Which Bottled Water Has the Lowest Sodium? A Comprehensive Guide

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

While the majority of our sodium comes from food, even bottled water can contribute to daily intake, a crucial factor for those on restricted diets. Knowing which bottled water has the lowest sodium can empower you to make informed decisions for your health and dietary needs.

Quick Summary

This guide compares popular bottled water brands to reveal their sodium content. Brands using purification methods like reverse osmosis or with naturally low mineral counts typically have the least sodium, an important consideration for managing sodium intake.

Key Points

Purified is Lowest: Water purified by reverse osmosis or distillation, like Aquafina, contains the lowest and most consistent sodium levels, often in trace amounts.
Check Mineral Water: While some mineral waters, such as Pineo (0.9 mg/L) and Solan de Cabras (5 mg/L), have very low sodium, the content can vary significantly, so always check the label.
Define Low Sodium: Water with less than 20 mg of sodium per liter is generally considered low-sodium, a good guideline for restricted diets.
Health Conditions: Individuals with high blood pressure or heart disease, as well as parents preparing infant formula, should prioritize low-sodium water options.
Read the Label: The most reliable way to find the lowest sodium water is to read the nutritional information on the bottle and compare the milligrams of sodium per liter.
Know Your Source: The source of the water (spring, mineral, purified) and its treatment process are the key determinants of its sodium content.

Why Bottled Water Sodium Content Matters

For most healthy individuals, the trace amounts of sodium found in drinking water are not a concern and typically contribute a small percentage to their total daily sodium intake. However, for people with specific health conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, monitoring sodium from all sources, including water, can be beneficial. Additionally, for preparing infant formula, using very low-sodium water is often recommended. Understanding the different types of bottled water and their typical sodium levels is the first step toward making a mindful choice.

Types of Water and Their Sodium

Not all bottled water is created equal. The source and treatment process significantly influence its mineral content, including sodium. The main categories include:

Purified Water: This water, like Aquafina, undergoes processes such as distillation, deionization, or reverse osmosis, which strip it of most minerals, including sodium. As a result, it contains only trace amounts of sodium, making it an excellent choice for those on strict low-sodium diets.
Natural Spring Water: Sourced from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface, its mineral content varies depending on the geology of the source. Some spring waters naturally have lower sodium, while others can be higher. Evian and Mountain Valley Spring Water are examples of this category.
Natural Mineral Water: Sourced from a protected underground source, this water must have a constant and stable mineral composition. The mineral content is a defining characteristic, and the sodium level can be quite high or very low, depending on the source. Brands like Pineo and AQUA Carpatica are known for their low sodium mineral water.

Low Sodium Defined

The technical definition of "low-sodium" water generally means it contains less than 20 milligrams of sodium per liter. However, for those on very restricted diets, lower is better. According to the FDA, a product can be labeled "very low sodium" if it contains 35 mg or less per serving, with a 250ml serving of water typically containing less than 12.5 mg of sodium if low.

Comparison of Low-Sodium Bottled Water Brands

Here is a comparison of several bottled water brands based on their typical sodium content. Always check the label, as formulations can sometimes vary.


Brand	Water Type	Sodium Content (mg/L)	Notes
Pineo	Natural Mineral	0.9	Exceptional low-sodium mineral water from Spain.
AQUA Carpatica	Natural Mineral	Very Low	Specifically marketed as low sodium; excellent choice for heart health.
Aquafina	Purified	Trace Amounts	Purified via reverse osmosis, removing nearly all sodium.
Solan de Cabras	Natural Mineral	5	Low sodium, often recommended for preparing baby formula.
Evian	Natural Spring	~5-6.5	Naturally occurring minerals, but still very low in sodium.
Icelandic Glacial	Natural Spring	Very Low	Sourced from a pristine spring with naturally high pH and low minerality.
Gulfa	Purified	Low Sodium	Marketed as low sodium, a healthy choice for hydration.
Tap Water (Average)	Tap/Treated	<50 (Often much lower)	Content varies by municipality, but generally not a major sodium source.

Making the Best Choice for Your Needs

Choosing the best bottled water for the lowest sodium depends on your specific health requirements. For those needing the absolute minimum, purified or distilled water is the most reliable option, as the treatment process deliberately removes minerals. Brands like Aquafina are widely available and consistently very low in sodium.

For those who prefer natural mineral water but still need a low-sodium option, brands like Pineo and AQUA Carpatica are excellent choices, offering the benefits of natural minerals without significant sodium. For parents preparing infant formula, checking the label for low sodium content, often denoted by less than 20 mg per liter, is critical. Ultimately, the most important takeaway is to check the nutritional information on the bottle, as sodium content can vary significantly, even within the same water type. You can also consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice on managing your sodium intake.

Conclusion: Which Bottled Water Has the Lowest Sodium?

For those prioritizing the lowest possible sodium content, purified water brands like Aquafina are your safest bet, as the purification process removes almost all dissolved solids. Among natural mineral and spring waters, brands like Pineo and Solan de Cabras offer exceptionally low sodium levels. The ultimate choice depends on your specific health goals and preference for purified versus naturally mineralized water. Always read the label and check the mg per liter to make an informed decision that supports your dietary needs. For broader public health information on sodium, you can refer to the World Health Organization's guidelines on sodium in drinking water.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all bottled water is low in sodium. The mineral content, including sodium, can vary significantly depending on the source. Mineral waters, in particular, can have higher sodium levels than purified or some spring waters.

For a strict low-sodium diet, purified water is the best choice. The treatment process, such as reverse osmosis, removes most dissolved minerals, leaving only trace amounts of sodium.

It is best to use low-sodium water when preparing infant formula. While tap water is often low in sodium, its exact mineral content varies by location. For optimal safety, always check the sodium level or use a specific low-sodium bottled water.

You can find the sodium content by checking the nutritional label on the bottled water. It will list the milligrams (mg) of sodium per serving, which you can use to calculate the amount per liter.

Bottled water may have higher sodium content if it is a mineral water drawn from a source naturally rich in minerals. The water absorbs minerals from the rocks and soil as it travels underground.

Not necessarily. The sodium content of alkaline water depends on its source and how its pH is adjusted. Some brands, like Essentia, are ionized after purification and have low sodium, while others may naturally contain higher amounts.

If you have high blood pressure and are on a sodium-restricted diet, it is wise to be mindful of the sodium in your drinking water. While the contribution is small, every little bit counts, and opting for a very low-sodium water can help manage your total daily intake.