Here's What Gives FIJI Water Its Unique Taste

You might think that all bottled water is the same thing, but you'd be wrong about that. Water isn't just water, as any expert will tell you. If you've ever had a sip and thought it tasted different, know that it wasn't a placebo effect — water does indeed carry different flavors. Things like mineral content, salinity, and pH levels can influence flavor, as well as how water is sourced and filtered, notes Live Science. This is why certain bottled waters, like FIJI Water, is deemed more elite, but what are the specific factors accountable for its unique taste?

We all know that staying hydrated is important to keep healthy, yet, most aren't exactly sure what the proper level of hydration is. Healthline explains that most health professionals agree on the 8x8 rule, which means eight 8-ounces glasses a day, which is equivalent to 2 liters or a half gallon. However, this can vary based on your environment, diet, activity, and health. Even the type of water can make a difference.

In Europe, mineral water (which comes from a naturally occurring source) has been praised for centuries because of its therapeutic properties, unlike in the U.S. where most water is purified, filtered, and sometimes even re-mineralized reports Iconic Life. However, bottled mineral water isn't impossible to find in North America, with FIJI Water being a shining example.

Certified by the German Mineral Water Trade Association, Martin Riese is one of the world's few certified water sommeliers. In a tasting with Town & Country Magazine, he praised FIJI Water for its silky texture thanks to its abundance of silica and high TDS (total dissolved solids) levels. So what exactly gives FIJI Water these characteristics? Location, location, location. 

According to FIJI Water, the thing that separates them from other brands is that H2O comes from a remote aquifer that's located deep underground on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. The untouched chamber of layered volcanic rock limits contaminants and maintains minerals like calcium, silica, and magnesium, which gives FIJI water a delicate mouthfeel, in addition to its naturally occurring electrolytes. The brand also boasts a balanced pH level of 7.7 pH, which is why FIJI Water doesn't have any odd aftertaste. 

Although it's not the only mineral water on the market, FIJI Water definitely does have a taste that rivals other bottled brands. With the global bottled water industry currently valued at almost $329 billion U.S. dollars (via Statista) and expected to increase, it doesn't look like FIJI will continue to win over consumer taste buds — especially those looking for a velvety thirst quencher.