Alkaline bottled water has enjoyed a rapid rise in popularity in recent years, with many people choosing it when they want healthier water. There has been much debate about how beneficial alkaline water truly is, but it is high-quality water in any case.
If you decide you want to try alkaline water for yourself, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to brands. In fact, there are now so many companies offering it that you might need some help to find the best ones.
In this article, we will explain the key things you should look for when choosing an alkaline water brand. We will then share our picks for the best alkaline water brands you can buy today, chosen for how the water is alkalized, its taste, and value for money.
- Microfiltration & reverse osmosis
- 12-pack
- BPA-free plastic
- Sourced from a natural spring
- Certified carbon neutral
- Three extra flavors
- pH balanced
- Purified via reverse osmosis
- Has added electrolytes
- Sourced from natural groundwater
- Complies with US regulations
- No additives
- 9-stage purification process
- Natural ions added
- FDA compliant
- 100% recycled packaging
- Three flavors
- 12-pack
- Reverse osmosis & UV purification
- Locally sourced
- Formulated for active lifestyles
The Best Alkaline Water Brands of 2024
If you intend to try it for yourself, our alkaline water brand reviews should help you make an informed choice. We chose these brands based on their value for money and the alkalizing method used, as well as customer feedback, overall reputation, and water quality.
Essentia Ionized Alkaline Water
Customer Favorite
Essentia is a customer-favorite alkaline water brand and it is easy to see why. It uses a combination of microfiltration and reverse osmosis to make this product 99.99% purified. The brand focuses on rehydration to improve health and claims its water has a pH of 9.5 and above.
The water is produced using a proprietary system that has a reduced impact on the environment. It is packaged in recyclable, BPA-free plastic that further emphasizes Essentia’s commitment to eco-friendliness.
We recommend the 12-pack, which offers great value for money. Each 1-liter bottle is ionized from various, unspecified sources.
The packaging design is also eye-catching on a superficial level. Its bold black, white, and red design makes it stand out on a shelf, which is likely another reason for its popularity.
We struggled to find any serious criticism of this water. Customers are pleased with its taste and texture, noting that there is no unpleasant aftertaste or odor. Some customers did mention damaged packaging and shipping errors, but it is unclear whether or not Essentia is responsible for this.
Pros
- Filtered using microfiltration and reverse osmosis
- Value for money 12-pack
- Eco-friendly
- BPA-free plastic
Cons
- Unspecified water sources
- Some packaging and shipping errors
Our Ratings
Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring Water
Best Natural Alkaline Water
Icelandic Glacial boasts that its product is as pure as water can be. Sourced from Iceland’s Ölfus spring, the brand states that its water is 100% natural with nothing added or removed. It has a naturally low mineral count and no harmful heavy metals or silica.
One trait that makes this water stand apart is that it is not ionized and has a natural 8.4 pH level, higher than some ionized water brands. Icelandic Glacial’s alkaline water is certified as carbon neutral, making it a great eco-friendly option. In fact, it was the first bottled water to receive this certification.
If you want water with flavor, Icelandic Glacial offers three options: elderflower, Tahitian lime, and Sicilian lemon, although plain water is available if you prefer to drink it unflavored. You can also choose from sparkling or still.
Our only concern is that, for all the brand’s pride in its natural water source, there is no evidence of this product being filtered. It is safe to drink but may contain traces of contamination.
Pros
- Naturally sourced
- Affordable 12-pack (1-liter bottles)
- Certified carbon neutral
- Great range of flavors
Cons
- Unfiltered water
- Tastes like standard bottled water
Our Ratings
LIFEWTR pH-Balanced Purified Water
Most Balanced
If you want to try alkaline water without the risks associated with very high pH levels, we recommend LIFEWTR. As it ranges between 6.4 and 7.4 on the pH scale, it is only slightly alkaline (and can be slightly acidic), but it is your best bet if you want to test the water before diving in.
The affordaility of this product caught our eye. The pack we chose contains six 1000 ml bottles, meaning it is both budget-friendly and convenient.
Aesthetically, each bottle features one of multiple designs by artists. They look great, which will only encourage people to drink more water.
LIFEWTR is a product of Pepsico — the same company that produces Pepsi. This product has a major advantage in terms of reputation, as you know it comes from a trusted company.
This water might not have the alkaline level of some other products, but it makes up for it with other benefits. It has has added electrolytes to improve the taste, but research has shown that they also provide an energy boost and aid several biological processes (1).
Another major positive is that this water is purified using reverse osmosis, which is known to remove bacteria and other contaminants from water (2). The electrolytes that are removed during this process — magnesium sulfate and potassium bicarbonate — are replaced after the water is purified.
Overall, this is an excellent product from a respected brand that we recommend if you are new to alkaline water.
Pros
- pH balanced, only slightly alkaline
- Budget option in a compact package (6-pack, 1000 ml each)
- Purified by reverse osmosis
- Added electrolytes
Cons
- Water source not specified
- Alkaline level could be considered too low
Our Ratings
Evamor Natural Alkaline Artesian Water
Best Mineral Alkaline Water
It may not be as well known as some other brands, but there is a lot to like about Evamor. It is always comforting when a company discloses where its water is sourced. This means there is far less guesswork regarding how your water is produced.
In fact, Evamor’s entire production process is fascinating and makes the brand stand out. This alkaline water is naturally sourced from a protected local aquifer, with a body of permeable rock that produces, collects, and stores groundwater.
Evamor’s alkaline water is bottled at the source, lowering the risk of contamination in transport. This saves energy and helps the environment. A huge advantage is that this product is monitored and tested to meet state and federal standards.
The brand is open about how the pH level of its products naturally fluctuates. The pH is quite basic, ranging from 8.8 to 9.1 on the scale.
Pros
- Natural groundwater
- Great value 6-pack (1 liter bottles)
- Complies with state and federal regulations
- No additives
Cons
- Not purified
- Groundwater has a mineral taste
Our Ratings
Qure Alkaline Water
Best Purified Alkaline Water
If you want water with serious alkaline content, this Qure product is ideal. Its pH levels can exceed 10 — very impressive for a naturally-sourced product. If that isn’t enough, the water also undergoes nine-stage reverse osmosis purification.
Once the water has undergone this comprehensive treatment, minerals are added to it via ionization. This process mimics nature and no synthetic ingredients or nutrients are added.
Qure doesn’t leave it there. After ionization, the water is filtered again, this time through a coconut and mesh filter. The final step is to disinfect the product via UV sterilization. We have never seen another brand that was so meticulous in its purification.
Pros
- Extensive purification process
- Natural ions are added
- Excellent value for money; 24-pack of 500 ml bottles
- FDA-compliant
Cons
- Unspecified water source
Our Ratings
Flow Alkaline Spring Water
Best Eco-Friendly Option
The Burning Man festival’s environmental impact inspired the creation of Flow Water Inc. The brand’s founder Nicholas Reichenbach wanted to make a difference after witnessing the shocking amount of plastic waste left by festivalgoers.
That is why the company’s alkaline water is packaged in 100% recyclable paper cartons. This gives it a much smaller smaller carbon footprint — even the cap is sustainable and plant-based.
As for the water, it is naturally sourced within the United States and Canada. It measures 8.1 on the pH scale and contains natural minerals and electrolytes. It can apparently also count Gwyneth Paltrow among its fans!
Pros
- 100% recyclable paper packaging
- Great flavor variety (blackberry hibiscus, elderflower, cucumber mint)
- Good value for money (12-pack, 500ml each).
Cons
- Untreated water
- Strong flavor, customers recommend drinking it chilled
Our Ratings
AQUAhydrate Electrolyte Enhanced Water
Best High-End Option
AQUAhydrate has some hefty celebrity endorsements — its ambassadors include Mark Whalberg and Sean “Diddy” Combs.
The aim of AQUAhydrate’s water is to rehydrate active people. The brand claims that its products are popular among professional athletes, and that it boosts performance. This alkaline water measures more than 9 on the pH scale and its purification, natural minerals, and electrolytes have made it a leading product.
It is purified via reverse osmosis and UV filtration. A proprietary blend of 72 unspecified trace minerals is added. AQUAhydrate claims that its formula contains twice as many electrolytes as its competitors.
Pros
- Reverse osmosis and UV purification
- Locally sourced
- 72 minerals added
- Formulated for active people
Cons
- High cost per bottle
- Customers report a mineral aftertaste
Our Ratings
What Is Alkaline Water?
The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline (basic) a solution is. A pH of less than 7 is acidic, and more than 7 is alkaline. In its natural state, water has a pH of between 6 and 8.5 (3).
To put that in perspective, hydrochloric acid has a pH of 0, whereas your stomach acid sits at 1 on the scale. Baking soda weighs in at 12, but sodium hydroxide (a cleaning agent) is the most basic at 14 (4).
PH
Is Alkaline Water Safe to Drink?
Although alkaline water is considered safe, it still comes with a few warnings. If you’re unsure about drinking it, consult a doctor before you try. It’s important to keep the following in mind, although they are rare issues:
- Its alkalinity could interfere with your stomach acid.
- Risk of contamination: Ionizing water is a separate process from filtering it, so you must ensure it still comes from a treated source.
- Metabolic alkalosis: This occurs when your body is deprived of hydrogen (6). Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, tremors, twitching, confusion, and tingling.
Bear In Mind
How to Choose the Best Alkaline Water Brands
There are numerous excellent brands of alkaline water operating today, but they each have some key differences from their competition. Keep the following in mind when choosing a brand:
What is the Water Source?
Do your best to find out where alkaline water comes from before you buy it. Remember that ionized water won’t necessarily also be filtered. If a brand claims that its water is pure but doesn’t mention filtration or treatment, you should consider whether or not it is safe.
Read the Warning Labels
Find out if your chosen brand is known to have any associated health risks. Alkaline water is not always suitable for everyone, so if a brand claims it is, be careful.
Be Wary of Overhype
If the brand claims its alkaline water has remarkable health benefits, with no evidence, be skeptical. Most brands are far more realistic, but take some time to research how the water has been tested and whether or not it has any certification.
Ask Your Peers
We take customer feedback seriously, as should you. If you’re unsure about a brand or product, read what other users have said about it. At the same time, remember that not all alkaline water reviews are what they seem, so you should gauge the product’s worth by what the majority of consumers feel.
FAQs
Can I Drink Alkaline Water Every Day?
You can drink alkaline water every day. However, many experts claim it’s not worth the hype because your body can regulate pH levels naturally.
Who Should Not Drink Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water is not recommended for people who have kidney stones. A common side effect of consuming alkaline water is an upset stomach. You should avoid that if you’re currently experiencing problems such as gastritis.
Which Brand of Bottled Water Is Most Alkaline?
Essentia is considered a top product and one of the bottled water brands with the highest alkalinity level. In addition to its much sought-after mouth feel, clinical testing reveals that Essentia hydrates the body more effectively than its rival products.
This water brand is famous for having a silky-like texture. In addition, the manufacturing method for Essentia utilizes microfiltration and RO, and it does not include any harsh chemicals. It contains electrolytes, making it an excellent option to consume after a particularly strenuous workout.
Which Alkaline Water Brand Is Better, Fiji or Essentia?
Fiji is a better choice for those who don’t care that much about pH but want to get more minerals in their drinking water. If you are looking for water that does not contain fluoride and has a higher pH, the best option for you is to go with Essentia water.
What Is the Best Alkaline Water Brand?
Essentia is currently regarded as the best alkaline water brand around. The fact that Essentia filters its water should be the first item brought to your attention.
Regardless of the circumstances, water sold in bottles must undergo some kind of purification procedure. This will eliminate undesired particles, including contaminants, bacteria, or metals.
First, drinking purified water rather than filthy water will improve your health. In addition, it is supposed to have a better taste overall, crisper and cleaner, without any peculiar aftertastes.
