Packaged drinking water vs mineral water: what is the difference?
Packaged drinking water is treated water — usually filtered, purified (often by RO) and disinfected — made to the Indian Standard IS 14543. Natural mineral water comes from a protected underground source, keeps its natural minerals and follows a separate standard, IS 13428. The 20-litre jars delivered to homes and offices in Kerala are almost always packaged drinking water.
Side by side
| Packaged drinking water | Natural mineral water | |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Standard | IS 14543 | IS 13428 |
| Source | Any suitable source — borewell, river, municipal | A specific protected underground source |
| Treatment | Filtration, purification (often RO) and disinfection | Limited; natural mineral content must be kept |
| Minerals | Whatever remains after treatment | Naturally present and stable |
| Common pack sizes | 1L bottles to 20L jars | Mostly small bottles |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Which one is in a 20L jar?
Large returnable jars are filled at packaged drinking water plants. If a 20L jar is described as “mineral water”, it is usually a loose way of saying “packaged drinking water”. Look at the label: it should say packaged drinking water and show the plant’s FSSAI licence number.
Is one healthier than the other?
Both are safe to drink when produced and stored properly. Mineral water has a more distinctive taste because of its natural minerals. For everyday drinking and cooking at home, packaged drinking water is what most families use because it is affordable in bulk.
What both have in common
- Plants must hold an FSSAI licence, and both are classed as high-risk foods with yearly inspections.
- The label must carry the plant name, address, FSSAI number and batch or packing date.
- Both should be stored away from sunlight.
Prepaid refills that never expire. Refundable jar deposit. No lock-in.
Frequently asked questions
Is 20 litre can water mineral water?
Usually not. 20L jars are filled with packaged drinking water made to IS 14543. Natural mineral water follows a different standard, IS 13428, and is mostly sold in small bottles.
What is IS 13428?
IS 13428 is the Indian Standard for packaged natural mineral water — water from a protected underground source that keeps its natural minerals.
Which is better for daily drinking?
Both are safe when properly produced and stored. Packaged drinking water is the practical choice for daily drinking and cooking because it is far cheaper in bulk.
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