2026 Buyer's Guide to Mineral Water: Types and Recommendations

By Joybuy

Updated June 2026

5 Min Read

Not all water is created equal. When you search for mineral water online, you'll encounter terms like still, sparkling, low in minerals, or rich in electrolytes. The choice can be overwhelming, especially if you have specific needs, such as water for a low-sodium diet or for preparing baby formula.

This guide will help you make an informed decision. We'll cover the key criteria and highlight several popular choices based on their product specifications.

What to Look for When Ordering Water Online

Before adding a six-pack of water to your cart, it's helpful to consider a few key characteristics. These will determine the taste, its use, and whether the water fits your lifestyle.

1. Type: Still or Sparkling Water

The most fundamental choice is between water with or without carbonation.

Still water (non-carbonated water): This is natural mineral water without added carbon dioxide. It has a soft, neutral taste and is versatile, suitable for everything from daily hydration to mixing with cordials.
Sparkling water: Carbon dioxide is added to this water, creating its signature bubbles. The intensity can range from lightly sparkling to highly carbonated. This type is often perceived as more refreshing and is a popular alternative to sugary soft drinks.

2. Mineral Composition: The Dry Residue

Every natural mineral water has a unique composition, depending on its source and the rock layers it has filtered through. The mineral content is expressed as the dry residue (or résidu sec), measured in milligrams per litre (mg/L). This is the amount of minerals left after one litre of water is evaporated at 180°C.

Very low mineral content (dry residue < 50 mg/L): This water is very 'pure' and soft in taste. It is particularly suitable for those on a low-sodium diet (pay attention to the sodium content) and is often recommended for preparing baby formula.
Medium to high mineral content (dry residue > 150 mg/L): This water contains more minerals like calcium and magnesium. The taste is often richer and more distinct.

3. Packaging and Convenience

Ordering water online offers the convenience of home delivery, which is especially useful for heavy multi-packs. Consider the packaging size (e.g., 1L bottles for home or 750ml for on the go) and the quantity per pack. A special offer on water for a larger stock can be cost-effective in the long run.

Our Selection for 2026

Below is a selection of different types of mineral water, highlighted for their specific properties.

1. Spa Intense Sparkling - Natural Mineral Water 1L

Why this product: This Spa water is known for its powerful, intense bubbles. It's a natural mineral water from the Belgian Ardennes, enriched with carbon dioxide for a highly sparkling experience.
Benefits:
- Dry residue: 47 mg/L (very low mineral content).
- Sodium: 5 mg/L, making it suitable for a low-sodium diet.
- Contains zero calories and has a Nutri-Score A.
- Intensely sparkling for an extra refreshing sensation.
Who it's for: For fans of highly sparkling water who are looking for a pure, low-mineral alternative to soft drinks.

2. Evian Natural Mineral Water - 6 x 750 ml

Why this product: Evian water is a still water sourced from the French Alps. It has a balanced mineral composition that gives it a soft, neutral taste.
Benefits:
- Dry residue: 345 mg/L (calculated from bicarbonate at 360 mg/L, indicating a higher mineral content).
- Contains minerals such as calcium (80 mg/L) and magnesium (26 mg/L).
- Sodium: 6.5 mg/L (low).
- The 750ml bottles are a convenient size for on the go or at the office.
Who it's for: For those seeking a premium still water with a balanced mineral profile for daily hydration.

3. Spa Reine Still - Natural Mineral Water 6x1L

Why this product: This still mineral water from Spa is one of the lowest-mineral waters on the market. According to the manufacturer, this makes it exceptionally suitable for preparing baby formula.
Benefits:
- Dry residue: 38 mg/L (extremely low mineral content).
- Sodium: 3 mg/L (very low), fitting within a strict low-sodium diet.
- Pure and soft in taste, with no aftertaste.
- Delivered in a convenient six-pack of water with 1L bottles.
Who it's for: Families with young children, and anyone who prefers a very pure, soft, and low-mineral still water.

Can't Find What You're Looking For? Explore More Options

These three products offer a great starting point for various needs. However, the range is broader, with variations in taste, mineral balance, and packaging formats. If your ideal water isn't listed here, you can explore our full range for more choices.

Explore the full category here: Natural Mineral Water

Frequently Asked Questions about Mineral Water

1. What is the difference between natural mineral water and spring water? Natural mineral water must come from a recognised underground source and be bottled directly at the source. Its composition must be stable. Spring water also comes from an underground source, but its mineral composition does not have to be constant over time. Neither may be chemically treated.

2. Which water is suitable for babies? For preparing baby formula, water with a very low mineral content is recommended. Look for a dry residue (ideally below 50 mg/L) and low levels of nitrates and sodium. Products like Spa Reine often state explicitly on their packaging that they are suitable for baby formula.

3. Is mineral water better than tap water? Tap water in the Netherlands is of very high quality and safe to drink. The choice for mineral water is usually based on personal preference for taste, the absence of chlorine, or a specific mineral composition (e.g., more calcium or less sodium). For convenience on the go, bottled water is also a practical solution.