Not all bottled water is created equal, and independent testing has made that clearer than ever. Consumer Reports' landmark analysis of 47 bottled waters measured 30 different PFAS compounds across both still and sparkling varieties, and the results varied dramatically from brand to brand. The picks that stand out in this category are distinguished by low or undetectable PFAS levels, minimal sodium, clean ingredient lists, and packaging that doesn't introduce new contaminants. Whether you're reaching for something sparkling or still, these are the brands that hold up under scrutiny.

1. Spindrift Sparkling Water

Spindrift is a sparkling water made with real squeezed fruit juice rather than the vague "natural flavors" label found on most competitors. The liquid has a slight natural cloudiness from actual fruit purees, and the flavor is noticeably more vibrant and honest than anything built on synthetic essences. It comes in a range of flavors including lemon, lime, raspberry, and grapefruit, and runs between 3 and 15 calories per can depending on the variety.

Why it stands out: In Consumer Reports' 2020 PFAS testing of 47 bottled waters, Spindrift measured just 0.19 ppt total PFAS, the lowest reading of any sparkling water brand with a detectable level in the entire study. It is also zero sodium, non-GMO, and gluten-free. The use of real fruit instead of undisclosed flavor compounds makes it one of the most transparent sparkling options on the market.

Things to know: Because Spindrift uses real fruit juice, it is not completely calorie-free, which matters if you are tracking calories closely. It is also worth knowing that PFAS levels can vary by batch and flavor; a different Spindrift flavor retested at 2.62 ppt in 2025, up from the 0.19 ppt measured in 2020. Treat the 2020 figure as a snapshot rather than a permanent guarantee.

2. S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water

S.Pellegrino is an Italian natural mineral water with a fine, velvety effervescence that has made it a fixture at restaurant tables for decades. It carries naturally dissolved calcium (around 180mg per liter) and magnesium (around 55mg per liter), which makes it a genuinely mineral-rich option rather than just carbonated purified water. It is widely available in both glass bottles and cans across the US.

Why it stands out: Consumer Reports' testing placed S.Pellegrino at just 0.31 ppt total PFAS, making it the cleanest natural mineral sparkling water in the study and the second-lowest reading overall among sparkling brands. Its naturally occurring mineral content is noted by nutrition reviewers as a useful way to replace minerals lost through sweat without reaching for sugary sports drinks. Sodium comes in at roughly 33 to 47mg per 250ml serving, which is moderate and entirely natural rather than added.

Things to know: S.Pellegrino's sodium content, while natural, is higher than purified seltzers like La Croix or Bubly, which register effectively zero. If you are on a doctor-directed sodium-restricted diet, this is worth factoring in. The glass bottle format is ideal for purity but less convenient for portable use.

3. Mountain Valley Spring Water

Mountain Valley Spring Water is sourced from the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas and has been bottled since 1871. It is available in both still and sparkling varieties, comes in BPA-free glass bottles, and carries zero sodium and zero additives. It has been recognized with multiple "Best Tasting Water in the World" awards and has a long track record as a premium American spring water.

Why it stands out: Reviewers at completewaterguide.com describe it as a premium daily drinker specifically because of its zero sodium, zero additive profile and premium glass packaging, which eliminates microplastic exposure concerns associated with plastic bottles. Glass is consistently identified by hydration and nutrition reviewers as the safest packaging format for bottled water. The sparkling version is noted as a sodium-free pick suitable for people monitoring sodium intake closely.

Things to know: Mountain Valley is a premium product and priced accordingly, which can add up if you are drinking multiple bottles daily. Glass bottles are heavier and more fragile than cans or plastic, making them less practical for travel or gym use. Independent PFAS testing specific to Mountain Valley is not widely published, so a verified ppt figure is not available in the same way it is for brands included in the Consumer Reports study.

4. Perrier Carbonated Mineral Water

Perrier is sourced from natural springs in Vergeze, France, and has been a benchmark for European sparkling mineral water for well over a century. It delivers a punchy, bold carbonation with larger bubbles that feels crisper and more direct than the finer effervescence of S.Pellegrino, making it a strong choice for drinking straight from a chilled bottle. It is available in glass and plastic formats across the US.

Why it stands out: Consumer Reports' 2020 testing measured Perrier at 1.10 ppt total PFAS, well below Topo Chico's original 9.76 ppt reading and below most other sparkling mineral waters in the study. Its sodium content is dramatically lower than other mineral waters, at roughly 3mg per 250ml serving, making it one of the lowest-sodium natural mineral waters available. For daily drinkers who want the mineral water experience without meaningful sodium accumulation, Perrier is a practical choice.

Things to know: At 1.10 ppt, Perrier does exceed the Environmental Working Group's precautionary guideline of 1 ppt, even though it sits well below the EPA's enforceable 4 ppt limit. Flavored Perrier varieties use "natural flavors" rather than disclosed ingredients, so the unflavored original is the cleaner label choice. Plastic bottles carry a higher microplastic risk than glass.

5. Waterloo Sparkling Water

Waterloo is a US-based sparkling water brand that uses a cold carbonation process to lock in bold, aromatic fruit flavors without any sweeteners, calories, or sodium. Flavors like Black Cherry, Grape, and Strawberry are notably more expressive and forward than the subtle essence-based approach used by La Croix, making Waterloo a strong option for anyone transitioning away from flavored sodas. It comes in 100% recyclable aluminum cans.

Why it stands out: Waterloo uses purified water rather than spring or mineral water as its base, and purified waters generally test lower for PFAS because reverse osmosis and similar treatments strip out most PFAS compounds before carbonation. It registers zero calories, zero sugar, zero sweeteners, and zero sodium, making it one of the cleanest label profiles in the flavored sparkling category. It is also widely available at major US grocery retailers and online.

Things to know: Waterloo was not included in Consumer Reports' 2020 PFAS study, so no independently verified ppt figure exists for the brand. The purified water base is a positive signal, but it is not a substitute for published third-party testing. If a verified PFAS number matters to you, this gap is worth acknowledging.

6. Topo Chico Mineral Water

Topo Chico is a natural mineral water sourced from a subterranean spring in Monterrey, Mexico, and it has a devoted following for its exceptionally aggressive carbonation that lasts and distinctly mineral-forward, slightly salty finish. It is the sparkling water of choice for bartenders mixing cocktails and mocktails, and nothing quite replicates its intensity for a classic Ranch Water or paloma.

Why it stands out: After significant attention from Consumer Reports' 2020 study, which measured Topo Chico at 9.76 ppt PFAS, the highest of any brand tested, the parent company upgraded the filtration system at the source. Current estimates place Topo Chico at approximately 3.9 ppt, below the EPA's 2024 enforceable limit of 4 ppt. For occasional drinkers, one to three bottles per week, the PFAS question is considered unlikely to be meaningful by hydration reviewers at completewaterguide.com. Its mineral content, including naturally dissolved calcium and magnesium, is a genuine benefit for those who enjoy mineral-rich water.

Things to know: Topo Chico carries roughly 75mg of sodium per 12oz bottle, the highest of any mainstream sparkling water, which matters on sodium-restricted diets. The improved 3.9 ppt PFAS figure has not been confirmed by an independent retest, so it remains an estimate based on the parent company's own reporting. At 3.9 ppt, it still exceeds the EWG's 1 ppt precautionary guideline. Heavy daily drinkers, three or more bottles per day, are advised by reviewers to consider lower-PFAS alternatives. Additionally, Topo Chico's iconic glass bottles have experienced supply shortages in the US market in 2026 due to facility upgrades at the original spring.

How to Choose the Right Clean Sparkling or Still Water

• Check published PFAS data: Consumer Reports' 2020 study of 47 bottled waters remains the most comprehensive independent dataset available. Brands that tested under 1 ppt, including Spindrift and S.Pellegrino, sit below the Environmental Working Group's precautionary guideline. Many popular brands, including Waterloo, Liquid Death, and AHA, have no published independent PFAS measurement at all, which is a gap worth knowing about.
• Watch the sodium: Natural mineral waters carry dissolved minerals including sodium, while purified seltzers typically register zero. Club sodas can add 50 to 95mg of sodium per 12oz can through added salts, which accumulates quickly at three or four cans per day. If you are on a sodium-restricted diet, purified sparkling waters or still waters with zero added sodium are the straightforward choice.
• Prioritize glass packaging when possible: Glass bottles are consistently identified by hydration reviewers as the safest packaging format because they eliminate microplastic exposure and preserve flavor without any gas release. Aluminum cans are a practical everyday alternative and are infinitely recyclable. Plastic bottles carry the highest microplastic risk and lose carbonation fastest.
• Understand the purified versus mineral distinction: Purified waters go through reverse osmosis or similar treatment, which removes most PFAS but also strips naturally occurring minerals. Spring and mineral waters are bottled closer to their natural state, preserving mineral content but also carrying whatever the aquifer contains, including any background PFAS. Neither is universally superior; the right choice depends on whether you value mineral content or filtration depth more.
• Consider filtering and carbonating at home: A reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI 58 removes 94 to 99 percent of PFAS from tap water at roughly $0.05 per liter, compared to $1.50 to $4.00 for bottled sparkling water. For heavy daily drinkers, this approach delivers a cleaner and more verifiable result than any brand switch.

The single most useful thing to take away from the available testing data is that PFAS levels vary significantly across sparkling water brands, and the brands with the lowest readings, Spindrift, S.Pellegrino, and Sparkling Ice, are all widely available in the US. For daily drinkers who want the cleanest possible option without building a home filtration system, starting with those three tiers of tested data is the most grounded approach available.