Water - Other

Premium Water & Other Drinks in the UK: Where to Find the Best Bottles, Brands and Deals

Introduction: why the right bottled water and drinks matter

Choosing bottled water or other ready-to-drink beverages might seem like a tiny decision, but it can have a surprisingly big impact on taste, health and your wallet. Whether you’re stocking up for home, packing for a day out, or hunting for premium mixers, the choice of retailer—and the product they stock—matters. From budget bulk buys at discount supermarkets to boutique mineral waters in premium grocers, the UK market is rich with options. This guide walks you through the major retailers, the types of water and drinks you’ll find, sustainability considerations, and tips to spot the best deals.

Major UK retailers stocking bottled water and drinks

Many UK retailers cover the whole spectrum: economy multipacks, mid-range bottled water, sparkling and flavoured ranges, and high-end imported brands. Knowing where to shop helps you match quality, price and convenience. Below are the stores where shoppers most often find a wide selection and competitive offers.

Tesco

Tesco is a one-stop option for everyday bottled water and broader drink choices. You’ll commonly find supermarket own-brands alongside big names like Evian, Volvic and San Pellegrino. Tesco’s multipacks—often 8 to 12 bottles of 17.6 fl oz or 35.2 fl oz—make it easy to buy in bulk. Clubcard deals can significantly reduce the price per bottle, and Tesco’s own-brand still and sparkling ranges are solid value if you’re stocking for the week.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s balances quality and range, with own-brand options plus premium and specialist waters. Look out for promotional bundles and Nectar point offers that make larger purchases less costly. Sainsbury’s also tends to carry an extensive selection of flavored and functional waters—ideal if you want a low-calorie twist or vitamin-enhanced option without paying specialist brand premiums.

Asda

Asda is often the go-to for budget-conscious shoppers. The chain’s value packs and large-capacity bottles—like 1.5 L equivalents in imperial terms around 52.8 fl oz—help families and events stay hydrated without breaking the bank. Asda’s price-matching strategy and rollbacks mean you can frequently find multipacks at rock-bottom prices, particularly on own-brand still and sparkling water.

Morrisons

Morrisons combines good supermarket own-brands with a respectable selection of imported mineral and sparkling bottles. Look for Morrisons’ larger formats for BBQs and gatherings, and check weekly leaflets for bundle savings. Their deli and chilled sections may also include boutique tonic waters and mixers, making Morrisons a practical stop for party planning.

Waitrose

For premium bottles and artisanal drink options, Waitrose is a reliable choice. The retailer offers boutique mineral waters and imported sparkling brands, often in glass bottles, ideal for dinner parties or gifts. While prices skew higher, the quality and provenance details—spring source, mineral profile—are usually well-documented, helping you pick a bottle that’s as much about experience as hydration.

Ocado

Ocado’s online-only model lets it stock an unusually wide and curated range of waters and specialty drinks, including international brands not always found in brick-and-mortar stores. If you’re after oxygenated waters, coconut water, or small-batch tonics, Ocado is worth a browse. Delivery brings convenience, and promotions on bulk orders can offset the premium on specialist bottles.

Aldi & Lidl

Discount supermarkets Aldi and Lidl are strong value players in the bottled water space. Both carry surprisingly good-quality own-brand waters and mixers at a fraction of the price of branded equivalents. Their rotating special buys also sometimes include premium bottled options at limited-time discounts—an excellent find if you’re willing to pounce when they appear.

Marks & Spencer and Boots

Marks & Spencer tends to focus on premium own-brand waters and mixers in stylish packaging—great for gifting or entertaining. Boots may carry convenience-sized bottles, flavored waters and functional drinks in the health aisle, useful when you need hydration on the go.

Types of water and drinks you’ll encounter

The bottled drinks category covers more than plain still water. Understanding types helps match product to purpose—whether it’s a calorie-free mixer, a mineral-rich table water, or a kid-friendly flavored option.

Still water

Still water is the baseline: pure, neutral-tasting, and versatile. It’s the common choice for everyday drinking and cooking. Bottles come in sizes from small 11 fl oz grab-and-go bottles to large 176 fl oz containers for bulk home use. Look for spring or purified labels depending on whether you prefer a slight mineral taste or a cleaner profile.

Sparkling and mineral water

Sparkling water adds fizz, either naturally carbonated at the source or artificially infused. Mineral waters often boast a unique mineral content—calcium, magnesium and trace elements—that gives character. Brands like San Pellegrino fall into the premium category, and they’re ideal as mixers with spirits or for elevating a meal.

Flavoured and functional waters

Flavoured waters offer subtle fruit notes without the sugar hit of soft drinks; functional waters add vitamins, electrolytes or herbal extracts for a targeted benefit. These are popular with active people and those seeking low-calorie flavour. Many supermarkets now stock sugar-free or naturally sweetened varieties that are good for kids and adults alike.

Mixers and specialty drinks

Mixers—tonics, ginger ale, soda water—are essential for cocktails and mocktails. Premium tonic waters with botanicals or low-sugar formulas have become a staple in mid-range and premium supermarkets. Look for glass-bottled tonics in Waitrose or M&S when quality matters.

How to choose the best bottled water for your needs

Picking a bottle isn’t just about price. Consider taste preferences, usage scenarios, and environmental impact. Asking a few simple questions can save you money and lead to a better drinking experience.

Taste profile and source

Do you prefer neutral, clean water or something with a mineral tang? Spring and mineral waters bring distinct flavors tied to their source. If you enjoy subtle mineral notes with meals, try a mineral water; for gym sessions and kids, a neutral still water might be best.

Bottle size and convenience

Think about where the bottle will be used. For commuting or kids’ lunches, small bottles around 11 to 18 fl oz are handy. For home use and events, larger bottles of 35 to 176 fl oz cut down packaging waste and per-serving costs. Buying the right size reduces the chance of half-used bottles languishing in the fridge.

Price per volume and multipacks

Compare prices on a per-fluid-ounce basis rather than the sticker price. Multipacks and bulk formats often lower the cost dramatically. Supermarkets frequently offer multipack deals—8 bottles of 17.6 fl oz, for instance—that work out far cheaper per drink than single bottles.

Sustainability: packaging, recycling and reuse

Sustainability is a major factor when choosing bottled drinks. From single-use plastic to refillable glass, the packaging choices you make affect waste and carbon footprint. Here’s how to weigh options and shop smarter.

Plastic bottles: reduce, recycle, choose responsibly

Many supermarket chains have shifted to lighter-weight bottles and higher recycled content in PET packaging. Look for bottles labelled with recycled PET (rPET) percentages and for clear recycling guidance on the label. If you must use plastic, opt for bottles with higher recycled content to close the loop.

Glass and refillable alternatives

Glass bottles are highly recyclable and often used for premium and imported waters. Several stores also support refill stations or sell filtered jugs and water systems that reduce reliance on single-use bottles. Choosing reusable bottles and topping up from a filtered tap combines convenience with low waste.

Health considerations: what to look out for

Bottled water is generally safe, but some types have higher mineral or sodium levels that could matter for particular diets. Functional waters and drinks might also contain sweeteners or additives—always check the label if you have dietary concerns.

Mineral content and sodium

Mineral waters can contain appreciable amounts of calcium and magnesium—which can be beneficial—but they may also have noticeable sodium. If you’re limiting salt intake, scan labels for sodium content. For most people, the mineral uplift is harmless and often enjoyable.

Children and sports drinks

Sports drinks and vitamin waters may contain sugars or sweeteners; they’re useful after prolonged vigorous exercise but unnecessary for general day-to-day hydration. For children, plain still or lightly flavored waters without added sugar are the safest bet.

Finding the best deals: in-store strategies and online tips

Scoring good value doesn’t require sacrifice. Retailers run regular promotions, and a little planning goes a long way. Here’s how to get more for less.

Watch for weekly offers and loyalty points

Supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s run weekly promotions and link offers to loyalty schemes, lowering the effective price of multipacks or premium brands. Combine loyalty points with club deals for significant savings.

Buy in bulk when storage allows

If you have space, larger packs or 176 fl oz jugs cut the price per serving dramatically. Big buys are excellent for parties, sports teams or households that consume a lot of bottled water. Just balance cost savings with the risk of bottles sitting unopened too long.

Budget picks vs premium choices: where to compromise

You don’t always have to pay top price for a pleasant drinking experience. Decide where to compromise: quality for everyday use, premium for entertaining or gifting.

Value supermarkets for everyday hydration

Aldi, Lidl and Asda are hard to beat on price for everyday bottles. Their house-brand waters and multipacks are ideal for schools, offices and daily use. If you only need plain hydration, these retailers are typically the most economical choice.

Premium bottles for special moments

Save premium and glass-bottled mineral waters for dinner parties, gifting and special occasions. Stores like Waitrose and M&S stock attractive bottles that complement a formal table setting, providing both taste and presentation benefits.

Final tips: smart shopping and mindful drinking

Be deliberate about where and how you buy. Use loyalty programmes, compare unit prices, and think long-term about sustainability. Small habits—refilling reusable bottles, opting for larger shared bottles, or choosing bottles made with recycled materials—add up to less waste and more value.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hunting for the cheapest multipack, a boutique mineral water for a special meal, or an electrolyte-enhanced drink for a long run, UK retailers offer a wide spectrum to suit every need. Supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons provide solid everyday options and deals, while Waitrose, Marks & Spencer and Ocado cater to premium and specialist tastes. Combine careful label reading, loyalty savings and sustainability choices to get the best balance of taste, health and value. Happy hydrating!