You might think that all water tastes the same, but you'd be mistaken. As Bobby Boucher (a.k.a. "The Waterboy") knows, when thirst hits, you need some good quality H2O.
When I was younger, I always joked that since my summer camp was located in Poland Spring, Maine, I was drinking the best water there is, free of charge—a loophole of sorts. And now living in New York City, whose tap water has been dubbed the "champagne of tap water," I continue my spoiled streak...at least when it comes to water. But how well does NYC tap water compare to some of the most beloved bottled water brands? And can people truly taste the difference between different waters? As it turns out, we sure can.
Delish editors are no strangers to a grueling taste test or two, and during these 90-degree work days, there's no better time to put our taste buds—and hydration levels—to the test. We tried 15 of the most popular bottled waters, along with New York City tap water, to determine which bottles are worth grabbing when you're on the go and don't have a reusable tumbler on hand. To keep things consistent, we took advice from the pros.
According to water sommeliers (yes, it is a thing), it's best to taste water at room temperature (approximately 68°F) for optimal flavor. Fluctuations in temperature, like heating or cooling water, "can alter, and even modify the intensity of flavors that come through what is ingested," according to H2O experts and research published as early as 1972. So we stuck with room temp water and got to sipping. Here are the best bottled waters you can buy.
Best Overall: Saratoga
I might not start my morning routine by dunking my face into a bowl of Saratoga water, but I sure don't mind drinking it. Bottled from spring water in Saratoga, New York, the eponymous water was described as "nice" and "easygoing" by Delish editors. One taster thought the water "felt premium," while another noted its "nice hit of minerals." Its smoothness helped it gain an edge over the competition.
Best Glacial Water: Icelandic
Sourced from Ölfus Spring in Iceland, Icelandic water is slowly filtered naturally through lava rock, contributing to its high pH level of 8.4. Additionally, the glacial water has a low mineral content, making it a great, pure accompaniment to food and other beverages. Delish editors loved this water due to its "clean" and "smooth" taste. One editor noted that it "felt nutritional," and another thought it tasted "ultra filtered." One person simply described it as "perfect."
Best Alkaline Water: ZenWTR
This brand was new to me, but I'm sure glad we found it! ZenWTR is produced through vapor distillation and then ionized through electrolysis, which helps remove acidity and achieve an alkaline pH of 9.5. It is also infused with minerals and electrolytes for a crisp taste. Our editors loved that this water was refreshing and had zero aftertaste. They also noted that it was clean, flavorless, and tasted colder than it actually was.
Best pH Balanced Water: Smartwater
Similar to ZenWTR, Smartwater undergoes a vapor distillation process followed by secondary filtration. It clocks in with a pH of 9.5 and contains its own unique blend of electrolytes and minerals. One editor wrote, "What I expect from water." Another staffer thought the water tasted familiar, and one noted that it tasted "clean, almost earthy."
Best Budget-Friendly Water: Poland Spring
I can't say I'm surprised that Poland Spring made it into the top five of our ranking. The bottled Maine spring water features naturally occurring electrolytes and comes in a recycled plastic bottle. You can snag a 24-pack for less than $8, making this brand a steal. Delish editors noted that this one had a "neutral" taste and was very "drinkable."
How Does pH Level Affect My Water?
The pH of bottled water is a fancy way of measuring its acidity or alkalinity on a scale of 0 to 14. Zero is acidic, seven is neutral, and 14 is alkaline. Most bottled water hangs out in the 6.5 to 8.5 range. Lower levels may indicate dissolved minerals, such as carbon dioxide, and higher levels potentially come from added goodies, like calcium or bicarbonate. While neutral or slightly alkaline water is common for drinking, some brands hype up high-pH water for potential health benefits—though there’s not a ton of solid science backing those claims. Still, if it tastes good and keeps you hydrated, we say sip away!
