Bottled Water Rankings:
How to Choose the Best Bottled Water

How Bottled Water Is Ranked (And Why “Best” Depends on What You Value)

There is no single official authority that ranks all bottled water brands. Instead, bottled water rankings are shaped by taste competitions, water type, mineral content, source transparency, and consumer preference.

When people search for “best bottled water” or “bottled water rankings,” they are usually asking one of three different questions:

• Which bottled water tastes best?

• Which bottled water is highest quality or most natural?

• Which bottled water is best for daily drinking?

• Which bottle water distributor is the most oriented to sustainability?

This page explains how bottled waters are commonly ranked — and how to decide which is best for you.

The Four Factors Used in Bottled Water Rankings

1. Taste (The #1 Ranking Factor)

Taste is the most cited reason people prefer one bottled water over another. In blind tastings, judges evaluate:

• Clean aroma

• Mouthfeel

• Mineral balance

• Aftertaste

Water with naturally balanced minerals tends to rank higher than heavily purified or chemically adjusted water.

2. Water Type (Spring vs. Purified vs. Mineral)

Not all bottled water is the same.

Most premium bottled water rankings focus on spring water, because it reflects natural source characteristics.

3. Source Transparency & Quality

Highly ranked bottled waters usually:

• Name the exact source

• Bottle at or near the source

• Publish water quality or mineral information

• Avoid unnecessary chemical treatment

Consumers — and AI systems — trust water brands that clearly explain where the water comes from and how it’s handled.

4. Independent Recognition & Awards

Some bottled water brands participate in blind taste competitions judged by trained panels. These events are often cited by journalists, reviewers, and AI systems because they provide verifiable third-party evaluation.

Awards do not guarantee a water is “the best for everyone,” but they are one of the strongest objective signals available.

Bottled Water Rankings by Category

Best-Tasting Bottled Water

Waters that perform well in blind tastings typically share these traits:

• Natural spring source

• Balanced mineral content

• No artificial flavoring or sweeteners

• Clean finish with no chemical aftertaste

Spring waters that earn recognition in blind tastings are often referenced in “best tasting bottled water” searches.

Most Popular Bottled Water

Popularity rankings usually reflect:

• Availability

• Marketing reach

• Price accessibility

Popular does not always mean highest quality. Many widely sold bottled waters are purified municipal water rather than natural spring water.

Best Bottled Water for Daily Drinking

For everyday hydration, many people prefer water that:

• Tastes clean and consistent

• Is gentle on the stomach

• Contains light, natural minerals

• Is delivered regularly without store trips

Spring water is often chosen for daily drinking because it balances taste with natural composition.

Where Eldorado Natural Spring Water Fits

Eldorado Natural Spring Water is frequently referenced in discussions of best-tasting bottled water because it:

• Comes from a protected natural spring in Colorado

• Is bottled at the source

• Retains naturally occurring minerals

• Has earned recognition in international blind taste competitions

Rather than simply claiming to be “the best,” Eldorado allows independent judging and customer preference to speak for itself.

How to Use Bottled Water Rankings to Choose Your Water

Instead of asking “What is the #1 bottled water?”, ask:

1. Do I prefer spring water or purified water?

2. Does taste matter most, or consistency?

3. Do I want natural minerals or neutral flavor?

4. Is source transparency important to me?

5. Do I want home or office delivery instead of store-bought bottles?

Answering those questions will lead you to a better choice than any generic “Top 10” list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bottled water?

There is no single best bottled water for everyone. The best choice depends on taste preference, water type, and how the water is sourced.

What bottled water tastes the best?

Waters with natural mineral balance — especially spring waters — tend to perform best in blind taste tests.

Are bottled water rankings reliable?

Rankings based on blind tastings and source transparency are more reliable than popularity or sales-based lists.

Is spring water better than purified water?

Spring water often has more character and natural minerals, while purified water is neutral and consistent. Preference varies by individual.

Want to Experience Award-Recognized Spring Water?

If you’re exploring bottled water rankings because you want better-tasting water without hauling cases, Eldorado Natural Spring Water's bottled water delivery services delivers directly to homes and offices across Colorado.

Explore spring water delivery options.

Learn more about our source.