There’s a saying, “water is life.” As much as it’s true, water from contaminated sources can take your life too. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is a must, and since we spend most of our days outside, bottled water has become our constant companion for keeping us hydrated.
But have you ever found yourself caught between various bottled water brands while purchasing only because you don’t know which one is good for you? It can be pretty annoying not knowing which one to choose. But after reading this article, you’ll never go through the same pain ever again.
Because here, I’ll give you the ultimate guide to choosing the best-bottled water according to your need. So, let’s get right in.
What Is Bottled Water?
Simply speaking, bottled water is packaged water with many nutritional values and is different from tap water. Water itself has no taste or nutritional value; it’s simply H2O. But commercialized bottled water has many extra things added for taste and nutrition.
Sometimes bottlers claim that they do not add any extra additives into the water. But in reality, they often come with minerals and other components added. However, there are various types of bottled water available that is collected from different natural sources. Bottled water is a USD 303.9 billion industry with a 6.7% annual growth rate.
North America is the biggest marketplace for bottled water, whereas the Asia Pacific is the fastest growing one. It shows how large the bottled water industry is. The growth rate also says that people use more bottled water from health concerns and other perspectives.
What Are Different Types of Bottled Water?
You will find various types of bottled water in the market. They are sourced from different sources, taste different, and have different components added; thus, pH levels also differ.
I will show you all the bottled water available in the stores now.
Purified Water
Purified water does not contain any unnecessary or unhealthy contaminants that are not generally found in the natural sources of the water. Our tap water is purified, but since it is exposed to many invasive elements while processing at water treatment plants and pipelines, sometimes it no longer remains purified.
Purified bottled water is packaged in safe plastic bottles. So, it does not come in contact with any invasive materials. That’s why it can retain its purity.
Mineral Water
Mineral water contains different types of minerals. It’s collected naturally. The original purity of mineral water and its composition is maintained. That’s why it is bottled as soon as it’s collected and without any chemical treatment and contamination. The mineral component should be stated on the bottle label.
Spring Water
Spring water is like mineral water, collected naturally and packaged without chemical treatment. But it does not contain any kind of mineral components. It is clean and healthy water that tastes pretty well.
Distilled Water
Distilled water is tap water boiled until any contamination, or unnecessary and hazardous elements are removed. Because of boiling at a high temperature, it becomes steam and then returns to its liquid form upon cooling. This is pristine water and comes at a lower price.
Alkaline Water
Alkaline water naturally contains many minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It has a higher pH level than regular water, around 13. Alkaline water comes in handy in reducing acid reflux and inflammation in our digestive system.
Ionized Water
Ionized water is somewhat like alkaline water. It has a high volume of minerals in it. But the minerals are electrically charged and chemically treated by an ionizer. Bottlers often sell ionized water as alkaline ionized water.
Artesian Water
Artesian is trendy bottled water. This is a specific type of free-flowing water from underground wells or springs. Artesian water comes to the surface from underground because of the natural pressure. It can rehydrate and rejuvenate your skin and assist in detoxifying the lymphatic system.
How Are Bottled Waters Collected?
The various types of bottled water you see in the store, do you think they are collected from the same source? Of course not. The sources are different. Bottled water is different from tap water. It contains minerals or other types of components to make it better in taste and nutritional value.
Knowing bottled water sources will give you a better idea about them. So, let’s see where bottled waters come from.
Artesian Water
Artesian water comes from free-falling underground springs or wells with a layer of water-bearing permeable rock. Due to pressure, the water comes to the surface naturally, and bottlers collect it from there.
Mineral Water
Mineral water comes from natural springs and wells containing various minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Bottlers directly pull mineral water from naturally occurring underground mineral springs and directly bottle them.
Spring Water
Spring water is collected from springs that flow naturally to the Earth’s surface. This water is collected directly from the source and bottled as soon as possible to retain the natural taste and nutritional value.
Ionized Water
Ionized water is also collected from natural sources of mineral water. Then chemical ionizers are added to make the minerals electrically charged. That’s how ionized water is made.
Alkaline Water
Alkaline water comes from natural sources high in magnesium, potassium, and calcium. When water passes over natural rocks in the spring, it picks up minerals that increase the alkaline level.
Purified Water
Bottlers collect purified water from underground water sources or tap water. Then the water is treated in a water processing plant to remove any contaminations and impurities.
Distilled Water
Distilled water also comes from the tap. Bottlers mostly use municipal tap water to boil and derive distilled water. Because of the boiling, any chemicals, contamination, and minerals are removed from the water.
What water is best for your body?
The quality of water depends on many factors. Taste, nutritional value, presence of mineral components, etc., determines how good the water is. Generally, tap water provided by municipalities is a better choice because it’s properly treated, regulated by government officials, and comes cheaper. Plus, it does not create single-use plastic waste.
However, while drinking tap water, you must ensure it does not contaminate while coming to your house through a pipeline from the water treatment plant. You should also look at the pH value since it’s an important parameter to determine whether it’s good for your body.
Apart from tap water, you can also drink bottled water that suits your body. Ensure that the water packaging is good and contains no harmful substances. Generally, purified and distilled water do not contain any taste, so if you like tasteless water like natural water, you can go for them.
What is the purest bottled water?
Many well-known bottled water brands sell various types of water in plastic and other types of bottles. Every one of them claims that their water is the best and cleanest water sourced naturally. But some of the water is really good.
Icelandic water from Icelandic Glacial claims to be the purest tasting water on Earth. It has a pH level of 8.14 to 8.88, significantly higher than tap water and most bottled water available in stores. Icelandic water is high in alkaline and helps your body maintain a healthy pH level.
Besides, it also restores the natural balance and helps you reduce acidity in your body. This water comes from Iceland; more precisely, it is collected from the Ölfus Spring of Iceland.
Besides the Icelandic water, ionized and distilled water is also very clean and pure. But remember that distilled water has no taste.
What should I look into when buying bottled water?
I’m pretty sure you don’t just walk to a store and pick up a water bottle. You probably look at the label and try to understand what’s in the water and its price. Well, there are some specific things you must check when buying bottled water.
In this part, I will show you some of the significant aspects you should consider while buying bottled water. Knowing them will help you understand the bottled water available in the stores.
So, here are the key things you should look for while buying bottled water:
Water Type
We have already learned that there are various types of bottled water available that are sourced from different sources. As a result, these waters have different components and various benefits. You will find distilled water, purified water, spring water, artesian water, ionized water, alkaline water, and many more.
So, while buying bottled water, first see what type of water it is. For example, if you have an acidity problem, drinking alkaline water will be beneficial for you.
Water Taste
Water taste is another important thing you should look into before buying bottled water. Not every type of water suits everybody. Distilled water and purified water without any taste. On the other hand, alkaline water, spring water, mineral water, etc., have different tastes.
So, if you prefer tasteless water, you should buy purified water. But if you like water with a bit of taste, you should buy mineral water or any other bottled water with a taste.
Water Components
Various bottled water comes with various components. For instance, mineral water has many components like magnesium, potassium, calcium, etc. Again, alkaline water comes with high alkalinity.
So, if you want to drink mineral water, you should purchase bottled mineral water, and if you want to drink water with high alkalinity, you know you should go for alkaline water.
pH Level
pH level also tells you about the quality of bottled water. Generally, tap water supplied by the municipality has a 6.5 to 8.5 pH level. But bottled water pH levels can vary based on the mineral and other components added to it.
So, while buying bottled water, look for the pH level. See if the pH level is safe for your health.
Harmful Components
As unfortunate as it sounds, bottled water may contain various harmful elements. These components can cause severe damage to your health. So, you should check whether your battled water has any harmful components. Look at the bottle label and see if fluoride is in the water.
Elements like fluoride and BPA can cause many cardiovascular diseases, brain diseases, type 2 diabetes, eroded teeth and bone, behavioral diseases, asthma, etc.
Water Bottle
You should also check what the water bottle is made of. To check it, turn the bottle upside down, and you’ll see a recycling code on the bottom part of the bottle. Bottles with 1, 2, 4, and 5 are safe because they are made of PET, HDPE, etc., safe plastic components.
On the other hand, bottles with recycling codes 3, 6, and 7 are harmful to the body because they are either made of BPA or leach BPA. So, you should avoid these bottles while buying bottled water.
What Are The Safest Water Bottles?
Not all plastic bottles you see are safe. The water bottles that are BPA-free are safe for drinking. Most water bottles we see are made of recycled plastic. While some of them are made from PET, HDPE, etc., safe plastics, some of the bottles are made from BPA and other harmful plastics.
All the water bottles have recycled numbers at their bottom part. This number will tell you whether it’s safe for you. So, if you check the recycle number by flipping the bottle upside down, you can become sure whether you should drink water from that bottle.
There are 7 types of recycled plastics used for making bottles and other food packaging. Here I’ll show you which are safe for your body and health.
Code 1- PET: polyethylene terephthalate is used for making bottles for water, soft drinks, juices, etc. This is the safest option for drinking bottled water.
Code 2- HDPE: high-density polyethylene is also a safe water bottle option. It is also used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, etc.
Code 3- PVC: polyvinyl chloride is mainly used for plastic packaging for sweets and fruits. But it can leach BPA. That’s why it’s not safe to drink water bottles.
Code 4- LDPE: low-density polyethylene is also a safe option for water bottles. Apart from that, it’s also used for making shopping bags, wrapping, etc.
Code 5- PP: polypropylene is also a safe option for drinking water bottles. It is also used in making luggage, furniture, etc.
Code 6- PS: polystyrene is mainly used for toys, hard packing, cosmetic bags, refrigerator trays, etc. It also can leach BPA and is harmful to our bodies.
Code 7- Other: Code 7 identifies other plastic materials. But this code is mainly used for BPA. So, it’s incredibly harmful, and you should avoid it at any cost.
So, in a word, water bottles with codes 1, 2, 4, and 5 are the safest options. On the other hand, you should avoid water bottles with codes 3, 6, and 7.
What Are The Best BPA-Free Bottled Waters?
We have learned so far that water bottles with 1, 2, 4, and 5 recycling codes are safe for drinking. But in most cases, PET or polyethylene terephthalate is used for making water bottles. However, some bottled water brands are well-known for BPA-free water.
I will show you the top 10 BPA-free bottled water in this part.
| Product Name | Brand | Material |
| Essentia 9.5 pH Water | Essentia Water | PET |
| Evian Natural Spring Water | Evian | PET |
| Dasani Purified Water | Coca Cola | PET |
| FIJI Natural Artesian Water | FIJI | PET |
| VOSS Still Water | VOSS | PET |
| Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring Alkaline Water | Icelandic Glacial | PET |
| LIFEWTR Premium Purified Water | LIFEWTR | PET |
| ORIGIN 100% Natural Spring Water | ORIGIN | PET |
| Aqua Panna Natural Spring Water | Aqua Panna | PET |
| Poland Spring 100% Natural Spring Water | Poland Spring | PET |
What Are The Best Bottled Water In 2022?
Let’s find out the best bottled waters in 2022. I’ve reviewed all the well-reputed bottled water brands and came up with this list. So, let’s dive deeper.
| Attributes | Product Name | Company |
| Best Overall | Essentia Ionized Water | Nestle USA |
| Best Budget | Aquafina Purified Drinking Water | Pepsi Beverage Company |
| Best Premium Bottled Water | VOSS Artesian Still Water | VOSS |
| Best Flavored Water | FIJI Natural Artesian Still Water | FIJI Water |
| Best Eco-Friendly Water Bottle | JUST Water Premium Pure Still Spring Water | Just Water |
| Best Spring Water | Poland Spring Origin 100% Spring Water | Poland Spring |
| Best Natural Water | Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring Water | Icelandic Glacial |
| Best Alkaline Water | Core Hydration Nutrient Enhanced Water | Core Hydration |
| Best Carbonated Water | POLAR 100% Natural Seltzer | Polar Beverage |
| Best Sports Water | Glaceau Smart Water | Coca Cola |
Best Overall Bottled Water: Essentia Ionized Water
Essentia Ionized water from Nestle, USA, is excellent bottled water. It claims to be 99.9% pure. This supercharged ionized and alkaline water is treated by a proprietary process by Nestle. That’s why you won’t find any bacteria, metal, fluoride, chlorine, BPA, etc., in this water. It’s safe and clean drinking water that tastes great as well. It comes in various sizes, but the most popular one is 12 oz.
Pros:
- Tastes great.
- No acidic ions in the water.
- Helps maintain normal blood pressure.
- Boosts antioxidant properties in the body.
- Increases immunity and balances the body.
Cons:
- Drinking too much can reduce natural stomach acidity.
Best Budget Bottled Water: Aquafina Purified Drinking Water
The world-famous carbonated drink manufacturer Pepsi Beverage Company is the bottler of Aquafina Purified Drinking Water. That’s why it’s readily available everywhere. On top of that, Aquafina water is cheaper and tastes pretty well. The water goes through 7 steps of purification.
So, there’s no worry about contamination and harmful substances. I’m sure you already had this water at any point in your life because it’s that common and available. However, the most selling thing about this bottled water is its price and taste.
Pros:
- Widely available.
- Tastes pretty good.
- Very clean water with no chemicals and contamination.
- A variety of sizes is available.
- Comes very cheap.
Cons:
- Contains no minerals that are good for the body.
Best Premium Looking Bottled Water: VOSS Artesian Still Water
VOSS Artesian Still water is famous for its premium-looking bottles. It’s made of PET plastic. These high-end bottles feel fantastic in hand and look even better, an excellent job done by VOSS. The water that comes inside the bottle is very good in quality and tastes pretty good as well.
This Norwegian bottled water often comes costlier than other bottled water brands. Apart from clear plastic bottles, this water is also available in glass and aluminum cans.
Pros:
- Very attractive packaging.
- Comes in various types of bottle options.
- Very sharp and pleasant water flavor.
- One of the cleanest bottled water.
- High in calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Cons:
- Only a 500 ml bottle is available.
Best Flavored Bottled Water: FIJI Natural Artesian Still Water
When it comes to flavor and taste, nothing can beat FIJI Natural Artesian Still water. With its gentle and creamy flavor, you will relieve your thirst and feel good about it the whole time. The water comes from a subterranean artesian reservoir on the Fijian Island of the South Pacific.
It contains natural minerals and electrolytes and has a pH level of 7.5. You will get this water uncontaminated as it comes in BPA-free plastic bottles. Besides, you will get various sizes of bottles available.
Pros:
- Completely natural water with no artificial components added.
- Tastes unbelievably good.
- Helps glow up your skin.
- Helps balance the electrolyte level in the body.
- Improves blood circulation.
Cons:
- FIJI water bottles are a bit hard to grab.
Best Eco-Friendly Water Bottle: JUST Water Premium Pure Still Spring Water
Just Water Premium Pure Still Spring Water comes in plant-based BPA-free bottles. The paper for making bottles is collected responsibly from FSC-certified forests, and the caps are made from sugarcane. That’s why the packaging is environmentally friendly. Plus, the fresh and pure natural water tastes pretty delicious.
The pure still spring water is collected from the natural springs of Ireland and has a pH level of 7.9. So, apart from the environmentally-friendly bottle, the water is pretty clean and tasty.
Pros:
- Comes in sustainable and biodegradable packaging.
- Spring water from the mountains.
- Has naturally occurring minerals.
- Very refreshing taste.
- Naturally alkaline.
Cons:
- Contains a chemical scent inside the cartoon.
Best Spring Bottled Water: Poland Spring Origin 100% Spring Water
Poland Spring Origin 100% spring water is considered the best because of its low-mineral compounds. It has a light and delicate taste and a vibrant flavor profile. Poland Spring water is widely available in the mass market.
This bottled water is only available in plastic bottles. However, the bottles are PET-made and completely free of BPA risk. Its pH level is around 7.3, and it has a very low TDS.
Pros:
- Very consistently light flavored.
- Crisp and refreshing taste.
- Comes with natural filtration.
- Comes in 100% recyclable plastic bottles.
- Perfectly balanced with naturally occurring electrolytes.
Cons:
- Available only in 900 ml bottles.
Best Natural Bottled Water: Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring Water
Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring water is low-mineral spring water from the Ölfus Spring in southwest Iceland. Because of the year-round snow and rainfall, the spring system always provides natural water to the surface, where the water is collected.
Like snow, you will get a light and refreshing taste from this water. It also gives a smooth feel inside the mouth. Icelandic Glacial bottled water is famous for its glacial-ice-shaped clear bottles.
Pros:
- Very refreshing taste.
- 100% naturally sourced water.
- Available in various size bottles.
- Diversity in taste.
- Carbon neutral bottles.
Cons:
- pH level might be higher for certain people.
Best Alkaline Bottled Water: Core Hydration Nutrient Enhanced Water
Alkaline water has a high level of alkalinity, which helps in certain acidic conditions. Core Hydration Nutrient Enhanced water is considered the best alkaline water because of its ultra-purified formula that provides electrolytes and minerals in the water.
Because of the right amount of electrolytes available in the water, the pH level is also perfect for the body. Besides, no harmful chemicals like fluoride, chromium 6, etc., are available in the water.
Pros:
- Versatile bottle design.
- Bottles are BPA-free and 100% recyclable.
- Comes with a cup for drinking water.
- Offers hydration and balance.
- Perfectly balanced taste.
Cons:
- Some people might face some side effects like vomiting.
Best Carbonated Bottled Water: POLAR 100% Natural Seltzer
One of the reasons Polar 100% Natural Seltzer is the best-carbonated water is because it comes with various flavors. Lemon, Lime, Black Cherry, etc., flavors are available for this sparkling or carbonated water.
It is calorie-free and has no sugar or artificial sweeteners. This healthy water has a refreshing taste, is lightly carbonated, and is a bit pulpy.
Pros:
- Triple-filtered water.
- Satisfying bubbles provide long-lasting carbonation.
- Comes in various flavors.
- Natural flavors and refreshing taste.
- Free of chemicals and artificial components.
Cons:
- The flavors are a bit light.
Best Sports Bottled Water: Glaceau Smart Water
Glaceau Smart Water comes through the vapor distillation process, and electrolytes are added for taste and nutritional value. That’s why the water leaves behind any contamination and becomes pure and clean. Most importantly, it does not contain any calories or sodium.
You will get a distinctive crisp and clean taste from the water. Plus, it will energize you while doing heavy physical activity. The bottles are made from 100% PET.
Pros:
- Zero calories and sodium.
- Clean, crisp taste.
- 100% PET-made bottles.
- Electrolytes are added for nutrition.
Cons:
- Electrolyte content is low.
Wrapping Up
We are at the end of our journey. I hope now you know which bottled water will best serve you. However, rather than looking at the brand, weigh more on the water type and what’s in it while buying bottled water. Also, don’t skip checking the price tag before adding it to your cart.
