Over the years there have been several trends that have taken place when it comes to the water that people drink and trying to make it healthier to consume.
It all started many decades ago with bottled water that was filtered or came from sources deep in the ground that was naturally purer than most tap water that was available at the time.
That was followed by many ways to make the water at home you drink free from impurities. All of which we cover in depth here at Water Tech Advice.
So, what’s the latest and best trend when it comes to the water that you can drink. If you guessed consuming alkaline water, then you would be correct.
Many believe that it can have a beneficial effect on your body and counteract some of the negative health aspects of having areas in your body which are too acidic.
If you are convinced that drinking alkaline water is right for you, I can help you speed up your search process for an alkaline water brand that’s best for you.
That’s because here I will discuss some of the most popular alkaline water brands and some others that I believe are best to avoid.
Table of Contents
A Quick Recap of What Is Alkaline Water?
You obviously are aware and curious and aware of alkalinity water if you are reading this article, so I won’t go in-depth here.
I just want to do a quick recap of what alkaline water is and why drinking it is increasing in popularity.
Neutral pH of water is considered to be 7 according to the following pH scale. Anything higher than that is said to be alkaline.
That’s a scenario that rarely occurs in drinking water as pollution and other environmental conditions impact any water sources pH level.
Most alkaline water that’s prepackaged is in the 7.5 to 9.5 pH range. That’s because anything higher than that is thought to be too alkaline to be safe to consume.
In case you are not aware as to why the drinking of alkaline water is upward trending, I will list some of the supposed health benefits that come from drinking high pH water:
- It might have anti-aging effects because an alkaline leaning body helps you absorb antioxidants better
- The above alkaline water trait may also help give your body cancer resistance
- May act as a colon health cleanser
- It’s thought to give your immune system a boost
- Alkaline water is believed to hydrate your body and your skin better
- Has some properties that may promote weight loss
Best Alkaline Water Brands List
To help keep you from having to take a lot of time trying to find the best alkaline water brand for you, we have done some research for you.
Here is what we have determined to be the top brands of alkaline water and why they may be the best choice for you
1. Essentia
Essentia boasts having a higher pH of 9.5. But this is also an ionized water brand that has a lot more to offer than just a higher pH level.
That includes being 99.9% pure and infused with electrolytes. Many users claim that it has a very smooth and clean taste too.
Pros:
- 9.5 safe pH level
- Smooth taste
- Microfiltered to be 99.9% pure
- Infused with electrolytes
- Available in many sizes
Cons:
- Somewhat pricey
- No added minerals
2. Icelandic Glacial
Here is an alkaline water brand that can be found at the top of many of the lists of the best ones. That’s because many drinkers of high alkalinity water prefer it to be naturally sources such as this one.
It’s found in a decent pH range of around 8.4 and it’s also a bottled water brand that can be purchased unflavored or in several different flavors (Elderflower, Tahitian Lime and Sicilian Lemon)
Pros:
- Naturally alkaline pH level of 8.4
- Available in several flavors
- Certified carbon neutral
- Environmentally friendly choice
Cons:
- Some prefer higher alkalinity levels
- No microfiltration
- Alkalinity level may be inconsistent across batches
3. Alkaline 88
Here is another popular brand of ionized water. Alkaline 88 is processed to have a pH level of 8.8 and is made using only purified water and natural pink Himalayan rock salt.
The bottles that it comes in are 100% recyclable and healthy minerals and trace elements are added back to the water because they are removed during the advanced reverse osmosis (RO) filtering that this alkaline water goes through.
Pros:
- 8.8 pH level
- Added pink Himalayan rock salt
- 100% recyclable bottles
- Added minerals and trace elements
- Reverse osmosis filtered for purity
- Added electrolytes
Cons:
- Sells for over $1 per 17-ounce bottle
- Not low sodium diet friendly
4. Perfect Hydration 9.5+
If you would like to drink ionized water that takes you close to the higher level of what’s considered to be safe, then Perfect Hydration 9.5+ may be the right choice for you. Its pH ranges between 9.5 and 10 in the bottles that it comes in.
It’s also 99.9% pure because it passes through 9-filtration stages, certified to be kosher-friendly, and has bonus minerals and electrolytes added to it.
Pros:
- 9.5+ pH level
- 9 stage filtration
- Added minerals and electrolytes
- Certified Kosher
Cons:
- Somewhat pricey
- Some don’t like its taste
5. Evamor
If your budget is not a factor when it comes to your quest for a quality alkaline water brand, then Evamor may be a solid pick for you.
It is known for having a great taste since it’s naturally sourced from deep artesian wells. This ionized water brand boasts a consistent 8.8 to 9.1 pH level and has naturally occurring electrolytes and minerals in it.
Pros:
- 8.8 to 9.1 pH level
- Renowned for its taste
- Sourced naturally from deep artesian wells
- Has minerals and electrolytes
- Packaged in BPA-free bottles
Cons:
- Among the highest priced alkaline water brands
- Does not come in 24-packs
6. BODYARMOR SportWater Alkaline Water
For those of you that are an active or athletic person, this is a high electrolyte water that also boasts having a pH level of 9+. Added calcium, magnesium, and potassium are designed to speed up hydration.
Its specially designed flip top also makes it easy to replenish your electrolytes when you are working out, playing sports, running, or cycling. The proprietary formula does have some inconsistencies in pH range but that’s not a deal breaker here.
Pros:
- 9+ pH level
- High in electrolytes
- Great for sports enthusiasts
- Specially designed flip top
- Proprietary formula for faster hydration
Cons:
- No added minerals
- Alkalinity varies between batches
7. smartwater
This is one of the first brands of alkaline water to enter the marketplace. smartwater ionized water has a pH level that is always higher than 10 and its vapor distilled then filtered again for exceptional purity
You may also like to know that its available in larger size bottles, has added electrolytes (calcium chloride and potassium bicarbonate), and beneficial selenium. Flavor infused versions are also available.
Pros:
- 9+ pH level
- One of the oldest alkalinity water providers
- Available in larger size bottles
- Vapor distilled for exceptional purity
- Added electrolytes
- Contains beneficial selenium
- Flavor infused versions
Cons:
- Somewhat pricey
- pH can be inconsistent across batches
8. Zenwtr
This is another ionized water product that is known for having a high pH level (9.5+) and whose taste is rated very highly by those that have consumed it.
Much of that taste comes from its added calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium bicarbonate electrolytes. Zenwtr is also vapor distilled for high purity and the manufacturer donates 1% of profits to ocean plastic cleanup.
Pros:
- 9.5+ pH level
- Added electrolytes
- Users love its taste
- Vapor distilled for high purification
- Uses recycled bottle material
- Company is environmentally conscious
Cons:
- Among the highest priced alkaline water brands
- Not easy to find in large quantities
9. JUST Water
If you are worried about drinking alkaline water that is too close to the 10-pH safe limit, then the JUST water brand of ionized water may be a good choice for you. It only has a pH rating of 8.0.
It’s sourced from natural spring water and is made by an environmentally responsible company. This alkaline water brand comes available in several different quantities and can be found in flavor enhanced versions.
Pros:
- 8.0 pH level
- Natural spring water
- Flavor enhanced selections available
- Uses recycled and natural bottle material
- Many quantity choices are available
Cons:
- Among the lower pH alkaline water brands
- No added electrolytes
10. Bai Antioxidant Alkaline Water
This is an excellent ionized water choice for those that only want to drink slightly alkaline leaning water. It has a low alkalinity level of just 7.5 pH. Bai Antioxidant Alkaline Water is also very pure because it goes through RO filtration.
It comes in flavored selections and its extremely pure ionized water due to the advanced reverse osmosis filtration that it goes through. You may also like the fact that its vegan and kosher certified.
Pros:
- 7.5 pH level
- Added selenium for boosting electrolytes
- Goes through reverse osmosis purification
- Vegan and Kosher certified
- Flavor infused versions available
Cons:
- Among the lower pH alkaline water brands
- Somewhat pricey
Some Brands to Avoid
Here are a few alkaline water brands that have some traits that make me a little leery of purchasing them:
1. TEN Alkaline Spring Water
I will start by saying that I am in the minority with this one because it can be found on many people’s best alkaline water lists.
After all, what’s not to like about an alkaline water brand that is ultra-pure and has added electrolytes.
Well, I will tell you. It’s because it has one of the highest alkaline leaning pH levels of all the alkaline water brands that are available for purchase.
As noted, the manufacturer states it has a pH of 10+ and that is maybe a little too high to consume in large quantities according to some of the research I have done. It also sells for around $30 for a 24-pack.
2. Alkazone
There is always someone that tries to come up with a new variation of a product that suddenly becomes extremely popular.
That’s exactly the case with Alkazone alkaline water. That’s because this is not ready-made alkaline water but instead drops that you put into a fresh glass of water yourself.
Why does this not appeal to me? For one there is no consistency to the formulation like you get with pre-made alkaline water.
I think each person needs to find an alkaline water brand with a pH level that best suits them and that’s hard to do when you are making individual glasses of alkaline water.
It also has an extremely high alkaline-leaning pH of 9.5+ which will go even higher if you add more than 3 drops.
Some Last Thoughts on the Best Alkaline Water Brands
I will start by saying that I cannot begin to tell you if drinking alkaline water is right for you. That is best discussed between you and a health professional.
Some of the early research conducted on the health benefits of drinking alkaline water certainly suggest there is some benefit to consuming alkaline pH leaning water.
As you have seen here, Alkaline water is certainly easy to obtain and drink. If you choose to do that, the brands discussed here are among the best.
You may also want to consider making your own alkaline water in a structured and consistent manner.
This can be done by purchasing a point of use water filter such as a reverse osmosis system or water filter pitcher that has an alkalinity cartridge or by purchasing an alkaline water machine.