Walking down the beverage aisle can be surprisingly complex. What used to be a simple choice of grabbing a "bottle of water" is now a landscape of springs, artesian wells, added minerals, and different pH levels.

Decoding the Label: The Official Types of Bottled Water

The FDA has specific definitions for what can be printed on the label. Understanding these terms is the first step to knowing what you're drinking.

• Spring Water: This water comes from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface. It must be collected at the spring or through a borehole tapping the underground formation feeding the spring.


• Purified Water: This is water that has been processed to remove minerals and impurities. Common purification methods include distillation, deionization, and reverse osmosis. Often, this water starts as municipal tap water. Many major brands sell purified water.


• Mineral Water: This water comes from a protected underground source and must contain at least 250 parts per million (ppm) of total dissolved solids (TDS)—minerals and trace elements. These minerals must be naturally present and cannot be added later.


• Artesian Water: This water is collected from a well that taps a confined aquifer, in which the water level stands at some height above the top of the aquifer.

The Modern Trends: Alkaline and Canned Water

Beyond the standard types, new categories have emerged to meet specific consumer demands.

The Buzz About Alkaline Water

You've likely seen the many alkaline water brands on the shelf. Alkaline water is simply water that has a higher pH level (typically 8 or 9) than standard drinking water (which is around 7). Proponents of the best alkaline water brands claim various health benefits, though scientific consensus on many of these is still developing. From a taste perspective, many people describe alkaline water as having a smoother, silkier mouthfeel than other waters.

Water in a Can: The Sustainable Choice?

A growing number of canned water brands have appeared, from still to sparkling. This trend is driven almost entirely by sustainability. As consumers look to reduce their use of single-use plastics, aluminum cans—which are infinitely recyclable—have become an attractive alternative package for water.

Beyond the Single-Use Bottle: The Rise of the Premium Reusable

Perhaps the biggest trend of all is the move away from disposable bottles to high-performance reusable ones. The conversation around the ideal water bottle price is no longer just about the one-time cost, but the long-term value. Brands have elevated the simple water bottle into a stylish, functional accessory. The viral popularity of the Owala water bottle, with its innovative FreeSip spout, is a perfect example of this. Consumers are now willing to invest in a durable, insulated, and well-designed bottle that keeps their water cold all day and reduces plastic waste.

The Bottom Line: Price and Taste

So, what is the best bottled water to drink? The answer is highly personal and comes down to your priorities.

• Price: The bottle of water cost is influenced by its source, packaging, and branding. Imported mineral water will naturally cost more than domestically sourced purified water.


• - Taste: The best tasting bottled water is completely subjective. The taste is determined by its Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), or mineral content. If you like a crisp, pure, and clean taste, you'll likely prefer a purified water. If you enjoy a more complex taste with a distinct character, you'll probably prefer a mineral water with a higher TDS.

Finding Your Perfect Water

The next time you're faced with a wall of water options, you'll be better equipped to make a choice. Whether you're reaching for a mineral-rich spring water, a trendy alkaline option, or simply refilling your trusty Owala, understanding what's in the bottle makes every sip a more informed decision.