Survey Findings and Trends

A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) has unveiled some remarkable trends in American beverage preferences. With more than 2,000 adults surveyed, the findings reveal that a staggering 88% of Americans now consume bottled water. Not only that, but 87% of respondents express a positive opinion regarding bottled water as a beverage choice, indicating that the love for this refreshing drink is stronger than ever.

Healthier Beverage Choices

The data also suggests that Americans are increasingly prioritizing hydration in their diets. Nearly 9 out of 10 adults (89%) consider water, regardless of its source, to be one of their top beverage choices—a notable increase from 83% in 2022. This trend emphasizes a growing preference for healthier drinking options as an alternative to sugary beverages.

Market Dominance of Bottled Water

Bottled water—both still and sparkling—continues to dominate the beverage market, with 69% of Americans identifying it as one of their preferred non-alcoholic drinks, a rise from 65% last year. This rapid increase includes bottled water overtaking soda and coffee, which captured 61% and 60% of preferences, respectively. Impressively, bottled water has clearly maintained its status as America’s favorite drink, outselling soda for the eighth consecutive year as of 2023, with expectations to lead the market again in 2024, as reported by Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC).

Environmental Awareness

Interestingly, many bottled water consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious. The survey found that 44% correctly identified recyclable plastic (PET, HDPE, and PC) as having the least environmental impact compared to glass, cartons, or aluminum containers. This understanding is crucial, especially with the increased scrutiny on packaging waste and sustainability.

Availability and Consumer Preferences

When it comes to availability, a remarkable 90% of Americans believe bottled water should be accessible whenever other beverages are sold. This is a clear call to retailers to enhance their bottled water offerings. However, in instances where plain bottled water isn’t available, 68% of enthusiasts would turn to other packaged drinks such as soda (18%) or sports drinks (7%). Meanwhile, 31% would opt for water from alternative sources, like filtered tap water or water coolers. It's worth noting that 11% of Americans claim they only consume tap or filtered water, while 18% stick exclusively to bottled options.

Packaging Preferences

Packaging preferences among bottled water drinkers show that 75% prefer plastic bottles, 16% opt for glass, while only smaller percentages choose metal cans or cartons.

Encouragement for Healthier Choices

As Jill Culora, IBWA’s vice president of communications, notes, "Drinking water—whether it’s tap, bottled, or filtered—should always be encouraged." She stresses the benefits of making healthier beverage choices amidst rising health concerns such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease prevalent in today's society.

Conclusion

With the shift towards lower-calorie drinks, consumers are increasingly steering clear of sugary options and are embracing bottled water, seen as an environmentally-friendly choice. Notably, bottled water containers, which use 30% less PET plastic than soda bottles, highlight the industry's commitment to sustainability. Factors influencing bottled water choices include taste (97%), quality (95%), and safety (90%), with consumers also valuing convenience features such as ready-to-drink formats and resealable containers.

The outcomes of this survey indicate an essential shift in America's beverage landscape, with bottled water claiming its spot as a healthy, convenient hydration choice. IBWA calls upon everyone to make bottled water a staple in their daily hydration and to ensure that all plastic containers are recycled. For those eager to contribute to a healthier lifestyle, choosing bottled water is an effective way to stay hydrated and environmentally responsible.

Join the Movement!

Is your hydration game on point? With bottled water's popularity skyrocketing, now's the time to join the movement towards healthier beverage choices!