9 of the best bottled-water brands to choose from

There are more than a few ways to rate the quality of packaged drinking water. One can check whether their bottled water has certain electrolytes. Some manufacturers source it from pristine areas such as rivers, freshwater lakes, or mountains, making their products nutritious. Factors like flavor, texture, aroma, and viscosity influence buyers' decision-making. Based on a combination of these and many more factors, here are the best options in the country: Essentia Alkaline Water Essentia's supercharged ionized alkaline water has an incredibly high pH of 9.5, keeping its acidity levels to a minimum. Such a spiked level is great for sportspersons such as bikers, runners, hikers, and athletes to get maximum hydration and nourishment. These fluoride- and chlorine-free products have undergone microfiltration and reverse osmosis for maximum purity and flavor. Essentia also adds electrolytes such as bicarbonate, potassium, magnesium, and calcium to provide more efficient and higher-quality hydration than regular options. Evian Natural Spring Water Evian claims that this product underwent several scientifically permeable layers over 15 years for formation. This naturally occurring resource was once rain and snow that made its way into a distilled underground spring, where it gained many minerals and electrolytes. And the result is an overabundance of hydration that comes with each of Evian's bottles. The water's straight-from-the-environment and additive-free nature make it an ideal choice for those averse to enhancers or preservatives. The pH level of Evian Natural Spring Water is 7.2, which is just the right amount of acidity and basicity for good hydration. Smartwater Vapor Distilled Water Smartwater vapor-distilled water is also sourced from 100% natural areas. For added taste and nutritional value, the manufacturers add electrolytes and minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The concept of acquiring vapor-distilled water is the opposite of hydration sourced from underground springs implemented by brands like Evian. The Smartwater product contains among the least amount of impurities compared to most other types of bottled water as it, at its core, mostly involves just rain droplets. While it may be pricier than the others mentioned on this list, the purity, nutrition, and stylish bottle shape make it a good purchase for lovers of trendy hydration. Fiji Natural Artesian Water Fiji's clean, rainforest-based water is supplied to 60 countries and is sourced from the tropical rainfall that graces the Viti Levu island and goes through volcanic rock-based filtration. As a result, the Fiji Natural Artesian Water is rich in minerals such as silica, calcium, magnesium, and electrolytes. This product also has an amazingly sweet and pleasant taste. Moreover, Fiji is a proponent of environmental sustainability, so its products are key contributors to reducing the company's carbon footprint year after year. Acqua Panna Spring Water This Acqua Panna product brings another version of bottled spring waters that take around 14 years to trickle underground through aquifers beneath the hills. To reduce plastic usage, the company sells its products in glass bottles. Like most other options here, this product is also exceptionally rich in electrolytic and minerals that help boost the drinkers' energy levels after a quick drink. Apart from that, the Acqua Panna Spring Water is a luxury product often found in fine dining restaurants and known for its velvety smoothness that soothes the palate. Roundy's Purified Drinking Water Out of all the products mentioned here, this one has the best aroma and taste. The overall flavor and feel of Roundy's Purified Drinking Water make it a good choice for people who don't have too much of it due to taste or odor-related issues. Overall, this product is arguably the most "watery" of the bottled options listed here and an exceptional drink to quench one's thirst after a sprint or a walk on a sunny day. Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water The Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water is derived from a deeply natural source: the rainwater falling on the Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii. This water trickles through porous volcanic rocks before collecting into a large forest spring. The manufacturer collects and bottles it from this spot into 100 percent recycled plastic bottles for added environmental sustainability. This product has a moderate pH ranging from 7.6 to 8.2., giving it a pristine and fresh taste, unlike most bottled options sold today. Mountain Valley Spring Water This brand is one of the best available today, and there are several reasons for its popularity and ubiquity. For instance, its sources are near-supernatural. The manufacturer's source is the natural hot springs on the Little Rock hills in Arkansas. The high altitude adds a fresh taste and nutrient-rich flavor. Like other options on this list, Mountain Valley Spring Water has an unusually high pH value, which helps one neutralize after having highly acidic foods. This product is also known for its sweet flavor and incredible thirst-quenching attributes. Overall, it is a safe choice for buyers looking for everything in their bottled options: high drinkability, sweet taste, lovely aroma, smooth flavors, purity, high nutritional value, and high electrolytic value. Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring Alkaline Water As per the manufacturer, the Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring Alkaline Water has undergone natural filtration and purification for over 5,000 years through several layers of lava rock before trickling down into the gorgeous and sublime Ölfus Spring in Iceland, from where the manufacturer collects and bottles it. This phenomenon ensures the water is brimming with nutrients and electrolytes for good hydration. The product has a pH of 8.4 and has a carbon-neutral sourcing and bottling process. Such an attribute alone makes it a worthy buy for preserving the environment. This list caters to those who prefer to avoid conventional sources and don't have a problem spending a little extra cash for the premium options in the market.