Bottled water sales top $51.3 billion as volumes lead again
Bottled water remained the top packaged beverage in the U.S. in 2025 for the 10th consecutive year, according to new data from Beverage Marketing Corporation cited by the International Bottled Water Association.
Bottled water led all packaged beverages by volume in 2025 as consumers continued shifting toward beverages positioned as healthier and more affordable. Bottled water’s volume share of the refreshment beverages market reached 45.5% in 2025, while most other categories declined. Only energy drinks and coconut water posted small gains, the association said.
Retail sales of bottled water totaled $51.3 billion in 2025, up 1.5% from 2024, according to the association’s summary of the data.
Bottled water first surpassed soft drinks by volume in 2016 and has remained ahead of soft drinks each year since, the association said. Americans consumed an average of 47.7 gallons of bottled water per person in 2025, or about 380 16.9-ounce bottles.
Looking ahead, the International Bottled Water Association said it will launch a public education campaign in 2026, called “Choose Water First,” in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. The group said the effort supports the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend water as the primary beverage beginning at 12 months. The association said it plans to bring the message to grocery stores, office buildings and public schools, with additional outreach tied to America 250 activities in Washington, D.C., this summer.
Why this matters for convenience services
- Bottled water’s 45.5% volume share signals that it remains a core refreshment purchase across channels.
- Category growth supports continued emphasis on cold water availability across vending, micro markets and office pantry programs.
- Operators serving schools and government-adjacent facilities may see stronger beverage standards that emphasize water availability.