Why Is Mineral Water So Expensive? Differences from Cheaper Water and 5 Reasons for the Price Difference
Why is mineral water expensive?
In fact, the price of water
- Source
- Value of natural water
- Hardness and drinkability
- Quality control
- Transportation costs
are among the many reasons.
While you might sometimes feel "it's just water, why is it so expensive?", the price can actually vary depending on the "background of the water itself."
This time,
we will explain the difference between expensive and cheap mineral water, and the five reasons for price differences,
in an easy-to-understand manner.
How do expensive mineral water and regular water compare?
First, looking at a general comparison, there are the following differences:
| Comparison Item | Expensive Mineral Water | General Water |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Clear characteristics and brand value | Wide range |
| Hardness | Unique | General |
| Quality Control | Strict management | Varies by product |
| Value of Natural Water | Water source management is important | Varies by product |
| Transportation Costs | Can be high | General |
Of course, not all products are the same, but
the price can be influenced by factors other than the water itself.
Mineral Water Prices Differ by Source
Mineral water's characteristics vary depending on where it is sourced.
This is because the geological layers and natural environment affect the
- mineral balance,
- pH,
- hardness,
- and mouthfeel.
Additionally,
- water source environment,
- sourcing conditions,
- and brand value
can also influence the price.
Onsensui99 is natural alkaline ionized water sourced from the nature of Tarumizu, Kagoshima Prefecture.
Because it is water nurtured through natural geological layers, its soft mouthfeel is a distinctive feature.
Water drinkability varies with hardness
The "hardness" of water affects its palatability.
Generally,
- Hard water → Strong mineral taste
- Soft water → Soft and easy to drink
is often said.
Onsensui99 is ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7.
This softness is
"mellow"
"easy to drink"
one of the reasons why it feels so.
Also,
- tea,
- coffee,
- rice,
- and broth
are sometimes chosen for enhancing the flavors of ingredients.
Drinkability is also one of the values of water.
Natural Water: A Finite Resource, Hence the Price Difference
Unlike artificially produced water in factories,
natural water is nurtured over a long period within natural geological layers and environments.
Therefore,
natural groundwater cannot be extracted indefinitely.
Water sources are related to
- storage capacity,
- natural cycles,
- and the balance with extraction volume.
In other words,
natural water
is also a "finite natural resource."
Therefore,
- water source preservation,
- extraction management,
- and sustainable operation
become crucial.
Onsensui99 is also natural hot spring water nurtured in the nature of Tarumizu, Kagoshima Prefecture.
Precisely because it is a gift of nature,
it is necessary to cherish and utilize it.
Quality control and manufacturing process also affect price differences
Water may seem like a simple product, but
in reality,
- sourcing,
- filling,
- quality inspection,
- sanitation management,
- and manufacturing management
are among the many processes involved.
Because it is something we drink every day,
safety and quality control are crucial.
Onsensui99 is also manufactured in Japan with strict quality control.
Invisible quality control also contributes to the value of water.
Shipping costs also influence the price of mineral water
Water is a very heavy product.
Therefore,
- domestic transport,
- international transport,
- storage,
- and delivery
also incur costs.
Especially when delivering Japanese natural water overseas,
- import procedures,
- quality maintenance,
- and local storage
are also necessary.
In other words,
costs are incurred not only for the water itself, but also for "getting it to you."
Expensive mineral water differs in "what it values."
Of course, water selection varies from person to person.
While some prioritize price,
- drinkability,
- quality,
- source,
- compatibility with food,
- or daily routine
are important to others.
Expensive mineral water can include
- attention to the water source,
- the unique qualities of natural water,
- quality control,
- and drinkability.
Onsensui99 is also chosen by those who
"want to be particular about quality and drinkability because it's water they drink every day."
"want to be particular about quality and drinkability because it's water they drink every day."
are chosen by people who want to.
Summary
Why is mineral water expensive?
The reasons include:
- Source
- Hardness
- Value of natural water
- Quality control
- Transportation costs
and various other factors.
Natural water, in particular,
is a finite water resource nurtured in nature.
Therefore,
it might be important to consider not just "cheap or expensive," but also
what kind of water to choose.
Because it's water you drink every day,
it might be important to consider not just "cheap or expensive," but also
focusing on quality and drinkability is one way to choose.
FAQ
Why is mineral water expensive?
Various factors influence the price, such as the source, the value of natural water, hardness, quality control, and transportation costs.
What is the difference between expensive and cheap mineral water?
Differences can be found in the sourcing location, quality control, drinkability, and water source management.
Is natural water an infinite resource?
Natural water is a finite water resource nurtured through natural cycles, and thus water source preservation and extraction management are crucial.
What makes premium mineral water different?
Differences may lie in the source, quality control, the unique characteristics of natural water, and the brand's philosophy.
What is ultra-soft water?
It is water with very low hardness, characterized by a soft and mellow mouthfeel.
Related Articles
▶ Why does Onsensui99 taste so mellow and easy to drink?
▶ Does water change the taste of food?
▶ What is ultra-soft water? Explaining the difference from hard water.
