How to find natural sources of sparkling mineral water?
Naturally sparkling mineral water comes from springs where the gas is already dissolved in the water, such as Vichy Catalan's source in Spain. You find it by reading labels: look for natural mineral water or sparkling mineral water, a named spring, and the mineral analysis. Visiting springs is something to check locally.
Free download
Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF): How long juice, soda, coconut water and bottled water last, opened and unopened. 19 rows, each with its source.
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.Also free:
Home Bar Storage Chart (PDF)Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF)Coffee, Tea and Hot Drinks Storage Chart (PDF)Drink Strength, Calories and Units Cheat Sheet (PDF)Want the full pack? About 10 printable sheets: a larger chart for each drink type, a “has it gone off?” checklist, date labels, a party planner and an inventory sheet.
In this article
How do you find natural sparkling mineral water?
Most people buy it, rather than collect it. Read the label to find out where the water comes from and whether the bubbles are natural. A useful label names the spring, gives the mineral content in mg/L and states whether carbon dioxide was added.
What do the terms mean?
In the US, the FDA defines mineral water as water with at least 250 ppm total dissolved solids from a protected source, with no minerals added. Sparkling bottled water is water that keeps the same carbon dioxide content it had at the source, after treatment and possible replacement of the gas. The bottled water standard does not cover products declared as seltzer water, soda water or tonic water, so the mineral rule does not apply to them.
Are all sparkling mineral waters naturally carbonated?
No. Some waters come out of the ground with their own gas. Others are carbonated during bottling, or have gas from the spring put back in. Producer websites usually say which. For example, the maker of Vichy Catalan says its water rises at a spring in Caldes de Malavella, Spain, already carrying its own carbon dioxide and is not carbonated artificially. It describes it as a sodium bicarbonate water.
Where can you buy it?
- Large supermarkets and wine shops often have a mineral water shelf.
- Health food stores and specialty grocers add imported brands.
- Online shops, if you want a particular spring.
How do you choose?
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Total dissolved solids | Higher usually means more mineral taste |
| Sodium | Important if you limit salt |
| Source named | Tells you it is a real spring |
| Natural or added gas | Affects bubble size and softness |
Can you visit natural springs?
Some bottling sites may not be open to visitors, so check with the producer or the local tourist office before you travel. Never drink from an unmarked spring, because it may not be tested for safety.
Tip
Serve it chilled. Try a low, medium and high mineral water side by side to find the one you prefer.
People also ask
What makes mineral water sparkling naturally?
Carbon dioxide dissolved in the water underground. Some springs reach the surface already carbonated.
What is the FDA definition of mineral water?
At least 250 ppm total dissolved solids from a protected source, with no minerals added.
Is seltzer the same as sparkling mineral water?
No. Seltzer is carbonated water with no mineral requirement; mineral water has a source and a minimum mineral content.
Sources
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections
What would help you most next?
One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.
Thank you. The free charts above are yours to keep.
