While bottled water is often seen as a healthy and convenient choice, not all brands are created equal. Some bottled waters contain additives, unnatural flavorings, or even alarming levels of acidity that can harm your teeth or disrupt your body’s pH balance. Others may be little more than glorified tap water with a fancy label. Below are some of the worst bottled water brands for your health and why they’re best left on the shelf.
Propel
Propel
, made by the same company behind Gatorade, is marketed as fitness water, but its added ingredients raise eyebrows. Although it’s low in calories, Propel contains
artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium
, which have been linked to digestive discomfort and potential long-term health concerns. These ingredients may be fine in moderation, but when consumed regularly, they can disrupt gut health and confuse your body’s natural sugar responses.
Dasani
Dasani
, a Coca-Cola brand, has come under scrutiny for its questionable additives. Though labeled as purified water, it includes
magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, and sodium
, which are used to enhance flavor. The issue lies not only in the unnecessary mineral additions but also in the fact that Dasani is essentially filtered tap water. The added minerals can give it a metallic taste and offer no substantial health benefits.
Smartwater
Despite the sleek branding,
Smartwater
is another bottled water that’s more hype than health. It undergoes a vapor distillation process, and while it’s technically clean, the water is then
remineralized with calcium chloride and magnesium chloride
, which serve no real health purpose. Some consumers also report that it tastes overly processed. Its high price tag adds to the misconception that it’s superior to other waters.
Aquafina
Aquafina
, a PepsiCo product, is another bottled water brand that has been criticized for its
low pH levels
. Its acidity can range from
5.5 to 6
, which may contribute to
dental enamel erosion
over time if consumed frequently. Like Dasani, Aquafina is also just purified tap water, lacking the natural minerals that many spring waters provide.
Vitaminwater
While technically not a plain water,
Vitaminwater
is often grouped with bottled water products and marketed as a healthier alternative. However, most varieties are loaded with
sugar
, with some bottles containing up to
30 grams or more
—comparable to a can of soda. This defeats the purpose of staying hydrated for health and can contribute to weight gain and blood sugar spikes.
Final Thoughts
Not all bottled water is as pure and healthy as it seems. Brands like Propel, Dasani, Smartwater, Aquafina, and Vitaminwater include unnecessary additives, artificial ingredients, or misleading marketing that can be counterproductive to your health. When choosing bottled water, opt for natural spring water with minimal processing and no added chemicals or sweeteners. Reading the label can help you make a smarter, cleaner choice for hydration.
