Have you ever noticed how many plastic bottles end up in the trash after a single party or event? Every year, billions of these bottles pollute our oceans and landfills. While many people want to make greener choices, it is often hard to know if canned water is actually a better alternative. You might wonder if the water tastes like metal or if it is truly as eco-friendly as the labels claim.
Choosing the right drink for your home or business can feel overwhelming with so many new brands hitting the shelves. You want to stay hydrated without feeling guilty about your environmental footprint, but you also want a product that is convenient and tastes crisp. It is easy to get confused by marketing buzzwords and complicated recycling claims.
In this post, we will cut through the noise to help you understand the real benefits of switching to canned water. We will break down the impact on the planet, compare the quality of different brands, and explain why aluminum is a smarter choice than plastic. By the end of this guide, you will have all the information you need to make a purchase you can feel good about. Let’s dive into the details and see if canned water is the right fit for your lifestyle.
Top Canned Water Recommendations
- CANNED WATER IN ECO-FRIENDLY ALUMINUM, NOT PLASTIC - Open Water uses sustainable packaging made of 100% recyclable BPA-free aluminum. Our 12 ounce aluminum cans get recycled more often than any other beverage container material including plastic, glass, and even cartons. Aluminum is also infinitely recyclable, which means it can be recycled over and over without losing quality or volume.
- CONVENIENT AND SUSTAINABLE - Canned Water! You know what they say... Great things come in small packages. Well, now our deliciously fresh ultra-purified water is available in a compact little can that's easy to throw in a backpack, cooler, or lunchbox. Made and adventure-tested right here in the U.S.
- CLEAN, PURE TASTE - Our ultra-purified canned water has a balanced pH and goes through a multi-step purification system. We then add plenty of electrolytes for a clean, balanced taste.
- CLIMATE NEUTRAL CERTIFIED - We are the first bottled water company to go Climate Neutral That means that we are measuring, reducing, and offsetting all of the carbon emissions that we create as a company, from powering our team’s computers to producing our bottles and cans. Additionally, we are a 1% for the Planet member with a portion of each sale going to ocean conservation.
- LONG TERM EMERGENCY STORAGE - Open Water is the perfect option for long term storage as emergency water when stored in a dry environment with ambient temperatures (above 35 degrees and below 90 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Don’t Be Scared. It’s Just the Greatest Water on Earth
- Natural Mountain Source
- Ice Cold Cans
- Infinitely Recyclable Cans
- We donate a portion of our proceeds to help kill plastic pollution
- Don’t Be Scared. It’s Just the Greatest Water on Earth
- Natural Mountain Source
- Ice Cold Cans
- Infinitely Recyclable Cans
- We donate a portion of our proceeds to help kill plastic pollution
- So clean and smooth, it’s almost sweet. You’ve never had water like this: 100% pure rain in an infinitely recyclable can.
- Sourced from the purest point in nature’s water cycle and cleaner than the strictest water standards.
- We don’t need to put anything in it or take anything out, no chlorine, fluoride, PFAS, BPA… you name it.
- While others lose half their water during filtration, our closed-loop system loses near zero.
- We use water wisely, hydrate more people with each drop, and put more water into the drinking water supply. We're the first net-positive water.
- USE LESS PLASTIC - Recyclable aluminum bottles.
- COOLS IN 20 MINUTES - Here's some science: plastic is less thermally conductive than aluminum. That means colder water faster with RAIN Water.
- BOTTLED AT THE SOURCE - Collected using no mechanical energy, underground pressure brings the spring water to the surface.
- 24 Pack of 16 Fl Oz resealable bottles.
- CANNED WATER IN ECO-FRIENDLY ALUMINUM, NOT PLASTIC - Open Water uses sustainable packaging made of 100% recyclable BPA-free aluminum. Our 12 ounce aluminum cans get recycled more often than any other beverage container material including plastic, glass, and even cartons. Aluminum is also infinitely recyclable, which means it can be recycled over and over without losing quality or volume.
- CONVENIENT AND SUSTAINABLE - Canned Water! You know what they say... Great things come in small packages. Well, now our deliciously fresh ultra-purified water is available in a compact little can that's easy to throw in a backpack, cooler, or lunchbox. Made and adventure-tested right here in the U.S.
- CLEAN, PURE TASTE - Our ultra-purified canned water has a balanced pH and goes through a multi-step purification system. We then add plenty of electrolytes for a clean, balanced taste.
- CLIMATE NEUTRAL CERTIFIED - We are the first bottled water company to go Climate Neutral That means that we are measuring, reducing, and offsetting all of the carbon emissions that we create as a company, from powering our team’s computers to producing our bottles and cans. Additionally, we are a 1% for the Planet member with a portion of each sale going to ocean conservation.
- LONG TERM EMERGENCY STORAGE - Open Water is the perfect option for long term storage as emergency water when stored in a dry environment with ambient temperatures (above 35 degrees and below 90 degrees Fahrenheit).
- smartwater is h20 crafted through a vapor distillation process inspired by the clouds, for a pure, crisp taste
- purified water cans with a 9.5+ pH and added antioxidant from selenium
- added electrolytes, like potassium, magnesium and calcium, to enhance the flavor
- a crisp, pure taste makes smartwater a hydration choice for every occasion
- 8 pack of 12 fl oz cans of smartwater alkaline with antioxidant water
- PLAIN WATER - With Boxed Water Is Better, you can enjoy no added minerals - a sustainable option for kids lunches and events.
- PLANT-BASED CARTON - Better than bottled or canned water, our case of water contains renewable, reusable cartons that are made from mostly paper sourced from well managed forests. Even the cap is plant-based bioplastic. Calculations based on mass balance.
- CLEAN, CRISP TASTE - Our water purification process, including reverse osmosis & carbon filtration, gives our award-winning drinking water a clean taste without additives or other ingredients; it's just water in a more sustainable package.
- SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION - Boxed water cartons illustrate the simple way we can all improve the planet and quality of life; not only is the 24 pack of water recyclable, but it's also refillable, making it an easy and efficient sustainable choice.
- WE HELP THE PLANET - Boxed Water obsesses over providing the purest water in the most sustainable way; we've planted over 1,500,000 trees and counting with the National Forest Foundation; for each social media post with #BetterPlanet, we plant 2 trees.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Canned Water
Canned water is becoming a popular choice for people who want to stay hydrated while helping the planet. Unlike plastic bottles, aluminum cans are infinitely recyclable. If you are looking to stock up for emergencies or daily use, this guide will help you pick the right brand.
Key Features to Look For
- Water Source: Check the label to see where the water comes from. Some brands use mountain springs, while others use purified municipal water.
- pH Level: Some people prefer alkaline water, which has a higher pH level. Look for labels that mention the pH balance if this matters to you.
- Filtration Method: Good brands use reverse osmosis or carbon filtration to remove impurities and ensure a crisp taste.
- Can Size: Cans usually come in 12 oz or 16 oz sizes. Pick a size that fits your daily needs or storage space.
Understanding Materials
Aluminum is the gold standard for canned water. It keeps light and air out, which protects the water’s taste. Most cans also have a thin, food-safe liner inside. This liner prevents the water from touching the metal directly. Always check that the can is BPA-free to ensure your water stays clean and safe.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of canned water depends on how it is processed. Brands that use high-quality filtration systems produce a cleaner taste. Storage also plays a big role. While aluminum is durable, you should keep your cans in a cool, dark place. Extreme heat can sometimes affect the lining of the can over long periods. Also, check the expiration date. Even though water does not go bad, the can lining can degrade after several years.
User Experience and Use Cases
Canned water is excellent for many situations. Many businesses now use it at events to reduce plastic waste. It is also a smart choice for emergency kits. Aluminum cans are strong and do not crack like plastic bottles. They are also easy to stack in a pantry or a garage. Many users enjoy the “cold” feeling of the metal, which makes the water taste more refreshing on a hot day.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is canned water better for the environment than plastic?
A: Yes. Aluminum is one of the most recycled materials in the world. Most cans are recycled and back on store shelves within 60 days.
Q: Does the water taste like metal?
A: No. A protective liner separates the water from the aluminum, so you should not taste any metal.
Q: How long can I store canned water?
A: Most companies suggest using the water within two to three years for the best quality.
Q: Can I freeze canned water?
A: It is not recommended. The water expands as it freezes, which can cause the can to bulge or burst.
Q: Is canned water more expensive?
A: Often, yes. The cost of aluminum and the canning process makes it pricier than plastic-bottled water.
Q: Does canned water contain BPA?
A: Most modern canned water brands use BPA-free liners. Always check the packaging to be sure.
Q: Where should I store my cans?
A: Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Q: Is canned water just tap water?
A: It depends on the brand. Some use spring water, while others purify municipal water through advanced filters.
Q: Can I recycle the cans easily?
A: Yes. You can put aluminum cans in almost any curbside recycling bin.
Q: Why is the can cold so quickly?
A: Aluminum is a great heat conductor. This means it chills very fast when placed in a fridge or a cooler with ice.