Stay Hydrated: Here Are The 12 Best Bottled Waters For You
Become a bottled water connoisseur with our reviews of the best bottled waters.
If you exercise or spend a lot of time in the sun, you probably consume a lot of pre-bottled drinking water.
Maybe you always grab the bottle that’s the most aesthetically pleasing off the shelf because it looks like the best option. But when you’re trying to improve your hydration, it’s hard to know what’s best for you as a consumer.
Do you need water that’s alkaline, filtered through osmosis, and that contains (or doesn’t contain) additives? Do you need to be replenishing your electrolytes based on the level of activity you do? How much does the price of water figure into the quality?
And if you’re concerned about the environment and how certain packaging materials affect it (and your health) you have at least one more thing to consider. After all, it’s not just water that you’re buying.
To help you find your personal favorite bottled water, we’ve rounded up 12 options that meet different standards, qualities, and price ranges. Pick up a few bottles before your next bike ride, hike, or camping trip to find your water soulmate.
Don’t forget to recycle or reuse the empty water bottle after.
Before we get to the list, here are a few quick basic terms to help you understand the pros and cons of different types of water. The world of water can be hard to navigate, so let this glossary to guide you.
Alkaline water: A higher pH water that contains antioxidants whose health benefits have sometimes been considered controversial. This water might undergo ionization to achieve this pH, resulting in ionized alkaline water—or water with increased antioxidation power.
Reverse osmosis: A purification process that removes particles from water.
Spring water: Water that comes from underground sources in an aquifer.
Aquifer: An underground rock formation containing water.
Mineral water: Water containing salts and sulfur compounds.
Electrolytes: Minerals that are helpful to the body’s functioning and replenish salts that we lose through exercise and exertion.
BPA: An abbreviation for bisphenol A, a chemical in certain plastics.
Artesian water: Another name for water that comes from an aquifer.
12 top bottled waters with something different to offer
When you’re thirsty and just need a quick fix, almost any variety will do. But bottled waters all taste slightly differently and offer different salts, minerals, health benefits, and even packaging. It’s best to get informed and find the bottled water brand that’s right for you when you’re choosing what to stock up on.
1. Aquafina
Pros:
High purity standards that exceed government regulations
Chemical-free product
Refreshing, clean flavor
Cons:
Doesn’t contain any minerals, including beneficial ones
Not always available in all geographical areas
2. Essentia
Pros:
Bottled water with a conscience.
Ionized through a 3-step process
Clean taste
Cons:
Drinking too much alkaline water can potentially have negative health effects
There’s controversy around whether alkaline water actually provides the health benefits it claims
3. Evian
Pros:
Comes in easy-to-recycle bottles
Reputable, well-known brand
High in electrolytes
Sourced in the Alps
Cons:
More expensive than other waters
4. Fiji
Pros:
Bottled at an aquifer
Doesn’t contain contaminants
Contains healthy minerals
Cons:
Can be expensive
5. Icelandic
Pros:
Boasts an eco-friendly production process
The bottles are reusable and recyclable
Cons:
Water may contain fluoride residues
The plastic bottles used could contaminate the water
6. JUST water
Pros:
Sustainably sourced
Contains natural minerals
Comes in a 100% recyclable box-style presentation
Cons:
The packaging isn’t easily reusable
7. Acqua Panna
Pros:
Great taste
Made from spring water
Aesthetically-pleasing presentation—perfect for dinner parties
Cons:
The acids and mineral salts in this water can be harmful in large amounts
8. Propel
Pros:
Enhanced with electrolytes
Contains vitamins C & E
Sugar-free
Comes in various flavors
Cons:
Contains some controversial ingredients like sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and SHMP
You may not need electrolytes after light workouts, but whether or not you work out, they do seem to come in handy if you’re sick or have a bad hangover—stock up on this water before your next party
9. Poland Spring
Pros:
Reasonably priced option
Good taste
Sold in large packs—perfect for your next family camping trip
Cons:
Some bottles could contain plastic that’s not BPA-free
Has been some controversy around the brand, their marketing, and how water is sourced
10. Perfect Hydration
Pros:
Undergoes a 9-step filtration process
Enhanced with electrolytes
9.5+ pH level
Cons:
Studies suggest that alkaline water can be damaging to our health in large quantities
There’s controversy around whether alkaline water actually provides the health benefits it claims
11. Smartwater
Pros:
Infused with electrolytes like potassium, calcium, and magnesium
Tastes great
Comes in a variety of presentations and flavors
Cons:
More expensive than tap water with similar properties
You may not need electrolytes after light workouts, but keep in mind our tip from above about replenishing these minerals and salts after an illness or a night of partying
12. Voss
Pros:
The water comes from an artesian well
Glass bottles are clean and reduce some dangers to health
Aesthetically pleasing—stock up before a classy dinner party or before heading out in a formal look
Environmentally-responsible brand
The bottles are reusable, and not just for filling with water again. Flower vases, anyone?
Cons:
The water isn’t completely alkaline so this may not be the right option for water connaisseurs looking for a specific pH
If you’re ready to explore the world of water, Gopuff is here to help. Stock up on different brands and try a water tasting at home to find that perfect fit to accompany you on any adventures you take. When you order from GoPuff, your items arrive in just minutes. If you’re thirsty now, it won’t last long.
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