Quick answer: Bubly, LaCroix, and Spindrift are all calorie-free (or nearly so) sparkling waters, but they differ in one key way: Spindrift uses real squeezed fruit juice for a fuller, fruitier taste and a few calories, while Bubly and LaCroix use natural flavors with zero calories. LaCroix has the lightest, most subtle flavor, Bubly is slightly bolder, and Spindrift tastes the most like real fruit. All three are sugar-free with no artificial sweeteners (Spindrift has a little natural sugar from juice).
Bubly vs LaCroix vs Spindrift is one of the most common sparkling-water debates — three brands that look similar but are made differently and taste noticeably different. Here’s a head-to-head to help you pick.
How they’re made
LaCroix uses carbonated water with “natural flavors” — essence oils extracted from fruit, with no juice, no sweetener, and zero calories. Bubly (PepsiCo) also uses natural flavors with zero calories and no sweetener, but many people find its flavors slightly more pronounced than LaCroix. Spindrift is the outlier: it’s made with real squeezed fruit juice, so it has a fuller flavor, visible cloudiness, and a small number of calories (roughly 2-15 depending on flavor).
Taste comparison
- LaCroix — light, subtle, almost a “hint” of flavor. Great if you want barely-there.
- Bubly — a touch stronger and slightly sweeter-seeming (though sugar-free), friendly flavors like cherry and lime.
- Spindrift — clearly the most fruit-forward because it uses real juice. Tastes closest to actual fruit soda without the sugar load.
Nutrition at a glance
- Calories: LaCroix 0, Bubly 0, Spindrift ~2-15.
- Added sugar: None in any of them.
- Sweeteners: None — Spindrift’s slight sweetness comes from real juice.
- Sodium: Negligible across all three.
Which should you buy?
Choose LaCroix if you want the lightest, most neutral bubbly water. Choose Bubly for a slightly bolder flavor at a usually lower price. Choose Spindrift if you want real-fruit taste and don’t mind a handful of calories. All three beat soda for health, and all three hydrate about as well as still water.
Want more head-to-heads? Read our Spindrift review, our take on the healthiest sparkling water for daily drinking, and seltzer vs sparkling water.
Frequently asked questions
Which is healthiest: Bubly, LaCroix, or Spindrift?
All three are calorie-free and sugar-free. Spindrift is the only one made with real squeezed fruit juice, so it has a few calories and a fuller flavor. Bubly and LaCroix use natural flavors with zero calories. For a purist, LaCroix and Bubly are the lightest; for real-fruit taste, Spindrift wins.
Does any of them contain sugar or sweetener?
Bubly and LaCroix contain no sugar and no artificial sweeteners. Spindrift contains a small amount of natural sugar from the real fruit juice it uses, but no added sugar or sweeteners.
Is sparkling water bad for your teeth?
Sparkling water is far less acidic than soda and is generally fine in moderation. Flavored versions are slightly more acidic than plain, but they pose much lower risk to enamel than sugary sodas or citrus juice.
Which has the most flavor?
Spindrift tends to taste the most like real fruit because it uses actual juice. LaCroix has a subtle, light essence, and Bubly sits in between with a slightly stronger flavor than LaCroix.
Are these sparkling waters hydrating?
Yes. Despite the bubbles, all three hydrate essentially as well as still water, making them a good sugar-free alternative to soda.
Reviewed by the Complete Water Guide team. This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional water-quality or medical advice. We may earn a commission from some links on this page.
