Mountain Valley and Evian are two of the most respected still spring waters in the world. Both have long histories, loyal followings, and beautiful glass bottle options. But they come from very different places and have very different personalities. Here's how they actually compare.
Where They Come From
Mountain Valley Spring Water has been sourced from the same spring in Hot Springs, Arkansas since 1871. The water travels through layers of quartz and novaculite — a dense, fine-grained rock unique to the Ouachita Mountains — which gives it a distinctive mineral character and a naturally alkaline pH around 7.8-8.0.
Evian comes from the French Alps, specifically from a glacial source near the town of Évian-les-Bains on the shore of Lake Geneva. Rainwater and snowmelt filter through alpine glacial sand for 15 years before it's collected. The result is an exceptionally pure, light water with a very low mineral content.
Mineral Profile Comparison
These two waters sit at opposite ends of the mineral spectrum:
- Mountain Valley: Calcium 68mg/L, Magnesium 7mg/L, Silica 38mg/L, pH ~7.8, TDS ~220mg/L
- Evian: Calcium 78mg/L, Magnesium 24mg/L, Sodium 5mg/L, pH ~7.2, TDS ~309mg/L
They're surprisingly close in TDS, but the composition is different. Mountain Valley has notably higher silica content, which some attribute to its smooth mouthfeel. Evian has more magnesium and a slightly higher overall mineral count.
Taste
Mountain Valley has a clean, slightly sweet taste with a smooth finish. The higher silica content gives it a softness that makes it very easy to drink in volume. It's the kind of water that doesn't demand your attention — it just tastes right.
Evian is crisp and neutral with a light, clean finish. It's one of the most widely recognized water tastes in the world — refreshing without being particularly bold. It's a crowd-pleaser by design.
For smooth and slightly mineral: Mountain Valley.
For crisp and neutral: Evian.
Glass Bottle Availability
Mountain Valley's iconic green glass bottle is one of the most recognizable in American grocery stores and has been the same design for generations. It's widely available at Whole Foods, specialty grocers, and online.
Evian is most commonly found in plastic in the US, though glass bottles are available in select markets and restaurants. If glass is a priority, Mountain Valley is the more accessible choice domestically.
The Sleeve Factor
Both waters — when you can get them in glass — have the same cold-glass problems: condensation, slippage, and rapid temperature loss. The ColdyCo Bottle Sleeve fits the Mountain Valley 1-liter glass bottle perfectly and is designed for exactly this type of premium glass spring water bottle.
Which Should You Choose?
- Mountain Valley — for domestic sourcing, glass availability, smooth mineral character, and that iconic green bottle
- Evian — for a crisp neutral profile and wide recognition, though glass is harder to find in the US
If glass is important to you — and it should be — Mountain Valley is the clear winner for everyday access.
Keep your glass bottle cold longer with the ColdyCo Sleeve →