Boxed Water vs. Bottled: Is It Really Better for You and the Planet?

Whether carrying a refillable bottle or grabbing one on the go, many people drink water from glass, plastic, or stainless-steel containers.

Boxed water is also being marketed as a way to reduce the amount of plastic in landfills, oceans, and our bodies—but what exactly is it?

Julie Herbstman, PhD, a professor of Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia, explains the benefits and drawbacks of this new way to hydrate.

What is boxed water?

Boxed water is packaged in a carton or box. It's reported to be more eco-friendly and healthier.

What is the box made of?

Most of the box is typically made from paperboard. But the lining contains polyethylene, a type of plastic used to prevent leaks, and aluminum to block out light and air.

Is boxed water healthier than other water?

If sourced from a clean, safe supply, water is the same no matter the packaging. Some people claim to taste a difference between packaging. Any water packaged to block out light and air, such as in boxes or tinted glass, tends to taste fresher.

We know that nanoplastics leach into water when stored in plastic bottles. But not much is known about whether the polyethylene that lines water boxes may also lead to nanoplastic exposure. 

What is the bottom line about boxed water?

There is some debate about how much more sustainable boxed water really is, given that the boxes cannot be easily recycled due to the lining.

Ultimately, water is the best beverage—better than juice or soda, which have added sugar. Any clean water source—such as community "tap" water or tested well water—is beneficial, regardless of its container. But, if you have the option, stainless steel or glass bottles are best, both in terms of health and sustainability.