TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids, measures the concentration of dissolved minerals in water. Lower TDS waters typically have a lighter taste and softer mouthfeel.
| Brand | Approximate TDS |
|---|---|
| Aquafina | Very Low (< 30 mg/L) |
| Dasani | Very Low (< 50 mg/L) |
| Smartwater | Very Low (< 50 mg/L) |
| LIFEWTR | Very Low (< 50 mg/L) |
| VOSS | Low (~44 mg/L) |
TDS measures the total weight of dissolved inorganic salts and small amounts of organic matter in water. It's expressed in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). Purified waters typically have TDS under 50 mg/L; rich mineral waters can exceed 1500 mg/L.
Cleaner taste, less scaling in kettles and coffee machines, and a more neutral flavor for cooking and brewing tea.
Very low TDS water provides almost no electrolytes. People who rely on water for mineral intake should pair it with mineral-rich foods or alternate with a higher-TDS brand.
For context: Gerolsteiner (~2500 mg/L), Vichy Catalan (~3000 mg/L) and Donat Mg (~13000 mg/L) sit at the opposite end of the spectrum. See our TDS guide.
Among widely available brands, Aquafina is the lowest, with TDS typically under 30 mg/L. VOSS is the lowest-TDS premium artesian water at about 44 mg/L.
No, but it does not contribute meaningful minerals. The WHO notes that demineralized water consumed exclusively over long periods may be suboptimal — for most people, dietary minerals more than make up for it.
Yes. RO water is typically near 0–20 mg/L TDS until brands re-mineralize for taste. Aquafina, Dasani, and LIFEWTR are all RO purified.
