Our ‘clear’ choices in bottled water (…see what we did there? :)).

 TL;DR
Mountain Valley Spring Water, Fiji Water, Perrier, San Pellegrino, and Evian Water are our top picks, based on taste, purity, mineral content, and pH levels.

Walk down the bottled water aisle of any grocery store and your head starts to spin. There are so many brands and varieties touting their purity, mineral content, pH level, and filtration methods. With all these claims of clean, refreshing water, how do you know which bottle to grab? I’m here to filter through the noise on the healthiest options so you can H2O with confidence. 

First, let’s get something clear – the FDA classifies bottled water as a food. They set maximum allowable standards for contaminants, so any bottled water sold has to meet minimum safety requirements. That said, some companies far exceed these standards taking extra steps to remove impurities and add beneficial minerals.

The healthiest types of bottled water are spring and artesian water.

Spring water comes from an underground aquifer, is untouched by surface pollution, and contains natural minerals absorbed from surrounding rock like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. No chemicals or additives allowed!

Artesian refers to water from a well tapping a confined aquifer with pressure causing the water to rise without pumps – basically bubbly natural spring water.

And while some brands source their water from natural springs, others use municipal tap water as their source. Spring water is generally considered to be of higher quality, as it is naturally filtered through rocks and minerals.

However, it is important to note that not all spring water is created equal. Some spring water sources may be contaminated with pollutants, so it is important to consider the specific source of the water for any brand you are considering.

In the end, determining the healthiest brand of bottled water will depend on the specific source of the water, the treatment processes used, what – if anything – is added, and the type of bottle it is packaged in.

Studies show minerals like magnesium and calcium, even in small amounts, provide health benefits like better bone density and cardiovascular function. So mineral water with at least 250 parts per million total dissolved solids gets a gold star. Bubbly waters also score bonus points for increased antioxidant absorption and hydration.

Some winning brands that bubble to the top? Mountain Valley Spring Water, sourced from hot springs in the Ozarks, contains calcium, potassium and generous bubbles. Its legendary history includes decades of glowing celebrity endorsements. Oh and science – a 2019 study named Mountain Valley the most hydrating bottled water scientifically tested so far.

Another healthy choice is Perrier Sparkling Mineral Water. Its artesian source, located in the south of France adds delightful tiny bubbles plus trace minerals like magnesium and calcium.

San Pellegrino, another carbonated water and European favorite, also makes the list with its unique mineral composition including calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate. Its effervescence comes from natural carbonation at the Italian springs bottling site.

As for non-carbonated bottled water, Fiji Water is a top choice. This brand sources its water from an artesian aquifer on the Fiji Islands. The water is filtered through layers of volcanic rock, which gives it a unique mineral profile. Fiji Water is packaged in glass bottles and does not use any chemical treatment processes.

Another healthiest fav is Evian Water, which sources its water from the French Alps and is known for its high mineral content. The water is filtered through layers of glacial sand, which helps to remove impurities. Evian Water is packaged in plastic bottles, but the company claims that the bottles are made with a type of plastic that does not leach chemicals into the water.

In the end, spring and mineral waters have our vote for the healthiest bottled waters. Choose one loaded naturally with minerals and bubbles for that supreme refreshment we all crave.

Bottom line: Skip the generic purified stuff and go for a premium hydration experience, either from healing underground springs, or mineral-rich bubbles dancing to the surface – maybe from halfway around the world!

Your body will thank you.