Best Mineral Waters for a Clean Eating Lifestyle

If you spend time reading ingredient labels, choosing grass-fed over conventional, and swapping processed snacks for whole foods, you already understand that quality matters at every meal. But here’s a question worth asking: how much thought are you putting into the water you drink?

Most of us default to whatever comes out of the tap or grab the cheapest case at the store. But the differences between waters are real. Mineral content, sodium levels, sourcing, packaging: all of it affects what you’re actually putting into your body. And for anyone committed to eating clean, your water deserves the same scrutiny as your food.

Martin Riese, a certified water sommelier featured on Netflix, NPR, and National Geographic, has built a career around this idea. He’s explained that water naturally picks up minerals as it passes through stone layers underground, giving every source a distinct profile, a concept he compares to terroir in wine. Different minerals yield different flavors, mouthfeel, and nutritional value.

We reviewed four mineral waters that align with a clean-eating philosophy. Naturally sourced, minimally processed, and transparent about what’s inside. Here’s what stood out.

1. Chiarella – Italian Alpine Mineral Water

Source: Mountain spring, Italian Alps (Lake Como region)

Key stats: pH 7.5 | Lowest sodium in Europe | Rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium | Glass bottles only

Chiarella checks every box that matters for a clean eating lifestyle. The water is drawn from a single mountain spring in the Italian Alps, naturally filtered through ancient dolomitic rock over thousands of years. That geological process gives it a mineral-rich profile, with no need for additives or enhancement. What comes out of the spring is exactly what goes into the bottle.

What makes it particularly interesting is the sodium level. Chiarella has the lowest sodium content of any mineral water in Europe, which matters if you’re tracking your intake or simply prefer water that tastes clean without any saltiness. The neutral pH of 7.5 means it pairs well with food and drinks and tastes smooth on its own.

This is a third-generation, family-owned brand that has been bottling since 1964 and has never been sold to a larger corporation. They bottle exclusively in glass, meaning no microplastics, no BPA concerns, and no flavor interference from packaging. You’ll find it at luxury Italian hotels like Passalacqua and Villa d’Este, and it ships directly to US customers in six-packs with a subscription option.

For anyone who wants mineral water that’s genuinely clean from source to bottle, Chiarella sets a high standard.

2. S.Pellegrino – Italian Sparkling Mineral Water

Source: San Pellegrino Terme, Italian Alps

Key stats: pH 7.7 | TDS ~1,100 mg/L | Higher sodium and sulfate content | Glass and PET bottles

S.Pellegrino is probably the first brand people think of when they hear “mineral water,” and that reputation is earned. It’s been around since 1899 and has become the default at upscale restaurants worldwide. The carbonation is gentle, and the mineral profile gives it a distinctive, slightly savory character.

The mineral content is higher than that of many competitors, giving it a fuller mouthfeel and more pronounced taste. That’s a strength if you enjoy bolder water with meals, though it may feel like a lot for everyday sipping. S.Pellegrino is owned by Nestlé, which may matter to consumers who prefer independent brands. It’s available in both glass and plastic; choose glass if avoiding plastic is a priority.

3. Gerolsteiner – German Volcanic Mineral Water

Source: Volcanic Eifel region, Germany

Key stats: pH 6.5 | TDS ~2,500 mg/L | Very high calcium and magnesium | Glass bottles

If maximizing mineral intake through your water is the goal, Gerolsteiner is hard to beat. Sourced from the volcanic Eifel region of Germany, it has one of the highest calcium and magnesium counts of any widely available mineral water. A single liter provides roughly a third of your daily calcium needs, which is significant for anyone focused on bone health and nutrient density.

The trade-off is taste. Gerolsteiner’s high mineral content gives it a strong, almost heavy flavor that divides people. As Riese has noted, mineral content directly shapes how water tastes, and heavier minerality means a stronger, more complex drinking experience. The slightly acidic pH of 6.5 is also lower than most premium mineral waters, which may be a consideration for anyone focused on pH balance. That said, Gerolsteiner is a well-respected brand with transparent sourcing, and it’s widely available in the US.

4. Mountain Valley – American Spring Water

Source: Hot Springs, Arkansas

Key stats: pH 7.3–7.7 | Lower mineral content | Available in glass

Mountain Valley is the go-to for anyone who wants an American-sourced, glass-bottled water with clean credentials. Bottled from a protected spring in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas since 1871, it has a lighter mineral profile compared to the European entries on this list, giving it a crisp, clean taste that works well for everyday drinking.

The lower mineral content means you won’t get the same calcium and magnesium boost that higher-TDS waters provide. But if what you’re after is pure-tasting, naturally sourced water in glass from a trusted American brand, Mountain Valley delivers consistently. It’s one of the more widely available premium waters in the US, found in natural grocery stores and health-focused retailers nationwide.

What to Look for When Choosing a Mineral Water

Dr. Mark Hyman, a functional medicine physician and one of the most recognized voices in the clean eating space, has emphasized that water quality is foundational to health, describing water as essential to everything from nutrient absorption and energy production to detoxification. He’s also cautioned against plastic packaging, citing concerns about chemicals like phthalates and BPA leaching into the water over time.

With that in mind, here’s what to prioritize. Start with sourcing. Look for water from a named, natural spring rather than purified municipal water. Riese has been vocal about this, arguing that naturally sourced water carries a mineral profile shaped by nature, while purified water is essentially processed tap water with the character removed. Check sodium content, as some mineral waters carry surprisingly high levels that add up over multiple bottles. Look for calcium and magnesium, both of which support bone health and muscle function. And choose glass over plastic whenever possible.

The Bottom Line

Clean eating doesn’t stop at your plate. The water you drink every day is just as much a part of that commitment as the food you prepare. Each of the four brands on this list offers something genuine, including natural sourcing, real mineral content, and a level of transparency that matches what you’d expect from the rest of your kitchen.

Whether you prioritize the lowest sodium, the highest mineral density, the most recognized name, or a trusted American brand, there’s an option here that fits. The important thing is to start paying attention to what’s in your glass.

 

Want to unlock greater wellness?

Listen to our friends over at the Wellness + Wisdom Podcast to unlock your best self with Dr. John Lieurance; Founder of MitoZen; creators of the ZEN Spray and Lumetol Blue™ Bars with Methylene Blue.