Stand in front of the water aisle and you’ll see a dozen options — mineral water, distilled water, purified water, spring water, “drinking water.” They all do the same basic job (keeping you hydrated), but they’re not actually the same thing. Here’s the breakdown.
Sourced from underground mineral springs, mineral water naturally contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium — picked up as it travels through rock formations. It’s typically bottled at the source with minimal processing, which is why the mineral content (and sometimes the taste) can vary between brands.
This is water — often from a municipal supply — that’s been treated and filtered to remove impurities, bacteria, and contaminants, making it safe to drink. It doesn’t naturally contain the same mineral profile as mineral water, though some brands add minerals back in for taste.
Either mineral water or purified water with added carbonation — that’s the fizz. Some sparkling waters are naturally carbonated at the source; most are carbonated during bottling.
So which one should you actually buy?
Honestly — it depends on what you’re after:
