How to read the labels on sparkling mineral water bottles?
On a sparkling mineral water label, check four things: the identity statement (mineral water, spring water or just sparkling water), the carbonation wording, the mineral analysis table (calcium, magnesium, sodium, bicarbonate and total dissolved solids) and the ingredients. In the US, mineral water has at least 250 ppm total dissolved solids and no added minerals.
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In this article
What does the name on the front mean?
The name tells you what the product legally is. Under US rules (21 CFR 165.110), mineral water is water with at least 250 ppm total dissolved solids (TDS) from a protected underground source, and no minerals may be added. Sparkling bottled water is water that contains the same amount of carbon dioxide it had when it emerged from the source. Seltzer, club soda or a flavored sparkling drink are different products, so read the ingredients. Rules differ in other countries.
How to read the TDS and mineral statements
TDS is the total of dissolved minerals, in ppm or mg per liter. For US mineral water, the label must say low mineral content if TDS is under 500 ppm and high mineral content if it is over 1,500 ppm. Between those values no extra statement is needed.
What is in the analysis table?
- Calcium and magnesium: two of the main minerals in most mineral waters, and they affect taste.
- Sodium: compare it if you watch your salt intake. Values vary a lot between brands.
- Bicarbonate: a mineral that tends to soften the taste.
- Sulfate and chloride: can add a salty or bitter edge in high amounts.
- pH: carbonated water is usually a little acidic because dissolved carbon dioxide forms a mild acid.
Naturally sparkling or carbonated?
By the US definition above, sparkling bottled water keeps the gas level it had at the source. A product whose label says carbonated or carbonation added generally had gas added at bottling. This wording is a general guide, so check your country’s rules. Both can taste different from each other in bubble size and feel.
What else to check
- Ingredients: plain mineral water should list only water. Added flavors, sweeteners or juice mean it is a flavored drink.
- Source and brand details, which many labels print on the back.
- Best before date and storage notes.
Because the same bottle can be labeled differently by country, the numbers on the back of your bottle are the best guide. This page is general information, not a health recommendation.
People also ask
What is the difference between mineral water and sparkling water?
Mineral water comes from a protected underground source and has a minimum mineral content. Sparkling water describes the bubbles and may be plain carbonated water with no minerals.
What does TDS on a water label mean?
Total dissolved solids, the sum of dissolved minerals in ppm or mg per liter. US mineral water must be at least 250 ppm.
Does sparkling mineral water have sugar or calories?
Plain versions list only water, but flavored versions may add sugar or sweeteners. Check the ingredient list and nutrition panel.
Sources
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