Many people often wonder, is bottled water distilled or just purified to look crystal clear? While both aim to provide safe, clean drinking water, the process behind them — whether distillation, purification, or reverse osmosis — can make a big difference in taste, minerals, and water quality.
In this article, we will discuss the real difference between bottled and distilled water, how each is made, and which is best for you.
For more hydration tips, you can check our guide on how much does a 5 gallon bottle of water weigh
Is Bottled Water Distilled? The Real Truth You Should Know
Have you ever picked up a bottle of water and thought, “Is bottled water distilled?”
You’re not alone. Many people believe that all bottled water is distilled because it looks clean, pure, and safe. But here’s the truth — most bottled water is not distilled. It’s usually purified or spring water that goes through a filtration process, not distillation.
In this guide, we’ll uncover the real difference between bottled and distilled water, how bottled water is made, and which type is best for your health. Let’s make water simple to understand!
What Does “Distilled Water” Really Mean
Distilled water is water that’s been boiled into steam and then cooled back into liquid form, leaving behind all impurities, minerals, and salts. This process is called distillation.
It’s the purest form of water you can get — but that purity comes with a trade-off. Distilled water contains no minerals, meaning it lacks calcium, magnesium, and potassium that your body naturally benefits from.
Distillation is often used in laboratories, medical equipment, and appliances like irons or humidifiers, where mineral buildup must be avoided. It’s safe to drink but not ideal as your main water source for daily hydration.
Must go through the guide, If you’d like to learn more about What Does “Distilled Water” Really Mean?
How Bottled Water Is Actually Made
To know whether bottled water is distilled, you need to understand how it’s produced. Bottled water typically comes from three main sources:
Spring Water – Collected from natural springs and filtered for safety.
Purified Water – Tap or groundwater that’s cleaned using reverse osmosis, carbon filtration, or ozonation.
Distilled Water – Some brands do sell distilled bottled water, but it’s rare.
Most bottled water brands, such as Dasani, Aquafina, and Nestlé Pure Life, use purification methods rather than distillation. The result? Water that’s clean and safe but still contains some minerals and a fresh taste.
Is Bottled Water Distilled
Here’s the honest answer: No, most bottled water is not distilled.
While some bottled water brands do sell distilled versions, they’re not the standard. Most bottled water is either purified or spring water.
Distillation is an expensive and energy-intensive process. Companies prefer reverse osmosis or carbon filtration, which provide similar purity without removing all the natural minerals.
If you’re curious, check the label on your bottle — if it says “distilled water,” then it’s distilled. If it says “purified” or “spring water,” it’s not.
Is Bottled Water Distilled Bottled Water vs Distilled Water: What’s the Difference
| Feature | Bottled Water | Distilled Water |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Spring or purified water | Boiled and condensed steam |
| Minerals | Usually present | Removed completely |
| Taste | Fresh or natural | Flat or bland |
| Use | Drinking, hydration | Appliances, labs, CPAP machines |
The biggest difference is that bottled water still contains minerals your body needs, while distilled water doesn’t.
If you prefer a natural taste and a touch of minerals, bottled water is a better choice. But if you need mineral-free water for a device or health condition, go with distilled.
How to Tell If Your Bottled Water Is Distilled
Want to know if your bottled water is distilled? It’s simple:
Just read the label. Bottled water that’s distilled will clearly say “Distilled Water” on the packaging. You may also see terms like “steam distilled” or “demineralized water.”
If it says “purified water,” it likely uses other methods such as reverse osmosis or microfiltration instead of distillation.
Brands like Smartwater and Member’s Mark Distilled Water are examples of bottled distilled water.
Why Bottled Water Isn’t Usually Distilled
There’s a practical reason why most bottled water isn’t distilled — taste and health. Distilled water can taste flat because it lacks minerals. It’s pure but doesn’t have the natural flavors people expect from drinking water.
Also, small amounts of minerals like calcium and magnesium are beneficial for the body. Purified and spring water retain these, making them more appealing and healthier for everyday drinking.
Health Effects: Is Distilled Water Good to Drink
Yes, you can drink distilled water safely — but it’s not ideal as your only water source. Since it has no minerals, it may cause electrolyte imbalance over time if consumed exclusively.
For occasional use, distilled water is fine. It’s even recommended for people with kidney issues or those needing low-sodium water. However, for daily hydration, purified or spring water offers more balance.
When You Should Use Distilled Water
Distilled water has special uses where purity matters more than taste:
- CPAP machines (to prevent mineral buildup)
- Steam irons
- Humidifiers
- Laboratory tests and medical procedures
These uses rely on mineral-free water to keep equipment clean and working efficiently.
Best Alternatives to Distilled Water for Drinking
If you’re not using water for a machine, purified bottled water or natural spring water is best for drinking.
Purified water goes through processes like reverse osmosis and carbon filtration to remove impurities while keeping minerals.
Spring water, on the other hand, is naturally filtered underground and often tastes refreshing due to its mineral content.
Both types are clean, safe, and healthy — ideal for everyday hydration.
How to Read Bottled Water Labels
Many people never check their water labels, but it tells you everything you need to know.
Look for terms like:
“Distilled water” → 100% distilled
“Purified water” → filtered or reverse osmosis
“Spring water” → from a natural source
“Mineral water” → contains added minerals
Knowing these labels helps you choose the best water for your health and needs.
Common Myths About Bottled and Distilled Water
Myth 1: All bottled water is distilled.
False. Most bottled water is purified or spring water.
Myth 2: Distilled water is unsafe to drink.
False. It’s safe but lacks minerals, so it’s not ideal for long-term hydration.
Myth 3: Purified and distilled water are the same.
Not quite. Purified water may use different methods like reverse osmosis or carbon filters.
You can also explore our article on how many liters is a bottle of water.
Is Distilled Water Better Than Bottled Water
Not necessarily. Distilled water is purer, but bottled purified water is more balanced.
If your goal is healthy hydration, go for bottled spring or purified water. If you need mineral-free water for specific purposes, then distilled is the way to go.
FAQs – Is Bottled Water Distilled
Is purified bottled water the same as distilled water?
No. Purified water removes most contaminants but may keep some minerals. Distilled water removes everything, including minerals.
Which bottled water brands are distilled?
Brands like Smartwater (vapor-distilled) and Member’s Mark Distilled Water offer distilled options.
Can you drink distilled water daily?
You can, but it’s not recommended long-term because it lacks essential minerals.
How to tell if bottled water is distilled?
Check the label. It will clearly say “distilled water.”
Is distilled water better than spring water?
For appliances, yes. For drinking, spring water is usually better because of its natural mineral content.
Conclusion
In most cases, no. Bottled water is usually purified or spring water, not distilled. Distilled bottled water exists, but it’s less common and used mainly for specific purposes like appliances or medical needs.
If you want clean, healthy drinking water, go with purified or spring bottled water. But if you need the purest form possible, distilled water is your answer.
Either way, now you know the truth behind what’s really in your bottle. And yes — the next time someone asks “Is Bottled Water Distilled?” — you’ll have the clear answer!
Before you go, don’t miss our helpful post on What Is The Healthiest Bottled Water To Drink.
John Bobo is an author who enjoys sharing ideas, stories, and insights with readers. He writes to inspire, inform, and connect with people through his work.
