Which bottled water has the most minerals in it?

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Fine Waters, a bottle must contain a minimum of 250 mg/l of total dissolved solids (TDS) to be officially classified as mineral water. While many brands meet this baseline, which bottled water has the most minerals in it? The answer may surprise you, involving brands with exceptionally high TDS levels.

Quick Summary

This article explores and compares bottled water brands based on their Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and overall mineral content, identifying the highest-mineral options like ROI and Gerolsteiner. It covers the different types of bottled water, defines key terms, and helps consumers make informed choices for hydration based on mineral benefits and taste.

Key Points

ROI Mineral Water: With a staggering 7,400 mg/l of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), ROI is one of the most mineral-rich bottled waters available globally.
Gerolsteiner: Known for its effervescence, Gerolsteiner offers a TDS of over 2,500 mg/l, providing significant levels of calcium and magnesium.
TDS is Key: Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is the primary metric for measuring mineral content; a higher TDS generally indicates a more mineral-rich water.
Taste Varies: The high mineral content in waters like Gerolsteiner can result in a distinct, sometimes perceived as 'hard' or salty, taste, which is a matter of personal preference.
Health Boost: High-mineral waters provide a convenient source of electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate, supporting bone health, muscle function, and pH balance.
Source Matters: The mineral composition is directly tied to the geographical source, with water filtered through volcanic or alpine rock layers, like in the case of Contrex and Evian, tending to have higher levels.
Personal Choice: The best water depends on your priorities—whether you are seeking the highest possible mineral intake or prefer a milder, purified taste.

Understanding Mineral Content in Bottled Water

When examining which bottled water has the most minerals in it, it's essential to understand what gives water its mineral content. This is measured by the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), which includes inorganic salts like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. Natural mineral water acquires its mineral profile from the rock and soil it passes through underground, while some purified waters have minerals added back in.

Factors Influencing Mineral Content

Several factors contribute to the mineral concentration of bottled water:

Source: The geological makeup of the spring or aquifer from which the water is drawn is the primary factor. Waters from volcanic regions, for example, often have higher TDS values.
Journey: The length of time water spends filtering through bedrock affects the amount of minerals it absorbs. A longer journey means a more mineral-rich profile.
Treatment: While mineral water must retain its natural composition, some purified waters undergo reverse osmosis and have minerals re-added for taste.

Top Bottled Water Brands with High Mineral Content

For those seeking the highest mineral concentration, certain brands stand out globally, offering significantly higher TDS levels than common supermarket waters. Here are some of the leaders based on available data:

ROI (Slovenia): One of the most mineral-dense waters globally, ROI boasts an exceptionally high TDS of 7,400 mg/l, with a very high magnesium content.
Gerolsteiner (Germany): A popular choice known for its high mineral content, Gerolsteiner sparkling mineral water has a TDS of approximately 2,527 mg/l, featuring notable amounts of calcium and magnesium.
Contrex (France): This French mineral water has a high TDS of 2,078 mg/l and is particularly rich in calcium.
Vichy Catalan (Spain): Sourced from a hot spring in Spain, this naturally carbonated water has a TDS of 3,052 mg/l.
San Pellegrino (Italy): A well-known sparkling mineral water with a TDS of around 1,109 mg/l, rich in calcium and sulfate.
Three Bays (Australia): With a TDS of 1,300 mg/l, this Australian spring water contains 23 of 24 essential minerals, as noted by Fine Water Awards.

High-Mineral Bottled Water Comparison

This table provides a quick overview of several brands known for their high mineral content, based on their Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels per liter. Exact mineral content can vary, so check individual bottle labels for the most accurate information.


Brand	Source Location	TDS (mg/L)	Notable Minerals	Sparkling/Still	Notes
ROI	Slovenia	7400	Magnesium, Bicarbonate	Sparkling	Exceptionally high mineral content.
Vichy Catalan	Spain	3052	Bicarbonate, Chloride	Sparkling	From a hot spring.
Gerolsteiner	Germany	2527	Calcium, Magnesium, Bicarbonate	Sparkling	Widely available, balanced taste.
Contrex	France	2078	Calcium, Magnesium	Still	High in calcium.
Three Bays	Australia	1300	23 essential minerals	Both	Acclaimed for uniqueness.
San Pellegrino	Italy	1109	Calcium, Sulphate	Sparkling	Classic Italian sparkling water.

Health Benefits of Mineral-Rich Water

Consuming mineral-rich bottled water can offer several health benefits due to its unique composition of electrolytes and trace elements. The minerals are easily absorbed by the body, contributing to overall wellness.

Key Mineral Contributions

Calcium: Important for bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission. Water can be a significant source, especially for those who consume little dairy.
Magnesium: Plays a crucial role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation.
Bicarbonate: Helps balance the body's pH and can aid digestion by neutralizing stomach acid.
Silica: Contributes to skin health, hair, and nails by aiding in collagen synthesis. Fiji water is particularly known for its high silica content.

Mineral Content vs. Taste

The high mineral content in some bottled water directly influences its taste. Waters with high calcium and magnesium, for instance, can taste "hard" or slightly metallic. Conversely, waters with lower TDS levels, like purified or distilled varieties, often have a more neutral, flat taste. Your preference for a particular mineral water is a personal choice based on taste as much as mineral benefits.

The Takeaway

While brands like ROI and Gerolsteiner contain the most minerals, the "best" bottled water is a matter of personal preference, taste, and desired health benefits. High-mineral waters are excellent for those seeking to supplement their mineral intake, but they might not suit all tastes. Always check the bottle's label for the specific TDS and mineral breakdown to make an informed choice based on your needs.

Conclusion

The quest to find which bottled water has the most minerals reveals a clear hierarchy based on Total Dissolved Solids. While common brands contain moderate levels, specialized mineral waters like ROI, Vichy Catalan, and Gerolsteiner offer exceptionally high concentrations of beneficial minerals. These differences are rooted in the natural sourcing and geological history of the water. For consumers, this means a range of choices from neutral-tasting purified options to robust, mineral-rich varieties that can significantly contribute to a healthy, hydrated lifestyle. Your preference will depend on whether you prioritize maximum mineral delivery or a specific taste profile.

For more detailed information on water quality and mineral content, consult resources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

ROI mineral water from Slovenia is among the highest, with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of 7,400 mg/l. Other top contenders include Gerolsteiner (Germany) and Vichy Catalan (Spain).

TDS refers to the total concentration of dissolved substances, such as minerals and salts, in water. It is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/l), with higher numbers indicating more minerals.

While minerals like calcium and magnesium are essential for health, the 'healthiest' water is subjective. For individuals with low mineral intake, high-mineral water can be beneficial. However, for most people, diet is the primary source of these nutrients.

No. Bottled water can be purified, spring, or mineral. Purified water, often processed through reverse osmosis, has most minerals removed. Natural spring and mineral waters contain naturally occurring minerals from their source.

Mineral water gets its minerals as it flows through underground rock and soil formations. The geological makeup and the duration of this filtration process determine the specific mineral composition.

The taste of bottled water is heavily influenced by its mineral content. A high concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium can give water a distinct, sometimes 'hard' or metallic flavor, while low-mineral waters taste more neutral.

For most healthy individuals, drinking mineral water daily is perfectly fine and can be a good way to supplement mineral intake. However, for those on specific diets (e.g., low-sodium), checking the mineral breakdown on the label is recommended.