Eternal vs. Icelandic Glacial
Comparing the Quality and Taste of Bottled Waters
Choosing the right bottled water often comes down to personal preference, but factors such as sourcing, taste, and mineral content play significant roles. Eternal and Icelandic Glacial are two brands that stand out in the market, both promising purity and distinct tastes derived from their unique sources. Eternal water originates from protected underground springs in the United States, reportedly retaining naturally occurring electrolytes and minerals. On the other hand, Icelandic Glacial boasts of water that is sourced from the legendary Ă–lfus Spring in Iceland, which is replenished by rain and snowmelt from pristine mountains, suggesting a naturally high pH level and low mineral content.
Both brands have created a dedicated following due to their unique selling points. Eternal, being naturally alkaline, claims to offer water with a balanced pH that mirrors the body's natural pH level, leading some consumers to choose it for its potential health benefits. Meanwhile, Icelandic Glacial's commitment to environmental sustainability is showcased through their carbon-neutral certification and use of 100% recyclable packaging, which is as clear and crisp as the water it holds.
When choosing between Eternal and Icelandic Glacial, one might consider the environmental impact of the product alongside their personal hydration needs. Both brands provide clean, refreshing tastes that differ subtly due to their distinct sources. As the bottled water industry expands, the preference for brands often extends beyond taste to the philosophy and sustainability practices behind each bottle.
Bottled Water Basics
When discussing bottled water, distinctions among types, water sources, and potential health implications are vital.
Defining Bottled Water Types
Bottled water comes primarily in two forms: spring water and purified water. Spring water emerges from an underground source and flows naturally to the earth's surface. It retains the minerals present and is often synonymous with taste and quality. Purified water, however, has undergone treatment processes like reverse osmosis or distillation to remove impurities and contaminants, resulting in water with a purity of 99.9%.
Spring Water: Originates from an underground source, contains natural minerals.
Purified Water: Has been treated to remove chemicals and pathogens; boasts high purity levels.
Understanding Water Sources
The source of bottled water plays a crucial role in determining its final composition. Bottled waters such as Eternal and Icelandic Glacial claim to source their water from natural springs, which allows the water to have distinct mineral profiles that can influence taste and quality. The purity of source water is a concern for consumers, who often seek water from pristine, uncontaminated environments.
Eternal: Sources water from natural springs.
Icelandic Glacial: Water sourced from the springs in Iceland, proclaiming a clean and natural profile.
Health and Hydration Considerations
Bottled water can be more than just a source of hydration; it can contain various minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium which are beneficial to health. The pH level of water, which indicates its acidity or alkalinity, can also be a point of difference. Some brands, for example, offer alkaline bottled water with higher pH levels, which is believed by some to offer health benefits, although scientific consensus on this is lacking.
Health: Minerals such as calcium and magnesium contribute to overall well-being.
Hydration: Consistent consumption of water is crucial for maintaining bodily function.
pH: The scale measures acidity or alkalinity in water; some brands specialize in alkaline water with a higher pH level for purported health benefits.
Brands In-Depth
In this section, readers will gain a clear understanding of two distinct bottled water brands, Eternal and Icelandic Glacial, including their source and taste profile, which are essential for consumers looking to hydrate with quality products.
Eternal Water Profile
Eternal Water originates from naturally occurring springs where water is protected from external elements until it's bottled. Source: The water flows through layers of ancient rock and sandstone in secluded sources across the globe, which enriches the water with a variety of essential minerals. Taste: Consumers report Eternal Water as having a clean, crisp taste, which can be attributed to its protected sources and natural filtration process. This brand prides itself on providing water that helps hydrate and replenish with naturally occurring electrolytes without additional processes or additives.
Icelandic Glacial Overview
Icelandic Glacial, conversely, boasts its claim as one of the purest bottled waters available due to its remarkable source. Source: Sourced from the legendary Ă–lfus Spring in Iceland, one of the world's most pristine ecosystems, the water is naturally filtered through volcanic rock, imparting it with a unique mineral balance. Taste: Those who drink Icelandic Glacial describe the taste as smooth and refreshing with a naturally alkaline pH level. The brand captures the public's trust by delivering water that can hydrate and satisfy with crispness sourced straight from nature's untouched glacial springs.
Comparative Analysis
In determining which bottled water prevails, Eternal and Icelandic Glacial are examined across key dimensions: taste experience, health benefits, mineral content, and pH level. These factors provide an informed perspective on the overall quality of each brand.
Taste Experience
Eternal Water presents a smooth taste, credited to its natural filtration through layers of rock which imbue it with a blend of natural minerals. Icelandic Glacial boasts an exceptionally clean taste; sourced directly from the Ă–lfus Spring in Iceland, it provides a crisp and refreshing flavor that's representative of its pristine origin.
Health Benefits
The health benefits of bottled water are largely centered around hydration and the absence of contaminants. Both Eternal and Icelandic Glacial are considered premium waters with high purity standards. Eternal Water is naturally alkaline, which may contribute to neutralizing body acidity. Icelandic Glacial also offers alkaline water with a pH level beneficial for maintaining body balance.
Mineral Content Comparison
Mineral Eternal Water Icelandic Glacial Calcium Naturally occurring in moderate amounts Found in low to moderate quantities Magnesium Naturally present Trace amounts present Potassium Naturally filtered and present Minimal presence Sodium Minimal and naturally occurring Very low, in line with its purity focus
Eternal Water typically contains a rich array of naturally occurring minerals, due to its underground aquifer origins. Icelandic Glacial, however, has a lower mineral content, reflecting its glacial source which is less mineral-rich.
pH Level Assessment
The pH level of bottled water indicates its acidity or alkalinity. Eternal Water has a pH range typically between 7.8 and 8.2, making it naturally alkaline. Icelandic Glacial also has an alkaline pH level, which is consistently at 8.4, providing an environment that is less hospitable for bacteria and other pathogens. Neither brand uses reverse osmosis, preferring to maintain the natural chemistry of their sources.
Purification and Production
When considering bottled water brands like Eternal and Icelandic Glacial, it is crucial to understand the purification processes they employ, the level of purity achieved, and their packaging innovations. These factors significantly influence the quality of the water and its environmental impact.
Process Techniques
Eternal uses a combination of micro-filtration, ultraviolet exposure, and ozone treatment to purify its water. This multi-step process ensures the removal of impurities and potential contaminants. On the other hand, Icelandic Glacial boasts of leveraging natural filtration through lava rock and employing a reverse osmosis system, which is one of the most effective purification methods. The water from Icelandic Glacial is sourced from the Ă–lfus Spring, which naturally delivers a high level of purity without the need for heavy mechanical processing.
Quality and Purity
When it comes to purity, both brands claim to offer exceptional quality. Eternal sources its water from naturally alkaline springs, which not only provides a unique mineral composition but also maintains a high pH. Icelandic Glacial’s water features a naturally low mineral content and a balanced pH, attributing to the untouched quality of its source. Both brands ensure their water meets stringent quality standards before bottling.
Purity indicators:
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Low TDS for Icelandic Glacial due to natural filtration.
pH level: Alkaline pH for Eternal; balanced pH for Icelandic Glacial.
Packaging Innovations
Packaging is an essential aspect where both companies have implemented innovations. Eternal offers a line of bottles that are 100% BPA-free, enhancing the safety and taste of its water. Icelandic Glacial takes an environmentally conscious approach by providing water in fully recyclable glass bottles and plastic bottles made from renewable resources. Both brands consider ecological impact and consumer health, striving to reduce their carbon footprint and ensure product safety.
Packaging highlights:
Eternal: BPA-free PET bottles.
Icelandic Glacial: Glass bottles and PET bottles from renewable resources.
The choice between Eternal and Icelandic Glacial, considering their purification and production methods, depends on consumers’ preferences for purity levels and ecological values.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Comparing Eternal and Icelandic Glacial bottled waters requires an examination of their environmental impact, focusing on water source sustainability, the ecological footprint of packaging, and each brand's commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Water Source Management
Eternal sources its water from naturally flowing springs and emphasizes the importance of maintaining the natural aquifer levels to avoid depletion. Their water is touted to be naturally filtered through mineral-rich layers. Icelandic Glacial, on the other hand, obtains its premium water from the Ă–lfus Spring in Iceland, a naturally replenishing source that boasts a high level of purity due to its passage through volcanic rock.
Sustainability Measures:
Eternal: Sustainable yield management
Icelandic Glacial: Direct flow capture
Packaging and Pollution
Both brands strive to reduce their environmental footprint with their packaging choices.
Eternal: Offers packaging options that include recycled plastic and boxed water solutions. The boxed water approach is significant as it reduces reliance on plastic bottles and is seen as a more sustainable packaging method.
Icelandic Glacial: Utilizes 100% recyclable packaging materials, with bottles made from BPA-free rPET and glass options. Icelandic Glacial's operations are also certified CarbonNeutral®, meaning they aim to balance their carbon footprint with measures such as investing in renewable energy projects.
Packaging Materials:
Eternal: Recycled plastic, Boxed water
Icelandic Glacial: BPA-free rPET, Glass
Brands' Eco-Friendly Practices
Each brand has distinct eco-friendly practices beyond packaging, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Eternal has not made specific claims regarding carbon neutrality but focuses on sustainable water source management and offering more eco-conscious packaging alternatives.
Icelandic Glacial markets itself as the world's first carbon-neutral bottled water, reflecting a comprehensive approach that includes responsible bottling operations and partnership with third-party environmental auditors to maintain its sustainability claims.
Eco-Friendly Highlights:
Eternal: Emphasizes sustainable water source and alternative packaging
Icelandic Glacial: Certified CarbonNeutral®, strategic investments in renewable energy initiatives
Consumer Considerations
When choosing between Eternal and Icelandic Glacial bottled waters, consumers primarily evaluate accessibility, cost, and how the product fits into their lifestyle. These factors often determine the preference for one brand over another.
Accessibility
Eternal and Icelandic Glacial have varying levels of availability. Icelandic Glacial, known for its source from Iceland's legendary springs, is often praised for its purity and may be found in major supermarkets and online platforms such as Amazon. Eternal, sourcing water from naturally alkaline springs, may not be as widely distributed but can still be accessed through health food stores and its own online sales channels.
Where to Find:
Eternal: Health food stores, select supermarkets, online
Icelandic Glacial: Major supermarkets, online retailers
Cost Comparison
The cost of bottled water is a crucial consideration for many consumers. Eternal and Icelandic Glacial are both premium water brands, which often results in higher prices compared to average bottled waters.
Price Range:
Eternal: $2.00 - $3.00 per liter
Icelandic Glacial: $1.50 - $2.50 per liter
Prices can vary based on the retailer, location, and any applicable promotions or discounts.
Convenience and Lifestyle
The convenience factor of bottled water encompasses ease of purchase, and the ability to stay hydrated on-the-go. Consumers also look at how a brand aligns with their lifestyle, whether they prioritize eco-friendliness, the refreshing nature of the water, or specific health benefits.
Factors:
Availability in local stores or delivery options
Packaging design for ease of transport and use
Commitment to environmental sustainability
Health benefits (e.g., alkalinity, mineral content)
Conclusion
When choosing between Eternal and Icelandic Glacial bottled water, consumers weigh numerous factors. Both brands offer premium water quality, but there are subtle differences that may influence the decision-making process.
Icelandic Glacial boasts a low mineral content and a naturally high pH level, which contributes to its smooth and clean taste. The water is sourced directly from Iceland's legendary Olfus Spring, promising purity and a unique mineral balance. Their commitment to sustainability is evidenced by their carbon-neutral certification, leveraging Iceland's renewable energy.
On the other hand, Eternal waters are sourced from various springs across the globe, including America's Allegheny Mountains. They emphasize the presence of naturally occurring electrolytes and minerals in their water, which they claim can enhance hydration.
Here is a simplified comparison for a clear perspective:
Aspect Eternal Icelandic Glacial Source Multiple global springs Olfus Spring, Iceland Taste Mineral-rich Clean, smooth Sustainability Focus on natural electrolytes Carbon-neutral, sustainable bottles pH Level Varies with source Naturally high
For those seeking a diverse mineral profile in their bottled water, Eternal may be the better option. Conversely, individuals prioritizing sustainability and a consistent taste profile may gravitate towards Icelandic Glacial. In either case, consumers can expect high-quality water that emphasizes health and environmental consciousness. The final choice rests on personal preference in taste and values around sustainability practices.
