European Bottled Water Brands | Best 50 In Health & Taste

Studies show that the ideal drinking water should be rich in magnesium and calcium and have a low sodium content. [1] When it comes to mineral content, European water is surprisingly different to US water. 

Bottled water from France and Germany rank highest in mineral content and taste best. They are significantly higher in minerals than any popular US bottled water. Only 4 glasses of the healthiest bottled water we found, “Vittel Hépar”, provides 58 % of daily calcium and 30 % of daily magnesium.

This article examined the 50 best European bottled water brands and will facilitate your next buying decision as well as achieving your health goals.

1. The Best Water To Drink: Spring & Mineral Water

Drinking water, tap and bottled, is becoming more popular and increasingly replaces sugar-sweetened drinks in the US. [2]

What seems like a new trend in the US, has been the standard over years in most European countries. In Europe, spring and mineral water is the hydrating choice #1.

Having grown up in Germany myself, I can tell from my own experience that any home is stocked with plenty of spring or mineral water in glass bottles.

What type of water you choose can make a big difference for your health.

European bottled waters contain significantly higher mineral levels than North American tap water sources and North American bottled waters. [3]

Studies recommend that Physicians should encourage patients to check the mineral content of their drinking water. [4] 

And here’s why: Daily consumption of water high in minerals may provide over 40% of the recommended daily intake for calcium and magnesium. [5]

Drinking those waters helps achieve an adequate daily intake of those minerals. [6]

This can be especially important for people who don’t get plenty of minerals through a clean and nutritious diet on a daily basis.

Moreover, people who exercise regularly have higher mineral needs. [7]

When talking about water high in minerals, we mean water labeled “spring water” and “mineral water”. Both contain higher amounts of magnesium and calcium. [8]

Germany has an additional category of drinking water called “Heilwasser”, which translates to medicinal water.

Medicinal waters are special types of mineral waters: they are characterized by a particularly high content of minerals and have a healing and preventative health effect.

Healing waters are subject to the German Federal Pharmaceutical Act and must be approved by the Federal Ministry of Health. [9]

Medicinal waters are popular and regular consumption is common regardless of a person’s health condition.

The taste of water is important to you?

Studies show that water high in calcium, magnesium, sulfate and bicarbonate tastes best to most people. [10]

What is important to note about spring and mineral water, is that they provide a calorie free source of minerals. [11]

Also, minerals in spring and mineral water can easily be absorbed. The bioavailability of minerals from mineral water is good and can be compared with that of milk. [12]; [13]; [14]; [15]; [16]

You can find a summary of the key studies on drinking water in our article: The Better Water To Drink | Healthiest & Best In Taste

Now it’s time to dive in and explore the Top 50 European bottled waters.

We’ll start with:

• European bottled water highest in calcium
• European bottled water highest in magnesium
• And finally: The Top 50 healthiest European mineral waters

2. European Bottled Water: Best 50 Highest In Calcium

Science has confirmed again and again what water is healthiest for our bodies: Water high in minerals. [17]; [18]; [19]; [20]; [21]

Spring and mineral water contain high levels of calcium and magnesium. Mineral waters may provide over 58% of the recommended daily intake for calcium.

Drinking those waters helps achieve an adequate daily intake of those minerals. [22]; [23]; [24]

Wonder how the US bottled water brands perform in comparison to these amazingly high mineral levels?

Check out our article: Healthy Bottled Water Brands: Best 30 In Calcium & Magnesium

Benefits of drinking European bottled water high in calcium:

• 1 Liter (only 4 glasses) of the high calcium bottled water brands compared in this article provide up to 58% of the recommended daily intake for calcium.
• Minerals in spring and mineral water can easily be absorbed. The bioavailability of minerals from mineral water is good and can be compared with that of milk. [25]; [26];[27]; [28]; [29]
• Spring and mineral water help keep our bones healthy. [30]; [31]; [32]; [33]
• Water high in minerals could be useful in the treatment of osteoporosis. [34]
• A one-month intake of mineral water rich in calcium, magnesium bicarbonate, and sulfate decreased cholesterol and LDL levels dyslipidemic adults. [35]
• Mineral water intake reduces blood pressure among subjects with low urinary magnesium and calcium levels. [36]
• Especially in aged people with lactose intolerance, mineral waters are recommended to achieve optimal calcium requirements. [37]
• Water low in calcium, is associated with a higher risk of fracture in children, certain neurodegenerative diseases, pre-term birth and low weight at birth and some types of cancer. [38]

Here’s our best 50 European waters for calcium (1L = 4 glasses):

1. Vittel Hépar, France; 575 mg/L; 58 % DV
2. Crodo Valle d’oro, Italy; 510 mg/L; 51 % DV
3. Contrex, France; 467 mg/L; 47 % DV
4. Aproz, Switzerland; 454 mg/L; 45 % DV
5. Valser, Switzerland; 436 mg/L; 44 % DV
6. Ferrarelle, Italy; 408 mg/L; 41 % DV
7. Gerolsteiner, Germany; 364 mg/L; 36 % DV
8. Sangemini, Italy; 322 mg/L; 32 % DV
9. Passugger, Switzerland; 286 mg/L; 29 % DV
10. Rosbacher, Germany; 256 mg/L; 26 % DV
11. Rippoldsauer, Germany; 248 mg/L; 25 % DV
12. Radenska, Slovenia; 217 mg/L; 22 % DV
13. Peterstaler, Germany; 216 mg/L; 22 % DV
14. San Pellegrino, Italy; 204 mg/L; 20 % DV
15. Vittel Grande Source, France; 202 mg/L; 20 % DV
16. Badoit, France; 200 mg/L; 20 % DV
17. Franken Brunnen, Germany; 198 mg/L; 20 % DV
18. Hassia Sprudel, Germany; 176 mg/L; 18 % DV
19. Pracastello, Italy; 164 mg/L; 16 % DV
20. Romerquelle, Austria; 146 mg/L; 15 % DV
21. Perrier, France; 145 mg/L; 15 % DV
22. Pedras Salgadas, Portugal; 132 mg/L; 13 % DV
23. Acqua Fabia, Italy; 124 mg/L; 12 % DV
24. Boario, Italy; 124 mg/L; 12 % DV
25. Naleczowianka, Poland; 119 mg/L; 12 % DV
26. Cristalp, Switzerland; 115 mg/L; 12 % DV
27. Ballygowan, Ireland; 114 mg/L; 11 % DV
28. Fachingen, Germany; 113 mg/L; 11 % DV
29. Glenpatrick Spring, Ireland; 112 mg/L; 11 % DV
30. Henniez, Switzerland; 111 mg/L; 11 % DV
31. Claudia, Italy; 104 mg/L; 10 % DV
32. Chiltern Hills, England; 104 mg/L; 10 % DV
33. Vichy Original, Finland; 100 mg/L; 10 % DV
34. Vittel Bonne Source, France; 91 mg/L; 9 % DV
35. Apollinaris, Germany; 89 mg/L; 9 % DV
36. Salus Vidago, Spain; 78 mg/L; 8 % DV
37. Evian, France; 78 mg/L; 8 % DV
38. Acqua di Nepi, Italy; 72 mg/L; 7 % DV
39. Vichy Nouvelle, Finland; 70 mg/L; 7 % DV
40. Valvert, Belgium; 68 mg/L; 7 % DV
41. Strathmore, United Kingdom; 60 mg/L; 6 % DV
42. Crodo Lisiel, Italy; 60 mg/L; 6 % DV
43. Voslauer, Austria; 57 mg/L; 6 % DV
44. Buxton, United Kingdom; 55 mg/L; 6 % DV
45. Abbey Well, United Kingdom; 54 mg/L; 5 % DV
46. Aqua-Pura, England; 53 mg/L; 5 % DV
47. Hella, Germany; 51 mg/L; 5 % DV
48. Brecon Carreg, United Kingdom; 48 mg/L; 5 % DV
49. St. Michaelis, Germany; 43 mg/L; 4 % DV
50. San Benedetto, Italy; 43 mg/L; 4 % DV

PS: When chosing Vittel, make sure you look for Vittel Hépar, France. There is also Vittel Bonne Source and Vittel Grande Source on the market which both contain considerably fewer minerals than Vittel Hépar.

Your favorite European bottled water isn’t listed?

Check out ConsumerReport’s Water database and see if you can find your mineral information there.

Conclusion: Calcium is an essential mineral for human nutrition. Habitual consumption of European mineral water brands high in calcium may contribute a large portion of calcium we need each day. High calcium water from European bottled water may be especially important for people who are vegan, lactose-intolerant or don’t eat dairy for other reasons. European bottled water is significantly higher in calcium than popular US brands.

3. European Bottled Water: Best 50 Highest In Magnesium

There are countless benefits to getting your daily fill of magnesium.

Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heartbeat steady, and helps bones remain strong.

Magnesium also helps adjust blood glucose levels. It aids in the production of energy and protein. [39]

1 Liter (4 glasses) of the European bottled water brands researched in this article provide up to 32% of the recommended daily intake for magnesium.

Benefits of drinking European bottled water high in magnesium:

• Many studies show that higher water magnesium is related to decreased risks for cardiovascular disease, especially for sudden death from cardiovascular disease. [40]
• 1 Liter (only 4 glasses) of the highest magnesium bottled water brands researched in this article provides 32% of the recommended daily intake for magnesium.
• Minerals in spring and mineral water can easily be absorbed. The bioavailability of minerals from mineral water is good and can be compared with that of milk.[41]; [42]; [43]; [44]; [45]
• A one-month intake of mineral water rich in calcium, magnesium bicarbonate, and sulfate decreased cholesterol and LDL levels dyslipidemic adults. [46]
• Mineral water intake reduces blood pressure among subjects with low urinary magnesium and calcium levels. [47]
• Water low in magnesium may be associated with a higher risk of motor neuronal disease, pregnancy disorders, sudden death in infants, and some types of cancer. [48]
• Strenuous exercise may increase magnesium requirements by 10-20%. [49]
• Consuming 300 mg magnesium per day may prevent or delay the age-related decline in physical performance. [50]

Here’s our best 50 European waters for magnesium (1L = 4 glasses):

1. Rosbacher, Germany; 128 mg/L; 32 % DV
2. Vittel Hépar, France; 118 mg/L; 30 % DV
3. Gerolsteiner, Germany; 113 mg/L; 28 % DV
4. Vichy Original, Finland; 110 mg/L; 28 % DV
5. Vichy Nouvelle, Finland; 110 mg/L; 28 % DV
6. Apollinaris, Germany; 104 mg/L; 26 % DV
7. Badoit, France; 100 mg/L; 25 % DV
8. Radenska, Slovenia; 97 mg/L; 24 % DV
9. Contrex, France; 84 mg/L; 21 % DV
10. Aproz, Switzerland; 67 mg/L; 17 % DV
11. Romerquelle, Austria; 65 mg/L; 16 % DV
12. Fachingen, Germany; 62 mg/L; 16 % DV
13. San Pellegrino, Italy; 57 mg/L; 14 % DV
14. Valser, Switzerland; 54 mg/L; 14 % DV
15. Crodo Valle d’oro, Italy; 51 mg/L; 13 % DV
16. Peterstaler, Germany; 49 mg/L; 12 % DV
17. Pracastello, Italy; 46 mg/L; 12 % DV
18. Franken Brunnen, Germany; 42 mg/L; 11 % DV
19. Boario, Italy; 41 mg/L; 10 % DV
20. Cristalp, Switzerland; 40 mg/L; 10 % DV
21. Rippoldsauer, Germany; 37 mg/L; 9 % DV
22. Voslauer, Austria; 37 mg/L; 9 % DV
23. Vittel Grande Source, France; 36 mg/L; 9 % DV
24. Hassia Sprudel, Germany; 36 mg/L; 9 % DV
25. Abbey Well, United Kingdom; 36 mg/L; 9 % DV
26. Acqua di Nepi, Italy; 26 mg/L; 7 % DV
27. San Benedetto, Italy; 25 mg/L; 6 % DV
28. Passugger, Switzerland; 24 mg/L; 6 % DV
29. Naleczowianka, Poland; 24 mg/L; 6 % DV
30. Evian, France; 24 mg/L; 6 % DV
31. Ferrarelle, Italy; 23 mg/L; 6 % DV
32. Tipperary, Ireland; 23 mg/L; 6 % DV
33. Bru, Belgium; 23 mg/L; 6 % DV
34. Claudia, Italy; 22 mg/L; 6 % DV
35. Vittel Bonne Source, France; 20 mg/L; 5 % DV
36. Sangemini, Italy; 19 mg/L; 5 % DV
37. Henniez, Switzerland; 19 mg/L; 5 % DV
38. Buxton, United Kingdom; 19 mg/L; 5 % DV
39. Brecon Carreg, United Kingdom; 17 mg/L; 4 % DV
40. Ballygowan, Ireland; 16 mg/L; 4 % DV
41. Glenpatrick Spring, Ireland; 15 mg/L; 4 % DV
42. Strathmore, United Kingdom; 15 mg/L; 4 % DV
43. Highland Spring, United Kingdom; 15 mg/L; 4 % DV
44. Vera, Italy; 13 mg/L; 3 % DV
45. Salus Vidago, Spain; 10 mg/L; 3 % DV
46. Pedras Salgadas, Portugal; 9 mg/L; 2 % DV
47. Aqua-Pura, England; 7 mg/L; 2 % DV
48. Fonter, Spain; 7 mg/L; 2 % DV
49. Volvic, France; 6 mg/L; 2 % DV
50. Acqua Fabia, Italy; 5 mg/L; 1 % DV

Conclusion: Magnesium is an essential mineral for human nutrition. Habitual consumption of European mineral water brands high in magnesium may contribute a large portion of magnesium we need each day. European bottled water is significantly higher in magnesium than popular US brands.

4. European Bottled Water Brands To Avoid: High Sodium

Sodium is an essential nutrient and is needed to maintain body fluid volume and blood pressure.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (USDA 2000) recommend 2400 mg/day.

Recommended Sodium per day: 1 1/4 teaspoons

For drinking water, the EPA Advisory (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends reducing sodium concentrations in drinking water to between 30 and 60 mg/L. [51]

The primary health concern related with sodium is hypertension.

Sodium restriction seems to be the most beneficial in lowering blood pressure for older persons who are only mildly hypertensive and are not overweight. For people with restricted sodium intake, the EPA has put out a guidance level.

People with restricted sodium intake: choose water < 20 mg/L of sodium. [52]

The following list shows common and popular European bottled water brands with high to very high amounts of sodium (129 – 1419 mg/L).

People with restricted sodium intake should be aware of the sodium content in these bottled water brands:

• Kaiser Friedrich, Germany
• Salus Vidago, Spain
• Pedras Salgadas, Portugal
• Fachingen, Germany
• Radenska, Slovenia
• Apollinaris, Germany
• Hassia Sprudel, Germany
• Vichy Original, Finland
• Peterstaler, Germany
• Badoit, France
• Rippoldsauer, Germany
• Gerolsteiner, Germany

5. Top 50 European Bottled Waters: Highest In Minerals

We combined our findings from above to determine which European bottled water brands have the very best mineral profile. And here it is:

The best European bottled water brands highest in minerals are…

1. Vittel Hépar, France
2. Gerolsteiner, Germany
3. Rosbacher, Germany
4. Contrex, France
5. Aproz, Switzerland
6. Crodo Valle d’oro, Italy
7. Valser, Switzerland
8. Radenska, Slovenia
9. Badoit, France
10. San Pellegrino, Italy
11. Peterstaler, Germany
12. Romerquelle, Austria
13. Rippoldsauer, Germany
14. Franken Brunnen, Germany
15. Pracastello, Italy
16. Ferrarelle, Italy
17. Passugger, Switzerland
18. Vichy Original, Finland
19. Vittel Grande Source, France
20. Fachingen, Germany
21. Apollinaris, Germany
22. Boario, Italy
23. Hassia Sprudel, Germany
24. Sangemini, Italy
25. Vichy Nouvelle, Finland
26. Cristalp, Switzerland
27. Naleczowianka, Poland
28. Acqua di Nepi, Italy
29. Claudia, Italy
30. Voslauer, Austria
31. Evian, France
32. Ballygowan, Ireland
33. Henniez, Switzerland
34. Pedras Salgadas, Portugal
35. Vittel Bonne Source, France
36. Abbey Well, United Kingdom
37. Glenpatrick Spring, Ireland
38. Acqua Fabia, Italy
39. Perrier, France
40. San Benedetto, Italy
41. Buxton, United Kingdom
42. Salus Vidago, Spain
43. Strathmore, United Kingdom
44. Tipperary, Ireland
45. Brecon Carreg, United Kingdom
46. Bru, Belgium
47. Aqua-Pura, England
48. Chiltern Hills, England
49. Highland Spring, United Kingdom
50. Valvert, Belgium