Premium bottled water: pricey branding versus real health benefits

Premium bottled water has become a niche market, featuring labels such as glacial, iceberg, volcanic, spring, mineral and alkaline, and prices that can reach €100 per bottle. While mineral content can change taste and modestly contribute calcium or magnesium, no research shows that expensive brands hydrate a healthy person better than ordinary safe water. Academics emphasize that overall water volume and safety are the key factors for proper hydration.

The industry’s emphasis on remote sources, high pH and glass packaging often serves marketing rather than health purposes. Studies indicate that plastic bottles can leach substances like antimony when heated, whereas glass bottles may still contain microplastics from caps. Ultimately, luxury water should be viewed as a culinary experience, not a superior source of nutrition.