Which brand is the healthiest bottled water?

According to a January 2024 study by the National Institutes of Health, a liter of bottled water contains approximately 240,000 plastic fragments, raising concerns about which brand is the healthiest bottled water to drink. Evaluating this question goes beyond simple taste, focusing instead on water source, processing, mineral content, and packaging material.

Quick Summary

The healthiest bottled water depends on individual health goals, sourcing preferences, and concerns about packaging. Key factors include mineral content, pH levels, and whether the water is purified or natural spring water, particularly in non-plastic containers.

Key Points

• Source is Key: The healthiest bottled water often comes from natural springs or artesian wells that provide a rich, untouched mineral profile.

• Avoid Plastic: Single-use plastic bottles can leach microplastics and chemicals, especially when exposed to heat, making glass or aluminum a healthier packaging choice.

• Balance Your Minerals: Look for water with a balanced TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) count, as some minerals like calcium and magnesium are beneficial for health.

• Know Your pH: Naturally alkaline water, filtered through rock, is preferred over artificially ionized versions with added minerals, though the health benefits are debated.

• Consider Filtered Tap Water: In many cases, filtering tap water at home and using a reusable bottle is a cheaper, purer, and more environmentally friendly alternative to bottled water.

• Read the Water Quality Report: Top brands provide water quality reports listing contaminants and mineral content, which is a transparent indicator of purity.

The Quest for Healthy Hydration: Defining the Best Bottled Water

Choosing the "healthiest" bottled water is a complex decision, as the term encompasses a range of factors from mineral balance to purity and packaging. There is no single answer for everyone, and the best choice often depends on an individual's specific health goals and preferences. The following guide breaks down the essential elements to consider when selecting a bottled water brand.

The Different Types of Bottled Water

Not all bottled water is the same. The source and treatment process significantly impact its final composition and potential health benefits.

• Purified Water: Typically sourced from municipal tap water and treated using processes like reverse osmosis, deionization, or distillation. This process removes most contaminants and minerals, resulting in a very low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) count. Brands like Aquafina and Dasani fall into this category. The purity level is high, but the water contains none of the beneficial minerals found in natural sources.
• Spring Water: Sourced from a natural underground formation from which water flows to the surface. Because it is naturally filtered through rock, it retains naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes. Brands like Evian and Icelandic Glacial are examples of spring water, with unique mineral compositions based on their geographical source.
• Mineral Water: Similar to spring water, but by definition must contain a minimum amount of minerals from a protected underground source. It is bottled at the source and has a stable mineral composition, which is often listed on the label. Brands like Fiji and Evian also classify as mineral waters.
• Alkaline Water: Has a pH level higher than neutral (7), often 8 or above. This alkalinity can occur naturally from water flowing over certain rocks, like Icelandic Glacial, or be created through an ionization process where electrolytes are added, such as with Essentia.

Key Factors for a Healthy Choice

When evaluating bottled water, it's crucial to look beyond marketing claims and consider these concrete factors.

Mineral Content and pH

The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) measurement indicates the total concentration of minerals, salts, and organic matter in the water. Some research suggests that a proper balance of minerals like magnesium and calcium can offer health benefits, while low sodium content is ideal.

The pH level, which measures acidity or alkalinity, also plays a role. The claims that alkaline water can neutralize acid in the body are widespread, though scientific evidence supporting significant health benefits is still limited.

The Growing Concern of Microplastics

One of the most pressing health concerns with bottled water is microplastic contamination. A 2024 study published in the National Institutes of Health demonstrated that bottled water can contain hundreds of thousands of nano- and microplastic particles, which can leach from the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles and caps. While the long-term health effects are still under investigation, these particles can accumulate in human tissue and may pose chronic risks.

The Impact of Packaging

The container material is a critical aspect of bottled water healthiness.

• Plastic Bottles: Lightweight and cheap, but susceptible to leaching chemicals, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight. This is the primary source of microplastic contamination.
• Glass Bottles: Inert and non-porous, glass does not leach chemicals or harbor bacteria, ensuring the purest taste and highest safety. However, it is heavier and more fragile.
• Aluminum Cans and Cartons: Offer viable alternatives to plastic. Aluminum cans, like those used by Liquid Death, are infinitely recyclable. Cartons from brands like Boxed Water are also often cited as more eco-friendly options.

Bottled Water Brand Comparison Table

Brand	Source	TDS (mg/L)	pH Level	Packaging	Health Notes
Evian	French Alps Spring	345	7.2 (Neutral)	Plastic, Glass	Naturally occurring electrolytes. Potential for microplastics in plastic bottles.
Fiji	Artesian Aquifer, Fiji	222	7.7 (Slightly Alkaline)	Plastic	Natural silica content for smooth taste. Potential for microplastics.
Icelandic Glacial	Ölfus Spring, Iceland	62	8.4 (Naturally Alkaline)	Plastic, Can	Very low mineral content, naturally alkaline. Also available in cans.
Acqua Panna	Apennines Mountains, Italy	~150	>8.0 (Alkaline)	Glass	Low TDS and naturally alkaline, bottled in glass for purity.
Smartwater	Distilled (municipal water)	25	6.5 (Slightly Acidic)	Plastic	Electrolytes added for taste. Plastic packaging contains microplastics.
Aquafina	Purified (municipal water)	1	6.5 (Slightly Acidic)	Plastic	Highly purified, very low TDS. Plastic packaging contains microplastics.

Best Practices for Healthy Hydration

1. Prioritize the Source: For naturally occurring minerals, choose reputable spring or mineral water brands with a good quality report.
2. Opt for Glass: Whenever possible, buy water in glass bottles to avoid microplastic contamination and chemical leaching. For example, Mountain Valley Spring Water is a top-rated choice and comes in glass.
3. Consider an Outbound Link: To further reduce exposure to microplastics, which recent studies show can be prevalent in bottled water, consider using a home water filtration system. A January 2024 study on bottled water's plastic content can be found via the National Institutes of Health.
4. Embrace Reusables: Use your own reusable glass or stainless steel bottle, filling it from a reliable source. This is often the safest and most sustainable option.
5. Evaluate Needs vs. Marketing: Don't blindly trust marketing slogans. Brands like Smartwater add electrolytes back into purified water for taste, but the health benefits might not be as significant as naturally occurring minerals.

Conclusion

The search for the single healthiest bottled water brand is a nuanced one. Ultimately, the "healthiest" choice is a combination of factors: mineral content for those who seek it, a clean source, and, crucially, safe packaging to minimize microplastic exposure. Water from natural springs bottled in glass or aluminum, like Acqua Panna or Icelandic Glacial (can), offers some of the best assurances for purity and mineral content. However, for a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly, and consistently pure option, investing in a high-quality home filtration system and a reusable glass bottle may be the healthiest long-term strategy of all.

Note: This is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional regarding specific health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is spring water or purified water healthier?

Spring water often contains naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium that purified water lacks. Purified water, typically made from tap water, is highly processed to remove all impurities, which also removes these beneficial minerals. Your healthiest choice depends on whether you prefer mineral enrichment or simply pure H2O.

Does alkaline water really provide health benefits?

While alkaline water is marketed with claims of neutralizing acid, scientific evidence supporting significant health benefits is mixed. If you prefer alkaline water, opt for brands with a naturally high pH from their source, like Icelandic Glacial, rather than those artificially enhanced with electrolytes.

What is TDS and why does it matter?

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, measuring the concentration of minerals, salts, and other particles in water. High TDS indicates higher mineral content, while low TDS means the water is purer but less mineral-rich. The ideal level depends on your preference for taste and mineral intake.

How can I avoid microplastics in my bottled water?

A January 2024 NIH study showed a high concentration of microplastics in bottled water. The best way to avoid them is to choose water bottled in glass or aluminum instead of plastic. Reusable glass or stainless steel bottles filled with filtered tap water are another excellent alternative.

Is it safe to drink water from a plastic bottle left in a hot car?

No, it is not safe. Heat significantly increases the rate at which potentially harmful chemicals, like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, can leach from plastic bottles into the water.

Which water brands are known for high mineral content?

Brands like Evian and Fiji, sourced from natural springs, have distinct mineral profiles, which contribute to their unique tastes. European mineral waters often have higher mineral levels than North American bottled waters.

Is filtered tap water a healthier option than bottled water?

For many, filtered tap water is a healthier and more sustainable option. High-quality home filtration systems effectively remove contaminants, and you can avoid the microplastics and chemical leaching associated with single-use plastic bottles.