Are Evian & Volvic too expensive? This cheap mineral water is a secret in Dubai 🤫

When I first arrived in Dubai, I was shocked by the price of bottled water. In Germany, I was used to paying between 30 and 90 cents for a bottle of natural mineral water. At most, I would pay 1.20 euros for healing water.

The selection at the supermarket here is limited, consisting mainly of a few local waters (mostly purified drinking water) and a handful of international brands, such as Evian, Volvic, Fiji, and Voss. These are some of the most well-known natural mineral waters in the world. It's no wonder, then, that they are also among the most frequently imported brands in the United Arab Emirates. However, the name comes at a price. Both Evian and Volvic cost around 10 to 11 dirhams (2.30 to 2.50 euros) for a 500 ml PET bottle at Carrefour.

What many people don’t know: I found a much cheaper brand of mineral water in Dubai. From France, too. And I would like to share it with you in this blog post 😉

If you’re a fan of French mineral water and live in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere else in the UAE and don’t want to spend a lot of money, then this insider tip is for you!

Before I reveal the brand and price, let's take a closer look at Evian, Volvic, and the third brand.

EVIAN

Evian comes from Évian-les-Bains, a town in France located on the southern shore of Lake Geneva. The town is situated not far from the Swiss border, across from Lausanne. The spring was discovered in 1789. The first thermal baths were built seventeen years later, and the water was first bottled commercially in 1826. Before reaching the surface, the mineral water undergoes a natural filtration process lasting about 15 years as it passes through the rock layers of the French Alps.

VOLVIC

Volvic comes from the heart of France's Auvergne region and is bottled in the town of Volvic, located on the edge of the Volcans d’Auvergne Regional Nature Park. Over a period of several years, the water flows through natural layers of volcanic rock before reaching the surface. These layers naturally filter and mineralize the water. The water’s source is located in an area with numerous extinct volcanoes whose rock significantly shapes its character. People have used this natural mineral water since the 19th century, and commercial bottling began in 1938.

Carrefour Beupré

My insider tip is a natural mineral water that is sold under the Carrefour private label brand. It is produced by OGEU Groupe, a well-established French mineral water company. The company's portfolio includes the brands Quézac, OGEU, Plancoët, Sainte-Baume, and Lutécia, among others. The Beaupré spring is located in Provence, and the water is bottled in Signes, a town in the Var department. Signes lies at the foot of the Massif de la Sainte-Baume nature reserve in southern France.

Mineralisation

With total mineralisation levels of 345 mg/l and 262 mg/l, respectively, Evian and Carrefour are relatively close to each other and thus fall within a similar range. The two waters also have very similar individual mineral compositions. In both, calcium and bicarbonate are the dominant components.

With a total mineral content of 130 mg/l, Volvic falls below this range and has a significantly lower level. However, all three waters are classified as low-mineral natural mineral waters.

The Taste Test

Evian has a smooth, harmonious taste and a pleasantly full mouthfeel. The finish is slightly dry, which fits well with its comparatively high calcium content. In terms of flavor, Evian leans slightly toward sweet.

In a direct comparison, Volvic seems significantly lighter and less smooth. It has a slightly bitter note, yet it remains generally neutral and pleasant. Its lower mineral content results in a lighter overall impression.

Carrefour Beaupré's taste is more similar to Evian's. It feels slightly lighter and has a slightly sweet character. The mouthfeel is less full-bodied, and the finish is slightly less dry.

In short:

• Evian: smooth, slightly sweet, dry finish, full-bodied mouthfeel

• Volvic: light, neutral, and slightly bitter.

• Carrefour Beaupré: light and slightly sweet with a less full-bodied mouthfeel.

Overall, the differences between Evian and Carrefour Beaupré are minor. Volvic stands out more clearly in a direct comparison, primarily due to its lighter mouthfeel and slightly bitter taste.

The Price

A pack of six 500 ml bottles of Evian costs 32.49 AED. Volvic, on the other hand, costs 29.49 AED. The Carrefour Beaupré six-pack of 500 ml bottles costs only 10.79 AED. That's a savings of over 33 percent compared to Evian 🤯

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  Evian Price Dubai

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  Volvic Price Dubai

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  Carrefour Mineral Water price Dubai

The annual cost of drinking one six-pack per day is as follows:

• Evian: 11,858.85 AED (approx. 2,764 euros)

• Volvic: 10,763.85 AED (approx. 2,509 euros)

• Carrefour Beaupré: 3,938.35 AED (approx. 918 euros)

Conclusion

If you want to enjoy natural mineral water from France in Dubai or Abu Dhabi without breaking the bank, Carrefour Beaupré is a great option. Carrefour Beaupré proves that significantly cheaper water can surprisingly resemble Evian in taste. If you drink natural mineral water daily, you could save several thousand dirhams over the course of a year.

In my opinion, Carrefour Beaupré is a hidden gem for anyone in the UAE looking for affordable French mineral water. It tastes great, has a natural mineral flavor, and is significantly cheaper.

With that said: Drink water, #stayhydrated 

Best regards

Timo Bausch

Certified Water Sommelier

Do you prefer natural mineral water in glass bottles over PET? 

Then check out our online store! We have one of the largest selections of international natural mineral waters in the UAE, including waters from Greece, Italy, Norway, New Zealand, and Georgia.

Each water has its own unique mineral composition, character, and flavor profile. Our selection ranges from soft and mild to mineral-rich, salty, sweet, or slightly bitter. Whether you need water for daily enjoyment, sports, preparing baby food, or your next event, you'll find the perfect natural mineral water for every occasion at SOMMCADEMY.com.

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About SOMMCADEMY

Water is more than just a basic necessity. It represents taste, health, and experience. A new awareness is emerging: Drinking mindfully, recognizing differences, and truly understanding quality. As a certified Water Sommelier, I founded SOMMCADEMY to share the diversity and unique characteristics of mineral water with the world. With SOMMCADEMY, you can experience water in a whole new way, as a sensory journey that will make your event truly special / Timo Bausch Founder of SOMMCADEMY

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