Icelandic Glacial: why pH 8.4 and what it means

In short: the alkaline pH of Icelandic Glacial is natural, formed as the water filters through volcanic rock. It tastes soft, and the mineralisation is low.

Why does Icelandic Glacial have a pH of 8.4?

The water comes from the Ölfus spring in southern Iceland and filters through volcanic lava on its way. The rock gives it an alkaline reaction but almost no salts: the brand reports a pH of 8.4 at a mineralisation of 62 mg/l. This is a natural combination rather than the work of an ioniser, since machine-made "alkaline water" is produced by electrolysis from ordinary tap water. Standards allow a pH like this: the EU range for drinking water is 6.5–9.5, and Russia's SanPiN allows 6 to 9.

• The Ölfus spring and a filter of volcanic lava
• Low mineralisation alongside an alkaline reaction
• This is a natural pH, not ionised water from a machine

What alkaline water means

Water is called alkaline above a pH of 7.5, and 8.4 clears that line comfortably. Water like this tastes soft, with no salty or metallic edge. Health benefits from alkaline water remain unproven: the body holds the acidity of its blood within narrow limits on its own, and a glass of water does not shift it. This is general information and brand data, not medical advice.

• On the pH scale, 8.4 counts as slightly alkaline water
• The health benefits of alkaline water remain unproven
• This is general information, not medical advice

Taste and service

The soft taste follows directly from the low mineralisation: 62 mg/l according to the brand. Under EU rules that makes it a water with a low mineral content, with almost no mineral character of its own. That is why it is poured with wine, fish and delicate dishes: it does not compete with the food. Serve chilled to 8–12 °C and do not leave an open bottle in the sun, since warm water loses its freshness.

• A soft, neutral taste with almost no mineral character
• Goes well with wine and delicate dishes
• Serve chilled, in glass

Sources

• Icelandic Glacial: FAQ on the water's composition (pH 8.4, TDS 62 mg/l)
• Directive (EU) 2020/2184: drinking water pH of 6.5–9.5
• SanPiN 1.2.3685-21: drinking water pH of 6–9 (table 3.5)
• Directive 2009/54/EC, Annex III: the claim "low mineral content"