Usually very little, unless it says so on the label. A 2006 study in the Australian Dental Journal tested 10 popular Australian still bottled waters and found all had very low fluoride, around 0.1 mg/L or less. Only 3 of the 10 listed fluoride on the label.
Fluoride can be added to bottled water
Since 2009, the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code has allowed fluoride to be added to packaged water. The rules (Standard 2.6.2) say:
- Total fluoride (natural plus added) must be between 0.6 and 1.0 mg/L.
- The label must state that the water contains added fluoride.
- Only approved forms can be used, including hydrofluorosilicic acid.
The change came from an application by the Australian Beverages Council. FSANZ says bottled water with added fluoride is equivalent to fluoridated tap water.
How to pick fluoride-free bottled water
- Avoid any label that says "contains added fluoride".
- Check the analysis panel for fluoride (F) in mg/L. Under 0.1 is very low.
- Natural mineral waters vary. Some springs carry natural fluoride.
For baby formula
FSANZ says plain bottled water can be used to make infant formula, but mineral, sparkling and soda water should not be. Boil it first as you would tap water.