What Bottled Water is Distilled? A Complete Guide to Pure Drinking Water

Water isn’t just water. With so many types available—spring, purified, mineral, alkaline, and distilled—consumers often wonder which option best suits their needs. Among these, distilled water stands out for its purity. But what exactly is distilled bottled water, which brands sell it, and how does it compare to other types of bottled water? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Distilled Water?

Distilled water is water that has undergone distillation, a purification process where water is boiled into steam and then condensed back into liquid form. This process removes:

Minerals

Salts

Heavy metals

Microorganisms

Most chemicals and impurities

The result is water that is about as pure as you can get. However, because distillation also removes beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, distilled water has a flat taste compared to spring or mineral water.

Why Do People Drink Distilled Water?

People choose distilled water for a variety of reasons:

Purity & Safety – Ideal for people with compromised immune systems or those who want to avoid contaminants.

Medical Uses – Commonly used in CPAP machines, humidifiers, and for preparing baby formula.

Dietary Needs – Sometimes recommended for people on restricted mineral diets.

Appliances & Lab Use – Prevents mineral buildup in devices like steam irons or aquariums.

Which Bottled Water Brands Are Distilled?

Not all bottled water is distilled—most are purified, spring, or mineral. But a few major brands produce distilled water specifically:

Aquafina (PepsiCo) – Primarily purified, but some versions are distilled.

Nestlé Pure Life Distilled Water – A widely available option in grocery stores.

Smartwater (Coca-Cola) – A vapor-distilled water with electrolytes added for taste.

Great Value (Walmart) – Affordable distilled water option for household or drinking use.

Kroger Distilled Water – Store-brand distilled water for drinking and appliances.

Poland Spring Distilled Water – From the popular spring water brand, offering distilled for specific needs.

Always check the label for the words “Distilled Water” since many companies sell both distilled and purified versions under the same brand name.

Distilled vs. Purified vs. Spring Water

It’s easy to confuse different bottled waters, so here’s how distilled compares:

Distilled Water – Steam-condensed, free from almost all impurities and minerals.

Purified Water – Filtered through reverse osmosis, deionization, or carbon filters; still very clean but may contain trace minerals.

Spring Water – Naturally sourced, contains minerals that contribute to taste and possible health benefits.

In short: distilled = purest, purified = clean & balanced, spring = natural & mineral-rich.

Should You Drink Distilled Bottled Water Daily?

Yes, it’s safe, but not always necessary. Most people benefit from the minerals in spring or purified water, while distilled water is best for those who:

Need mineral-free water for health or appliance use

Want the purest option available

Prefer water without additives or traces of chemicals

If you’re only drinking it occasionally, it won’t harm you. But if you use it as your daily water source, you may miss out on beneficial minerals.

Final Thoughts

Distilled bottled water is the purest form of water you can buy, making it useful for health, household, and industrial purposes. While it lacks the natural taste and minerals of spring or mineral water, it’s a reliable choice for those who prioritize absolute purity.

When shopping, look specifically for “Distilled Water” on the label. Brands like Smartwater, Nestlé, Great Value, and Aquafina make it accessible to nearly everyone.

If you’re deciding which type of water to drink daily, weigh the benefits: distilled for purity, spring for minerals, and purified for a balanced middle ground.