Tastiest Water? 10 Bottled Brands That Are Just Filtered Tap Water & 10 Better Ones
Tastiest Water? 10 Bottled Brands That Are Just Filtered Tap Water & 10 Better Ones
Don’t Ever Buy These Bottle Brands
Drinking enough water is the simplest way to keep your body running smoothly, but not every bottle grabbed from the convenience store cooler is created equal. Many people assume they're paying for a pristine mountain spring. Yet a surprising number of famous brands are essentially just municipal tap water that’s gone through a quick filtering process.
1. Aquafina
You might be surprised to learn that this PepsiCo giant openly admits its source is local municipal water. While they use a rigorous seven-step purification process to remove minerals and impurities, it’s still basically highly processed tap water. It’s a reliable choice if you’re in a pinch, but it lacks the natural character found in more premium sources.
2. Dasani
Coca-Cola’s signature water brand starts with local tap water before it’s filtered and enhanced with a specific blend of minerals for flavor. Because the source varies depending on where the bottling plant is located, the base liquid is the same water used for local sprinklers. A very consistent, neutral taste is noticeable, but nothing that was ever touched by a glacier.
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3. Nestlé Pure Life
This brand boasts being one of the most popular across the globe. Most brands like this source from municipal water facilities or deep wells all over the world. Nestlé goes one step further by filtering its water and adding minerals back in to make sure every bottle tastes the same, no matter where it is purchased.
4. Glacéau Smartwater
It’s actually distilled water that began as municipal water. After going through a high-tech distilling process, electrolytes are added back in for flavor. The price reflects processing and marketing rather than an exotic water source.
5. Kirkland Signature
For those into Costco and super-sized shopping bags, it’s worth knowing this go-to brand is primarily municipally sourced. A reverse-osmosis system and carbon filtration are used to ensure the water is clean and tastes great. At $11 for 30 bottles, it’s a strong value.
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6. LifeWTR
This is another water company that focuses more on aesthetics than on the origin of the water. Each bottle is designed by artists and sold as part of a collection. The water itself is purified municipal water that goes through reverse osmosis and receives pH-balancing electrolytes for taste.
7. Core Hydration
Marketed as "perfectly pH balanced," this water is purified through a multi-stage process that starts with a public supply. Minerals like potassium bicarbonate and magnesium chloride are added to achieve a specific alkalinity level that is claimed to match the body’s natural state. It tastes very pure, but it’s another example of a brand built in a lab rather than sourced from nature.
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8. Essentia
It’s sourced from regional tap water at each facility before going through a unique ionization process during filtration. The branding suggests ultra-hydrating performance. However, it still comes from the same place as standard local water.
9. Propel
Being a subsidiary of Gatorade means it also uses easily accessible tap water. It starts with a purified water source before adding electrolytes and some flavoring. The result is positioned as a more functional alternative to plain water.
10. ZenWTR
This company emphasizes sustainability by using plastic collected from the ocean to create bottles. While that initiative is impressive, the water itself isn’t sourced differently from local supplies. It goes through a vapor distillation process before electrolytes are added for flavor consistency.
Now that underwhelming bottled brands have been covered, here are 10 better ones.
1. Fiji Water
This water comes from an artesian aquifer deep underground in Fiji. More specifically, the mountains of the Yaqara Valley where it has been naturally filtered for centuries. It gains its signature smoothness from volcanic rock formations as it moves to the surface.
2. Evian
Sourced from the French Alps, this water begins as snow and rain that slowly filters through glacial sands for over fifteen years. This long journey naturally enriches the water with electrolytes and minerals without human interference. It offers a clean taste that has built a loyal following.
3. Acqua Panna
Directly sourced from an Italian spring, this water has been served at high-end restaurants for years. Known for its smooth taste and understated profile, it avoids overwhelming the palate. Water sourced this way offers a refined drinking experience.
4. Mountain Valley Spring Water
Coming from a single spring in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, this brand has been bottled at the source since 1871. It is naturally high in minerals like calcium and magnesium, giving it a crisp and slightly sweet flavor profile. Often packaged in green glass bottles, it maintains purity and avoids plastic exposure.
5. Volvic
This water comes from the slopes of a volcano in France. It travels through multiple layers of volcanic rock before emerging at the source. This process creates a distinct mineral composition.
6. Voss
Sourced from an artesian aquifer in southern Norway, this water is naturally protected by layers of rock and sand. It has a very low mineral content, which gives it a light and clean taste. While the bottle design is iconic, the source quality supports its premium image.
7. Gerolsteiner
This German mineral water is known for its strong mineral content and natural carbonation. It contains calcium and bicarbonate, giving it a bold and refreshing taste. It’s a good option for those who prefer something with more character.
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8. Hildon
This British natural mineral water comes from an aquifer beneath the Hampshire countryside. It is naturally filtered through layers of chalk and stored underground for decades. This long process results in a clean and balanced taste that is widely appreciated.
9. Waiakea
Originating near the base of the Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii, this water is filtered through volcanic rock. The process results in naturally alkaline water with a smooth and crisp taste. It offers a refreshing profile with a unique mineral composition.
10. Icelandic Glacial
This water is sourced from the Ölfus Spring, formed thousands of years ago by volcanic activity. It is continuously replenished by natural filtration through lava rock. The result is a clean, naturally alkaline water with a pure and consistent taste.
