Is Fiji Water Really Good? Why Is It So Expensive?

Fiji Water

Fiji water is a brand name that has become synonymous with high-quality bottled water. It was first introduced to the US market in 1997 by its Canadian founder David Gilmour under the company name Natural Waters of Viti. Today, this product is sold in stores across the globe.

Fiji Water’s claim as the purest water on earth helped it find a premium niche in an already overcrowded market. Initially, Gilmour tried to establish its upscale image by serving only at resorts in Fiji where Gilmor had connections. When breaking into the US market, word-of-mouth was everything, with Hollywood A-listers like Nicole Kidman, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, and Justin Timberlake serving as brand endorsers for the product.

The brand claims that it uses a unique aquifer high up in the mountains of Fiji to source its water, which is then shipped in a special way to keep its taste and quality intact. It is well-known for its flavor and has been marketed as “the Earth’s finest drink.” No wonder people are willing to pay a fortune for it. But is Fiji Water really all that good? We’ll see if that holds true further down.

What Is Fiji Water

The Fiji Artesian Water is sourced from an aquifer, which is a naturally created subterranean chamber made up of layers of permeable volcanic rock that holds water and is covered by protective granite that keeps impurities out and pressurizes the chamber. To get water from the ground, a borehole or a well has to be drilled through the geological barriers. It’s bottled right at the source in Fiji’s remote Yaqara Valley.

What Does Fiji Water Taste Like

The water is often described as having a sweet, smooth flavor, which has been caused by the unique chemistry of the Fiji water spring. Most brand enthusiasts agree that Fiji tastes crisper than other major bottled-water brands. The mineral profile reflects its luxury branding, having the minerals silica, magnesium, and calcium, which contribute to its soft texture and pleasant flavor. The brand’s signature smooth, refreshing flavor is guaranteed until the top is unbolted.

What’s Special About Fiji Water

Fiji water has a reputation for being one of the most expensive bottled waters around. But that high price tag has been justified by a reputation for quality and a flavor that’s unlike any other brand. It’s sourced from an underground aquifer on the island of Fiji, which gives it a unique flavor and is a key part of its branding. The company also says that its electrolytes are twice as high as the electrolytes in the leading premium bottled waters, which are 100% natural and have no added sugar.

According to the company’s website, the general composition of Fiji water is as follows:

pH 7.16
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)210 mg/L
Chloride13 mg/L
Fluoride0.2 mg/L
Magnesium 14 mg/L
Sodium18 mg/L
Silica86 mg/L
Sulfate0.8 mg/L
Calcium19 mg/L
Bicarbonate133.6 mg/L

How Is Fiji Water Purified

Fiji water is packaged at the source in Viti Levu (Fiji Islands) and pushed through a human-free sealed delivery system. As it rains down on a pristine rainforest, tropical rain filters through layers of lava rocks, slowly collecting the natural mineral and electrolyte content that gives Fiji Water its mellow, smooth taste. The water then gathers in a natural artesian aquifer deep beneath the Earth’s surface, protected from the elements by constraining rock layers. This is how it stays free from human contact until the cap is removed.

Is Fiji Water Good for You

As a luxury bottled water brand, it is synonymous with quality and shipped across the globe for people who want to enjoy a premium product. Known for its unique taste and high quality, the water is sourced from the crystal clear waters of the South Pacific directly from the source, ensuring that you are getting the freshest, purest water possible.

For Kidneys

Dehydration causes urine to produce more mineral salts and waste products. This can cause crystals (calcium oxalate) to form, which can impair kidney functioning and contribute to renal disorders such as kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps the kidneys remove salt, urea, waste products, and toxins from the body, potentially lowering the risk of chronic kidney diseases.

While Fiji water has not been tested to treat any form of kidney disease, it is generally considered safe for kidney patients because its source is underground and contamination-free.

For Skin

Fiji water is more popular among health-conscious people than regular water. With a natural mineral profile that contains a high concentration of silica, FIJI Water is an ideal choice. It contains minerals and electrolytes and is free of artificial tastes, colors, and preservatives, making it highly beneficial and easy to drink all day long.

Fiji Water Ingredients

Fiji Water is tested on a regular basis for hundreds of organic and inorganic chemicals regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It contains several minerals like calcium, magnesium, and silicon, as well as electrolyte salts, including chloride, potassium, and sodium.

Fluorides in Fiji Water

Fiji Water is tested on a regular basis for hundreds of organic and inorganic chemicals regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Fluoride is a mineral that can be hazardous in excessive amounts but is excellent at preventing tooth decay in limited quantities. Too much exposure might cause tooth discoloration and bone issues.

According to an FDA report, Fiji contains 0.2 mg/L of fluoride, which is well within the FDA’s approved level.

Electrolytes in Fiji Water

Electrolytes are needed because they help keep your body hydrated, allowing your muscles to function properly. They also help in the reduction of fatigue, muscular pain, and muscle soreness by directing water and nutrients to the parts of the body that need them the most.

Fiji Water is not just the most delicious bottled water you’ve ever had; it’s also an excellent way to replenish your body’s electrolyte levels with potassium, bicarbonate, chloride, and magnesium.

Sodium in Fiji Water

Although there is no universal standard for sodium content in drinking water, some states and the US Food and Drug Administration recommend that sodium levels in water be less than 20 milligrams per liter (mg/L) because food contains the majority of the salt we consume. The salt content of FIJI Natural Artesian Mineral Water is 18 mg per liter (mg/L), which is well within the FDA’s recommended daily maximum limit of 2300 mg/L.

Arsenic in Fiji Water

Arsenic can cause cancer and affect the eyes, skin, kidneys, lungs, and lymphatic system. The US Environmental Protection Agency has established the maximum contamination limit (MCL) of arsenic in drinking water sources at 10 parts per billion (ppb), and the FDA has accepted this standard for bottled water as well, in order to decrease health hazards associated with exposure to arsenic from drinking water.

Fiji water has been found to have a trace amount of Arsenic (0.001 mg/L) which is well within the FDA set limit of 0.01 mg/L.

Silica in Fiji Water

Silica in water can help in the removal of aluminum from the body, which can aid in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. The properties of silicon-rich mineral water can also help improve wound healing, but in large amounts, it can be an irritant to the eyes and may also cause respiratory problems and skin irritation. Fiji water has 86 mg/L of silica, which is considerably below the FDA’s 35 PPB limit.

Salt in Fiji Water

Commercial bottled water companies often add salt to their purified water before selling it to enhance its taste. According to the company’s website, chemicals that may potentially be found in the source water include salts and metals that can either occur naturally or as a consequence of agricultural, urban stormwater runoff, industrial or household wastewaters, or oil and gas extractions.

Chlorine in Fiji Water

Many public water systems disinfect their water by adding chlorine. Disinfection kills or inactivates harmful microorganisms (such as bacteria,) which can cause illnesses such as typhoid fever, cholera, and hepatitis. Fiji water contains no more than 13 mg/L of Chloride, which is well within the 250 mg/L maximum allowed by the FDA for drinking water.

Potassium in Fiji Water

Potassium in drinking water has no known negative health effects on healthy people. In the absence of pre-existing kidney disease, higher than normal potassium concentrations in the blood (hyperkalemia) and the resulting health problems are uncommon. The FDA suggests a daily potassium intake of 2,500 mg to 3,000 mg, but there is no maximum limit.

Magnesium in Fiji Water

Magnesium is not something most people need to worry about. The American Heart Association recommends drinking water with less than 20 milligrams per liter (mg/L) for those on low-salt diets. Fiji Water has a magnesium content of 14 mg/L, which is considered safe.

Alkaline in Fiji Water

Is alkaline water safe for you? Alkaline water is not harmful to your health unless you have kidney disease. However, it can leave your skin dried out and itchy and cause some stomach discomfort. Fiji water has 130 mg/L of alkalinity (in calcium carbonate units) and a mildly alkaline pH of 7.16.

Is Fiji Water Safe During Pregnancy?

Heavy metal exposure in pregnancy has been linked to subsequent cognitive and attention deficit-based behavioral issues. Look for the NSF certification on the label of the bottled water you’re buying to ensure its purity. This shows that the bottler adheres to regulatory criteria and only utilizes FDA-approved raw materials. Fiji water is NSF-certified, which means it is safe.

Is Fiji Water Safe for Babies

It’s important to know which type of water to use in baby formulas if you want to keep your baby healthy. Although all water appears to be the exact same, they’re not.  Certain types of water may contain greater amounts of certain minerals, which could harm your baby’s developing teeth.

Fiji Water in Baby Formula

Fiji spring water that meets FDA requirements is safe for baby formulas, albeit it should still be boiled. To be safe, many people choose distilled water over bottled ones. Distilled water is made from water that has been cooked into steam and then condensed back into a liquid form. All pollutants have been eliminated throughout the distillation process, resulting in ultra-clean water.

Is Fiji Water Safe for Dogs 

Fiji is marketed as having health benefits for humans, but is there any proof that it’s safe for dogs? It’s usually safe to give your furry friends, including cats and dogs, the same water that humans drink, even tap water. Bisphenol-A (BPA)—found in plastic PET bottles—is an endocrine disruptor that can harm your pets. FIJI Water Bottles say that their bottles are BPA-free, making them completely safe for your pets.

Bottled water isn’t always the best option for maintaining an aquarium but if it becomes necessary, make sure the pH level and other water parameters are safe. Deionized water is an excellent alternative if you want to ensure that your aquarium water is free of mineral and chemical impurities.

How Much Does Fiji Water Cost 

Fiji Water is one of the world’s most expensive bottled water brands and can often be seen in hotels and resorts where it’s mostly marketed as a luxurious item. The water is sourced from springs in Fiji, which explains the name. It is then bottled in California with a large distribution network and is often on top-seller lists at convenience stores, despite being priced higher than other brands. But is the cost truly justified?

Owing to its distinct flavor and exotic origin, Fiji water is often marketed at a higher price than other bottled water brands like Aquafina and Dasani. There are several high-profile customers and celebrities who endorse the company, including Barack Obama and Nicole Kidman. Additionally, transportation costs contribute to its high price as well, as transporting water from Fiji to the United States is a hard and time-consuming process.

How Healthy Is Fiji Water

Unlike other brands that often get their water from public water sources, Fiji gets its water from underground aquifers located on a tropical island, free from pollution and acid rain, which are often associated with springs. It’s also thousands of miles away from industrialized countries. So, it’s no wonder Fiji Water claims to be the healthiest water in the world. It’s been a popular brand among celebrities and athletes, and it’s still one of the best-selling bottled waters today.

Is Fiji Water Good or Bad for You

The Fiji water brand has been expanding rapidly in recent years and is now available in over 60 countries, including the United States. It’s most famous for being served at fine dining establishments, such as Michelin-starred restaurants. Many consumers are unsure of what to make of Fiji Water, with some extolling its health benefits and others condemning it for its high price. In reality, Fiji Water is neither good nor bad for you but rather a healthful alternative to traditional bottled water brands.

Check out our guides for other bottled water brands

References:

  1. https://www.fijiwater.com/pages/product-landing/#bottle-lineup-wrap
  2. https://www.livestrong.com/article/340864-fiji-water-nutrition/
Anand Srinivasan
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