Buying guide for best alkaline bottled water
In today’s health-conscious world, consumers are always looking for products with the potential to help them improve their well-being. From exercise gear to fitness tracking devices to vitamin supplements and more, there are countless items aimed at this goal. That’s why it isn’t surprising that bottled water is also on the list, and it’s one reason many individuals look for alternatives to tap water.
Alkaline bottled water is an option for many consumers because it has what many consider a benefit over typical bottled water – a higher pH – which means it’s less acidic and possibly more beneficial when it comes to someone's health. While studies haven’t conclusively proven the benefits of drinking alkaline water, the fact that it is less acidic appeals to many health-conscious consumers. But there are so many alkaline bottled water options on the market that choosing the best one for you can be confusing.
If you’d like to learn more about alkaline bottled water and the best options for your money and lifestyle, read our buying guide. If you’re ready to buy, check out our top picks.
What is alkaline water?
Water is considered alkaline or acidic depending on its pH, which is the scientific term for the concentration of hydrogen ions it contains. The pH scale goes from 0 to 14, with acids (like lemon juice) at less than 7, purified water at a neutral pH of 7, and bases (like ammonia) at more than 7.
Most bottled alkaline water has a pH of 7.5 or higher, which means it’s less acidic than purified water.
Alkaline water contains natural minerals (also referred to as alkalizing compounds), including magnesium, silica, bicarbonate, calcium, and potassium, that make it less acidic than tap water.
Did you know?
Though natural, untreated water typically has a pH of 7, and some sources are more acidic, with a pH of 6 or lower.
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Alkaline water benefits
Many consumers who embrace the idea that a more alkaline diet imparts health benefits also want to drink alkaline water to further balance the acidity levels in their bodies.
Higher acidity in the system is thought to cause several negative effects, such as slower metabolism, lower oxygen levels, and less energy. Advocates of drinking alkaline water insist that it has the opposite effect, as well as numerous other health benefits.
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Boost energy: Drinking water of lower acidity is thought to increase oxygen levels in the blood, which in turn is thought to have an energizing effect.
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Decrease muscle fatigue: A lower pH, along with the added minerals that buffer the acid level in alkaline water, is thought to help decrease muscle fatigue, which is especially beneficial for athletes.
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Soothe the gut: The lower acid level of alkaline water is said to help decrease acid in the bloodstream, which possibly soothes the gut and calms acid reflux.
- Hydrate: The added minerals are said to be beneficial for hydration and replenishment for active individuals who lose fluids through perspiration. Most people who have tried alkaline bottled water agree that it tastes great, and if water tastes refreshing and pure, you’ll have a tendency to drink more of it. The result? Staying hydrated, which is vital to the health of all bodily systems. This is probably the most important benefit – and certainly the easiest to prove – when it comes to drinking alkaline water.
"Some plastic water bottles contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in numerous household items including some plastics.Though the effects of BPA on health aren’t clear, if you’re concerned, look for alkaline bottled water in BPA-free bottles."
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Alkaline bottled water features to consider
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pH: The pH of alkaline bottled water typically falls around 8 to 9.5. The higher the number, the more alkaline and less acidic the water.
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Source: Alkaline bottled water comes either from a natural source or is municipal water that is ionized to increase the pH. Both varieties tend to have a similar taste.
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Additions: Some brands of alkaline bottled water include additional minerals and electrolytes for added hydration benefits.
- Packaging: Alkaline bottled water commonly comes in packs of 6, 12, or 24 bottles of 16 or 32 ounces each. Packs of 24 bottles are usually the best value.
Alkaline bottled water prices
The price you pay for alkaline bottled water usually depends on the number of bottles in the pack, although brands with water that is naturally alkaline from the source may be a few dollars more. On average, you can expect to pay $15 to $45. Larger packs are almost always a better deal.
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6-packs: Packs that contain fewer bottles fall on the lower end of the price scale, around $15 to $20. The bottles are usually (but not always) larger than those in larger cases (as much as 32 ounces each).
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12-packs: You can find 12-bottle packs with bottles that hold 16 to 32 ounces each for around $20 to $30.
- 24-packs: Packs that contain 24 bottles of 16 ounces or smaller cost from $30 to $45.
Best Alkaline Water Brands: 2019's Top 5
- Qure Alkaline Water 16.9 oz. (Pack of 24)
- Essentia Water LLC 9.5 pH, 1 Liter, (Pack of 12)
- AQUAhydrate Ph9+, 33.8 oz. (Pack of 12)
- Evamor Alkaline Water Artesian Water - 32 oz. Bottles (Pack of 6)
- Waiakea Alkaline Bottled Water Volcanic Water, 500mL (Pack of 24)
For your safety
Don’t forget to recycle your plastic water bottles. More recycled water bottles than ever are turned into packaging, more bottles, and even clothing and shoes.
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Tips
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Be judicious. If you have any health concerns, don’t assume that drinking alkaline bottled water will benefit you. There’s a lot of information about the purported health benefits of this type of water, but many of them are not scientifically proven.
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Try making coffee using alkaline bottled water. Since it is less acidic than tap water, it can give your morning cup of joe a smooth, balanced flavor.
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Drink alkaline bottled water before and after strenuous exercise. If you’re an athlete or exercise a lot, try drinking alkaline bottled water before and after working out. Whether or not the lower acidity helps you, hydrating your body with great-tasting water will.
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If you have certain health issues, check with your doctor first. Be aware that if you have limited kidney function, the minerals in alkaline water could potentially be a problem, especially if you drink it frequently. Check with your doctor to be on the safe side.
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Try alkaline bottled water for heartburn. Are you prone to GERD, heartburn, or other acid-related digestive issues? While it isn’t medically proven, and alkaline bottled water should never be consumed in place of prescribed medications, drinking alkaline water may help to calm your digestive system.
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Start small. If you’re new to alkaline bottled water but want to give it a try, you might start with a smaller pack in case you find that it isn’t for you.
- Try different alkaline water brands. Since various brands of bottled water have slightly different flavors, you might want to try several brands of alkaline bottled water to find the one you like best.
FAQ
Q. Is it better to choose water that is naturally alkaline from the source or enhanced during the bottling process?
A. It’s really a matter of personal preference. While the idea of drinking water that comes fresh from a mountain spring is appealing, in reality the result is the same. Whether bottled alkaline water was made that way by nature or by humans, the taste and pH are fairly similar.
Q. If the health benefits are questionable, why should I try to lower my body’s pH by drinking alkaline water?
A. Though it’s not clear whether or not including alkaline bottled water in your diet will make any major difference, some of the benefits are pretty clear, such as soothing acid reflux or improving oxygenation. Additionally, alkaline water has a flavor that many consumers have described as “clean,” “crisp,” or “refreshing.”
Q. I’ve noticed that some alkaline bottled water indicates that it’s bottled at a municipal source. How can it be alkaline under these circumstances?
A. Not all alkaline bottled water comes that way from the source. Some goes through a process called ionization, which reduces the properties that make the water acidic while increasing its alkaline properties. Ionization usually includes adding natural alkalizing compounds like calcium and potassium to the water.
Q. I have friends who claim that drinking alkaline water improves their skin. How can this be possible?
A. While not all health claims about adding alkaline water to your diet can be substantiated, reducing acid levels has an antioxidant effect on your system, which could eliminate impurities. In addition, staying hydrated always helps the skin look more refreshed and moisturized.
