Buying Guide for the Best Glass Bottled Waters
When choosing glass-bottled water, the goal is to find a product that best suits both your taste preferences and usage needs, while also considering environmental and health factors. Glass bottles are often chosen for their purity, ability to preserve taste, and eco-friendliness. To make a good decision, you'll want to look beyond branding and focus on specific factors that affect both the quality of the water inside and the practicality of the bottle for your daily life.Source of WaterThe source describes where the water originates—like a spring, artesian aquifer, mineral well, or purified municipal source. This affects taste, mineral composition, and sometimes the perceived quality or health benefits. If you prefer natural mineral content or a particular taste, look for waters clearly labeled as coming from springs or wells. If purity is your main concern, purified waters may be more appealing. Your choice should align with whether you want distinctive taste and minerals or simply crisp, neutral water.
Mineral ContentMineral content is usually listed as 'total dissolved solids' (TDS) or sometimes by specific minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium. This factor influences both health benefits and taste—higher minerals can add a richer, more distinctive flavor, while lower content often means a lighter, cleaner taste. For people using water for hydration during workouts, lower mineral content is often preferable; for those who want additional minerals, a medium or high TDS might be more suitable. Consider what suits your palate and any dietary needs you might have.
pH LevelThe pH level measures how acidic or alkaline the water is, typically ranging from 6.5 to 8.5 for bottled waters. While most people don't notice a big difference in daily drinking, some believe alkaline water offers health benefits, while neutral or slightly acidic water may taste crisper. If you have sensitive digestion or a preference due to taste, you may wish to check the pH label. Otherwise, staying within the neutral range is a safe and common choice.
Bottle Design and SizeGlass bottle design covers both the size (such as single-serve or family-sized) and the shape/style (like traditional or modern, wide or narrow mouth). A sturdy and well-sealing bottle is important for reusability and carrying it around, while the size should match your consumption habits—single-serve for travel, larger ones for home or sharing. Think about where and when you'll be drinking the water and your need for portability or elegance.
Eco-Friendliness and ReusabilityGlass is already a good choice for the environment as it's recyclable and doesn't leach chemicals. However, some bottles are designed for easy reuse and have thicker glass or more durable sealing systems. If you aim to reduce waste or want to repurpose the bottle, look for these features. Choose according to how often you plan to reuse the bottle and whether that matters for your lifestyle.