5 Best Alkaline Bottled Waters Reviewed & Buyer’s Guide

by Jay | Posted on July 21st, 2022

What is alkaline water? What’s so special about it? 


Why can’t we just drink the water that comes straight from the tap or the filtered water from easier sources? Simply put, alkaline water contains essential minerals, electrolytes, and other substances that benefit the body’s physiological functions. 

person submerged on body of water holding sparkler

While it may not be necessary for us to consume alkaline water regularly, it is still better than mere filtered water. In addition, alkaline water is great for athletes. It is the common denominator between a middle-aged professional athlete and a veteran athlete who still performs like a middle-aged adult. 

Aside from athletes, alkaline water benefits everyone as well. In this post, we will review five alkaline water brands for you.

5 alkaline water brands

1. Qure Alkaline Water

Cure is a good supplement for people who want alkaline water as a supplement or buffer aside from their regular drinking water. You can buy this in packs of 24, usually lasting more than a week.

It has multiple flavor variants that you can enjoy, and this does not alter the pH levels of the water, which is typically at 10. In addition, the water is fluoride-free, and the bottle is BPA-free and reusable for a long time for other beverages. 

The flavor is a highlight of this brand of alkaline water. If you want a different experience for your taste buds, you should try Qure. If you enjoy it, the 24-bottle pack may not last you for a whole week. Therefore, you should stock up if you are an active water drinker and engage in physical activities. 

Pros

  • Detailed purification process.
  • Natural ions were added.
  • Excellent value for money; 24-pack, 500 ml each.
  • FDA compliant.

Cons

  • Unknown source.

2. Essentia Water Ionized Alkaline Bottled Water

Essentia is a popular alkaline water brand. It is a close competition with other alkaline water brands as well with the 9.5 pH and 1-liter bottles that are great for athletes who require a regular supply in large volumes. 

They use ionization to increase the water’s pH level and add essential nutrients and electrolyte ions that enhance taste and health benefits. In addition, the bottles that they use are BPA-free, making them reusable multiple times. So you can refill them with regular water even if it’s not alkaline, and you can be sure that it won’t be contaminated with BPA. 

Using ionization to alkalize the water can sometimes result in inconsistencies in pH levels. This specific process is not yet perfected, so there is a high chance that the water’s actual pH level may drop to less than 9.5.

Pros

  • Filtered through microfiltration and reverse osmosis.
  • Value for money 12-pack
  • Eco-friendly
  • BPA-free plastic bottle 

Cons

  • Unspecified water sources
  • Incidents of unreliable packaging

3. Waiakea Hawaiian Naturally Alkaline Volcanic Water

Waiakea is a Hawaii-based company that is dedicated to the production of clean water. Hawaii is popular for its volcanoes and their way of obtaining alkaline water. It is filtered from volcanic rock that boosts the flavor of the water. Another reason to patronize this brand is that they donate a percentage of their profits to local nonprofit organizations.

There is a set ph range for their alkaline water, which is between 7.6 to 8.2, a fixed range already. So you can be sure that the pH levels of all bottles in a single pack fall within that range only. 

You can see that the pH levels of the Waiakea alkaline water brand are not that high up the pH scale and are nearing the neutral levels. This is a drawback because that indicates that there is only a low level of beneficial electrolyte ions should be present in alkaline water. 

Pros

  • BPA-free bottle
  • Safe for the health
  • 85% less energy and 90% fewer wastes to be produced
  • Safe for the environment

Cons

  • pH level is not high enough and can vary

4. Evamor Natural Alkaline Artesian Water

In the case of alkaline water, the pH levels can be unsteady. This is due to adding substances to raise the water’s alkalinity and achieve the optimal pH level intended for alkaline water. 

An example of these substances is electrolytes. Adding large amounts of electrolytes increases the pH level of water and can also affect its taste. This keeps people from consuming alkaline water because of the distinct and unusual taste. 

Lucky for us, Evamor is alkaline water that does not have a very distinct alkaline taste even though its pH is definitely at the alkaline level. They do not put as many electrolytes in their water as other brands. As a result, the pH levels of their water are between 8 and 9.

Because only a few electrolytes are used, the range is much more accurate than brands that claim to have pH levels of 9.5 or higher.

Pros

  • Natural groundwater
  • Great value; 6-pack (1 liter each)
  • Complies with state and federal regulations
  • No additives

Cons

  • Not purified.
  • Sourced from groundwater – has a mineral taste.

5. AQUAhydrate Electrolyte Enhanced Alkaline Water

The average serving size of alkaline bottled water is only 32 oz at most. Unfortunately, the usual sizes on the market today are 16.9 oz and 32 oz, so stocking up on them may be somewhat of a hassle. 

But what makes AQUAhydrate stand out is that they serve their alkaline water in bottles of 50.7 ounces each, and there are 12 bottles contained in each pack. This is a real convenience when you want to stock up on alkaline water for long-term use so they won’t have to make frequent trips to the store when running low on supply. 

Regular bottled water manufacturers do not typically do this kind of packaging and serving size.

They use electrolysis to alkalinize the water and pump it with many electrolytes. However, some consumers are suspicious of the pH levels of AQUAhydrate’s water and think it may not be any better than a bottle of Propel.

AQUAhydrate claims that the pH levels of their water are in the 9 range, but this is hard to believe because they are using electrolysis as a method of alkalinization.

Pros

  • Reverse osmosis and UV purification
  • Locally produced
  • 72 minerals added
  • Suitable for physically active drinkers

Cons

  • The price per bottle is quite high. 
  • Customers mention a mineral aftertaste.

Alkaline water explained

In the study of fluids and solutions, there are three distinctions in the amount of hydrogen and hydroxyl ions in a solution or a liquid: acid, neutral, and basic or alkaline. These are indicators of the pH of substances.

On the pH scale, the middle or neutral measure is 7. Below 7 is considered an acid, while above 7 is a base or alkali. Simply put, alkaline water is just ionized to raise the pH levels above 7 and somewhere in the 8-9 range. 

Natural and artificial alkaline water

Natural alkaline water is commonly found in freshwater bodies like springs, where water is usually exposed to minerals from rocks, thus raising its ion content and pH level. In addition, alkaline water drinkers consume water that has undergone a chemical treatment called electrolysis, where the water is loaded with ions or charged particles. This increases pH. 

Another mechanism of an ionizer is separating the acidifying ions from the water and filtering them out, so the remaining ions are only the basic ones. However, medical experts still doubt this method because of the lack of research.

Therefore, it is important to test the water source before it is treated to ensure that there aren’t any traces of harmful contaminants in the drinking water. 

Experts recommended reverse osmosis as an alternative method for water purification before subjecting it to an ionizer for alkalinization since reverse osmosis is already a proven method to remove harmful foreign substances and contaminants in the water before making it alkaline. 

According to a study by the World Health Organization, water consumption with low mineral content (treated with reverse osmosis, distillation, and other water purification processes) should be taken in moderation.

Sources

There are plenty of suppliers and sellers of alkaline water today, and you can easily buy packs in the supermarket and even online.

Water ionizing machines are also being sold in stores. There is also a DIY alternative where you add natural lemon or lime juice to your glass of water to make it alkaline. Your metabolic system will process the minerals in those juices to transform them into alkaline metabolic products upon digestion and absorption. pH drops or some baking soda can also do the trick. 

Is alkaline water good for the health?

After knowing what alkaline water is, let’s try and figure out whether this product does wonders to our health or if this is just another capitalistic scheme. There aren’t many scientific studies that support the advantages of alkaline water over regular tap water. However, there are still some distinctions. 

According to Dr. Anju Sood, an Indian nutritionist, the body “secretes out a lot of juices. These juices are basically acidic in nature. So, at that time alkaline water will neutralize the acid. We always suggest having foods that are at least 70 percent alkaline and 30 percent acidic, so that once it is consumed, the pH of the body will be neutral. Alkaline water is suggested when you are not consuming food that is not balancing your pH levels in the body.”

To put it simply, alkaline water may not directly affect our body nutritionally, but it contributes to maintaining and regulating physiological balance. Furthermore, alkaline water also improves blood viscosity and cholesterol levels and serves as maintenance for diabetic patients.

Benefits of drinking alkaline water

We already mentioned some health benefits of alkaline water to the body from reliable sources. Apart from that, there is the obvious fact that it helps in fluid replenishment and hydration. Heart Water is one of the leading brands that utilize efficient purification methods to produce top-tier bottled alkaline water. Below are more health benefits of alkaline water.

  1. Alkaline water uniquely hydrates the body compared to regular water. The ions in alkaline water are smaller due to the treatment processes it has gone through, making them more readily absorbable by our cells and giving us instant hydration. This is an advantage, especially for people who engage in strenuous physical activities. 
  2. Alkaline water boosts immunity. By maintaining the physiological fluid balance inside your body, you prevent cases of acidosis – a condition where there is more acid in the body. Alkaline water neutralizes acids and therefore reduces the risk of such conditions. 
  3. Alkaline water contains magnesium and calcium minerals. These ions are essential for our body to maintain various physiological functions. 
  4. Alkaline water has antioxidants that break down free radicals to prevent cell damage. These free radicals are factors that hasten age and cause illness, so breaking them down will help reduce their effects.
  5. In the second one, the neutralization activity of alkaline water contributes to reducing the production of excessive acid in the gastrointestinal tract. Too much acid release can result in hyperacidity. In addition, when much acid in your body can put your immune system at risk, leaving you more vulnerable to diseases. Hypertensive, diabetic patients and those with high cholesterol levels can also benefit from the consumption of alkaline water. 

A buyer’s guide to alkaline bottled water

What advantage does alkaline water have over regular tap water and filtered water?

Tap water is not the most healthy and safe option because of the high probability of contaminants and impurities still contained in it. 

Alkaline water is superior when we talk about pH levels. On the pH scale, a measure below 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral, and above 7 is alkaline. Sodas and sugary drinks are acidic. Tap water usually has a neutral pH. 

Alkaline water is named so because of its high pH levels. That is the main determinant of water’s alkalinity. The highest pH level that is optimal for alkaline water is 9.5. This applies to every single bottle in a pack. The variance should only be 1 to 2 points below. Consumers should be cautious and not believe everything printed on the package label. 

Another highlight of alkaline water is the electrolyte content. Just the right amount of electrolytes must be contained in a specific volume of water. Alkaline water contains a decent amount of electrolytes, while filtered and tap water may not have enough. If electrolyte and mineral content concerns your health, you may want to consult with your physician before purchasing. 

Water consumers can be divided into two major groups. The first one is the non-active drinkers who do not frequently engage in physical activities and whose lifestyles are not as physically strenuous. This consumer group usually only requires 48 to 64 fluid ounces (1-1.5 liters) daily for hydration.

The second consumer group is those who are constantly exerting energy and effort, are always on the move, and frequently engage in physical activity. This group needs around a gallon (128 fluid ounces or almost 4 liters) of water daily to stay hydrated.

Determine which group you belong to first, so you know the estimated amount of water you need in a day. You can always store alkaline water in bulk to save money and effort of always going out to buy whenever you run out. 

A checklist for buying alkaline water

1. pH Value

The normal pH value of water is 6-7, which is at a neutral level. When brought up to 8 or 9, that’s when it is considered alkaline water. Therefore, you must check the pH level of the product you plan on buying and ensure that it has a high value to ensure alkalinity. The worst-case scenario is that you’ll just be robbed blind of paying extra for regular water.

2. Water source

Knowing where the water was obtained plays a huge role in determining its contents. Natural sources are preferable compared to ionized water. You should also be wary of brands claiming that their product comes from natural sources without proof of it. You should do in-depth research about this so you won’t be fooled by any marketing scheme brands come up with. 

3. Ingredients

The water brand worth buying is not simply the conversion of regular water to alkaline water but the addition of beneficial nutrients like vitamins, electrolytes, and antioxidants. Make it a habit to check the label and read the ingredients in a bottle of alkaline water, so you know what you are getting with your money.

4. Warning labels

It is a common marketing practice that brands boast the purity of their alkaline water in eye-catching designs on the package label. But you should know that not everything that appears on a product’s package label is true and legitimate. Before buying, take the time to research the conversion methods manufacturers use for their products and read the warning label if there are any.  

5. Type

This has a lot more to do with packaging rather than water quality. Alkaline water can come in single-use disposable bottles, refillable pitchers, and filtration systems. If you are not a frequent consumer, you can purchase a single-use bottle and dispose of it when you’re done. Filters are ideal if you want a long-term method of obtaining alkaline water and you want it installed in your home for instant availability. 

6. Medical condition compatibility

Even though there are still not many medical studies and scientific research to support this, alkaline water still has a slightly different composition than regular drinking water. It should be taken cautiously, especially for patients with underlying medical conditions.

Considerations should be taken for patients with kidney problems, diabetes, and other conditions where fluid intake is a factor. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is it alright to drink alkaline water every day?

Natural alkaline water is alright for regular consumption because it is naturally enriched with essential electrolytes and minerals. However, synthetically-made alkaline water must be taken with caution because of the probability of other contaminants derived from the treatment process, even if it has a similar pH level to the naturally sourced alkaline water. 

Is alkaline water good for kidneys?

There is no particular benefit given by alkaline water consumption to our kidneys. There is also no harm brought by it. Its function maintains electrolyte levels in the body, which is vital for regulating the normal elimination of toxins. However, if you have kidney problems, it is best to consult your physician before consuming alkaline water to avoid problems.

Are there any health risks to drinking alkaline water?

As we said above, there are no reported risks to drinking naturally-acquired alkaline water. However, alkaline water obtained by water treatment processes is shown to have a low mineral count and possibly contain foreign contaminants and impurities that could pose health risks. 

The alkaline water contaminants could disrupt your kidneys’ function if you have existing kidney problems. We want to reiterate that it is always best to consult first with your physician or a health professional before drinking alkaline water.

Excessive consumption of alkaline water can alter the body’s normal pH levels leading to alkalosis. The common manifestations are tremors, vomiting, nausea, and confusion. 

Is bottled alkaline water good?

Bottled alkaline water is generally safe and good tasting if you buy from a well-known and reliable brand. Exercise caution and research before trying out new brands. Be aware of their processes in manufacturing. 

How long will alkaline water stay alkaline?

Alkaline water maintains its pH level for 18-24 hours for average-sized bottles. For high-quality alkaline water with high pH levels, it can last up to 3 weeks. 

What happens if you drink alkaline water with food?

Nothing major. You do not need to drink large amounts of fluid while eating because it disrupts the secretion of essential acids that will help digest your food in the gastrointestinal tract. However, if thrown off, it may lead to indigestion and other GI-related conditions. 

There is no scientific evidence to properly back this up, but according to some consumers, it has helped relieve digestive problems linked to excessive acid production. Aside from that, some people like to make their coffee using alkaline water to lessen the acidic taste and give it a better flavor. 

Parting words

These alkaline water brands we recommended to you are reliable. You can store water in them efficiently without worrying about contaminants and other risks. We strongly suggest Essentia Water.

This is a popular brand among consumers because of its safety and reliability. Stay hydrated!

Jay

Jay is a health and wellness enthusiast with expertise in water quality and nutrition. As a knowledgeable advocate for holistic well-being, Jay successfully manages Type 2 Diabetes through informed lifestyle choices. Committed to sharing reliable and authoritative insights, Jay combines firsthand experience with a passion for enhancing health."