What is mineral water and how is it different from regular water?
In the US, FDA lets a bottled water be called mineral water only if it has at least 250 parts per million total dissolved solids, comes from a protected underground source, and has no minerals added. Regular bottled or drinking water has no such minimum (FDA, 21 CFR 165.110). USDA lists generic bottled water at 10 mg calcium per 100 g and a sparkling mineral water at 33 mg.
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In this article
What makes water “mineral water”?
Under FDA’s bottled water rule, mineral water is water with not less than 250 parts per million (ppm) total dissolved solids (TDS). It must come from a protected underground source and keep a constant level and proportion of minerals. No minerals may be added.
How is it different from regular water?
FDA allows “drinking water” as another name for bottled water, with no minimum mineral level. “Purified water” is produced by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis or similar processes and meets the U.S. Pharmacopeia definition. So the difference is mostly the source and the mineral level, not whether the water is “cleaner.”
Is there a TDS label for strong or weak mineral waters?
Yes. If the TDS is below 500 ppm, the label must say “low mineral content.” Above 1,500 ppm it must say “high mineral content.” Between 500 and 1,500 ppm no extra statement is required.
How many minerals are in it?
| Per 100 g (about 100 mL) | Calcium | Magnesium | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottled water, generic (USDA) | 10 mg | 2 mg | 2 mg |
| Gerolsteiner sparkling mineral water (USDA) | 33 mg | 11 mg | 13 mg |
Both are 0 calories. Other brands differ, so check the label.
Does it have health benefits?
We found no official source (FDA, NHS, WHO) that says mineral water detoxifies the body or prevents disease, so we do not make those claims. If you are on a low-sodium diet or have kidney or heart conditions, ask a doctor or pharmacist about the sodium and mineral content of your water.
People also ask
What is the difference between mineral water and regular water?
FDA allows the name mineral water only for water with at least 250 ppm total dissolved solids from a protected underground source, with no minerals added. Regular drinking water has no minimum.
Can mineral water have minerals added?
No. FDA's definition says no minerals may be added to water sold as mineral water.
What does low mineral content on a label mean?
It means the mineral water has less than 500 ppm total dissolved solids. Above 1,500 ppm the label must say high mineral content.
Sources
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