Best Bottled Water

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Bottled water offers a convenient way to stay hydrated on the go, providing clean, filtered water without the need to carry a reusable bottle. Available in various forms—spring water, purified tap water, or mineral-enhanced options—bottled water caters to different preferences. When choosing a brand, it’s important to consider the water source, filtration process, and packaging. Some opt for spring water for its natural minerals, while others prefer purified water for its treated purity. Packaging also plays a role, with plastic bottles being lightweight but less eco-friendly, and glass offering recyclability but added weight. We tested 15 popular bottled water brands to find the best options for taste, purity, and overall value, focusing on products that are refreshing, clean, and convenient for daily use or travel.

  • Essentia Alkaline Water

    10

    We think Essentia is a top choice for alkaline water fans seeking pure, electrolyte-enhanced hydration.

    10

    We think Essentia is a top choice for alkaline water fans seeking pure, electrolyte-enhanced hydration.

    Pros

    • Very pure (99.9%) with high pH (9.5+)
    • Infused with beneficial electrolytes
    • Clean, smooth taste

    Cons

    • More expensive than regular bottled water
    • Plastic bottles create waste
    • May not be necessary for everyone

    We recently tried Essentia’s alkaline water, and we were impressed by its crisp, clean taste. The 1-liter bottles are perfect for on-the-go hydration. We found them easy to open and sturdy enough for daily use.

    The high pH level of 9.5 or more sets Essentia apart from regular water. While we can’t confirm any health benefits, we did feel refreshed after drinking it. The added electrolytes gave it a smooth mouthfeel without any odd flavors.

    We like that Essentia uses a three-step process to purify and enhance their water. The micro-filtration and reverse osmosis steps remove impurities, while the ionization process creates the alkaline pH. For those concerned about plastic, the bottles are BPA-free and recyclable.

  • Evian Spring Water

    9.7

    We think Evian Spring Water is a top choice for those seeking pure, refreshing hydration from a trusted brand.

    9.7

    We think Evian Spring Water is a top choice for those seeking pure, refreshing hydration from a trusted brand.

    Pros

    • Crisp, clean taste
    • Naturally filtered for 15 years
    • Balanced mineral content

    Cons

    • Pricier than some brands
    • Plastic bottles
    • May be hard to find in stores

    We’ve been drinking Evian for years, and it never disappoints. The water comes from the French Alps, where it’s naturally filtered through glacial rocks. This process gives it a smooth, pure taste that’s hard to beat.

    When we crack open a bottle, we notice the difference right away. There’s no funky aftertaste or weird smell. It’s just clean, refreshing water that quenches our thirst. We like to keep a few bottles in the fridge for a cold drink after a workout.

    The 1-liter size is great for sharing or sipping throughout the day. We appreciate that Evian uses some recycled plastic in their bottles, though we wish it was more. The water has a neutral pH of 7.2, which some people prefer. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, we think the quality is worth the extra cost for those who care about their water’s source and taste.

  • Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water

    9.5

    We think Waiakea’s unique volcanic filtration process and alkaline pH make it a top choice for bottled water enthusiasts.

    9.5

    We think Waiakea’s unique volcanic filtration process and alkaline pH make it a top choice for bottled water enthusiasts.

    Pros

    • Naturally alkaline with beneficial minerals
    • Sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging
    • Smooth, refreshing taste

    Cons

    • Pricier than some competitors
    • Limited availability in stores
    • Plastic bottles, though recycled, still create waste

    We’ve been sipping on Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water, and it’s quickly become one of our favorites. The water’s journey through 14,000 feet of volcanic rock gives it a crisp, clean taste that’s hard to beat. We noticed it quenched our thirst better than regular tap water.

    The alkaline pH and natural minerals are a big plus. We felt good knowing we were drinking water packed with silica, calcium, and other beneficial elements. It’s like getting a mini health boost with each sip.

    We love Waiakea’s commitment to sustainability. The company uses recycled plastic for its bottles and has a carbon-neutral certification. While we wish they used glass instead of plastic, we appreciate their efforts to minimize environmental impact. The water’s ethical sourcing and the brand’s clean water initiatives for communities in need add to its appeal.

  • Essentia Ionized Water

    9.4

    We think Essentia’s ionized alkaline water is a top choice for those seeking a pure, smooth-tasting hydration option.

    9.4

    We think Essentia’s ionized alkaline water is a top choice for those seeking a pure, smooth-tasting hydration option.

    Pros

    • Very pure water (99.9%)
    • High pH of 9.5 or above
    • Smooth, clean taste

    Cons

    • More expensive than regular water
    • Large bottles not ideal for on-the-go
    • May be hard to recycle in some areas

    We tried Essentia’s ionized alkaline water and were impressed by its clean, smooth taste. The 1.25-liter bottles are perfect for keeping at home or the office. We found ourselves reaching for it often during hot days.

    The water goes through a 3-step process that removes impurities and adds electrolytes. This results in water that’s 99.9% pure with a pH of 9.5 or higher. We can’t say if it made us feel different, but it was refreshing and easy to drink.

    While pricier than tap or regular bottled water, we think the quality is worth it for those who care about water purity. The large bottles aren’t great for carrying around, but they’re good for filling reusable bottles. If you want high-quality water at home, Essentia is a solid pick.

  • FIJI Natural Artesian Water

    9.3

    We think FIJI Natural Artesian Water is a top choice for those seeking premium bottled water with a smooth taste and natural electrolytes.

    9.3

    We think FIJI Natural Artesian Water is a top choice for those seeking premium bottled water with a smooth taste and natural electrolytes.

    Pros

    • Smooth, clean taste
    • Natural electrolytes
    • Convenient 1-liter size

    Cons

    • Pricier than some brands
    • Plastic packaging
    • Heavy to carry in bulk

    We’ve been drinking FIJI water for a while now, and we’re big fans of its smooth taste. The 1-liter bottles are great for long days out or for keeping at our desks. We like that it comes from a natural artesian aquifer in Fiji, which gives it a unique mineral content.

    When we tested it against other premium waters, FIJI stood out for its softness on the palate. It’s got a pH of 7.7, which we found to be just right – not too acidic or alkaline. The natural electrolytes are a nice bonus, especially after a workout or on a hot day.

    We do have to mention the price. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but we think the quality justifies the cost for those who can swing it. The plastic bottles are sturdy, but we wish there were more eco-friendly options. Still, for taste and purity, FIJI is hard to beat in our book.

  • Core Hydration Water

    9.1

    We think Core Hydration is a great choice for anyone looking for clean, balanced bottled water with a focus on sustainability.

    9.1

    We think Core Hydration is a great choice for anyone looking for clean, balanced bottled water with a focus on sustainability.

    Pros

    • Perfect 7.4 pH balance
    • Made with 100% recycled plastic
    • Wide-mouth bottle design

    Cons

    • Pricier than some options
    • Only available in larger sizes
    • May not suit all taste preferences

    We’ve been drinking Core Hydration water for a while now, and it’s become our go-to choice. The clean, crisp taste is refreshing without any weird aftertaste. We love that it’s pH-balanced to match our bodies at 7.4, which feels great when we’re working out or just going about our day.

    The bottle design is a big plus. It’s easy to hold and the wide mouth makes it simple to gulp down when we’re thirsty. We also like that we can share it easily thanks to the cup cap. It’s perfect for road trips or keeping at our desks.

    We’re big fans of Core’s commitment to sustainability. The bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic, which makes us feel good about our choice. While it’s a bit more expensive than some other waters, we think the quality and eco-friendly packaging make it worth it. If you’re looking for a water that tastes great and aligns with your values, Core Hydration is a solid pick.

  • Essentia Ionized Water (24-Pack)

    9

    We think Essentia is a top choice for those seeking premium alkaline water with a clean taste and added electrolytes.

    9

    We think Essentia is a top choice for those seeking premium alkaline water with a clean taste and added electrolytes.

    Pros

    • Very pure (99.9%) due to microfiltration
    • High pH (9.5+) for alkaline benefits
    • Smooth taste with no aftertaste

    Cons

    • More expensive than regular bottled water
    • Plastic bottles create waste
    • Some may not notice taste difference

    We tested Essentia’s 24-pack of 20 oz bottles and found it lived up to its claims. The water felt clean and refreshing, with no weird flavors. We liked how smooth it went down compared to tap water.

    The high pH and added electrolytes are meant to help with hydration. While we can’t prove those benefits, we did feel nicely quenched after drinking it. The 20 oz size was handy for tossing in our bags.

    One downside is the price – it costs more than basic water. The plastic bottles also create waste, even though they’re recyclable. But for those who want alkaline water, we think Essentia is one of the best options out there. The 24-pack is good for stocking up at home or the office.

  • FIJI Natural Artesian Water

    8.7

    We think FIJI Natural Artesian Water is a top choice for those seeking premium bottled water with a smooth taste and natural electrolytes.

    8.7

    We think FIJI Natural Artesian Water is a top choice for those seeking premium bottled water with a smooth taste and natural electrolytes.

    Pros

    • Smooth, soft taste
    • Natural electrolytes
    • Convenient 1.5L size

    Cons

    • Pricier than some brands
    • Plastic packaging
    • Heavy to carry in bulk

    We’ve tried many bottled waters, and FIJI stands out for its smooth taste. The water comes from an artesian aquifer in Fiji, giving it a unique mineral profile. We found it refreshing and easy to drink throughout the day.

    The 1.5L bottles are great for keeping hydrated at home or work. We like that they’re big enough to last a while but not so huge that they’re hard to pour. The natural electrolytes are a nice bonus, especially if you’re active or in hot weather.

    On the flip side, FIJI isn’t the cheapest option out there. The plastic bottles also aren’t ideal for the planet, even though they’re recyclable. If you’re buying in bulk, the cases can be pretty heavy to lug around. But for those who want a premium water experience, we think FIJI is worth trying.

  • FIJI Natural Artesian Water

    8.7

    We think FIJI Natural Artesian Water is a top choice for those seeking smooth, refreshing bottled water with natural electrolytes.

    8.7

    We think FIJI Natural Artesian Water is a top choice for those seeking smooth, refreshing bottled water with natural electrolytes.

    Pros

    • Smooth, clean taste
    • Natural electrolytes
    • Convenient sports cap

    Cons

    • Pricier than some brands
    • Plastic packaging
    • Not locally sourced

    After trying FIJI Natural Artesian Water, we were impressed by its smooth taste. The water feels clean and pure on the tongue. We found it easy to drink and very refreshing, even when we weren’t super thirsty.

    The sports cap on these 700mL bottles is handy. We liked how it let us sip water without spilling while on the go. The bottle size is good for car cup holders and gym bags too.

    FIJI water comes from an artesian aquifer in Fiji. This gives it natural electrolytes and a balanced pH. We noticed it didn’t have the chemical taste some other bottled waters have. The flip side is that shipping water from Fiji isn’t great for the planet. It’s also more costly than local options.

  • Acqua Panna Spring Water

    8.6

    We think Acqua Panna is a top choice for those seeking a premium bottled water with a smooth taste and elegant packaging.

    8.6

    We think Acqua Panna is a top choice for those seeking a premium bottled water with a smooth taste and elegant packaging.

    Pros

    • Smooth, clean taste
    • Stylish bottle design
    • Great for pairing with food and wine

    Cons

    • Pricier than some other waters
    • Only available in smaller bottles
    • May be too “soft” for some tastes

    We’ve been sipping on Acqua Panna for a while now, and we’re impressed. The water comes from natural springs in Tuscany, Italy, and it shows in the taste. It’s smooth and clean, without any weird aftertastes or mineral flavors that some other bottled waters have.

    The bottles are pretty neat too. They’re 11.15 fl oz, which is a good size for bringing along in a bag or keeping at your desk. We like the sleek design – it feels fancy enough for a nice dinner but isn’t out of place at the gym either.

    We tried pairing Acqua Panna with different foods and wines, and it really does make a difference. The water doesn’t overpower flavors, so you can still taste all the notes in your wine or the subtle flavors in your meal. It’s no wonder lots of top restaurants serve this stuff.

    FeatureDetail
    Size11.15 fl oz
    Pack24 bottles
    OriginTuscany, Italy
    Best forPairing with food and wine

    While we love Acqua Panna, it’s not perfect for everyone. It’s more expensive than basic bottled water brands. If you’re just looking for something to chug after a workout, you might want a cheaper option. Also, some folks might find it too “soft” – it doesn’t have that crisp, mineral taste that some other waters do.

Buying Guide

When shopping for bottled water, we recommend considering a few key factors to find the best option:

Source

Look for water sourced from natural springs or artesian wells. These tend to have a cleaner, crisper taste than purified tap water.

Mineral Content

Check the label for mineral content. Some minerals like calcium and magnesium can enhance flavor and provide health benefits.

pH Level

Water with a pH between 7-8.5 is generally considered ideal. Lower pH (acidic) water may taste sharper, while higher pH (alkaline) can taste smoother.

Packaging

We suggest opting for BPA-free plastic or glass bottles. These materials don’t leach chemicals into the water.

Taste Tests

Conduct blind taste tests to find brands you enjoy. Water flavors can vary widely based on source and processing.

Price

Compare prices per ounce across brands and bottle sizes. Buying in bulk often provides better value.

Certifications

Look for certifications from organizations like NSF International or the International Bottled Water Association. These ensure quality standards are met.

Environmental Impact

Consider brands that use recycled materials or have sustainability initiatives to reduce plastic waste.

By weighing these factors, we can choose bottled water that best fits our taste preferences, health needs, and values.