Bottled water sales continue to flow at a steady pace year after year. As consumers become more health conscious, many are turning to bottled water as a refreshing, calorie-free way to stay hydrated. The best tasting bottled waters balance purity with optimal mineral content while meeting stringent quality standards.
When choosing the best bottled water for your needs, here are some key factors to consider:
Water Type
Bottled waters come in several main varieties, including:
- Spring water – Water derived from an underground source where water flows up to the earth‘s surface.
- Purified water – Tap water that has been highly treated to remove impurities through processes like reverse osmosis and deionization.
- Mineral water – Groundwater that naturally contains minerals, though minerals may be added as well. Mineral content can impact taste.
- Artesian water – Water from a well tapping a confined aquifer where the water level stands above the top of the aquifer.
- Sparkling water – Water containing injected carbon dioxide gas, making it fizzy. Can be natural or manufactured.
The type of water impacts its taste profile and mineral content. Personal preference plays a role here in choosing still vs sparkling water or lightly mineralized vs higher mineral content options.
Source And Purity Standards
Reputable bottled water companies source their water responsibly from protected underground aquifers, springs or public water supplies. The source water then undergoes filtration methods like reverse osmosis and ozonation to remove impurities.
Bottled waters must meet EPA drinking water regulations requiring no more than 10 parts per million total dissolved solids. Contaminants like bacteria, parasites and organic/inorganic chemicals are also restricted to very low allowable levels. Certifications from organizations like NSF International provide added assurance of purity standards.
Sustainability Practices
Eco-conscious companies strive for sustainability in their water sourcing, bottle manufacturing and transportation practices. Some key indicators to look for include:
- Use of recycled plastic bottles from curbside recycling programs
- Carbon footprint tracking and offset programs to achieve carbon neutrality
- Commitment to water conservation through participating in watershed cleanups and restoration projects
Support brands aligning business operations with sustainability goals to reduce environmental impacts.
The Top 10 Bottled Water Brands
Based on taste test reviews and certifications for quality and sustainability, here are 10 great options to consider:
1. Evian
Evian‘s iconic tear-shaped bottle contains natural spring water sourced from the French Alps. The water is noteworthy for its clean, smooth taste with subtle mineral notes. Evian meets high purity standards for spring water and uses bottles made from 35% recycled plastic.
2. Fiji
Sourced from a natural artesian aquifer in the remote Fiji islands, Fiji Water contains more silica than most bottled waters which contributes to its soft, smooth mouthfeel. Rigorous quality controls ensure its purity and taste. The facility runs on sustainable energy sources like wind turbines.
3. Gerolsteiner
Gerolsteiner carbonates its mineral water with naturally occurring carbonation from the spring in Germany. Medium levels of minerals lend to light salty notes and slight sweetness for a refreshing flavor. Their facililty utilizes hydroelectric power for a minimal carbon footprint.
4. Mountain Valley Spring Water
From a spring nestled in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, Mountain Valley Spring Water receives praise for its clean, crisp taste. Their green initiative aims for carbon neutrality through renewable energy credits and recycled packaging.
5. Icelandic Glacial
Sourced from the legendary Olfusa spring in Iceland and bottled at the source, Icelandic Glacial is naturally pure and sustainably produced. Their carbon insetting program helps offset transport related emissions.
6. Voss
Bottled at an artesian source in southern Norway, Voss water has a low mineral content at less than 20mg/L TDS. This helps it achieve ultra purity and lighter mouthfeel than many bottled options.
7. Aqua Panna
Imported from Italy, Aqua Panna comes from a spring at the bottom of the Tuscan Apennine Mountains. The local volcanic rock adds light mineral notes enhancing its smooth, velvety taste for sipping or mixing into recipes.
8. Eternal
Naturally alkaline with a pH of over 8, Eternal is an artesian spring water sourced from springs in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their unique corrosion-proof glass bottles help preserve purity and taste.
9. Evamor
At under 20 cents per bottle, Evamor offers an budget-friendly option sourced from three ancient artesian springs in Florida. Reverse osmosis purification keeps their water crisp and clean tasting while still retaining some beneficial minerals.
10. Hildon
Hildon produces a natural mineral water long celebrated for its purity and taste. Sourced from the chalk hills of the English countryside, the water‘s high mineral content adds subtle salty undertones. The brand excels at carbon reduction efforts across operations.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Bottled Water
Keep the following factors in mind when deciding on the best bottled water for your personal preferences:
- Taste – Preference for still or sparkling plus low, medium or high mineral contents impacting flavor
- Performance – Using for drinking, mixing cocktails, recipes, coffee, etc.
- Access and Cost – Convenience factor if stored at home/work or purchased on-the-go
- Quality and Safety – Source, filtration methods and purity certifications
- Packaging – Recycled plastic and carbon reduction initiatives
- Ethics – Fair labor practices, community engagement, etc.
Carefully vet brands across these criteria until you find your go-to bottled water product and company aligning with your priorities. With consumers investing billions into the bottled water industry each year, take the time to determine which option above truly quenches your thirst.
