We Tried 15 Popular Bottled Waters—The Winner Was Surprisingly Clear

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I won't deny it: I'm a water snob. Some people may think all water tastes the same, but they'd be wrong. I'm a firm believer that, just like people, water comes in all shapes and sizes. Metaphorically speaking, of course. I grew up chugging Poland Spring. Fun fact: my summer camp was actually in Poland Spring, Maine, and to this day, I'll still grab that over olenty of other popular brands. While single-use plastic isn't great, sometimes you just need to grab a bottle, especially when you're traveling.

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, that's a real thing—it's best to taste water at room temperature, about 68°F, for optimal flavor. Heating or cooling water can alterthe intensity of the flavors you taste, as research dating back to 1972 has shown. So we stuck with room-temperature water and got 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 edge out the competition.

Best Glacial Water: Icelandic

Sourced from Ölfus Spring in Iceland, Icelandic water is slowly filtered through lava rock, contributing to its high pH level of 8.4. The glacial water also has a low mineral content, making it a clean, pure accompaniment to food and other beverages.

Delish editors loved this water for its "clean" and "smooth" taste. One editor noted that it "felt nutritional," while 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 tasted clean, flavorless, and somehow 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, while 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 electrolytesand 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 falls somewhere in the 6.5 to 8.5 range.

Lower pH levels may indicate dissolved minerals, such as carbon dioxide, while higher levels can come from added ingredients like calcium or bicarbonate. While neutral or slightly alkaline water is common for drinking, some brands promote high-pH water for potential health benefits, though there's not much solid science backing those claims.

Still, if it tastes good and keeps you hydrated, we say sip away!

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/tried-15-popular-bottled-waters-195750417.html