Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The 7 Best Thirst-Quenching Bottled Water Brands

Water is something we should not take for granted this summer. As we spend more time outdoors, our bodies lose water faster, which may lead to dehydration if we don’t replace those lost fluids. As important as it is to beat the heat, it also pays to know how to hydrate ethically. The best thing you can do from an environmental and socio-political standpoint is to have a water filter and a reusable water bottle, so you can fill it wherever possible. However, there are times when you need a preset container of refreshing water.

It’s good to avoid plastic, so look for brands that use paper-based vessels or recycled materials (which can include plastic so look to make sure) for their bottled water. Also, steer clear of companies that are known for draining natural springs and failing to take sustainability into account. If you’re on the lookout for earth-friendly brands that take some environmental ownership, read on for our roundup of the best water brands for summer 2022.

Recommended Videos

Just Water

Just Water Carton on Ice
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With Will Smith backing the enterprise, Just Water was probably always destined for success. It has become immensely popular, built around a mostly plant-based container. As the website suggests, the company acknowledges that water is in fact scarce and worth protecting. As such, Just Water claims to pay six times the going rate for water, to reinforce its inherent value and set a precedent for other brands. Much of the water comes from springs in Glen Falls, New York.

Boxed Water

Image used with permission by copyright holder

With its milk carton-resembling packaging, Boxed Water has fully embraced the paper route. In addition to boxing its water in mostly recycled containers, the company routinely engages in tree plantings and beach cleanups. The company is raising environmental awareness through campaigns like the no-plastic pledge and engaging in innovative filling programs that position water supplies throughout the country to limit shipping impacts. The company launched more than a decade ago in Michigan and has since found placements all over.

Waiakea

Waiakea Water Bottle
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Hawaii’s Waiakea is certified carbon-neutral, pulling water mainly from one of the wettest parts of the Big Island. The water goes to plastic but the company does use 100% RPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) for all of its bottles. It’s also powering a decent part of its operations with renewable energy, including geothermal energy. Presently, a third of its power comes in that way and hopefully, that figure will only increase. As removed and relatively untouched as this part of Hawaii is, it’s not entirely surprising that the company claims to express terroir through its bottled water. You’ll have to taste for yourself to see.

Icelandic Glacial

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Iceland is full of teeming springs and, as a country, is powered primarily by geothermal energy. That makes it a pretty solid candidate for a water brand. Icelandic Glacial launched about 15 years ago and has since received high environmental marks, even after ABV-InBev purchased a significant stake in the company in 2007. The containers and labels are made of recycled materials and the company was the first of its kind (and scale) to be named carbon-neutral. More alternative and environmentally friendly formats are released in 2021 and the company is quite transparent in displaying its various certificates and third-party accreditations on its website.

Other Brands We Love

Voss

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Founded more than two decades ago in Norway, Voss quickly became a well-established brand thanks to its iconic BPA-free plastic bottles. The brand then debuted its sparkling flavored water in eye-catching recyclable aluminum cans in 2019. The following year, Voss launched Voss+— a premium line of enhanced water that elevates consumers’ hydration experiences while helping them meet their daily nutrient requirements on the go. The Voss+ series come in 100% recycled PET bottles, making it the most sustainable product line.

Today, Voss continues to uphold its commitment to water stewardship, package optimization, and carbon footprint reduction. Maybe we’ll get to see more of its environmental endeavors in the future. But for now, let’s appreciate the clean, refreshing taste of the brand’s water products— which are sourced from the unspoiled wilderness of Southern Norway.

Smartwater

Image used with permission by copyright holder

What does it mean to drink “smarter water?” For Smartwater, it means water that hydrates and tastes good with the help of electrolytes, which give fluids that crisp, pure taste. The company sources its water throughout the United States, and it keeps track of the water’s pH levels to provide consumers a well-balanced product. Smartwater’s offerings include the OG Smartwater, Smartwater Alkaline, Smartwater Antioxidant (Selenium-infused), and Smartwater Flavors. We love the company’s Antioxidant option as it comes in a variety of fruity flavors such as pineapple kiwi, cucumber lime, and more.

Fiji

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The “Earth’s finest water” is sourced from none other than the tropical Fiji Islands. Fiji Water stands out from other bottled water brands since the water is collected from a protected artesian aquifer, resulting in pure, smooth-tasting water. The water comes bottled in PET bottles since it helps maintain product safety high water quality without increasing Fiji Water’s carbon footprint.

Since 1996, Fiji Water has never lost sight of its responsibility to make a difference to the local communities and the environment. This includes shifting to rPET bottles by 2025, minimizing single-use plastics, and improving the quality of life of Fijian communities. Presently, the company is collaborating with the Fijian government to establish recycling programs all over Fiji.

Mark Stock
Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon. He fell into wine during the Recession and has been fixated on the stuff since…
The best portable grills: Our top picks for tailgating like a pro this season
Whether you like cooking over gas, charcoal, or wood, these portable grills are perfect for game-day eats
Coleman RoadTrip LXE Propane Grill

A few things upgrade your tailgating loadout, like a solid portable grill. It's the centerpiece for most game-day get-togethers—the one appliance that friends, families, and even hungry strangers gather 'round eagerly awaiting their turn at freshly grilled burgers, brats, kebabs, and more. If you want to cook up some serious culinary fun while tailgating this season, then one of these best portable grills will serve your alfresco cooking needs well.
Kenyon City Grill

Pair Kenyon's City Grill with a beefy portable power station, and you're ready for go-anywhere electric grilling. This plug-in model could well be the only grill you use at home thanks to its superb heat control and the high temperatures it can reach. You can clean the grate by hand or in the dishwasher, and the easy-clean drip trays last for many uses but can be tossed once overly soiled. Shout out to Kenyon for keeping things simple: The grill is controlled with just one knob, which features an off position and eight different heat settings ranging from low to high. Also, this is the "Official Grill of the Boston Red Sox," so there's that.

Read more
The best cheese for burgers: Our top 7 favorites
Blue cheese? On a burger? Trust us, it's delicious.
Cheeseburger

Unless you're an insane person (or avoid dairy for dietary or ethical reasons—you get a pass), you turn your hamburgers into cheeseburgers. Cheese truly does make everything better, and burgers are perhaps the best example of this. But which cheeses should you select when it comes time to light the grill and crack open some cold ones? We've got the answers.
Cheddar

Ah, classic cheddar. This trusty staple is certainly the most popular cheese for most backyard burgers. And while cheddar may be the typical choice, it's far from mundane. This hard cheese has a crumbly texture, an easily melty consistency, and a slightly tangy, nutty flavor that works beautifully on a burger.
Monterey and Pepper Jack

Read more
From $350 to $1,399: The 5 best outdoor pizza ovens in 2024
ooni koda pizza oven review

Whether you're just starting on the craft of pizzas or you're a veteran who wants to make them in your backyard, you're going to want an outdoor pizza oven. If you have one, you can make your own delicious pizzas for your parties, and even try your hand at different recipes every night for your family's meals. However, with all of the options that you can shop, it may be overwhelming to narrow down your choices to the best outdoor pizza oven for you. To help you out, we've rounded up this list, with explanations on why we're going with these recommendations.

The major advantage of outdoor pizza ovens over traditional ovens is that they're capable of reaching higher temperatures in less time, which is necessary to get a perfectly cooked crust without burning the toppings. With an outdoor pizza oven, cooking will be done in a few minutes, for the ability to make pizzas pretty quickly so your family and friends won't wait for long. The best outdoor pizza ovens offer more than just this though, so if you're looking for something in particular, read on to find the cooking tool that you may have been looking for.
The best outdoor pizza ovens in 2024

Read more