Water With the Most Bicarbonate

The world's highest bicarbonate mineral waters ranked — from Slovenia's Donat Mg (7,790 mg/L) and Georgia's Borjomi (4,000 mg/L) to Spain's Vichy Catalan and Germany's Gerolsteiner. Best alkaline mineral water picks for digestion, reflux and athletic recovery.

What bicarbonate does

Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) is the body's primary acid–base buffer. In drinking water it neutralizes excess stomach acid, supports kidney function in maintaining blood pH, and buffers the lactic acid produced during intense exercise. High-bicarbonate mineral waters have been used as therapeutic digestifs and post-meal aids across Europe for over a century.

Digestive benefits. Clinical trials on Vichy Catalan, Gerolsteiner and Borjomi consistently show improvements in dyspepsia, post-meal bloating and constipation. Mechanistically: bicarbonate neutralizes gastric acid (immediate relief), stimulates bile flow (digestive efficiency) and influences gut transit time (regularity).

#	Brand	Country	HCO₃⁻ (mg/L)	pH	Sodium
1	Donat Mg	Slovenia	7,790	6.5	1,565
2	Borjomi	Georgia	4,000	6.5	1,500
3	Vichy Catalan	Spain	2,081	6.8	1,110
4	Gerolsteiner	Germany	1,816	6.0	118
5	Apollinaris	Germany	1,810	5.9	470
6	Ferrarelle	Italy	1,418	6.5	49
7	Badoit	France	1,300	6.0	165
8	Vittel	France	402	7.5	5
9	Perrier	France	390	5.5	9
10	Contrex	France	372	7.3	9.4
11	Evian	France	360	7.2	6.5
12	Saratoga	USA	154	7.0	12

#1 Donat Mg — 7,790 mg/L HCO₃⁻

World's highest bicarbonate bottled water. Traditionally drunk as a digestive aid in 200–300 ml doses across Central Europe.

#2 Borjomi — 4,000 mg/L HCO₃⁻

Iconic Georgian sparkling mineral water sourced from the Caucasus. Famous since the 1830s for digestive use; salty, alkaline, distinctive.

#3 Vichy Catalan — 2,081 mg/L HCO₃⁻

Catalan classic from Caldes de Malavella, served as an after-meal digestif throughout Spain since 1889.

#4 Gerolsteiner — 1,816 mg/L HCO₃⁻

The best-balanced high-bicarbonate option — strong buffering capacity with moderate sodium and high calcium/magnesium.

#5 Apollinaris — 1,810 mg/L HCO₃⁻

Bad Neuenahr sparkling water — bicarbonate-rich with the highest magnesium of any major brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bottled water has the most bicarbonate?

Donat Mg from Slovenia leads at 7,790 mg/L bicarbonate — far and away the world record. Borjomi (Georgia, 4,000 mg/L), Vichy Catalan (Spain, 2,081 mg/L), Gerolsteiner (Germany, 1,816 mg/L) and Apollinaris (Germany, 1,810 mg/L) round out the top five.

What does bicarbonate in water do?

Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) is the body's primary acid–base buffer. In water, it neutralizes stomach acid (digestive comfort), buffers lactic acid build-up during exercise (athletic recovery) and supports kidney function in maintaining blood pH. Naturally bicarbonate-rich mineral waters have been used as digestifs and recovery drinks across Europe for centuries.

Are bicarbonate waters good for acid reflux and indigestion?

Yes — clinical studies on bicarbonate mineral waters (Vichy Catalan, Gerolsteiner, Borjomi) show meaningful improvements in dyspepsia symptoms and gastric pH. They work by neutralizing excess stomach acid, similar to a mild over-the-counter antacid but without the chalky aftertaste.

Is bicarbonate water the same as alkaline water?

Not exactly. Alkaline water is defined by pH (>7.4). Bicarbonate water is defined by HCO₃⁻ content. They overlap — bicarbonate is what makes most naturally alkaline mineral waters alkaline — but a high-pH ionized water (Essentia, pH 9.5) can have very little bicarbonate, while a moderately acidic sparkling water (Gerolsteiner, pH 6.0) can carry 1,816 mg/L of bicarbonate because of its dissolved CO₂. For functional buffering, bicarbonate content is what matters.

Which bicarbonate water is best for athletes?

Gerolsteiner is the best balanced athletic pick — 1,816 mg/L bicarbonate for lactic acid buffering, plus 108 mg/L magnesium and 348 mg/L calcium for muscle function, at a manageable 118 mg/L sodium. For maximum buffering during long endurance events, Donat Mg or Borjomi deliver larger doses but bring much higher sodium.

Pillar: Highest mineral content bottled water · Most magnesium · Most calcium · Best alkaline water