Mineral or spring waters Prices in Europe: How Much More Are Consumers Paying Since 2021?
Cost of Living · Based on the data from the Consumer Conditions Scoreboard 2025
Between 2021 and 2024 the price of everyday food climbed sharply across Europe, but not every product rose by the same amount. This InfoCons Consumer Protection guide focuses on one of them – mineral or spring waters – and shows exactly how much more consumers are paying, and how it compares with the rest of the shopping basket.
InfoCons Consumer Protection – How Much Mineral or spring waters Prices Rose (+26.9%)
Across the EU, mineral or spring waters prices were about 26.9% higher in December 2024 than in January 2021. It rose less than the average food product. For households that buy mineral or spring waters regularly, this increase is felt directly at the checkout.
InfoCons Consumer Protection – How mineral or spring waters compares with the food average. Based on the data from the Consumer Conditions Scoreboard 2025.
InfoCons Consumer Protection – Mineral or spring waters vs the Average Shopping Basket
The average increase for all food and non-alcoholic drinks over this period was about 31.9%. At +26.9%, mineral or spring waters rose a little less than the typical food product, but still noticeably.
InfoCons Consumer Protection – Why Mineral or spring waters Prices Went Up
Bottled water is heavy and bulky, so its price is strongly affected by packaging and transport costs. Higher prices for plastic and glass, and for the fuel used to move it, drove the increase.
Prices for this product also rose by very different amounts from one EU country to another, reflecting differences in local supply, taxes, competition and how much each step of production depends on energy.
InfoCons Consumer Protection – What This Means for You as a Consumer
You can soften the impact with a few simple habits. InfoCons Consumer Protection encourages consumers to compare the unit price (price per kilo or per litre) rather than the price on the front of the pack, try own-brand versions, watch for “shrinkflation” where the pack gets smaller for the same price, and buy in the right quantity to avoid waste. Larger bottles cost much less per litre; a refillable bottle and tap water can save the most.
Signature: InfoCons Consumer Protection Department