Graceful bottles of Via Natural spring water completing their trip down the assembly line.The package won

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April 2006

Product Reviews / Main Nibbles / Beverages

Via Natural Spring Water

Almost-Virgin Spring Water from the Brazilian Interior

CAPSULE REPORT: Now available in America, award-winning Via Natural from Brazil is one of the purest of spring waters. Its attractive bottle will make it a favorite among water connoisseurs with a sense of style.

If water is a dance, one might think that Via Natural, coming from the heartland of Brazil, is a samba. But perhaps this virginal water, with only minor traces of dissolved solids (see chart below), is a pure and innocent waltz.

The source, called Fonte Sant’Ana, is one of the purest in the country. It is located in a remote region of falls and cataracts near Sandovalina, a verdant town in the in the western part of the state of São Paulo, approximately 375 miles from the capital city of the same name. There, spring water erupts from solid rock in an intense flow. Stainless steel piping is used to transport the water into the bottling plant.

While distance from any industry pollution contributes to maintaining the purity of the source, as the bottlers point out on their website, scrupulous attention to all procedures during the bottling process also is required to deliver a top-quality product. If you go to the Photos section on the company website, bypass the initial fuzzy selection of shots and then click on “More Photos,” you’ll get an interesting virtual tour of a modern water bottling plant.

While the spring is far inland, hundreds of miles from any or gulls as the label would have one believe, the design is a nice departure and earned the brand three packaging awards in 2004 plus a finalist designation at the London International Advertising Awards for package design.

If you like to try different waters and your style is pure H20—no discernable flavor—or if you like to be seen holding an attractive bottle, add Via Natural to your list.

TDS = Total Dissolved Solids
ND = Non-Detectable

Pure And Refreshing

Water—For Health, for Healing, for Life: You're Not Sick, You're Thirsty!, by F. Batmanghelidj. This book discusses the different signals of thirst and chronic dehydration, how much water and salt are needed to stay healthy, how to naturally lessen symptoms of asthma and allergies, and using water for weight loss. $9.72. Click here for more information.	The Secret Life of Water, by Masaru Emoto. In this book, best selling author Masaru Emoto guides us along water's remarkable journey through our planet and continues his work to reveal water's secret life to humankind. $14.92. Click here for more information.	An Evidence-Based Approach to Vitamins and Minerals: Health Implications and Intake Recommendations, by Jane Higdon. In this heavily referenced book, each chapter addresses the function the nutrient plays in the human body and current definitions of deficiency. $59.95. Click here for more information.

Riedel Vinum Water Glasses. The 24% lead crystal Vinum series water glasses are the perfect accompaniment to any table. $51.95. Click here for more information.	Stoelzle-Oberglas Glass Pitcher. This classic mouth-blown pitcher features an ice lip to keep ice cubes from splashing into glasses. $39.95. Click here for more information.	Stainless Steel Ice Bucket. Stunningly useful for the bar, this chic Italian ice bucket will be at home on a drinks trolley or buffet. $99.95. Click here for more information.