What's the Healthiest Water Brand to Drink?

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, drinking water helps your body function at its best. But with so many options, people often ask: what's the healthiest water brand to drink? The answer isn't a single brand, but rather understanding the different types of bottled water and what minerals they contain.

Quick Summary

An examination of bottled water types including mineral, purified, and spring water. Key factors like pH levels, mineral content (TDS), and sourcing are compared to help consumers decide which brand best fits their health requirements.

Key Points

Source Matters: The source of water, whether a spring or municipal supply, heavily influences its mineral content and purity.
Mineral Water vs. Purified Water: Mineral water contains natural minerals and electrolytes, while purified water has been stripped of impurities and minerals, with some added back for taste.
Alkaline Water: Some bottled water brands are naturally or artificially alkaline, though the health benefits beyond normal water are debated by experts.
Consider Environmental Impact: The healthiest option is also a sustainable one. Reusable containers and brands using eco-friendly packaging are better for the planet.
Prioritize Hydration: The most important aspect is staying hydrated. The best water brand for you is the one you enjoy and will drink consistently.
Check the Label: Always check the label for pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and added minerals to make an informed decision.

Understanding Different Types of Bottled Water

Not all bottled water is created equal. The health benefits and mineral composition can vary significantly based on its source and purification process. Understanding the differences is the first step in determining what's the healthiest water brand to drink for you.

Mineral vs. Purified Water

Mineral Water comes from underground sources and contains naturally occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The mineral content and taste can vary widely by brand and source. While some research suggests potential health benefits, such as bone strength from calcium, the overall impact is often debated, with many pointing out that a balanced diet is a more significant source of these nutrients.

Purified Water is typically municipal tap water that has been treated to remove impurities. Common purification methods include reverse osmosis, distillation, and deionization. The result is water that is very pure but has had its mineral content stripped away. Brands like Aquafina and Dasani often fall into this category, though some, like Dasani, add a small amount of minerals back in for taste.

Alkaline Water

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than standard tap water, often achieved through filtration processes or the addition of minerals. While proponents claim it can neutralize acid in the body, scientific evidence supporting these significant health benefits is limited. Naturally occurring alkaline water, such as Icelandic Glacial, which passes through lava rock, is an option for those interested in a higher pH level.

Spring Water

Spring water is collected from a spring or borehole and often contains naturally occurring minerals. The mineral content of spring water can differ, depending on the geology of the source. A key appeal of spring water is its natural sourcing and minimal processing. Mountain Valley Spring Water is a well-regarded brand known for its naturally balanced pH and mineral profile.

Comparison of Popular Water Brands

To help decide what's the healthiest water brand to drink, let's compare several popular options based on key health metrics. The values can vary, so consider this a general guide.


Brand	Source	Water Type	pH Level	TDS (ppm)	Key Minerals	Notes
Mountain Valley Spring	Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas	Spring	7.3–7.7	N/A	Calcium, Magnesium	Naturally alkaline and sourced from a protected spring.
Fiji	Viti Levu, Fiji	Artesian	7.7	131	Silica, Calcium, Magnesium	Alkaline and naturally filtered through volcanic rock.
Evian	French Alps	Natural Mineral	~8.0	283	Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium	High mineral content and naturally occurring electrolytes.
Icelandic Glacial	Ölfus Spring, Iceland	Spring	8.4	52	Calcium, Magnesium	Naturally alkaline and filtered through lava rock.
Smartwater	Municipal source	Purified (Distilled)	6.5	25	Added Electrolytes	Vapor-distilled with added minerals for taste.
Dasani	Municipal source	Purified (RO)	6.1	28	Added Minerals	Reverse osmosis filtered with added minerals for flavor.

Making the Best Choice for Your Health

When evaluating what's the healthiest water brand to drink, several factors should influence your decision beyond just the marketing claims. Consider the following:

Mineral Content: While mineral water can provide trace amounts of essential nutrients, the amounts are often small compared to a balanced diet. If you have specific health needs, like a sodium-restricted diet, be mindful of brands with higher sodium levels, such as Evian.
Purity: Purified water undergoes extensive treatment to remove contaminants, making it a very clean option. However, this process also removes the beneficial minerals found in natural spring water. Brands like Aquafina provide a reliable, low-TDS option.
pH Level: For those interested in alkaline water, brands like Icelandic Glacial and Fiji offer naturally alkaline options. It's important to remember that most of your body's pH regulation comes from your kidneys and lungs, not your water.
Environmental Impact: Consider the packaging. Brands like Icelandic Glacial use recyclable materials, while others like Path use reusable aluminum bottles, minimizing plastic waste. Opting for home water filters is often the most eco-friendly choice.
Source: For those who prioritize natural sourcing, brands like Mountain Valley and Icelandic Glacial come from pristine, protected sources.

Conclusion: Which Water is Right for You?

There is no single answer to what's the healthiest water brand to drink, as the best choice depends on individual priorities. For a balance of natural sourcing and minerals, Mountain Valley Spring Water is a top contender. If you prefer a pure taste and consistent quality, purified options like Smartwater are excellent. For a naturally alkaline option, Icelandic Glacial stands out. Ultimately, staying hydrated is the most crucial factor, and the right water is the one you will drink consistently. Consider taste, mineral content, and environmental impact when selecting the brand that's healthiest for you. For more information on water quality, you can consult the Environmental Working Group's Tap Water Database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mineral water contains naturally occurring minerals, but whether it is 'healthier' depends on individual needs. Purified water is highly filtered and pure but lacks these minerals. For those seeking specific minerals like magnesium, mineral water may be beneficial, but a balanced diet is a more significant source.

Spring water comes from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface. It contains natural minerals and electrolytes. Purified water is typically sourced from municipal water and filtered to remove all impurities and minerals.

The health benefits of alkaline water are often overstated by marketing. While it has a higher pH, your body has natural mechanisms to regulate its pH balance. For most healthy people, standard hydration is the primary benefit.

For most of the Western world, tap water is safe and regulated by organizations like the EPA. It is a more sustainable and cost-effective option than bottled water. Bottled water may be preferable in areas with poor tap water quality or for specific mineral content.

Most modern plastic water bottles are made from BPA-free plastics and are generally considered safe. However, concerns remain about potential microplastic contamination and chemical leaching, especially when bottles are exposed to heat. Reusable glass or aluminum bottles are a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative.

TDS refers to the total amount of mobile charged ions, including minerals, salts, or metals, dissolved in a given volume of water. Higher TDS levels often correspond to more mineral-rich water, while lower levels indicate purer water, such as after reverse osmosis.

Consider your priorities. If you want natural minerals, opt for spring or mineral water. For maximum purity, choose purified water. If you prefer a higher pH, look for naturally alkaline brands. Also, weigh the environmental impact of the packaging when making your choice.