Icelandic Glacial vs. Smartwater
A Comprehensive Comparison of Bottled Waters
Bottled water has become a staple in the daily lives of millions, offering convenience and perceived purity, especially when compared to municipal water sources. Among the many brands that have captured consumer interest, Icelandic Glacial and Smartwater stand out. Icelandic Glacial touts itself as having the cleanest water in the world, sourced directly from Iceland's legendary natural springs. Its natural filtration process and commitment to environmental sustainability have garnered a loyal consumer base.
Smartwater, on the other hand, takes a different approach. By using vapor distillation, it mimics the hydrologic cycle to create a product that aims for purity and added electrolytes for taste. Smartwater is often the choice for those seeking not just hydration but also a product that supports their active lifestyle. Despite both brands aiming to deliver purity and quality, they present unique features in sourcing, processing, and branding, leading consumers to weigh the benefits of each.
As the bottled water industry grows and evolves, the debate over which water is 'better' continues to be subjective and centers on individual preferences for taste, sourcing methods, and brand ethos. When comparing Icelandic Glacial and Smartwater, one doesn't just consider the taste of the water but also the environmental impact of the brands, the technology behind their processes, and the contribution of added minerals. Each brand caters to different consumer values and preferences, making the choice between them a personal decision rather than a definitive conclusion.
Understanding Bottled Water
When choosing between bottled water brands like Icelandic Glacial and Smartwater, it's important to understand the nuances that differentiate various types. This includes knowledge about the water sources, methods of purification, health benefits, and bottling processes.
Types of Bottled Water
Bottled water comes in several varieties, each with its own characteristics. Spring water, for example, originates from natural springs and must be collected at the source or through a borehole tapping the underground formation. Purified water has been processed to remove chemicals and contaminants through methods like reverse osmosis or microfiltration. Mineral water contains natural minerals and trace elements, while alkaline water has been ionized to increase its pH level. Icelandic Glacial is known as a natural spring water, and Smartwater is categorized as vapor distilled purified water.
Water Source and Origin
The water source plays a critical role in the final taste and purity of bottled water. Icelandic Glacial is sourced from the Ölfus Spring in Iceland, one of the world's most pristine ecosystems, which offers natural filtration through volcanic rock. In contrast, Smartwater derives from various municipal sources and undergoes vapor distillation, mimicking the hydrologic cycle, followed by the addition of electrolytes for a clean, crisp taste.
Health and Hydration
Bottled water often touts health and hydration benefits. Electrolytes and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium are found naturally in some waters or added to others, aiding in hydration. Icelandic Glacial is naturally alkaline with a pH of 8.4, which some believe can help balance the body's pH. Smartwater, enriched with a blend of electrolytes, is designed for taste and hydrating qualities.
Bottling Process
The method of capturing and bottling water also impacts its quality. Icelandic Glacial boasts a carbon-neutral bottling process, using 100% renewable energy. Smartwater, through its vapor distillation process, ensures purity and then fortifies the water with added electrolytes. Both processes aim to deliver purity and maintain the integrity of the water from source to bottle.
Comparison of Icelandic Glacial and Smartwater
In this section, the focus is on the fundamental differences between Icelandic Glacial and Smartwater, examining attributes such as pH levels, taste, mineral content, and their commitment to sustainability.
pH Level and Alkalinity
Icelandic Glacial touts a naturally high pH level of 8.4 due to the alkaline nature of its source. The brand emphasizes its water being ionized, resulting in its alkaline quality. Smartwater, on the other hand, is vapor-distilled with added electrolytes for taste and does not promote a high pH level as a feature, indicating that its pH level aligns more closely with neutral water, which is typically around 7.
Taste Profile
Icelandic Glacial: Said to have a rich and refreshing taste profile that comes naturally from its pristine source. Smartwater: Known for a clean, crisp taste attributed to its vapor-distillation process and added electrolytes for enhanced flavor.
Minerals and Additives
Icelandic Glacial water contains naturally occurring minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, without added minerals or additives. Smartwater is vapor-distilled, a process that removes minerals, but then includes a blend of electrolytes like calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium bicarbonate for taste.
Packaging and Sustainability
Icelandic Glacial uses 100% recyclable packaging and has been lauded for its commitment to sustainability, being certified CarbonNeutral for both its product and operation. Smartwater containers are made from recycled plastic (rPET), are BPA-free, and the brand has initiatives in place to reduce its carbon footprint, although it is not advertised as carbon neutral.
Brand Profiles
In the bottled water market, Icelandic Glacial and Smartwater stand out for their unique sourcing and purification methods, which cater to consumers looking for distinct taste and quality.
Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring Alkaline Water
Icelandic Glacial is sourced directly from the Olfus Spring in Iceland, a resource renowned for its low mineral content and natural alkalinity. The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level in Icelandic Glacial water is only 62 parts per million, reflecting its purity. The water naturally filters through volcanic rock, enriching it with a balanced mix of minerals and electrolytes, and lending to its crisp taste. The brand prides itself on sustainability, using 100% renewable energy in its bottling process.
Smartwater
Smartwater originates from British municipal sources and undergoes vapor distillation, a process inspired by the natural hydrologic cycle. After distillation, it's enhanced with electrolytes like calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium bicarbonate. The brand's vapor distilled process, along with the addition of electrolytes for taste, gives Smartwater its signature clean and crisp profile. Smartwater is often compared with other premium waters like Essentia and CORE hydration for its quality and taste.
Health and Safety Considerations
In comparing Icelandic Glacial with Smartwater, the health and safety considerations revolve around their quality and purity, potential impurities and chemicals, and adherence to certifications and standards.
Quality and Purity
Icelandic Glacial water is sourced from Iceland's Ölfus Spring, which claims a natural filtration through lava rock, potentially offering exceptional purity. Smartwater, distilled from municipal sources, markets itself on added electrolytes for taste. Consumers concerned with the natural purity of their water might lean towards Icelandic Glacial due to its geothermal and hydroelectric powered facility, which emphasizes sustainable purity.
Icelandic Glacial: Geothermal and hydroelectric powered processing
Smartwater: Vapor-distilled, with added electrolytes
Impurities and Chemicals
In terms of impurities, such as heavy metals or harsh chemicals, Icelandic Glacial boasts a high alkaline pH level, which is often associated with the absence of contaminants like lead or fluoride. Smartwater's distillation process is designed to remove impurities, but the added electrolytes are something to consider for those seeking a purely natural composition.
Detected Contaminants:
Contaminant Icelandic Glacial Smartwater Lead Not Detected Not Detected Fluoride Natural Trace None Added PFAS Not Listed Not Listed
Certifications and Standards
Both Icelandic Glacial and Smartwater adhere to FDA regulations, ensuring their products meet safety standards. Icelandic Glacial also holds certifications from NSF International for their bottling process, and it models its operations according to Iceland's stringent environmental regulations.
Icelandic Glacial: FDA, NSF International certified
Smartwater: FDA regulated
Consumers should evaluate these factors based on their personal preferences and health requirements when choosing between the two brands.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
In the arena of bottled water, Icelandic Glacial and Smartwater are two brands that take distinct approaches to environmental impact and sustainability. They both emphasize the importance of being eco-friendly but employ different strategies to achieve this goal.
Bottle Recycling and Environmental Policies
Icelandic Glacial touts its environmental credentials with 100% recyclable bottles and cardboard packaging. The brand is carbon neutral and also offers high-grade rPET bottles which are free from BPA. On the other hand, Smartwater has not made its environmental policies as visible, and the Environmental Working Group's scorecard from 2011 noted a lack of transparency in some areas.
Recycling Initiatives:
Icelandic Glacial: 100% recyclable materials for bottles and packaging.
Smartwater: Information on recycling initiatives is less publicized.
Carbon Footprint:
Icelandic Glacial: World’s first CarbonNeutral certified bottled water for product and operations.
Smartwater: No clear claim on carbon neutrality.
Water Source Conservation
Icelandic Glacial's commitment to sustainability extends to its natural spring water source, the Ölfus Spring. The brand highlights the spring's sustainable yield and the water’s direct flow to the bottling plant, minimizing environmental disturbance. Meanwhile, there is less information available on Smartwater's conservation efforts related to its sources, which has led to some criticism regarding transparency.
Sustainable Water Sources:
Icelandic Glacial: Utilizes the naturally renewable Ölfus Spring.
Smartwater: Details on water source conservation are not prominently disclosed.
By assessing these sustainability factors, consumers can make more informed choices when comparing Icelandic Glacial and Smartwater.
Consumer Information
When choosing between Icelandic Glacial and Smartwater, consumers often consider factors such as cost, accessibility, and brand reputation. Understanding these aspects can help in making an informed decision.
Cost and Accessibility
Icelandic Glacial and Smartwater can both be found in a variety of retail settings. Consumers can purchase these brands in supermarkets such as Walmart and Costco, as well as drugstores like Walgreens. Membership retail warehouses such as Sam's Club also carry these products. Online shopping options include platforms like Amazon, providing easy access to both brands.
The cost of each brand varies depending on the retailer, with prices being competitive between the two. It's noteworthy that bulk purchases at stores like Costco or Sam's Club might offer savings, making either brand more affordable on a per-bottle basis.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Coca-Cola owns Smartwater, which benefits from the beverage behemoth's extensive distribution and marketing. Smartwater's marketing emphasizes purity and an added electrolyte formula for taste. The brand's reputation is solid, and reviews typically highlight its clean taste and branding.
On the other hand, Icelandic Glacial boasts a naturally alkaline and environmentally sustainable source – the Icelandic glaciers. Although not owned by a corporation as large as Coca-Cola or Nestlé, Icelandic Glacial has established a loyal following, evidenced by numerous positive reviews praising its purity and taste. The environmental aspect of the brand's sourcing and operation often garners favorable attention as well.
Final Verdict
In comparing Icelandic Glacial and Smartwater, one must consider sourced quality, health implications, and empirical data.
Bottom Line
Icelandic Glacial water is touted for its purity and natural filtration method, coming directly from the Icelandic springs. Its source is one of the world's pristine ecosystems, and the effectiveness of its environmental management has been widely recognized. Icelandic Glacial is marketed on the premise of offering water with a high pH level, which some users prefer for its taste and potential health benefits—although the latter claims are not universally supported by clinical testing.
Smartwater, on the other hand, is vapor-distilled with added electrolytes for taste. The brand positions itself as a premium product in the market, often associated with a lifestyle choice. Smartwater's distillation process mimics the hydrologic cycle and results in water that is free of minerals and impurities.
Both brands claim health benefits tied to their unique processing, and both are subject to FDA regulations ensuring their safety for consumption. However, scientific consensus on the advantages of alkaline or electrolyte water over regular municipal water regarding long-term health benefits remains inconclusive.
When choosing between Icelandic Glacial and Smartwater, consumers may consider environmental impact, water source, and taste preference guided by individual beliefs in potential health benefits, rather than definitive clinical proof. Each offers a different experience, and their quality reflects stringent standards, aligning with personal preference being the determinant for most consumers.
