Despite bottled water’s convenience, not all brands are created equal. While some offer refreshing, pure hydration, others fail to meet standards for taste, mineral quality, and even safety. From premium brands to budget options, here’s a breakdown of bottled water’s best and worst according to experts, so you can make an informed choice on your next purchase.
Why Water Quality Matters
When choosing bottled water, it’s essential to look beyond the label. The mineral composition, source, and filtration methods all play a role in the water's final taste, pH balance, and health benefits. Many experts caution against certain brands due to concerns over contaminants, low mineral content, or environmental impact. According to experts, avoiding certain brands can make a difference for seniors, as hydration quality is even more critical with age. A recent Newsweek article highlights concerns about bottled water's environmental and health impacts, a point worth considering when choosing a brand.
The Best Bottled Water Brands According to Experts
Certain bottled water brands consistently rank among the best for taste, purity, and health benefits. Here’s a look at some highly rated brands:
- Fiji Water: Known for its smooth taste and high silica content, Fiji Water is a favorite among consumers. Its source in the Yaqara Valley of Viti Levu, Fiji, provides natural filtration through volcanic rock, enriching it with minerals.
- Evian: Bottled from a natural spring in the French Alps, Evian has a balanced mineral composition, making it one of the most well-rounded waters. Its naturally alkaline pH level appeals to those seeking gentle hydration.
- Perrier: For those who enjoy sparkling water, Perrier offers a crisp and refreshing option. Its carbonation and slight mineral taste make it a unique choice among bottled waters.
- Voss: Hailing from Norway, Voss is praised for its clean taste and minimalist packaging. Its low TDS (total dissolved solids) gives it a pure, neutral flavor ideal for anyone sensitive to minerals in water.
A more detailed look at bottled water rankings, including some of these brands, can be found on Today.com, where each brand's strengths and weaknesses are evaluated based on expert assessments.
The Worst Bottled Water Brands to Avoid
While some brands meet high standards for purity and taste, others fall short, either due to poor mineral quality, bad taste, or contaminants. Here are a few brands experts recommend avoiding:
- Dasani: Produced by Coca-Cola, Dasani has been widely criticized for its overly processed taste. Many consumers detect a slight aftertaste, often attributed to the added minerals and salts used to enhance flavor.
- Crystal Geyser: Though popular for its affordability, Crystal Geyser has faced scrutiny for inconsistent quality and a sometimes “plasticky” taste, potentially from prolonged storage in plastic bottles.
- Aquafina: As one of PepsiCo’s products, Aquafina is produced through reverse osmosis but has a reputation for a bland taste. Experts often rank it lower for its lack of natural mineral content.
For more insights on bottled water brands to avoid, consider The Sunflower's opinion piece on taste tests and quality assessments. They provide a critical view of popular bottled water brands and why some are better left on the shelf.
Seniors, Pay Attention: The Health Impact of Bottled Water
For seniors, staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining kidney function, skin health, and energy levels. However, certain bottled water brands may be better suited than others. Brands like Aquafina and Dasani, which rely heavily on added minerals for taste, may not offer the same health benefits as natural spring waters that retain beneficial minerals. Seniors should consider sticking with high-quality natural spring or mineral water brands such as Evian, Fiji, or Mountain Valley, which are known for their natural mineral composition and smooth taste.
If you're wondering how these choices stack up, Mashed provides a list of bottled water brands ranked from worst to best, factoring in taste, mineral content, and overall value, with specific advice on which brands to skip.
Environmentally Conscious Choices
In recent years, many consumers have become more conscious of the environmental impact of bottled water. While glass and aluminum bottles are recyclable, plastic bottles often end up in landfills. Brands like Voss and Mountain Valley offer glass bottle options that can be recycled or reused, making them more sustainable choices.
A number of experts argue that cutting down on single-use plastic water bottles altogether is essential. According to Newsweek, even the production and transport of bottled water contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Opting for larger multi-gallon bottles or even home-filtered water can help reduce the environmental footprint of daily hydration.
Key Takeaways: What to Remember When Choosing Bottled Water
Whether you’re prioritizing taste, health benefits, or environmental impact, here’s a summary of points to keep in mind:
- Look for brands with natural mineral content, like Evian and Fiji, for the best hydration quality.
- If you prefer sparkling water, choose brands like Perrier that offer carbonation with a balanced mineral taste.
- Seniors should avoid heavily processed brands that rely on added minerals and instead choose spring waters that retain their natural minerals.
- Be mindful of plastic waste by choosing brands with recyclable or reusable packaging, like Voss and Mountain Valley.
For a comprehensive ranking of bottled water brands, including taste tests and consumer reviews, check out Tasting Table.
