France
France defined modern mineral water with brands like Evian, Volvic, Vittel, Contrex, Perrier and Badoit — spanning the softest volcanic-filtered springs to the world's highest-calcium still water.
European Bottled Water: Full Comparison Table
22 European mineral and spring waters in one sortable table — source, TDS and pH at a glance. For a country-by-country breakdown, see European bottled water brands by country.
| Brand | Country | Region / Source | Type | TDS (mg/L) | pH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evian | France | Évian-les-Bains, Alps | Still mineral | 357 | 7.2 |
| Volvic | France | Auvergne (volcanic) | Still mineral | 130 | 7.0 |
| Vittel | France | Vosges | Still mineral | 841 | 7.5 |
| Contrex | France | Contrexéville, Vosges | Still mineral | 2,078 | 7.3 |
| Perrier | France | Vergèze, Languedoc | Sparkling mineral | 475 | 5.5 |
| Badoit | France | Saint-Galmier, Loire | Sparkling mineral | 1,200 | 6.0 |
| San Pellegrino | Italy | Bergamo, Lombardy | Sparkling mineral | 950 | 7.7 |
| Acqua Panna | Italy | Tuscany | Still mineral | 138 | 8.0 |
| Ferrarelle | Italy | Riardo, Campania | Sparkling mineral | 1,346 | 6.5 |
| Gerolsteiner | Germany | Eifel volcanic region | Sparkling mineral | 2,500 | 6.0 |
| Apollinaris | Germany | Bad Neuenahr, Ahr Valley | Sparkling mineral | 2,650 | 5.9 |
| Vichy Catalan | Spain | Caldes de Malavella, Catalonia | Sparkling mineral | 3,052 | 6.8 |
| Solan de Cabras | Spain | Beteta, Cuenca | Still mineral | 257 | 7.4 |
| Lanjarón | Spain | Sierra Nevada | Still mineral | 134 | 7.6 |
| Highland Spring | Scotland | Ochil Hills | Spring | 220 | 7.8 |
| Buxton | England | Peak District, Derbyshire | Still mineral | 280 | 7.4 |
| Harrogate | England | North Yorkshire | Spring | 250 | 7.5 |
| Ty Nant | Wales | Bethania, Ceredigion | Spring | 165 | 7.0 |
| Spa | Belgium | Ardennes | Spring | 33 | 5.5 |
| Chaudfontaine | Belgium | Liège | Still mineral | 340 | 7.2 |
| Voss | Norway | Iveland, Southern Norway | Still mineral | 44 | 6.4 |
| Icelandic Glacial | Iceland | Ölfus Spring | Spring | 70 | 8.4 |
| Luso | Portugal | Serra do Buçaco | Still mineral | 80 | 5.8 |
Italy
Italian icons San Pellegrino, Acqua Panna and Ferrarelle range from soft Tuscan still water to high-mineral naturally sparkling waters from volcanic Campania.
Germany
Germany leads the high-mineral category. Gerolsteiner and Apollinaris combine exceptional calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate with natural carbonation from volcanic source rock.
Spain & Portugal
Vichy Catalan holds the global TDS record; Solan de Cabras and Lanjarón offer softer low-sodium options; Portuguese Luso is prized for its very low mineralization.
United Kingdom
Highland Spring (Scotland) leads the UK, with Buxton (England), Harrogate (Yorkshire) and Welsh Ty Nant rounding out the British mineral and spring water scene.
Belgium, Norway & Iceland
Spa (Belgium) gave the world the word 'spa'; Voss (Norway) and Icelandic Glacial deliver ultra-pure, low-mineralization premium water from northern Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular European bottled water?
Evian (France) is the best-selling European bottled water globally, followed by San Pellegrino (Italy), Perrier (France), Vittel (France) and Volvic (France). In the UK, Highland Spring is the #1 domestic brand.
What is the difference between European mineral water and American bottled water?
In the EU, 'natural mineral water' is a protected legal category — it must come from a single, microbiologically protected underground source, be bottled at source, and have a stable mineral composition that can be declared on the label. In the US, the FDA category 'mineral water' is far less prescriptive (minimum 250 ppm TDS, naturally sourced) and most American bottled water is purified municipal water (Aquafina, Dasani, Smartwater).
What is the best English mineral water?
Buxton, sourced from the Peak District and filtered through limestone for ~5,000 years, is the most established English natural mineral water. Harrogate (North Yorkshire) is a historic premium spring, and Highland Spring (Scotland) leads the wider UK market.
Which European water has the most minerals?
Vichy Catalan (Spain) tops the global ranking at 3,052 mg/L TDS, followed by Apollinaris (Germany, 2,650 mg/L), Gerolsteiner (Germany, 2,500 mg/L) and Contrex (France, 2,078 mg/L — the highest still water).
Is European bottled water regulated more strictly than US water?
Yes for 'natural mineral water' specifically — EU Directive 2009/54/EC requires source protection, no chemical treatment beyond iron/sulphur removal, and bottling at source. US bottled water is regulated by the FDA under standards broadly aligned with EPA tap-water rules; treatment and blending are permitted.
Which French mineral water has the least sodium?
Volvic (12 mg/L), Vittel (~5 mg/L) and Evian (~6.5 mg/L) are the lowest-sodium French mineral waters. Contrex is also low at ~9 mg/L despite its extremely high calcium content.
Related: Mineral water brands · Highest mineral content · Most magnesium · Most bicarbonate · TDS guide · pH levels
