Which Bottled Water Is Best, Purified or Spring Water? An In-Depth Comparison

December 3, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), both purified water and bottled spring water are regulated and considered safe for consumption. The choice of which bottled water is best, purified or spring water, ultimately depends on your personal preferences for taste, mineral content, and purity level.

Quick Summary

This article explores the fundamental differences between purified and spring bottled water, detailing their sourcing, treatment methods, and effects on taste and mineral content. We compare the benefits and drawbacks of each type to help inform your purchasing decision.

Key Points

Source and Treatment Differ: Spring water is collected from natural underground sources and minimally filtered, while purified water can come from any source and undergoes intensive, multi-stage processing.
Taste is a Major Factor: Spring water's taste is influenced by natural minerals, offering a variable flavor profile, whereas purified water has a neutral, consistent taste due to the removal of minerals.
Purity vs. Mineral Content: Purified water offers the highest level of purity by removing virtually all dissolved solids and contaminants. Spring water retains natural minerals, which some value for taste and potential benefits.
Consider Usage: Purified water is often recommended for mixing baby formula to ensure a consistent, contaminant-free base. For general drinking, the best choice is often a matter of personal preference.
Both are Safe: Both bottled spring water and purified water are regulated by authorities like the FDA and EPA to ensure safety for consumption.
Personal Preference Reigns: The 'best' option depends on individual priorities, including taste, budget, health concerns, and environmental considerations.

Source and Treatment: The Fundamental Differences

Understanding the journey of your bottled water from source to bottle is key to appreciating the contrast between purified and spring water. While both are safe for consumption, their origins and processing methods are distinct.

Spring Water: Naturally Sourced, Minimally Treated

Spring water, by FDA definition, must be derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface. It is collected at the spring itself or via a borehole that taps into the underground aquifer feeding the spring. As it travels through layers of rock and soil, it undergoes natural filtration, picking up essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which contribute to its unique taste profile.

Natural Filtration: The earth's geological layers act as a filter, which is the primary purification process for spring water.
Minimal Treatment: While it may undergo minimal processing, such as ozonation or UV treatment, to remove harmful microorganisms, the goal is to preserve its natural mineral composition and character.
Source Dependency: The taste and mineral content can vary depending on the specific geological makeup of its underground source.

Purified Water: Processed for Maximum Purity

Purified water can originate from any source, including municipal tap water, and is processed to remove impurities and contaminants. This means it does not come from a specific natural source like a spring, but rather its quality is defined by the rigorous purification process it undergoes.

Multi-Stage Purification: Common methods include distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis, and carbon filtration.
Contaminant Removal: These processes effectively eliminate bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals, and dissolved solids, ensuring a consistent and high level of purity.
Mineral-Free: A key characteristic of purified water is the removal of minerals. Some manufacturers add minerals back in later to enhance the taste.

Taste Profile and Mineral Content

The difference in mineral composition directly impacts the flavor of each water type. This is often the deciding factor for many consumers.

Spring Water: The presence of naturally occurring minerals gives spring water a distinct, often described as 'crisp' or 'rich,' taste. Since the mineral profile varies by source, the taste can differ between brands.
Purified Water: Lacking the natural minerals found in spring water, purified water has a neutral or 'flat' taste. This consistency is preferred by those who dislike the mineral notes in spring water or require a clean slate for mixing.

Which is Better for Specific Uses?

Your choice of water can also depend on how you plan to use it.

Cooking and Beverages

For cooking, the mineral content in spring water can affect the final taste of food. Delicate broths or dishes might benefit from spring water's subtle flavor enhancement, while purified water ensures no mineral aftertaste interferes with other ingredients. Purified water is often recommended for things like coffee or tea to let the true flavor of the beans or leaves shine through.

Baby Formula

For mixing with baby formula, purified or distilled water is generally recommended. The removal of minerals and contaminants provides a consistent, clean base, which is especially important for infants with developing kidneys. Parents should consult a pediatrician about which water is best for their baby's specific needs.

Comparison Table: Purified vs. Spring Water


Feature	Spring Water	Purified Water
Source	Underground spring or aquifer	Any source (e.g., tap water)
Treatment	Minimal filtration (e.g., ozonation, UV light)	Multi-stage purification (e.g., reverse osmosis, distillation)
Purity Level	High purity, but can contain trace natural contaminants	Highest purity, virtually free of all contaminants
Mineral Content	Retains natural minerals (calcium, magnesium)	Minerals are removed, some may be added back
Taste	Distinct, often crisp and mineral-rich flavor	Neutral, or 'flat' taste
Consistency	Can vary depending on the source	Consistent taste and composition
Cost	Typically higher due to limited, specific sourcing	Generally less expensive

Health Considerations

Some proponents of spring water suggest its natural mineral content provides health benefits. However, minerals in food are more bioavailable and contribute more significantly to daily nutritional intake. On the other hand, the purity of processed water is a top priority for individuals concerned about potential contaminants or those with compromised immune systems. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health bodies confirm the safety of both sources when properly treated and regulated.

Environmental Impact

The environmental footprint of bottled water is a significant concern for many consumers. While filtering tap water at home is the most eco-friendly option, the environmental impact of bottled spring versus purified water can vary. Spring water sometimes involves less extensive processing, but its source may require long-distance transportation. Purified water, particularly if sourced from a local municipal supply, may have a smaller transport footprint, but the purification processes can require significant energy. The best choice for the environment is often the most localized and least processed one available.

Making Your Choice

The debate over whether purified or spring water is "best" boils down to individual needs and priorities. Your choice will likely be influenced by:

Taste Preference: Do you enjoy the unique flavor of natural minerals or prefer a neutral, clean taste?
Purity Priority: Are you concerned about trace contaminants, or are you comfortable with a natural product that undergoes minimal processing?
Specific Usage: Will the water be used for everyday drinking, mixing baby formula, or cooking?
Budget: Is cost a major factor in your decision?

Both water types are safe and regulated. The right answer is the one that best aligns with your personal taste, lifestyle, and values.

Conclusion

In summary, purified and spring bottled waters offer different benefits shaped by their origin and processing. Spring water is naturally filtered, retaining minerals that give it a distinctive taste, while purified water is rigorously treated to remove all impurities for a consistently clean, neutral flavor. Choosing between them depends on your preference for taste, your priority for maximum purity, and how you intend to use the water. Regardless of your choice, both are regulated to meet safety standards. Informed consumers can select the best option for their needs by considering taste, purity, budget, and environmental impact.

For more information on EPA standards for drinking water, refer to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website. https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/drinking-water-regulations-and-contaminants

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. Both are safe to drink. Purified water is often considered 'purer' in a technical sense as it has virtually all contaminants and dissolved solids removed. Spring water, however, contains naturally occurring minerals that some people prefer. The 'better' choice is a matter of personal preference and specific health considerations.

Yes, spring water typically has more minerals. It collects minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium as it naturally filters through rock and soil. Purified water has these minerals stripped away during the purification process.

For infants, purified or distilled water is generally recommended for mixing baby formula. This is because it provides a consistent, contaminant-free base without the variable mineral levels found in spring water, which can be hard on a baby's developing kidneys. Always consult a pediatrician.

Purified water has a neutral or 'flat' taste because the rigorous purification process removes both contaminants and naturally occurring minerals. Many people prefer this consistent, clean taste.

Spring water can be more expensive due to its specific sourcing requirements. It must come from a designated, protected underground spring, which is a more limited source compared to the multiple potential sources for purified water, which can include municipal tap water.

For cooking, purified water is often best because its neutral taste won't interfere with the food's natural flavors. Spring water's minerals could potentially alter the taste, especially in delicate sauces, broths, or coffee.

Yes, it is considered natural in its origin. It must come from an underground source, but it is not completely untreated. It undergoes minimal processing like filtration, ozonation, or UV treatment to ensure it is microbiologically safe for bottling.