minerals, purity, taste, cost, and environmental impact.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what's the healthiest type of bottled water. The healthiest choice for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities. For those prioritizing natural mineral content, spring or mineral water from a trusted, reputable source is the best option. If you value absolute purity and want to avoid potential contaminants, purified water or, even better, a home filtration system for tap water, is a solid choice. The rise of brands using alternative packaging like glass and aluminum also offers a healthier alternative to traditional plastic. Regardless of your choice, staying informed about the water's source and packaging can help you make a conscious decision for your well-being. Check out this report from Consumer Reports for more details on bottled water issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mineral water must contain at least 250 ppm of dissolved minerals, while spring water's mineral content can vary, making mineral water generally more consistent in mineral richness. Spring water, however, is often minimally processed.

Yes, reports have found heavy metals, PFAS, and other contaminants in some bottled water, though reputable companies follow FDA rules and often seek third-party certifications like from NSF to ensure safety.

While proponents claim benefits like improved metabolism and hydration, current scientific evidence is limited, and more research is needed to substantiate these health claims.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can shed from bottles into the water, with studies finding them in a high percentage of bottled water samples. Exposure is a growing health concern.

Reusing single-use plastic bottles is not recommended as the plastic can break down and leach chemicals and microplastics into the water over time, especially with washing and wear.

No, high heat can cause plastic to break down more quickly, increasing the leaching of chemicals like BPA and phthalates into the water. It is best to store bottled water in a cool place.

Look for certifications from third-party organizations like NSF and check the label for the water source. Prioritize brands with glass or aluminum packaging to avoid plastic contamination.

Purified water often tastes different—sometimes described as flat—because the purification process removes all minerals and electrolytes that contribute to taste. Some companies add minerals back for flavor.