Mineral Water Guide
Bicarbonate in Mineral Water
What It Is, Why It Matters, and How Levels Vary Between Waters
Bicarbonate is the mineral that most influences how water feels in the mouth - giving it the smooth, rounded quality that distinguishes a highly mineralized European spring water from a thin, neutral alpine water.
Levels range from under 50 mg/L in light mountain waters to over 2,000 mg/L in carbonated volcanic springs. Bicarbonate does not typically appear on a "things to watch out for" list - it is generally considered a positive contributor to water quality and taste.
If a water feels smooth and easy to drink, bicarbonate is usually part of the reason.
What bicarbonate does
High-bicarbonate waters have traditionally been associated with digestive comfort - a reason many classic European spa waters are rich in it. The science is nuanced, but the taste effect is real and consistent.
How Bicarbonate Levels Vary in Mineral Water
Bicarbonate levels vary widely depending on the geological origin of the water.
Typical ranges include:
| Bicarbonate Level | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Very low | < 50 mg/L |
| Moderate | 50-400 mg/L |
| High | 400-1,000 mg/L |
| Very high | > 1,000 mg/L |
Some mineral waters are naturally very rich in bicarbonate due to their underground contact with carbonate rocks.
Mineral Waters with Low Bicarbonate Levels
Examples of mineral waters known for relatively low bicarbonate content include:
| Water | Country | Bicarbonate (mg/L) |
|---|---|---|
| Lauretana | 🇮🇹 Italy | 4.9 |
| Sant'Anna | 🇮🇹 Italy | 12.5 |
| Plose | 🇮🇹 Italy | 14 |
Values based on official label data.
These waters contain very low to moderate bicarbonate levels, often associated with lighter mineral profiles.
Mineral Waters with High Bicarbonate Levels
Examples of mineral waters known for relatively high bicarbonate content include:
| Water | Country | Bicarbonate (mg/L) |
|---|---|---|
| Donat Mg | 🇸🇮 Slovenia | 7,789 |
| St-Yorre | 🇫🇷 France | 4,368 |
| Vichy Célestins | 🇫🇷 France | 2,989 |
Values based on official label data.
These waters illustrate how bicarbonate levels can reach several thousand milligrams per liter depending on the geological source.
Who appreciates high-bicarbonate water
High-bicarbonate water (above 600 mg/L) tends to appeal to people who:
- Enjoy a fuller, rounder, smoother taste in water
- Find sparkling water harsh - bicarbonate softens it significantly
- Are drawn to classic European mineral waters with distinctive profiles
Who prefers lower bicarbonate water
Lower bicarbonate water tends to be preferred by people who:
- Want a light, clean, crisp taste with a quick finish
- Prefer ultra-light waters with minimal mineral presence
- Find heavily mineralized waters too heavy to drink in large volumes
Light alpine waters - Lauretana, Plose - contain almost no bicarbonate, which is part of why they taste so neutral and easy to drink.
Bicarbonate and Overall Mineral Composition
Bicarbonate is only one element of a water's mineral composition. Looking at the complete mineral profile provides a clearer understanding of how different waters compare.
Read also about the other parameters typically listed on mineral water labels:
Key Takeaway
Bicarbonate is the mineral most responsible for the smooth, rounded character of classic European mineral waters. High levels are generally a positive - for taste, for digestive comfort, and for how sparkling water feels.
If you find some waters feel harsh or thin, comparing bicarbonate levels on the label is a useful first step.
FAQ
How much bicarbonate is in mineral water?
Bicarbonate levels can vary widely, from only a few milligrams per liter to several thousand depending on the source.
Does bicarbonate affect the taste of water?
Yes. Waters with higher bicarbonate levels often have a more pronounced mineral taste.
Are bicarbonate-rich waters common?
Many mineral waters contain moderate levels, but very high bicarbonate concentrations are typically associated with specific geological sources.
Is bicarbonate related to pH?
Bicarbonate contributes to the buffering system of water and is related to how water maintains its acid-base balance.