{"id":35165,"date":"2026-05-31T22:52:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-31T19:52:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hanawater.com\/?p=35165"},"modified":"2026-05-31T22:53:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-31T19:53:59","slug":"how-to-read-bottled-water-labels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hanawater.com\/en\/how-to-read-bottled-water-labels\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Read Bottled Water Labels: Sodium, TDS and pH"},"content":{"rendered":"

How to read bottled water labels<\/strong> helps you choose drinking water with more confidence in Saudi Arabia. Instead of judging by brand, price, or bottle size only, check the source, sodium, minerals, TDS, pH, production date, expiry date, and storage details before you buy.<\/p>\n

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Short answer:<\/strong> To read bottled water labels<\/strong>, check the water source, sodium in mg\/L, mineral composition, TDS, pH, dates, storage, bottle size, carton count, and quality details together.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

How to Read Bottled Water Labels: Quick Checklist<\/h2>\n

A clear bottled water label helps you compare products in a practical way. Instead of depending on taste, price, or packaging only, use this checklist to understand the main information written on the bottle.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Label item<\/th>\nWhat to check<\/th>\nWhy it matters<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Water source and type<\/strong><\/td>\nMineral, spring, purified, well, or bottled drinking water<\/td>\nHelps you understand where the water comes from and how it may be prepared<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sodium<\/strong><\/td>\nThe mg\/L value shown on the label<\/td>\nUseful for people who monitor sodium intake or prefer low sodium bottled water<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Minerals<\/strong><\/td>\nCalcium, magnesium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride, sulfate, fluoride, nitrate<\/td>\nShows the mineral profile and can affect taste and water character<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TDS<\/strong><\/td>\nTotal dissolved solids in mg\/L<\/td>\nHelps you understand the total level of dissolved minerals and salts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
pH<\/strong><\/td>\nThe acidity or alkalinity value<\/td>\nUseful as supporting information, but not a health claim by itself<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dates<\/strong><\/td>\nProduction date and expiry date<\/td>\nHelps you choose properly stored and clearly labeled bottled water<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Size<\/strong><\/td>\nml or liter size and carton count<\/td>\nHelps match the bottle size to home, office, events, or daily use<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quality information<\/strong><\/td>\nManufacturer, batch, approvals, or quality details<\/td>\nSupports trust and product traceability<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Why Bottled Water Labels Matter<\/h2>\n

Bottled water labels help you move from guessing to comparing. A bottle may look simple, but the label can show details that affect how suitable the water is for daily drinking, serving guests, stocking an office, or buying cartons for home use.<\/p>\n

If you want to compare label details with Hana\u2019s own water information, you can review Hana Water quality and mineral composition<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

1. Start with the Water Source and Type<\/h2>\n

The first part of learning how to read bottled water labels is understanding the water source and type. Some labels may refer to mineral water, spring water, purified water, well water, or bottled drinking water. These terms help you understand whether the water comes from a natural source, has been treated, or is bottled according to a specific drinking water standard.<\/p>\n

This section should not be used to decide that one type is always better than another. A good choice depends on clear label information, safe production, balanced mineral composition, suitable sodium level, and the intended use.<\/p>\n

For a broader explanation of how water type affects choice, read the guide to mineral water vs bottled water<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Read the Sodium Content in mg\/L<\/h2>\n

Sodium is one of the most important numbers to check on bottled water labels. It is usually shown in mg\/L. A lower sodium value can be useful for people who prefer lighter-tasting water or who pay attention to sodium intake as part of their daily routine.<\/p>\n

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority explains that water containing more than 20 mg\/L sodium should be considered among sodium sources for people following a low-sodium diet. It also clarifies that sodium is part of total dissolved salts, not a separate approved limit by itself in bottled drinking water.<\/p>\n

You can read more about choosing low sodium bottled water in Saudi Arabia<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Important note:<\/strong> Low sodium does not mean sodium-free. Do not treat low sodium bottled water as a medical product. If your doctor has given you sodium limits, use those medical instructions first.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

3. Check the Mineral Composition<\/h2>\n

The mineral composition section shows the natural or measured minerals found in the water. Common items include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonate, chloride, sulfate, nitrate, and fluoride. These values are usually shown in mg\/L.<\/p>\n

Minerals can affect the taste and character of bottled water, but higher mineral content is not always better. A balanced water profile is usually easier to understand than simply choosing the water with the highest mineral value.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Mineral or element<\/th>\nHow to read it on the label<\/th>\nSimple meaning<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Sodium<\/strong><\/td>\nShown in mg\/L<\/td>\nImportant for people who monitor sodium intake<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Calcium<\/strong><\/td>\nShown in mg\/L<\/td>\nPart of the mineral profile and taste character<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Magnesium<\/strong><\/td>\nShown in mg\/L<\/td>\nPart of the mineral profile and mouthfeel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bicarbonate<\/strong><\/td>\nShown as HCO3 or bicarbonate<\/td>\nCan affect taste balance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chloride and sulfate<\/strong><\/td>\nShown in mg\/L<\/td>\nPart of the dissolved salts profile<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fluoride and nitrate<\/strong><\/td>\nShown in mg\/L if listed<\/td>\nShould be read carefully, especially for children or special health needs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

4. Understand TDS Level in Bottled Water<\/h2>\n

TDS means total dissolved solids. In bottled water, it refers to the combined amount of dissolved minerals and salts such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, carbonates, nitrates, bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates.<\/p>\n

According to the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, the acceptable range of total dissolved salts in bottled drinking water is between 100 and 500 mg\/L under the approved Saudi-Gulf technical regulations.<\/p>\n

TDS helps you understand the overall dissolved-mineral level, but it should not be used alone to judge whether a water is good or bad. Read TDS together with sodium, mineral composition, pH, source, and expiry information.<\/p>\n

5. Check pH Without Following Marketing Claims<\/h2>\n

pH tells you whether water is more acidic or more alkaline. A pH of 7 is usually considered neutral, while lower values are more acidic and higher values are more alkaline.<\/p>\n

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority states that the permissible pH range for bottled drinking water is 6.5 to 8.5. It also states that there is no health benefit linked to increasing or decreasing pH within the approved limits.<\/p>\n

For official guidance, you can refer to the Saudi Food and Drug Authority clarification on sodium and pH in bottled water<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

6. Review Fluoride and Other Specific Elements<\/h2>\n

Fluoride may appear on some bottled water labels as part of the mineral analysis. Like other elements, it should be read as part of the full label, not as a single reason to choose or avoid a water.<\/p>\n

If you are choosing water for children or for a person with a specific health condition, follow medical guidance when reading fluoride, nitrate, sodium, or any other element that may matter for that case.<\/p>\n

7. Check Production Date, Expiry Date and Storage<\/h2>\n

A bottled water label should help you identify the production date and expiry date. Even when water looks clear, the bottle condition, storage temperature, sunlight exposure, and time in storage can affect product quality and taste.<\/p>\n

Choose bottles with clear dates, sealed caps, and undamaged packaging. Store cartons away from direct sunlight, high heat, chemicals, or materials with strong odors.<\/p>\n

For labeling-related requirements, you can also review the SFDA page for labeling for drinking water and bottled natural mineral water<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

8. Read Bottle Size, Volume and Carton Count<\/h2>\n

Volume is part of label reading because the right bottle size depends on how the water will be used. A 200ml bottle may suit quick hospitality or events, while 330ml can be practical for offices and guests. A 550ml bottle is often suitable for personal daily drinking, while 1.5L and 5L sizes can support family, table, kitchen, or home use.<\/p>\n

If you want a full size comparison, use the bottled water sizes guide<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

9. Check Quality Information and Approvals<\/h2>\n

Do not rely only on words such as pure, premium, natural, or healthy. These phrases may be useful, but the strongest label information comes from clear data: source, composition, manufacturer details, dates, batch details, and official quality or approval information when available.<\/p>\n

For Hana Water, the quality page helps customers understand the mineral composition and quality position before moving to the shop or choosing a carton size.<\/p>\n

How to Compare Two Bottled Water Labels<\/h2>\n

When comparing two bottled water labels, use a simple order. Start with the water source and type, then check sodium, TDS, pH, mineral composition, expiry date, storage notes, bottle size, and carton count.<\/p>\n