The 10 Best and Most Popular Bottled Water Brands in the United States
The United States bottled water market is a multi-billion-dollar industry, with Americans consuming billions of gallons each year for on-the-go hydration, fitness, and emergency preparedness. Ranging from mass-market purified municipal waters to premium imported artesian spring waters, consumer preferences are driven by taste profile, source transparency, and convenience.
1. Dasani (The Coca-Cola Company)
4.8 out of 5 ratings
DASANI Purified Water Enhanced with Minerals
- Water Type: Purified Water
- Why it’s popular: Launched by Coca-Cola, Dasani is one of the most widely distributed purified waters in the country. It originates from municipal water sources and undergoes a rigorous reverse osmosis filtration process, enhanced with a proprietary blend of minerals for a clean, crisp taste.
2. Aquafina (PepsiCo)
4.5 out of 5 ratings
- Water Type: Purified Water
- Why it’s popular: As PepsiCo’s flagship water brand, Aquafina is a nationwide staple found in almost every convenience store, vending machine, and supermarket. It uses a state-of-the-art purification system that removes chlorides, salts, and other substances.
3. Smartwater (The Coca-Cola Company)
4.8 out of 5 ratings
Smart Water Enhanced Water
- Water Type: Vapor-Distilled Premium Water with Electrolytes
- Why it’s popular: Readily recognizable by its iconic sleek blue bottles and celebrity endorsements, Smartwater is vapor-distilled to mimic the natural water cycle, then infused with added electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, and potassium) for a smooth, distinct flavor.
4. Poland Spring (Primo Brands)
4.7 out of 5 ratings
Poland Spring Sparkling Water, Raspberry Lime
- Water Type: Natural Spring Water
- Why it’s popular: Deeply rooted in the Northeastern United States, Poland Spring is sourced from regional springs in Maine and other northeastern states. It remains a household favorite for millions seeking authentic, mineral-bearing spring water rather than processed tap water.
5. Kirkland Signature (Costco)
4.6 out of 5 ratings
KIRKLAND SIGNATURE Alkaline Water
- Water Type: Purified / Spring Water
- Why it’s popular: Costco’s private-label brand is a massive volume seller across the US. Known for offering unbeatable bulk value without sacrificing consistent quality, it is the go-to choice for families, offices, and large gatherings.
6. FIJI Water
4.8 out of 5 ratings
- Water Type: Natural Artesian Water
- Why it’s popular: Bottled at the source in an isolated artesian aquifer in Viti Levu, Fiji, this luxury brand is famous for its square bottles, soft mouthfeel, and high silica content. It is a favorite in restaurants, hotels, and upscale retail channels.
7. True Clear
4.6 out of 5 ratings
True Clear Purified Drinking Water, 16.9 fl oz Bottles, 24-Pack, BPA-Free
- Water Type: Purified Drinking Water
- Why it’s popular: Crisp and clean hydration comes from a multi-step purification process that delivers a refreshing taste with zero calories or artificial additives. Packaged in fully recyclable Eco-Air bottles, it’s an eco-friendly choice that reduces waste while keeping your daily hydration sustainable, much like other just water options. Enhanced with minerals like calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, it offers a balanced, crisp flavor profile.
8. Amazon Grocery Purified Water
4.7 out of 5 ratings
- Water Type: Purified Water
- Why it’s popular: A 24-pack carton of 16.9-fluid-ounce bottles of purified water. Amazon Grocery offers all your favorite items at great prices, making it easy to everything you need for delicious meals in a single trip. Keep your everyday well-stocked with Amazon Grocery.
9. Mountain Valley Spring Water
4.8 out of 5 ratings
- Water Type: Premium Spring Water
- Why it’s popular: Bottled continuously since 1871 from a protected natural spring in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Mountain Valley is easily identified by its iconic green glass bottles. It is naturally rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
10. Nestlé Pure Life / Primo Brands Purified Water
4.7 out of 5 ratings
- Water Type: Purified Water with Added Minerals
- Why it’s popular: A long-time staple of family households across America, this brand focuses on rigorous multi-step filtration and dependable quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday hydration and school lunches.
What are the different types of bottled water available in the US?
- Purified Water:Tap or groundwater that has been processed via reverse osmosis, distillation, or deionization to remove chemicals, minerals, and impurities (e.g., Aquafina, Dasani).
- Spring Water:Water sourced directly from an underground formation that naturally flows to the surface (e.g., Poland Spring, Fiji, Arrowhead).
- Artesian Water: Ground water drawn from a confined aquifer under natural pressure (e.g., FIJI Water).
- Mineral Water: Naturally occurring spring water containing a specific concentration of dissolved minerals (at least 250 ppm Total Dissolved Solids), such as calcium and magnesium (e.g., Perrier, San Pellegrino).
- Sparkling Water: Water naturally or artificially carbonated with carbon dioxide (e.g., LaCroix, Liquid Death).
Which bottled water brands dominate the US market?
The US market is led by a mix of national Coca-Cola and PepsiCo brands, regional spring waters, and imported premium labels:
- Aquafina (PepsiCo) & Dasani (Coca-Cola): Top-selling purified municipal water brands.
- BlueTriton Brands: Manages major regional spring water icons like Poland Spring, Deer Park, Ice Mountain, Ozarka, Zephyrhills, and Arrowhead.
- Fiji & Evian: Leaders in the imported, premium artesian and natural spring segments.
- Kirkland Signature (Costco): A massive private-label force in affordable bulk purified and spring water.
- Liquid Death: A fast-growing brand selling mountain spring and sparkling water in eco-friendly aluminum cans.
| Category | Popular Brands | Primary Source |
| Purified Water | Aquafina, Dasani, Smartwater, Kirkland Purified | Public municipal water systems (tap) |
| Spring Water | Poland Spring, Arrowhead, Deer Park, Ice Mountain | Protected underground springs |
| Artesian / Imported | FIJI, Evian, Icelandic Glacial | Confined aquifers & glacial melt |
| Sparkling / Canned | LaCroix, Liquid Death, Perrier, Bubly | Springs / Municipal + Carbonation |
Is bottled water safer or cleaner than American tap water?
Not necessarily. Tap water is strictly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), while bottled water is regulated as a food product by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA standards for bottled water mirror EPA tap safety limits, but bottled water undergoes additional processing steps depending on the brand. Both are held to high safety standards in the US.
Why do brands like Dasani and Aquafina taste different from natural spring waters?
Dasani and Aquafina start as local municipal tap water and go through extensive reverse osmosis filtration, removing virtually all minerals. Aquafina leaves the water pure with minimal added minerals, whereas Dasani adds small trace amounts of minerals back (like magnesium sulfate and potassium chloride) for taste consistency. Natural spring waters retain their native mineral blend from local soil and rock, giving them a distinct flavor profile.
What are microplastics, and are they in bottled water?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles under 5mm that enter water sources from industrial processes and degraded packaging. Studies show that a high percentage of bottled water sold in plastic bottles contains microplastics, largely shed during the capping and bottling process. Consumers concerned about microplastics often opt for brands packaged in glass bottles or aluminum cans.
How do I read a bottled water label to know where it comes from?
- Check the source statement: Look for terms like “public water source” (municipal tap water) vs. “sourced from [Specific Spring Name], [State]”.
- Check the treatment process:Labels will note if it’s purified by reverse osmosis, distillation, or simply filtered spring water.
- TDS (Total Dissolved Solids):Some high-end brands list TDS levels, indicating how rich the water is in natural minerals.