For consumers who place a premium on the quality and safety of their drinking water, there are few options as popular and as scrutinized as Fiji bottled water. Sourced from an artesian aquifer in the remote Yaqara Valley of Viti Levu, Fiji Water is a leader in the premium bottled water industry. However, with its premium price, many consumers wonder if the added cost is justified.
Fiji Water is worth the premium for its unique quality, but for daily use, tap water or a filtration system may be more practical and eco-friendly.
In this article, we delve into the factors that contribute to Fiji Water’s cost, evaluate its safety and quality, and determine if it truly warrants the higher price tag.
Read my article on the 50 Most Popular Brands of Bottled Water in the US.
Table of Contents
Fiji Water’s Unique Source and Natural Purity
Fiji Water’s primary selling point is its unique source: an artesian aquifer deep within the Earth, protected by layers of volcanic rock that act as natural filters. This pristine environment ensures that the water is pure and free from contaminants typically found in surface water sources. Moreover, the water undergoes a natural mineralization process, enriching it with beneficial minerals like silica, magnesium, and calcium.
Read my article about how expensive Voss water is.
Quality Assurance and Testing
Fiji Water is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of its product. The company employs rigorous quality control measures, including thorough testing at both the source and the bottling facility. Fiji Water is tested for over 150 contaminants, including heavy metals, organic compounds, and microbiological impurities. The water is also subjected to radiological testing to ensure it meets international safety standards.
Packaging and Transportation
Fiji Water’s signature square bottle, made from high-grade PET plastic, is designed to protect the water from external contaminants and preserve its quality during transportation. The company takes additional precautions to maintain the water’s purity, such as employing a sealed cap system to prevent air contact and contamination. It’s important to note that shipping the water from its remote source to global markets contributes to its higher price, as transportation costs are a significant factor.
Learn more about brands that use BPA-free bottles.
Environmental Considerations
While Fiji Water has made efforts to reduce its environmental impact, such as using recycled materials in its packaging and working to offset its carbon emissions, the transportation of water from Fiji to international markets raises questions about its environmental sustainability. Critics argue that locally sourced water options may be more environmentally friendly, and in some cases, more affordable.
Comparing Fiji Water to Other Premium Brands
To assess if Fiji Water is worth its premium price, it’s crucial to compare it to other premium bottled water options. For example, Evian, sourced from the French Alps, and Voss, sourced from an artesian aquifer in Norway, are both considered high-quality waters that command a premium price. While these brands offer their unique benefits, Fiji Water’s distinct mineral profile and natural purity set it apart from its competitors.
The following table lists the top premium bottled water brands.
| Premium Bottled Water Brand | Country of Origin |
| Fiji Water | Fiji |
| Evian | France |
| Voss | Norway |
| Perrier | France |
| San Pellegrino | Italy |
| Icelandic Glacial | Iceland |
| Acqua Panna | Italy |
| Volvic | France |
| Ty Nant | Wales, United Kingdom |
| SmartWater | United States |
Tap Water vs. Fiji Water
In many developed countries, tap water is subjected to rigorous testing and treatment to ensure its safety and quality. While tap water may not have the exotic appeal of Fiji Water, it is a cost-effective and safe option for daily consumption. For those concerned about contaminants or mineral content in their local tap water, investing in a high-quality home filtration system may be a more economical and environmentally friendly alternative to purchasing premium bottled water.
What Minerals Are in Fiji Water?
Fiji water picks up a lot of minerals as it flows through the volcanic soil and underground aquifer in Fiji. Here are the minerals that are present in a bottle of Fiji Water.
- Sodium – 18 mg/L
- Potassium – 4.9 mg/L
- Calcium – 18 mg/L
- Magnesium – 15 mg/L
- Chloride – 9.8 mg/L
- Bicarbonate – 155 mg/L
- Silica – 93 mg/L
- Fluoride – 0.25 mg/L
- Total Dissolved Solids – 222 mg/L
Consumer Perception and Marketing
Fiji Water’s premium price is also influenced by its brand image, marketing efforts, and consumer perception. The company has successfully positioned itself as a luxury product, associating its water with quality, health, and indulgence. This perception undoubtedly contributes to the willingness of some consumers to pay a premium for Fiji Water.
Key Takeaways
| Fiji Water Advantages | Potential Concerns |
| Natural purity | Environmental impact |
| Unique mineral profile | High price |
| Rigorous quality control | Local alternatives |
| Luxury brand image | Sustainability concerns |
| Stringent testing | Long-distance transportation |
| Exotic source | Tap water as viable option |
| Distinct taste | Home filtration systems |
FAQs
Is Fiji Water treated?
Fiji Water is not chemically treated. It undergoes natural filtration through volcanic rock, which removes impurities and enriches it with beneficial minerals. The company employs rigorous testing at both the source and bottling facility to ensure its quality and safety. Read my article about bottled water brands that are treated with reverse osmosis.
Are minerals added to Fiji Water?
No, minerals are not artificially added to Fiji Water. The water’s unique mineral profile, including silica, magnesium, and calcium, is a result of natural mineralization as it flows through the Earth’s crust and volcanic rock. Read about other bottled mineral waters.
Who owns Fiji Water?
Fiji Water is owned by The Wonderful Company, a private corporation based in Los Angeles, California, USA. The company also owns other popular brands such as POM Wonderful, Wonderful Pistachios, and Teleflora.
Final Take
Fiji Water offers unique benefits, such as its natural purity, distinct mineral profile, and stringent.