What Does "No Salt" Mean for Bottled Water?
When people ask, "Which bottled water has no salt in it?" they are typically looking for water with the lowest possible mineral content, specifically sodium chloride. The concentration of minerals, salts, and other dissolved particles in water is measured as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), typically expressed in parts per million (PPM). A TDS meter can give a quick estimate of this level. For truly salt-free water, the TDS level must be near zero.
Most naturally sourced waters, such as spring or mineral water, contain varying amounts of dissolved salts and minerals. The manufacturing process is what determines whether a bottled water will be devoid of salt. For individuals on a low-sodium diet or those who require highly pure water for specific applications, understanding the different purification methods is crucial. There are two primary types of bottled water that fit the criteria for having virtually no salt: distilled water and reverse osmosis (RO) water.
The Top Contenders: Water Types with Near-Zero Salt
Distilled Water
Distillation is one of the oldest and most effective methods for purifying water. The process involves boiling the water and then condensing the steam back into a liquid form. All dissolved minerals, salts, bacteria, and contaminants are left behind in the original container. This results in an extremely pure product with a TDS level close to 0 PPM. The downside for some is the taste, which can be described as flat or neutral because the flavor imparted by minerals is completely absent. Many major brands produce distilled water, often sold in gallon jugs for home use, including for small appliances and CPAP machines.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water
Reverse osmosis uses high pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows water molecules to pass through while trapping larger molecules and contaminants, including most dissolved salts and minerals. Many popular bottled water brands, including Aquafina and Dasani, use reverse osmosis as their primary purification method. It's important to note, however, that some companies may add a small number of minerals back into the water for taste, so checking the label is essential. This process can achieve a very low TDS reading, making it a reliable option for low-salt water.
Deionized Water
Deionized (DI) water, also known as demineralized water, is another option for water with extremely low mineral content. The process uses ion exchange to remove all charged mineral ions from the water. While effective, DI water is typically not intended for drinking but rather for industrial, laboratory, or cosmetic applications where the presence of ions could interfere with processes. It is not commonly found in the drinking water aisle.
Other Water Types to Avoid for Salt-Free Needs
For those specifically seeking water with no salt, these types are not suitable due to their inherent mineral content:
- Mineral Water: As the name suggests, this water comes from a protected underground source and contains a constant proportion of natural minerals, including salts. The mineral content is what gives each brand its unique taste. Evian and Perrier are well-known examples of mineral water.
- Spring Water: Collected from underground water that naturally flows to the surface, spring water is naturally filtered but retains the minerals from the rock and soil it passes through. This can include various levels of sodium and other salts. Brand labels will often list the mineral content. Poland Spring is a common example, which also sells a distilled version.
- Tap Water: While safe to drink in most developed areas, municipal tap water contains a wide range of dissolved solids, including minerals and salts, which vary by geographic location and water treatment facility.
Comparison of Water Types
To help you decide, here is a quick comparison of the different types of bottled water.
| Water Type | Purification Method | Typical TDS/Salt Level | Taste Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distilled Water | Boiling, then condensing steam. | Near-Zero | Flat, neutral | Medical use, small appliances, pure taste |
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) | Forced through a semi-permeable membrane. | Very Low (may vary) | Clean, neutral | Low-sodium needs, general drinking |
| Mineral Water | Naturally sourced from underground aquifers. | Variable (higher) | Distinctive, mineral-rich | Flavor enthusiasts, mineral intake |
| Spring Water | Naturally filtered by earth layers. | Variable (lower than mineral) | Clean, fresh, varies by source | General drinking, natural flavor |
How to Find a Salt-Free Brand
- Read the Label: The most reliable way to find salt-free water is to read the product label carefully. Look for terms like "distilled water" or "purified by reverse osmosis." Check the nutritional information for sodium content, which should be 0 mg. Most major brands are transparent about their purification methods and mineral content. Aquafina is an example of a brand that explicitly states its purification process removes dissolved solids.
- Look for Distilled Water: Distilled water is always the safest bet for near-zero salt content. It's often sold in standard gallon jugs and is intended for a variety of uses, including drinking. Brands like Ice Mountain and Poland Spring sell distilled water options.
- Consider RO Water, But Check for Additives: Brands like Dasani and Aquafina use RO technology, which removes almost all minerals and salts. However, some brands might reintroduce trace minerals for flavor. Always check the ingredients list for terms like "added minerals for taste."
- Use a TDS Meter: For absolute certainty, consider purchasing an inexpensive TDS meter. You can test different brands of bottled water to get a precise reading of their mineral content. Highly purified water will give a reading close to zero.
The Downsides of Zero-Mineral Water
While bottled water with no salt is a great option for specific needs, it's worth noting some potential drawbacks. The first is taste, which many people find bland due to the absence of minerals. Additionally, some individuals believe that consuming water with no minerals is less healthy, though most essential minerals are derived from food rather than water. A final consideration is the corrosive nature of highly purified water, which can potentially leach metals from plumbing, although this is more of a concern for home purification systems than single-use bottled water.
Conclusion
For those seeking bottled water with no salt, the clear choices are distilled water and purified water made with reverse osmosis. These processes effectively strip water of nearly all total dissolved solids, including sodium and other minerals. Distilled water is the purest form and guaranteed to be salt-free, while RO water is also very low in salt, though some brands add minerals back for taste. To be certain, always check the product label for the purification method and the nutritional information for a 0 mg sodium count. This will ensure you find the purest water for your needs, whether for health reasons or simply a preference for a neutral, mineral-free taste. For more details on the reverse osmosis process, you can refer to Puretec Industrial Water's explanation.
