Hey friend! Have you ever wondered what makes Evian mineral water stand out from the crowd of bottled water options? I‘m going to walk you through all the details on Evian‘s unique source and filtration process, the science behind its mineral composition, and whether it‘s worth the premium price tag. After reading this, you‘ll be a bottled water expert!
A Brief History Lesson on the Evian Brand
Let‘s rewind over 150 years to see how Evian water first made a splash…
The story begins in Évian-les-Bains, a scenic town on the shores of Lake Geneva, nestled in the French Alps. Évian translates to "water of life", named after the Latin phrase "Aqua Viviane."
The therapeutic spring waters of Evian were known since Ancient Roman times. But commercial bottling didn‘t begin until the 19th century, when Henri de Mesvrin sold the first bottles of Evian water.
In 1859, the town doctor, Dr. Louis Eugene Bertier, purchased the spring and founded the Evian brand we know today. The waters soon grew popular across Europe for their purity and health benefits.
By the early 1900s, Evian was winning awards and being exported around the world. The iconic glass bottle design came later in the 1970s.
Today, Evian ships over a billion bottles annually! Its slogan "Live Young" and celebrity endorsement deals have cemented it as a staple high-end bottled water.
About the Natural Spring Source in the French Alps
So where exactly does Evian water come from?
The source is a single underground spring situated on the southern shore of Lake Geneva, near the town of Évian. This natural spring flows from the longest and deepest glacial aquifer in France.
The water filters for 15+ years, winding through layers of glacial sand and crisscrossing pristine Alpine granite rock.
The stable temperature and isolation from pollution results in incredible purity untouched by industry or agriculture. The layers of minerals act as a natural filter and infusion of healthy minerals.
Additional protections maintain the integrity of the source:
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The land above the source is completely owned by Evian to prevent contamination risks.
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Strict quality controls and environmental standards govern the entire area.
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The facilities run on hydropower and aim for low environmental impact.
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The plastic used is now 100% recyclable and production carbon neutral.
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By 2025, Evian plans to be a fully circular brand – recycling as many used bottles as they sell.
Why 15 Years of Natural Filtration Makes Evian Special
Most bottled waters take less than a couple weeks to reach your glass. But what makes Evian unique is the 15+ year underground filtration process at the source.
As precipitation from the pristine French Alps filters through mineral layers, three key things happen:
1. Vital Minerals are Acquired
Calcium, magnesium, potassium, bicarbonate and other minerals are naturally acquired. These give Evian its signature mineral profile.
2. Water is Purified
The quartz sand and granite act as a natural filter medium, removing impurities.
3. Water becomes Alkaline
Dissolving bicarbonate minerals raises the pH to a slightly alkaline 7.2.
No man-made purification process can truly replicate 15+ years of mineralization in a protected Alpine aquifer. The resulting water has a perfectly balanced mineral composition and neutral pH – key to great tasting water.
Health Benefits of Evian‘s Mineral Content
Let‘s dig into the specific minerals and electrolytes found in Evian to see what health perks they provide:
Magnesium (24mg/L):
- Key for 300+ enzyme reactions
- Maintains nerve and muscle function
- Supports bone health
- Regulates heart rhythm
Calcium (78mg/L):
- Builds and protects bones and teeth
- Important for muscle and nerve signaling
- Linked to reduced risks of kidney stones
Potassium (1mg/L):
- Lowers blood pressure by blunting sodium effects
- Critical for fluid balances, nerve signaling, and muscle contractions
- Needed to transport nutrients into cells
Bicarbonate (357mg/L):
- Buffers acids and bases to maintain ideal pH balance
- Provides an alkaline mineral to counter acidity from foods
- Linked to reduced osteoporosis and kidney stone risk
Compared to purified bottled waters with barely any minerals, Evian provides a balanced blend to support optimal hydration.
Now let‘s compare Evian‘s mineral levels head-to-head with some top bottled water competitors:
| Bottled Water | Magnesium | Calcium | Potassium | Bicarbonate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evian | 24mg/L | 78mg/L | 1mg/L | 357mg/L |
| Fiji | 2mg/L | 17mg/L | 2mg/L | 96mg/L |
| Dasani | 0mg/L | 0mg/L | 0mg/L | 0mg/L |
| Smartwater | 0mg/L | 0mg/L | 0mg/L | 0mg/L |
Evian contains up to 39 times more magnesium, 23 times more potassium, and over 3.5 times more calcium than other leading brands!
For health-conscious bottled water drinkers, these added minerals in Evian can make a big difference.
Evaluating Taste: How Evian Stacks Up
Now we know Evian has some great minerals. But how does it actually taste?
I performed a taste test between Evian and a few competitors. Here‘s my take:
Evian – Very clean taste, with a smoothness and hint of sweetness from the mineral profile. No aftertaste or chemical harshness. Cool and crisp finish.
Fiji – Slightly sweeter than Evian, but has a flatter aftertaste. The higher silica content gives it a rounder mouthfeel.
Dasani – Harsher chemical taste from the purification process. Metallic and salty aftertaste.
Smartwater – Very pure, clean taste. But lacks the smooth mouthfeel and crispness from natural minerals.
While taste preferences vary by person, the natural spring composition clearly gives Evian an edge in my opinion. The pH of 7.2 is neutral – not too acidic or alkaline.
Compared to Evian‘s crisp, smooth profile, purified waters taste flat and harsh. For those who value taste, Evian is tough to beat!
How Sustainable is Evian Water?
With plastic pollution in the spotlight, is Evian among the more eco-friendly bottled water brands? Let‘s look at their sustainability report card:
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Bottles are now made from 100% recycled PET plastic.
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A new production site coming in 2024 will be carbon-neutral.
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Evian plans to use 100% recycled plastic by 2025.
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The company is striving for full circularity – recycling as many bottles as they use by 2025.
While work remains to reduce their environmental impact, Evian shows meaningful progress for a large bottled water company. Their mineral water has a lighter carbon footprint than heavily purified options.
For consumers looking to balance hydration, taste and sustainability, Evian checks many boxes.
Is Evian‘s Premium Price Tag Worth It?
At roughly $2 per liter, Evian costs over twice as much as value bottled waters like Dasani or Aquafina.
As an athlete and health enthusiast, I believe the price difference is 100% justified by:
- The unparalleled 15-year mineralization process
- High levels of magnesium, calcium and electrolytes
- Neutral pH and smooth, clean taste
- Reassurance of purity from a protected natural source
Drinking delicious water packed with minerals? Count me in!
For families or those on a budget, the cost of Evian can add up. In those cases, a water filtration system may provide the best mineral hydration and value. But for an premium bottled water experience? Evian is hard to top.
Answers to Common Evian Water Questions
Let‘s wrap up by answering some frequently asked questions about Evian‘s properties:
Why doesn‘t Evian freeze at 32°F? The mineral content results in a slightly lower freeze point around 30°F.
Does it have fluoride? Trace levels around 0.1mg/L, making it essentially fluoride-free.
How long does unopened Evian last? About 2 years from the bottled date when sealed.
Is Evian spring or purified water? 100% natural spring water.
Why the creamy, smooth texture? The bicarbonate minerals give Evian a soft, rounded mouthfeel.
Can it be unhealthy to drink? Evian has an excellent safety profile. The minerals it contains are widely considered safe and healthy.
Conclusion: Why Evian Stands Out
Thanks for sticking with me on this bottled water deep dive! To recap, Evian is considered one of the world‘s premium bottled waters for good reason:
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Its remote spring source is protected in the pristine French Alps.
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The 15+ year natural filtration gives it a unique mineral signature.
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Impressive levels of magnesium, calcium and electrolytes have proven health benefits.
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Neutral pH and smooth mouthfeel create a clean, refreshing taste.
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Ethical sourcing and sustainability initiatives exceed many competitors.
While not the cheapest option, Evian provides exceptional quality you can taste in every drop. When you consider its history, composition, and environmental standards, the value becomes clear. Stay hydrated, my friend!
