For something a bit more bubbly than regular water, turn to seltzer water. Quench your thirst with the best seltzer waters, from unflavored to fruit flavored to even caffeinated seltzers. Seltzer water—water made fizzy with the help of carbon dioxide giving it a true water taste—is not club soda, which has been infused with added minerals to get that bubbly taste. Nor is it sparkling mineral water, which is naturally carbonated.
Seltzer waters have gained popularity over recent years because they are a healthy alternative to high-sugar juices and sodas. With little to no calories, seltzer waters also have similar health benefits to water. To create those delicious flavors that so many of the brands offer, they either use real fruit juice or natural essence oils to create a hint of the flavor listed on the can or bottle. Either way, you can’t really go wrong with seltzer water when it comes to adding some bubbles into your day.
- Best Overall Seltzer Water: La Croix Sparkling Water
- Best Value Seltzer Water: Bubly Sparkling Water
- Best Flavored Seltzer Water: Spindrift Sparkling Water
- Best Plain Seltzer Water: Canada Dry Original Sparkling Seltzer Water
- Best Caffeinated Seltzer Water: Sparkling Ice +Caffeine Sparkling Water
How We Chose These Products
Methodology
The seltzer water market is certainly not lacking variety—there are numerous brands, flavors, and types to choose from. So it can understandably feel overwhelming to choose a product to try. We looked into about a dozen seltzer water brands to make the most knowledgeable selections. Flavor offerings and taste were important for us to take into consideration for each product, with the exception of the best plain seltzer water. For each brand, we looked at the range of flavors and what made each of them distinct. We also looked at the ingredient list and the process in which the water was flavored to ensure the seltzer waters we selected were healthy, natural options. On the whole, seltzer waters have zero calories, zero added sugars or sweeteners, and zero sodium, and we didn’t want to stray away from the healthier options.
The Best Seltzer Waters: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Overall Seltzer Water: La Croix Sparkling Water
Each has zero calories and is gluten-free.
Why It Made The Cut: La Croix Sparkling Water has gained popularity for good reason: it’s perfectly bubbly, completely natural, and offers 21 delicious flavors made with natural essence oils extracted from the named fruit on the can.
Specs:
- Flavor: Natural essence oils
- Natural: Zero calories, zero sweeteners, zero sodium
- Material: Offered in a BPA-free can
| Pros: | Cons: |
La Croix sparkling water is a much healthier alternative to high-sugar fruit juices and sodas. Plus, it hydrates you much like regular water does, providing a positive impact on your overall health. La Croix has been around since 1981, but the growing trend of cutting back on sugar and seeking natural ingredients has led to La Croix’s rising popularity.
La Croix’s naturally essenced sparkling water is offered in 21 flavors ranging from coconut to pear to vanilla. Compared to its competitors, you can actually taste the flavors without any added sugar, calories, and artificial sweeteners. As a domestic brand, La Croix has a lower carbon footprint and is locally sourced from various locations throughout the U.S. To ensure quality and consistency, the water is treated using reverse osmosis and deionization to remove additives and impurities from locally-sourced water. Then, it’s filtered through a triple-filtration system.
Best Value Seltzer Water: Bubly Sparkling Water
Best Value Seltzer Water
This is available in multiple flavor bundles.
Why it Made The Cut: A strong competitor to its more expensive counterparts, Bubly sparkling water offers 16 completely natural flavors at a more affordable price.
Specs:
- Flavor: Refreshing, crisp, and natural flavors
- Natural: No calories or sugar
- Materials: Offered in a can or bottle
| Pros: | Cons: |
Bubly Sparkling Water is an affordable option in the world of seltzer waters. With 16 flavors ranging from strawberry to blackberry to passionfruit, you can get the varied natural fruity flavors you crave. Plus, you can rest assured knowing every can you crack open has zero calories and zero sweeteners.
Similar to La Croix, Bubly uses natural essence oils to create the flavor labeled on each can. The only ingredients are carbonated water and natural flavor. With seven different variety packs available—ranging from a three-can Tropical Thrill pack to an eight-can fizzy sampler—you can cater to a number of tastes.
Best Flavored Seltzer Water: Spindrift Sparkling Water
Best Flavored Seltzer Water
Natural juices give these a fuller taste.
Why It Made The Cut: Family farms supply real fruits to create the fresh fruit juices and purees that Spindrift adds to their sparkling water.
Specs:
- Flavor: Made with real fruit
- Natural: Unsweetened and free of added flavors, essences, or other additives
- Materials: Offered in a can or bottle
| Pros: | Cons: |
Spindrift Sparkling Water differentiates from its seltzer water competitors in that it uses real fruit juice from real farms. While most seltzers are clear in color, Spindrift is, well, colorful, taking on the fruits’ hues. The only (slight) downside is that because it uses real fruit to create juices and purees, it has more calories than other carbonated waters. Each serving contains 17 calories for all flavors except for lemon, which has three calories.
With 10 delicious flavors to choose from (like cucumber, orange mango, grapefruit, and cranberry-raspberry, you can select your flavor of choice according to your preference or even your mood. A great substitute for high-sugar juices and sodas alike, Spindrift’s only ingredients are real fruit and sparkling water. What you won’t find in this sparkly beverage are any added flavors, essences, or other additives. They are also gluten-free, kosher, and non-GMO.
Best Plain Seltzer Water: Canada Dry Original Sparkling Seltzer Water
Best Plain Seltzer Water
Offers similar health benefits as its still alternative.
Why It Made The Cut: Canada Dry’s sparkling seltzer water has the perfect amount of carbonated water. The carbonation is similar to that of soda, but it has similar health benefits as water.
Specs:
- Flavor: Original Unflavored Sparkling Seltzer Water
- Natural: No added sugars, calories, or sodium
- Materials: Offered in a can or bottle
| Pros: | Cons: |
Canada Dry is synonymous with carbonated beverages, from seltzer water to club soda to ginger ale—so they know bubbles. One of the brand’s most popular offerings is its seltzer water thanks to its natural, crisp, bubbly essence. While it is unflavored, it makes for the perfect water alternative. Just add a lemon or lime wedge and enjoy.
Not to be confused with club soda, which is infused with mineral salts to enhance flavor and bubbles, Canada Dry sparkling seltzer water has one ingredient: carbonated water. It’s exactly what it sounds like—water carbonated with carbon dioxide. Due to the process, it has more of a true water taste. If you have a hard time getting your eight glasses worth of water a day, this sparkling seltzer water is a great alternative. Plus, you gave the option of purchasing this beverage in either cans or bottles, depending on your preference.
Best Caffeinated Seltzer Water: Sparkling Ice +Caffeine Sparkling Water
With 70mg of added kick, this is a great coffee alternative.
Why It Made The Cut: Sparkling Ice +Caffeine Sparkling Water has 70g of caffeine to help you get through the day.
Specs:
- Flavor: Natural Fruit Flavors
- Natural: Zero added sugars
- Materials: Served in a can
| Pros: | Cons: |
Sparkling Ice +Caffeine Sparkling Water is a two-in-one deal—it appeals to coffee and soda drinkers alike. This sparkling water is a much healthier alternative to sugary sodas, and it gets its caffeine from natural sources like coffee beans and green tea extract. Additionally, this beverage has no added sugar or carbs, and it contains five calories per can. Sparkling Ice uses all-natural flavors to get the delicious flavors offered like black raspberry, blue raspberry, cherry vanilla, and strawberry citrus. Fruit and vegetable juices are used to bring out the drinks’ colors.
You can also find vitamins like Vitamin A, B3, B5, D3, B12, and B6 with every sip. Something to note is that this beverage does use the artificial sugar sucralose, so consider whether you like the taste of artificial sweeteners before making a purchase.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Seltzer Water
Natural Oil Essence vs. Fruit Juice
Some brands like La Croix and Bubly use natural essence oils to give carbonated water the flavor of the fruit listed on the label. Natural essence oils are a clear, concentrated chemical that is made by heating fruit skins at high temperatures to create vapors that are then condensed. This is why those seltzers have zero calories and are clear in color. I love LaCroix because of the brand’s flavor offerings—coconut and pamplemousse being two of my favorites. I find that they are refreshing with just the perfect amount of flavor.
On the other hand, some brands—like Spindrift—use real fruit sourced from family farms. They take small portions of the fruit to create juice and purees that are then added to carbonated water. This process gives Spindrift seltzer a color and a few more calories (three to 17 to be exact) than other seltzers. If I want seltzer that’s a bit fruitier, I grab a can of Spindrift. I love that real fruit juice is used and it's healthier than mixing juice with seltzer, which is something I used to do often. Your choice will come down to flavor and health preferences.
Flavor
Most brands offer the basics—lemon, lime, grapefruit—and some brands have even gotten quite creative, offering flavors like coconut, orange-mango, and vanilla. Something to keep in mind is that the flavor profile is dependent on the brand. If you’re just dipping your toes into seltzer water, trying a variety pack may help narrow down your favorite flavors.
Cost
Seltzer waters aren’ necessarily expensive but naturally, they are pricier than still water. If you don’t want to spend a lot on your seltzer (which can add up if you’re buying by the case), there are many options for you. Our favorite budget seltzer water is Bubly’s sparkling water—you can get a variety of flavors at a reasonable price.
FAQs
How bad is seltzer water for you?
There is no evidence that suggests seltzer water is bad for you. In fact, its health benefits are similar to those of plain water. It has been a concern that seltzer water causes tooth decay, but unless it has citric acid or sugar, this is not the case. Additionally, as long as carbonated water doesn’t have ingredients like added sodium and sweeteners, there shouldn’t be any health concerns. Before purchasing, it’s a good idea to check the nutritional facts listed first.
Is there a difference between seltzer water and sparkling water?
Yes, there is a difference between the two. Seltzer water is simply water, carbonated with carbon dioxide. Sparkling water is made from natural spring or well water, so it has naturally occurring minerals like salts and sulphur compounds. Sometimes these minerals give water natural carbonation, and other times, carbon dioxide is added.
What is seltzer water made of?
Seltzer water is just water with added carbon dioxide to create the bubbles and fizziness you love.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want plain seltzer, flavored seltzer water, or caffeinated seltzer, there are many options to choose from. Selecting the best seltzer is a matter of taste and nutritional preference. The five that we selected came out on top because of their taste, brand flavor offerings, and nutritional benefits. So cans or bottles up to your next favorite beverage.
FAQs
Which seltzer has the most fizz? ›
When it comes to highly carbonated sparkling water, Topo Chico is one of the most common recommendations. The effervescence is far from subtle. If you pour it into a glass, you'll see hundreds of tiny bubbles leaping out and spattering everywhere.
What is the number 1 sparkling water? ›Spindrift sparkling water tops our list with its simple ingredients, containing just carbonated water and real squeezed fruit, and its delicious flavor offerings. Our favorite flavor is Raspberry Lime, but they offer a range of delicious flavors from a refreshing Cucumber to a slightly sweet Pineapple.
Does Bubly or LaCroix taste better? ›Both of these flavors are more flavorful than many of their sister flavors. LaCroix again comes out on top with a more lasting flavor and aftertaste, while bubly seems to rely on the initial burst of taste that comes with the first whiff of the drink.
What is the top selling hard seltzer? ›- White Claw Hard Seltzer Variety Pack No. ...
- White Claw Black Cherry Hard Seltzer.
- Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Variety Pack.
- TRULY Hard Seltzer Tropical Variety Pack.
- TRULY Hard Seltzer Punch Variety Pack.
- Bud Light Seltzer Variety Pack.
- TRULY Hard Seltzer Iced Tea Variety Pack.
Sugary drinks like soda have been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart problems, and other chronic health conditions, so that is definitely a win for your health. Switching to seltzer is a much better choice, provided you choose a brand that is sugar- and calorie-free.
Which seltzer water is best? ›- 1 Sanzo Flavored Sparkling Water – Top Pick.
- 2 Bubly Flavored Sparkling Water – Most Flavors.
- 3 Sparkling ICE Flavored Sparkling Water – Most Healthy.
- 4 Spindrift Flavored Sparkling Water – Most Flavorful.
- 5 VOSS Flavored Sparkling Water – Best for On-the-Go.
It is no surprise here, but the number one most popular soft drink is hands down Coca-Cola Classic. Manufactured by the largest soft drink beverage company in the world, Coke is the staple of the Coca-Cola Company. Crisp, delicious, and super refreshing, Coca-Cola Original is an all-time favorite.
What is the most popular sparkling water brand? ›Some of the most popular mineral water brands are La Croix, Perrier Mineral, Bubly Sparkling, Hal, Gerolsteiner, and Sparkling ICE. If you're looking for original sparkling water flavour, try Canada Dry and Kirkland brands.
Is it OK to drink sparkling water everyday? ›No evidence suggests that carbonated or sparkling water is bad for you. It's not that harmful to dental health, and it seems to have no effect on bone health. Interestingly, a carbonated drink may even enhance digestion by improving swallowing ability and reducing constipation.
Can I just drink sparkling water everyday? ›It's hydrating
Still water is the king of hydration, but sparkling water hydrates and refreshes you just as much. If you're already drinking still, the odd glass of sparkling will mix things up and do you no harm. So you're good to go if there's no added sugar.
What is better than LaCroix? ›
- La Croix Sparkling Water.
- Spindrift Sparkling Water.
- Perrier Mineral Sparkling Water.
- San Pellegrino Natural Sparkling Water.
- bubly Sparkling Water.
- Polar 100% Natural Seltzer.
- Waterloo Sparkling Water.
- Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water.
But can sparkling water actually replace regular water? Nathalie Sessions, wellness dietitian at Houston Methodist Wellness Services says, “Yes, sparkling water is just as healthy as regular water — most of the time.”
How do you make Bubly taste better? ›There are some easy and quick ways to make your sparkling water more tasty. You can add lemon or lime slices, put a handful of berries, or sliced cucumbers to the drink. You can also try mixing sparkling water with juices or spices like fresh mint leaves, ginger, basil, or rosemary.
What is the best selling seltzer in America? ›White Claw remains the top-selling hard seltzer brand, taking in 50% of sales. Truly took the second spot with 21.8% of sales. Smaller and independent hard seltzer companies took in roughly 6% of industry sales in 2020.
What is better than white claws? ›When it comes to nutritional values, the brands are fairly neck and neck. Each contains just 100 calories in a 12-ounce serving. Truly has a slight edge in terms of sugar content, with just 1 gram versus White Claw's 2 grams, although White Claw's iced tea line only has 1 gram.
Which hard seltzer has real vodka? ›Truly Hard Seltzer introduces its first spirits-based seltzer, Truly Vodka Seltzer, made with premium, six-times-distilled vodka and real fruit juice.
Are there any negatives to drinking seltzer water? ›Potential Risks of Seltzer Water
People who experience excessive gas or gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, should avoid seltzer water, as it may trigger symptoms including increased gas and acid reflux.
- Burping.
- Bloating.
- Gas.
- Stomach pain.
Benefits of Seltzer Water
One study found that drinking seltzer water over flat water may help you feel full longer. This can prevent overeating and actually lead to weight loss.
“Science shows seltzer water is just as hydrating as regular tap water,” says Jessica Crandall Snyder, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist at Vital RD in Denver. “It doesn't dehydrate you. From a mouth-feel standpoint, it may not seem as hydrating. But from a nutrition standpoint, they are equal.”
What is the difference between sparkling water and seltzer water? ›
The main difference between seltzer and sparkling water comes down to where the carbonation comes from. If the carbonation is artificial, it's probably seltzer or club soda and regulated like a soda. If the bubbles are naturally occurring, straight from the source, it's sparkling water.
What is the number 1 soda in America? ›Coca-Cola has come a long way since Dr. John Pemberton sold the first glass in a downtown Atlanta pharmacy in 1886. What is this? This famous soda isn't just the most popular soft drink in the US but has dominated the global market for decades.
What is Elvis Presley's favorite soda? ›His favorite soft drinks are said to have been Pepsi Cola, Nesbitt's Orange, and Shasta Black Cherry. He liked to chew Wrigley's Spearmint, Doublemint, and Juice Fruit gum." Hungry for more? Try The Life and Cuisine of Elvis Presley, David Adler.
What is the number 1 drink in the world? ›Coffee. This rich, fragrant beverage is the world's most favorite beverage, consumed by many as they begin their day and several times throughout the day. Coffee is a wake-you-up drink in the morning and a keep-you-up drink at night, and it truly does make the world go round.
What is the unhealthiest fizzy drink? ›While dark colas, including diet and fruit-flavored varieties, are at the top of the acidity chart and contain harmful phosphoric acid, non-cola soft drinks still cause two to five times the amount of damage. Iced tea soft drinks damage tooth enamel 30 times more than brewed tea or coffee.
What are the 2 biggest competing carbonated drink brand in the world? ›PepsiCo. Inc. and The Coca-Cola Corporation are the two powerhouses controlling the bulk of the carbonated soft drink (CSD) and beverage industry. Both companies have a large global presence, controlling several hundred brand names each.
What is the nation's Favourite fizzy drink? ›Coca-Cola Classic
Coca‑Cola Classic has been enjoyed since 1886 and is the world's favourite soft drink.
La Croix Cola Sparkling Water, 12 Fl Oz (Pack of 8)
Can sparkling water cause kidney stones? ›Soft drinks, especially colas, seem to increase the risk of repeat kidney stones (Annals of Internal Medicine, Nov. 4, 2014). Mineral water, whether still or sparkling, did not increase the likelihood of a problem.
What does sparkling water do to your stomach? ›In some studies, carbonated water improved satiety, or the feeling of fullness. That could be a benefit for people who constantly feel hungry. Carbonated water improves digestion and helps constipation, so that empties the stomach and could possibly make someone feel hungry.
Is sparkling water good for weight loss? ›
The little bubbles in seltzer and sparkling water may actually help you lose weight, says to the Cleveland Clinic. Research shows that carbonated water gives you the feeling of being full after drinking it, so you are less likely to be hungry between meals.
Is sparkling water good for high blood pressure? ›Drinking cold water or cold carbonated water for orthostatic pre-syncope may increase blood pressure and improve baroreflex function.
How many bottles of sparkling water should I drink a day? ›“All of that being said, [seltzer] is safe to consume in appropriate volumes — keep it to once a day with meals, at a maximum, and be sure to wash everything down with standard water.”
Can you drink LaCroix everyday? ›Well, that depends on how much you're drinking. Sip a sparkling glass or two and you're completely fine - the drink is all-natural, zero-calorie, and ultimately hydrating. But if you're guzzling can after can at your desk, it could be time to slow down. For one, carbonation can cause some serious bloating and gas.
Why are LaCroix so good? ›There are no sugars, sweeteners, or artificial ingredients contained in La Croix beverages, according to the brand's website. As such, it is a zero-sugar beverage, so it's a tasty choice if you want to swap out your soda or other sugar-sweetened beverage for a La Croix to cut back on added sugar.
How many LaCroix can I drink in a day? ›Galati suggests that 64 ounces of water per day is a healthy target, which is on-par with most sources on the subject. Since a standard can of LaCroix contains 12 ounces, that means five cans is probably a good daily limit.
Are there chemicals in Bubly? ›An curved arrow pointing right. A new study from Consumer Reports found high levels of risky chemicals known as PFAS in popular brands of sparkling water, including Topo Chico, Polar, Bubly, and La Croix.
Is Bubly good for your stomach? ›Though seltzer water isn't technically deleterious to the stomach, Dr. Cederquist says that it can cause unpleasant digestive symptoms. "The carbonation may exacerbate symptoms in people managing digestive disorders such as acid reflux, irritable bowel disease (IBS), and Crohn's disease," she notes.
Why is Bubly so addictive? ›Bubbly drinks are super-effective thirst quenchers
"Carbonation is physiologically relevant with regards to thirst and thirst-quenching.” Essentially, your mouth recognizes the liquid when you drink something, and the colder your beverage is, the stronger the thirst-quenching signal.
Nutritionists agree that carbonated water (a category that includes seltzer water, which is artificially carbonated, and naturally sparkling water) is just as hydrating as regular water, however tap water has the added benefit of fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay.
Is flavored seltzer water as good as regular water? ›
Sparkling water hydrates just as well as regular water
Current evidence suggests that sparkling water hydrates your body just as well as regular water.
Benefits of sparkling water
According to UChicago Medicine, sparkling water is a healthier substitute for soda, sugary juice, and sports drinks. This drink is also low in sugar and calories, making for a wholesome, refreshing alternative to other sugary drinks that could cause risks of obesity and diabetes.
Sanzo Flavored Sparkling Water – Top Pick
These drinks are made from real fruit and do not contain any added sugar, so they are a healthy alternative to soda. Less than 20 calories in a can mean that they are fat-free, and they are also non-GMO and gluten-free, which makes them vegan-friendly.
Vizzy Watermelon Hard Seltzer
Unlike other brands, Vizzy contains a great deal of antioxidant vitamin C from its acerola juice making that one of its highest quality ingredients. Each can of this hard seltzer contains less than 100 calories and only 65 milligrams of sodium.
Lower Calorie Count
It tends to have fewer calories and less sugar than mixed drinks, beer, or hard cider. Most hard seltzers have about 100 calories and 2 grams of carbohydrates in a 12-ounce can. In contrast, a beer of about the same size has about 150 calories and 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates.
It reduces your risk of heart disease.
While the research is limited, some say that drinking seltzer can actually help improve your heart health by lowering your LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood sugar, while also increasing your HDL (good) cholesterol.
“It doesn't dehydrate you. From a mouth-feel standpoint, it may not seem as hydrating. But from a nutrition standpoint, they are equal.” So if you're obsessed with seltzer, there's good news: it counts towards your daily water intake totals.
How many seltzer waters should I drink a day? ›Rubinov recommends sticking to no more than one can of seltzer per day, and drinking it alongside a meal and some regular water to keep the acid from sticking to your teeth.
Is seltzer water good for your stomach? ›Though seltzer water isn't technically deleterious to the stomach, Dr. Cederquist says that it can cause unpleasant digestive symptoms. "The carbonation may exacerbate symptoms in people managing digestive disorders such as acid reflux, irritable bowel disease (IBS), and Crohn's disease," she notes.
What's the difference between sparkling water and seltzer water? ›The main difference between seltzer and sparkling water comes down to where the carbonation comes from. If the carbonation is artificial, it's probably seltzer or club soda and regulated like a soda. If the bubbles are naturally occurring, straight from the source, it's sparkling water.