Sodium is an essential mineral our bodies need to function properly. However, people who have a high-sodium diet, such as the standard American diet, already consume more than the recommended daily intake.
High sodium intake increases cardiovascular risks and hypertension, so people with pre-existing heart conditions prefer drinking low- or no-sodium water.
But sodium-free drinking water is hard to come by, especially if you’re looking for spring water that contains other essential minerals that we lack in our diets (calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc.).
Most underground waterways and aquifers where spring water is sourced contain sodium naturally, which inevitably dissolves into the water. Because of this, some of the most popular bottled water brands, like Fiji, Evian, or Perrier, have sodium levels ranging between 10 mg/L to 50 mg/L.
1. Mountain Valley Spring Water
Mountain Valley is a product of a prolific valley in the Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas. The water is high-mineral spring water with a total dissolved solids (TDS) level of 220 mg/L. Still, it’s sodium-free, has a pleasant taste, and entertains a neutral pH range between 7.3 and 7.7.
Before it emerges at the spring, the water travels through granite-based aquifers. These aquifers naturally filter it and enrich it with minerals. Luckily, there is no sodium at all in these geological formations.
Instead, the granite rocks give Mountain Valley a considerable amount of calcium. When bottled, the water has 67 mg/L of calcium, making it one of the most calcium-rich spring water options.
When it comes to bottling, the brand is eco-friendly. It distributes its water in reusable, refillable, and recyclable aluminum or glass bottles.
You’ll also be happy to know that the brand has received many awards since its conception, proving its quality and reliability.
2. Aqua Carpatica
Aqua Carpatica originates from the forests of the Carpathian Mountains. These vast forests are away from civilization, agriculture, and industrialization, which means the springs are well-protected from human-made contamination.
Additionally, the water journeys for fourteen years through sponge-like geological formations that naturally absorb potential impurities while imbuing the water with minerals, so the end product has a high mineral content.
The Aqua Carpatica spring water has 200 mg/L of TDS. Calcium and magnesium are most present, with 52 mg/L and 17 mg/L, respectively. They also give the water a crisp and fresh taste.
More importantly, there is no traceable amount of sodium in the geological formations Aqua Carpatica passes through and, consequently, in the water itself, so it’s safe to drink for people with cardiovascular issues.
The water is also naturally alkaline, with a pH value of 8.2. If you want sodium-free water with the antioxidant benefits of high-electrolyte alkaline water, Aqua Carpatica is an excellent option.
3. Ice Age Glacial
So far, we have covered sodium-free spring water brands with high TDS counts. However, since high TDS can give water a bitter taste, these brands are not everyone’s cup of tea.
For those seeking low-TDS sodium-free spring water, we present Ice Age Glacial.
Ice Age Glacial is a natural result of the glacial melt in the ancient northern glaciers of Canada. Melted water feeds into glacial lakes of the Toba Inlet, far away from civilization, after a 15,000-year voyage.
During that journey, the water is naturally filtered, but it’s not exposed to a lot of minerals. On the contrary, the water rarely touches any mineral sources, and in the end, it has a TDS count lower than 5 mg/L.
Since no sodium is dissolved during its journey, it has no sodium presence.
Yet, we should warn you that the water is naturally acidic. It has a pH value of 5.5.
4. Perlage
Perlage is a premium bottled mineral water brand from Poland that graces many high-end restaurant tables and the top shelves at fancy supermarkets. It’s also the only sodium-free bottled mineral water brand we know of.
Mineral water should have at least 250 mg/L of TDS, as it usually passes through mineral-abundant geological formations, inevitably providing a lot of sodium.
Some mineral water brands entertain sodium levels higher than 1,000 mg/L. So, the no-sodium content of Perlage is truly a miracle.
Moreover, Perlage has a champagne-like mouthfeel and a unique taste that has received many awards from the Fine Water Society. Unsurprisingly, the brand distributes its water only in glass bottles, befitting its product’s award-winning quality.
Lastly, Perlage is one of the most acidic water brands on the market, with a pH value of 5.5.
5. Jackson Springs
Jackson Springs, another Canadian bottled water brand, originates from the secluded forests of South-Eastern Manitoba. The Jackson Springs aquifer is ancient, dating back 13,000 years.
During its underground journey, it’s naturally filtered and picks up a lot of minerals that give it a high mineral content. The end product has 238 mg/L of TDS, approximating the mineral water category.
Yet, sodium is absent from its mineral makeup. Instead, it has 42.1 mg/L of calcium, 13.2 mg/L of magnesium, and 210 mg/L of bicarbonates.
Its high bicarbonate content gives it almost a sparkling quality. It also comes in a premium bottle design. The combination of its sparkling quality and bottle design made it a favorite of many resorts, casinos, and fine-dining restaurants.
When the water spurts out of the ground at Jackson Springs, it’s naturally alkaline, too, with a pH of 8.1.
6. Isbre
Are you looking for bottled spring water that has the lowest TDS count possible yet doesn’t taste as bland as reverse osmosis water? Isbre, glacial water hailing from Norway’s Hardanger Fjord, is the option for you.
The water passes through metamorphic and silicate rocks that provide natural filtration. Yet, these rocks contain no minerals except for silica. As such, the Isbre water has a TDS level lower than 4 mg/L, making it one of the market’s least mineralized spring water brands.
Its silica content isn’t high, either, with only 2 mg/L. However, considering the water’s overall mineral makeup, it’s enough to give it a smooth texture, mouthfeel, and taste.
You’ll also be glad to learn that the Norwegian government is very keen on protecting the silicate rocks from industrial and agricultural activities. So, the water will likely preserve its taste and quality for the foreseeable future.
Finally, Isbre is on the acidic side of the pH scale with a pH value of 5.7.
7. Glaceau Smartwater
Glaceau Smartwater, a popular bottled water brand owned by the Coca-Cola Company, specializes in producing treated water to provide ultimate hydration for athletes and other consumers with a physically active life.
Unlike other brands, the Glaceau Smartwater doesn’t originate from natural springs. Instead, it’s just municipal water subjected to a multi-stage treatment process.
Some of the steps in the Glaceau treatment include distillation and reverse osmosis. Since both methods efficiently remove minerals, the result is sodium-free water.
Electrolytes are added to the water as the last step before bottling to give it a crisp taste. Don’t worry, though, as sodium isn’t part of the electrolyte cocktail — it’s only a combination of calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
The Glaceau Smartwater has a neutral pH value between 7 and 7.5.
