In this article, we will be taking a look at the 10 healthiest bottled water brands in 2024. You can also check out the 20 Most Expensive Bottled Water Brands in the World.
The Bottled Water Market: Trends, Statistics, and Luxury Highlights
The global bottled water market size surpassed USD 302 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach around USD 503.05 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.24% from 2023 to 2032. In 2022, the US accounted for 57.7% of the North American bottled water market share according to Grand View Research.
According to a 2019 Harris Poll conducted for the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), 84% of Americans had a “very positive” or “somewhat positive” opinion of bottled water as a beverage choice. The survey reveals that 94% of Americans buy bottled water and 91% of Americans want bottled water to be available where other drinks are sold. Additionally, If bottled water is not available, 74% of people said they would choose another, less healthy, packaged drink instead of tap water or filtered water. In 2022, bottled water reached a record high volume of 15.9 billion gallons sold in the US, surpassing carbonated soft drinks for the seventh consecutive year
The amount of bottled water consumed per person peaked at 46.5 gallons, and the most popular size of bottle was the single-serving size. Alkaline, caffeinated, oxygenated, and electrolyte-rich water bottles have been among the best-selling items in the market. Sales of still water accounted for 74.5% of the industry’s total revenue in 2022.
Tributo Modigliani, Acqua di Cristallo, made by Fernando Altamirano of Paolo Di Verachi Studio, is the world’s most expensive bottled water. 5 milligrams of 23-karat gold dust are included in this platinum-coated, 6,000-diamond limited-edition container, which retails for $4.4 million. Paolo Di Verachi Studio is the most expensive bottled water brand in the world. It does this by combining spring water from Fiji and France with glacier water from Iceland.
Market Leaders in Bottled Water and Their Sustainability Efforts
The bottled water market is highly segmented, with private labels holding about 25% of the market. According to the Beverage Industry, leading US brands are Aquafina (8.5%), Dasani (8.2%), and Glaceau Smartwater (6.7%). These top brands are produced by PepsiCo, Inc. (Aquafina) and The Coca-Cola Company (Dasani and Smartwater).
Coca-Cola has achieved its goal of replenishing all the water it uses globally. In 2022, the company returned nearly 192 billion liters of water to nature and communities through various projects. In 2022, The Coca-Cola Foundation awarded $27 million in grants for water and environmental initiatives globally. The company contributed more than $6 million to Project Catalyst, which improved the quality of an estimated 150 billion liters of water in the Great Barrier Reef region. In Q1 2024, their net revenues increased 3% to $11.3 billion. Their Sparkling soft drinks volume grew 2%, led by Latin America and Juice, dairy, and plant-based beverages grew 2%, led by North America. However, water, sports, coffee and tea volume declined 2% during the same period.
Similarly, in 2017, PepsiCo introduced LIFEWTR, a premium bottled water brand targeting health-conscious consumers, featuring artistic labels and a sleek bottle design. Additionally, the company launched Bubly which is a sparkling water brand, in 2018. In 2022, the PepsiCo Foundation invested approximately $2 million in safe water access programs, with plans to continue expanding its reach. In 2023, the company achieved its 2025 global goal of a 25% improvement in operational water-use efficiency in high water-risk areas, two years ahead of schedule. In Q1 2024, their net revenue increased 2.3% year-over-year to $18.2 billion and their net income was $2.04 billion, up from $1.93 billion in Q1 2023.
Copyright: kurga / 123RF Stock Photo
Our Methodology
For our methodology, we have ranked the healthiest bottled water brands in 2024 based on a consensus-driven approach. We took into account factors like purity and safety, Water source, packaging, and mineral content and then sifted through sources that ranked bottled water brands on these criteria. We also went over various subreddits on the same topic. We then assigned each brand points based on its healthiness and ranked them, and then derived scores based on those rankings. The brand ranking in the first place got a score of 1 (10/10=1) and the one ranking in second place got a score of 0.9 (9/10=0.9), and so on.
Here is our list of the 10 healthiest bottled water brands in 2024.
10. Smart Water
Insider Monkey Score: 0.1
Smart Water is a premium bottled water brand owned by Coca-Cola, marketed as one of the healthiest and purest options available. The water consists of certain electrolytes which are good for the diet. Its sleek packaging and marketing as a “smarter” hydration choice have contributed to its success. According to Coca-Cola’s financial reports, Smart Water has consistently been one of their top-performing water brands. A typical 600ml bottle of Smart Water retails for around $1.50 to $2.00 in the United States, depending on the retailer and location. Smart Water stands among the safest bottled water to drink in 2024.
9. Eternal
Insider Monkey Score: 0.2
Eternal is widely regarded as one of the healthiest bottled water brands available. Eternal water is naturally alkaline, with a pH level ranging from 7.8 to 8.2. The alkaline nature of Eternal water is believed to provide numerous health benefits, including improved hydration, better nutrient absorption, and neutralization of acidity in the body. In addition to its alkaline properties, Eternal Water is rich in natural minerals and electrolytes, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. A 2.5L bottle of Eternal water typically retails for around $4.99, which is considered a steal compared to other high-end brands.
8. Icelandic Glacial
Insider Monkey Score: 0.3
Icelandic Glacial water is sourced from the Ölfus Spring in Iceland, which is naturally filtered through layers of volcanic rock. The key minerals found in Icelandic Glacial water include Calcium (6.4 mg/L), Magnesium (2 mg/L), Sodium (12 mg/L), and Potassium (0.6 mg/L). Additionally, Icelandic Glacial water has a naturally occurring alkaline pH of 8.4, which is higher than most bottled waters. This alkalinity is believed to provide hydration benefits and aid in neutralizing acidity in the body. A 1-liter bottle of Icelandic Glacial water typically retails for around $2 to $3 in the United States.
7. Essentia
Insider Monkey Score: 0.4
Essentia stands seventh among the healthiest bottled water brands in 2024Essentia’s water undergoes a three-step ionization process that sets it apart from regular bottled water. This includes Microfiltration and reverse osmosis that removes unwanted particles, making Essentia 99.9% purer. Then, the water is infused with trace amounts of electrolytes to complement the body’s natural balance and lastly bitter-tasting acidic ions are removed, creating an alkaline water with a pH of 9.5 or higher. Many prefer Essentia for its crisp, refreshing taste and the perceived benefits of alkaline water. As far as the prices go, a 20 oz bottle typically retails for around $1.50, while a 1.5-liter bottle can cost around $2.50.
6. Aquafina
Insider Monkey Score: 0.5
Aquafina undergoes a rigorous 7-step purification process called HydroRev which includes reverse osmosis, ozone sterilization, and UV light treatment which removes impurities like chlorides, salts, and other substances that can affect taste. Aquafina is the best-selling bottled water brand in the United States. In 2021, Aquafina’s global sales were approximately $3.5 billion, making it one of PepsiCo’s top revenue generators. A standard 32-pack of 16.9 fl oz bottles typically retails for around $5, which is competitive pricing compared to other major brands that offer similar quantities.
5. Fiji
Insider Monkey Score: 0.6
Fiji stands among the safest bottled water brands to drink in 2024. According to a 2023 Morning Consult survey, Fiji Water earned the highest net favorability rating (57) among all U.S. adults, outperforming the second-place brand, Aquafina, by a significant margin of 13 percentage points. Fiji Water is sourced from an artesian aquifer in the Fiji Islands, where it undergoes natural filtration through volcanic rock. The water has a neutral pH of 7.8, which is considered optimal for bodily functions Additionally, it contains 0.26 mg of naturally occurring fluoride per liter which contributes to dental health.
4. Acqua Panna
Insider Monkey Score: 0.7
Acqua Panna which stands among the number one healthiest bottled water, is a natural mineral water sourced from the Tuscan hills in Italy. It is naturally alkaline, with a pH of around 8.4, and contains a balanced blend of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It does not contain any added fluoride which makes it a preferred choice for those concerned about potential thyroid disruption. A typical 750ml glass bottle can cost anywhere from $1.50 to $3.00 or more, depending on the retailer and location
3. Castle Rock
Insider Monkey Score: 0.8
Castle Rock is a popular bottled water brand known for its high-quality spring water sourced from Shasta Springs in California. It does not contain any added fluoride, chlorine, or other artificial additives which makes it one of the most healthy bottled water brands. The pH level of Castle Rock water typically ranges from 5 to 7, indicating a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The total dissolved solids (TDS) level, which measures the mineral content, is around 60-65 parts per million (ppm) which classifies it as a low mineral content water. A typical 1-liter bottle of Castle Rock water retails for around $1.50 to $2.00 in most grocery stores and retail outlets.
2. Aqua Carpatica
Insider Monkey Score: 0.9
Aqua Carpatica is a natural mineral water source from the pristine Carpathian Mountains in Romania. It is naturally alkaline with a pH of 8.2 which is attributed to the presence of bicarbonate ions from the spring aquifer. It also contains natural electrolytes, which improve hydration. Aqua Carpatica has received numerous international awards and accolades including the 2022 AVPA Gourmet Product Award (Paris) and the 2022 Monde Selection Grand Gold and Gold Awards (Brussels).
1. Mountain Valley Spring Water
Insider Monkey Score: 1
Mountain Valley Spring Water tops the list for being one of the healthiest bottled water brands in 2024. The water has a naturally balanced pH between 7.3-7.7 which makes it slightly alkaline which can help neutralize acidity in the body. The water is sourced from a protected spring in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and undergoes a natural filtration process through granite and marble over thousands of years. Regarding the price, a case of 24 glass bottles (11.3 oz each) retails for around $37.95, or roughly $1.58 per bottle.
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