As the alkaline water trend keeps sweeping the nation, we’re left wondering, does it actually work, or are alkaline water brands full of it? Even though the brands are making all sorts of claims, do any of them hold water?
So to help our readers figure out what works and what doesn’t, here’s everything on alkaline water, along with the ultimate list of the 10 best brands.
What Is Alkaline Water?
Before we can answer what alkaline water is, we first have to talk about pH balance. pH stands for potential of hydrogen, and it is a scale that tells us how acidic or alkaline (basic) something is. Now, the scale ranges from 0 to 14, and most drinking waters are between 6.5 to 8.5.
For reference, battery acid has a pH of 0, our stomachs are 1 on the scale, while the most basic thing is liquid drain cleaner, with a 14 pH level. On the other hand, alkaline water usually has a pH level between 8 or 9, but it can be higher.
Benefits of Drinking Alkaline Water
So what does this alkaline water supposedly do? Well, some alkaline water brands and enthusiasts say it can help with:
- Aging
- Weight loss
- High blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Colon cleansing
However, to this day, there’s not enough research that would verify any of these claims. Although, there have been a couple of smaller studies to show that alkaline water can help with acid reflux.
Also, it can have an impact on blood viscosity in healthy adults. In essence, drinking alkaline water after a workout, for example, will help the blood flow more efficiently than drinking regular water.
But beyond these smaller studies, there’s still not enough research to prove all of the healing properties of alkaline water. So for the time being, take all of those claims with a grain of salt.
Potential Side Effects of Drinking Alkaline Water
Even though there’s usually little to no risk for those who love drinking alkaline water, some people can have a negative reaction to it.
To start, since it has higher levels of pH than regular drinking water, it could mess with our stomach acidity. If we lower the acidity, our stomachs won’t be able to battle bacteria in our systems.
What’s more, having too much alkalinity in our bodies can lead to gastrointestinal problems and skin irritations. It can also cause a condition called alkalosis which has some of the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle twitching
- Hand tremors
How to Find the Best Alkaline Water Brands on the Market
Before we fast-forward to our reviews and say which alkaline water brands reign supreme, we first have to talk about a few things.
To get the best water, we should first look at all the claims that the water company’s making — if it’s claiming that the water has some incredible healing properties but no proof to back those up, it’s best to stay far away from them.
Also, we should look at what the water source is, i.e., where the water’s coming from. Finally, we need to check the warning labels and look at the reviews to make sure the alkaline water’s actually safe.
The 10 Best Alkaline Water Brands on the Market
1. CORE Hydration Nutrient Enhanced Water
The CORE Hydration water has a pH balance of 7.4, and it comes in three different sizes: 23.9 fl oz, 30.4 fl oz, and 44 fl oz. Also, we can buy a single bottle, a 12-pack, and 24-pack on Amazon and in stores.
The innovative bottle design has a wide mouth part, and the bottle cap actually doubles as a little cup. Another cool thing about the bottle is that it’s made from 100% recyclable plastic that’s BPA-free.
Now, the alkaline water in the bottle is rich with electrolytes and minerals but has no fluoride in it. In fact, CORE says that it puts its water through seven different filtration processes to get rid of contaminants and germs.
Pros:
- Three sizes, three packs
- Unique bottle design from recyclable plastic
- Full of electrolytes and minerals
- Goes through seven filtration processes
Cons:
- The bigger bottles are tricky to carry
- The minerals can leave a strange aftertaste
2. Essentia Ionized Alkaline Water
Essentia is one of the most talked-about alkaline water brands on the market and for a good reason. The pH levels in the water are above 9.5, and the company says that most store-bought pH strips can’t test it.
What’s more, the company claims that it can turn any water source to Essentia water. That’s because it uses an innovative purification process to get rid of any unwanted particles and make it 99.9% clean.
The water comes in a 33.8 fl oz bottle, and we can buy it in packs of 12, 24, 36, and 48. Just like CORE’s water, Essentia has electrolytes, and the bottle is BPA-free. The company also says that its water is the best on the market for rehydration. Also, this alkaline water is the perfect choice for those who lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
Pros:
- pH levels over 9.5
- 99% clean
- Four different packs with BPA-free plastic
- Excellent for rehydration
Cons:
- Amazon and store-bought versions can differ in packaging and pH levels
- Unknown water source
3. Flow Alkaline Spring Water
For those looking for a more eco-friendly water bottle, Flow is one of the best alkaline water brands to check out. First of all, the bottle is made from sustainably sourced fibers, and the cap is plant-based. Also, we can recycle the whole thing, and the company has a B-Corp certification.
Now, the water itself has an 8.1 pH balance, and it comes from a family-owned artesian spring. What’s more, it’s full of minerals and vitamins like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Flow’s alkaline water comes in six refreshing flavors that include:
- Lemon+ginger
- Cucumber+mint
- Strawberry+rose
- Blackberry+hibiscus
One of the best things about Flow’s flavored water is that it has no sugar in it. Furthermore, there are no preservatives, sweeteners, and it’s GMO-free.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly bottle
- Has minerals and vitamins in it
- Comes in different flavors
- No sugars or sweeteners
Cons:
- The cartons are flimsy and can easily get damaged in transport
4. Bai Antioxidant Water
The Bai Antioxidant water is the ultimate choice for those who are on a health kick. It’s infused with antioxidants and electrolytes, but it’s also gluten-free. Also, the company claims that its water is kosher, vegan, soy-free, and low glycemic.
On Amazon, the water comes in a 12-pack, and we can get it in 18 fl oz or 33.8 fl oz bottles. Bai also says that its water has a pH balance of 7.5 or higher. Since that’s pretty close to the levels of tap water, it shouldn’t mess with our stomach acidity.
What’s more, Bai says that its water is super purified and that it has selenium and potassium in it. For those who know and love Bai’s products, the company now also makes all sorts of different drinks infused with antioxidants.
Pros:
- Full of minerals
- Vegan, kosher, soy-free
- The pH balance is 7.5
- Super purified
Cons:
- Can taste exactly like tap water
5. Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring Water
A water bottle that’s as cool as its country of origin, the Icelandic Glacial, comes in five different sizes. The company sources its water from the famous Ölfus Spring in Iceland that’s rich with minerals and has a natural pH level of 8.4.
Also, the water has been filtered for 5,000 years through layers of lava rock. But what makes Icelandic Glacial stand out from other alkaline water brands is that it’s entirely carbon neutral.
In fact, it was the first bottled water company in the world that was certified CarbonNeutral for both its operation and product. Unlike some of its competitors, Icelandic Glacial even has a sparkling version of its alkaline water.
Pros:
- Natural alkaline water from a spring
- Incredible filtration process
- The company and product are carbon neutral
- Comes in five sizes, and there’s a sparkling version
Cons:
- The quality of the water can depend on whether it’s in plastic or glass bottles
6. Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Alkaline Water
If there ever was a company that cared about the environment, it has to be Waiakea. First, the company puts its water into 100% upcycled plastic that’s BPA-free. What’s more, just like Icelandic Glacier, the company is a certified CarbonNeutral.
But that’s not even the best part yet.
For every 33.8 fl oz bottle that it sells, Waiakea donates one week’s supply of water to those in need in Africa. Also, we have to mention that the water comes from the Mauna Loa volcano, where it’s naturally filtered through volcanic rocks.
On Amazon, we can get this incredible alkaline water in packs of 12, 15, and 24 as 16.9 fl oz, 23.6 fl oz, and 33.8 fl oz. Of course, it’s also chock-full of minerals and electrolytes.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly product and company
- The water comes from a natural source in Hawaii
- Three different sizes and packs
- The pH level is 8.4
Cons:
- Doesn’t taste great when it’s not chilled
- Unfiltered
7. LIFEWTR Premium Purified Water
For those who just want to dip their toes in the water and try alkaline, LIFEWTR is the way to go. Since the water inside has pH levels of anywhere between 6.4 and 7.4, it won’t mess with our stomachs.
The LIFEWTR brand is where nature meets creativity to inspire both the body and the mind. Their motto is that every bottle is a canvas for art, and they show it with every bottle series they put out. Right now, they’re doing their eighth one and showcasing artwork from up-and-coming artists.
Pros:
- The pH levels are between 6.4 and 7.4
- Comes in three different sizes and two packs
- Water bottles come with unique designs
- Purified water with electrolytes
Cons:
- The plastic bottle gets easily bent
8. Acqua Panna Natural Spring Water
The Acqua Panna is one of the leading alkaline water brands in Italy that gets its water from a spring in the sunny hills of Tuscany. Their water is supposed to be one of the smoothest tastes on Earth, and it pairs perfectly with food and wine.
The Acqua Panna water comes in three different sizes: 16.9 fl oz, 25.3 fl oz, and 33.8 fl oz. Also, we can get this alkaline mineral water in a pack of 12 or 24. Even though Amazon doesn’t sell it, the Acqua Panna also comes in a glass bottle that provides the ultimate taste.
Pros:
- The water comes from a natural source
- Pairs great with food and wine
- Comes in three sizes and two packs
- Glass and plastic bottle options
Cons:
- The minerals in the water can leave a strange aftertaste
9. Qure Alkaline Water
We would recommend the Qure alkaline water only to the die-hard fans and alkaline-lovers, as it has pH levels of around 10. In fact, Qure’s product is one of the most alkaline waters on the market.
Just like Flow, Qure also has a selection of its alkaline waters with different delicious flavors that include:
- Watermelon and kiwi
- Lemon and ginger
- Cucumber and mint
What’s more, all of the bottles are available in two different sizes — 16.9 fl oz, and 33.8 fl oz, and we can get them in 12- and 24-packs. Qure takes its quality seriously, which is why each bottle goes through four processes: purifying, mineralizing, curing, and polishing.
Pros:
- High levels of pH
- Different flavors, sizes, and packages
- Great value for the price
- High-quality product
Cons:
- The plastic bottles easily bend
- None of the materials are recyclable
10. AQUAhydrate Electrolyte Enhanced Alkaline Water
Coming in at just a touch less acidic than Qure, the AQUAhydrate water has a pH balance of 9. It boasts an impressive list of celebrity ambassadors, including P Diddy, Mark Wahlberg, and Jullian Michaels.
Also, the company says its water is the ideal choice for athletes and people who lead healthy lifestyles. That’s because AQUAhydrate has an innovative electrolyte blend and an ionic mineral concentrate. What’s more, it comes in five different sizes, with the biggest one being 128 fl oz.
Pros:
- The pH balance is 9
- Unique electrolyte blend
- Five sizes
- Has magnesium and is fluoride-free
Cons:
- Sometimes has a strange aftertaste
Alternatives to Bottled Alkaline Water
Now, we know that buying cases of bottled water isn’t really eco-friendly or sustainable. Luckily, there’s a solution for those who love the taste of alkaline water but want to save the planet (and a bit of cash) along the way.
To start, our number-one recommendation would be to buy an alkaline water pitcher, like the EHM Ultra. It works by getting rid of all contaminants from tap water, changes its pH balance to 10, and adds magnesium and potassium to it.
On the other hand, there are also alkaline water filters like the iSpring RCC7AK. Even though the upfront cost is a bit higher than buying a case of water, it’s an investment that’ll turn any tap water source into alkaline water.
Final Thoughts
Even though there’s still not enough research to back up every claim about alkaline water, in moderation, it can still do the body good. It can rehydrate us, improve blood flow, and boost our electrolytes. But before we run to the store and grab a bottle, we should know which alkaline water brands do what they say and which are just as dull as dishwater.
