Bottled Water Comparison

Source Material

These days, bottled water comes in all shapes, sizes, and prices—and from as far afield as Norway, Fiji, and Wales. Which is the purest of them all?

By Aja Mangum
Published May 21, 2005

Ty Nant, $4.50
One of eleven waters on Alain Ducasse’s menu, this Welsh still water is smooth but bland. The bottle makes a nice vase, though. (At Dean & DeLuca, 580 Broadway, at Prince St.; 212-431-1691.)

Voss, $3.99
Mainly sold at high-end hotels, health clubs, and restaurants, this Norwegian artesian water is low in minerals with a light, clear taste. (At Dean & Deluca; deandeluca.com.)

Acqua Panna, $2.49
A noncarbonated spring water from Tuscany with a rich, thick consistency. Good for the health-conscious who want to fill up on fluids before a meal (mitchellsny.com).

Evamor, $1.99
Fresh from Abita Springs, Louisiana, it’s unusually high in calcium bicarbonate: One bottle has the nutritional value of six apples. (At D’Agostino; 800-275-4324.)

Smart Water, $1.99
The bowling-pin-shaped bottle is easy to grasp, and the added electrolytes combat dehydration when you exercise. (At E.A.T., 1064 Madison Ave., nr. 81st St.; 212-772-0022.)

Gerolsteiner Sprudel, $1.49
Smaller bubbles than in most sparkling waters caress your tongue with high-velocity fizziness. Even if you don’t like seltzer, try this German carbonated mineral water (mitchellsny.com).

Metromint, $1.49
It tastes like mouthwash, but the natural mint and purified water help digestion, and the strong smell is a great pick-me-up. (At Gourmet Garage; gourmetgarage.com.)

(Photo: Davies and Starr)

Fiji, 99 cents
Clear yet full-bodied, this artesian water from tropical rain is the best option at the average deli. (At Whole Foods; wholefoods.com.)