Similar, yet so different. VOSS 🇳🇴 vs. FIJI 🇫🇯 vs. evian 🇨🇵 Water
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
In this comparison test, we have three international stars: Voss, Fiji, and Evian mineral waters. What are the differences and in what ways are they similar? This article explains.
Locations
Voss was founded over 20 years ago in Norway and quickly gained popularity thanks to its unique bottle design. It is bottled in southern Norway, around 330 kilometers from Oslo. This location, called Vatnestrøm, is surrounded by nature. Please note that the still version with similar mineralization is now also bottled in the USA. Therefore, check the bottle to see where the water comes from.
Fiji is located in the rainforest on Viti Levu, an island in the South Pacific island nation of Fiji, north of New Zealand and east of Australia. It is also an area surrounded by nature where the water is enriched with minerals as it passes through volcanic rock. Fiji Water has been around since 1996.
Évian is bottled in Évian-les-Bains, France, after flowing through the French Alps for 15 years. Évian-les-Bains is located directly on Lake Geneva, not far from the Swiss border and across from Lausanne. The water was discovered in 1789. Seventeen years later, the first thermal baths were built, and the water was bottled for the first time in 1826.
Source: Googlemaps
Mineralization
While Voss, at 37 mg per liter, is one of the very low-mineralized waters, Fiji, at 222 mg, and Evian, at 345 mg, are among the low-mineralized waters.
None of the minerals dominate in Voss, as it is a very low-mineralized water. Fiji is a water with a high silicon content of 97 mg per liter. This gives the water its distinctive taste. The remaining values are classified as low. Compared to the other two waters, Evian has the highest mineral content. In addition to bicarbonate, the calcium value is highest at 80 mg per liter. However, this is not enough to classify the water as calcium-rich (150 mg per liter is required for this). Since the sodium value for all three waters is below 20 mg per liter, they could all be classified as "low in sodium".
Comparison of the individual minerals:
Voss Still* | Fiji | Evian | |
Mineralization | in milligrams per liter | ||
Sodium | 3.5 | 18 | 6.5 |
Calcium | 3.2 | 18 | 80 |
Magnesium | 0.7 | 15 | 26 |
Sulfate | 2.7 | 1 | 14 |
Potassium | 0.5 | 5 | 1 |
Chloride | 4.9 | 9 | 10 |
Silica | - | 96 (1) | 0.15 |
Bicarbonat | 12 | 152 | 360 |
Nitrate | <0.3 | 1 | 3.8 |
Fluoride | 0.1 | 0 | 0.06 |
Total mineralization | 37 | 222 | 345 |
* Source (1)
Price
I bought the three waters at Carrefour in Dubai. Voss looks as if it contains the most water. However, its 0.375-liter glass bottle costs AED 6.59 (€1.54). Extrapolated to one liter, that's €4.11. Half a liter of Fiji water costs AED 5.49, or €1.29. That's €2.58 per liter. Evian's price for 500 ml is AED 5.79, or €1.36. That's €2.72 per liter. Voss differs significantly from Fiji and Evian. It should be noted that Voss comes in a glass bottle. Carrefour's online shop also sells Voss in 500-ml PET bottles. The price there is AED 5.99 (€1.40), or €2.80 per liter.
Fiji is the cheapest, at €2.58 per liter. Evian is second cheapest, at €2.72, followed by Voss, at €2.80. The price difference is minimal. In Europe, however, the price comparison would certainly look very different. There, Evian would likely be the cheapest, followed by Voss and Fiji.
Taste
As previously mentioned, all three waters are low-mineralized. With a total mineralization of 37 mg per liter, Voss falls within the range of very low mineralized waters (below 50 mg per liter).
Voss has a very neutral and clear taste. A pronounced minerality is hardly noticeable. The finish is slightly dry with a subtle bitter note. In my opinion, it pairs particularly well with light dishes, such as fresh salads, cucumbers, and avocados. It also accompanies fine chocolate desserts well, as its neutrality preserves the flavors of the food without overpowering them.
At 222 mg per liter, Fiji water has a significantly higher mineral content. The first sip is smooth and rounded. Its comparatively high silicon content creates a slightly creamy mouthfeel accompanied by a subtle, natural sweetness. In my opinion, Fiji is the perfect water to enjoy with spicy Asian dishes. Its soft, pleasant texture mitigates spiciness and ensures that spices are harmoniously balanced.
With 345 mg of minerals per liter, Evian has the highest mineral content of the waters in this comparison. It has a balanced taste with a clearly perceptible structure and clean finish. Its dominant calcium content produces a subtle chalky note. This makes Evian a particularly good accompaniment to cheeses like Brie or cream cheese. Its mineral structure also pleasantly supports fats and proteins, making it an excellent choice for Mediterranean dishes.
Conclusion
This comparison test pits three iconic international mineral waters against each other: Voss, Fiji, and Evian. All three come from natural regions and belong to the category of low- to very low-mineralized waters.
The main differences lie in mineralization and taste. With only 37 mg of minerals per liter, Voss is particularly light and neutral in taste. Fiji has a soft, slightly creamy mouthfeel and subtle sweetness due to its high silicon content. Evian has the highest mineralization, impressing with its balanced structure and slightly chalky note.
Despite these differences, all three waters are pure, have a low sodium content, and are internationally renowned. However, they pair well with different foods: Voss pairs well with light dishes, Fiji pairs particularly well with spicy or hot foods, and Evian pairs well with cheese and Mediterranean cuisine. The three waters are relatively close in price in Dubai, with Fiji being slightly cheaper than Evian and Voss.
Please don't forget: Drink water, #stayhydrated
Best regards
Timo Bausch
Certified Water Sommelier
About Timo Bausch
My fascination with mineral waters began in 2016 during my training as a Water Sommelier. Since then, I have been exploring the characteristics and diversity of water. In addition to pairing water with food, wine, coffee and other beverages, I offer the creation of water menus for restaurants and hotels. Furthermore, it is also important to me to draw attention to the importance of drinking water.
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