Selters
Selters is a naturally sparkling mineral water from Selters in the Westerwald region of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The Selters spring has been in use since at least the 17th century and the region gave its name to the generic German term “Selterswasser” (seltzer water). The brand is operated by Mineralbrunnen Selters.
Mineral composition
| mg/L | |
|---|---|
| Calcium | 107 |
| Magnesium | 39 |
| Sodium | 257 |
| Sulfate | 14 |
| Chloride | 254 |
| Bicarbonate | 791 |
Compositions can vary by season and source. Read our methodology.
Mineral character
Calcium is 107 mg/L, magnesium 39 mg/L, sodium 257 mg/L, sulphate 14 mg/L, chloride 254 mg/L, and bicarbonate 791 mg/L. Hardness is 428 mg/L as CaCO₃ and TDS is approximately 1,508 mg/L. The profile is characterised by elevated sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate alongside moderately hard calcium-magnesium content. The sodium and chloride levels are substantially above most still mineral waters.
Documented use and context
The Selters spring is historically documented as the source of the German word “Selterswasser,” which entered general European use in the 17th and 18th centuries to describe carbonated mineral water. By the 18th century, Selters water was being shipped in clay bottles across Europe. The etymological and trade history is documented in German lexicography and cultural history.
Use-case suitability
- CoffeeNot used in any current coffee recipe. Hardness 428 mg/L is above the 9–266 mg/L range of these targets.
- TeaNot used in any current tea recipe. Hardness 428 mg/L is above the 37–59 mg/L range of these targets.
- BrewingNot used in any current brewing recipe, but hardness 428 mg/L sits within the 26–922 mg/L range typical for these targets.
- BakingNot used in any current baking recipe. Hardness 428 mg/L is above the 46–390 mg/L range of these targets.
- AquariumNot used in any current aquarium recipe. Hardness 428 mg/L is above the 35–212 mg/L range of these targets.
- HorticultureNot used in any current horticulture recipe. Hardness 428 mg/L is above the 12–54 mg/L range of these targets.
Where to buy
DE
Edeka, Rewe, Aldi, Lidl
€0.40-0.50 per litre
Available across Germany. As of March 2026.