- Spindrift tested cleanest at 0.19 ppt PFAS, followed by San Pellegrino at 0.31 ppt.
- Polar tested highest at 6.41 ppt — reconsider it for daily drinking.
- Club soda can carry 50-95mg sodium per 12oz can, more than a serving of pretzels.
- Glass bottles are the safest packaging; plastic carries the highest microplastic risk.
- Sparkling water hydrates exactly as well as still water — the dehydration claim is a myth.
- Carbonating filtered tap water at home costs roughly 80% less per liter than canned brands.
Curious about what’s in your tap water? Use our free Water Quality Checker Tool before mixing it with your home carbonation systems.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it never changes which brands we recommend.
⚡ Top 3 Quick Picks — our readers’ most-bought, jump to full picks & prices ↓
Spindrift Variety Pack
Lowest tested PFAS (0.19), real squeezed fruit.
Check Price
The Cleanest, Non-Toxic Sparkling Waters (No PFAS)
If your main worry is “forever chemicals,” here are the cleanest sparkling water brands ranked by measured PFAS. In Consumer Reports’ lab testing, most of these non-toxic sparkling water picks came in well under the EPA’s 4 ppt limit — and the two lowest are the safest bet for daily drinking with no PFAS worries.
| Brand | Total PFAS (ppt) | How Clean? |
|---|---|---|
| Spindrift | 0.19 | Cleanest tested — real fruit, RO-filtered |
| San Pellegrino | 0.31 | Cleanest mineral water |
| Dasani Sparkling | 0.37 | Very clean, purified |
| Schweppes Seltzer | 0.58 | Below 1 ppt |
| Perrier | 1.10 | Low, but above EWG’s 1 ppt guideline |
| LaCroix | 1.16 | Moderate |
| Topo Chico | 3.9 (was 9.76) | Improved after filtration upgrade |
| Polar | 6.41 | Highest tested — reconsider for daily use |
In our own tracking of this dataset since 2020, one caveat matters: Consumer Reports tested a single sample per brand, and levels can vary between production batches and bottling sites. Spindrift illustrates this — it measured 0.19 ppt in 2020 but a different flavor retested at 2.62 ppt in 2025. Treat any single figure as a snapshot, not a permanent property of the brand.
Want the full brand-by-brand breakdown across still and sparkling water? See our complete PFAS ranking of every major bottled water brand, or our focused guide to sparkling water without PFAS.
Want to skip the PFAS question entirely?
The cleanest sparkling water isn’t from a can — it’s the one you make from filtered tap water. A certified reverse-osmosis filter removes 94–99% of PFAS for about $0.05 per liter, then carbonate it yourself. See our full ranking of the best water filters that actually remove PFAS, plus tested picks for under-sink filters and the best reverse osmosis systems.
The 3 Rules for a “Healthy” Sparkler
When choosing a brand for your daily hydration goals, scan the label for these three things — the same three checks we apply when adding a brand to our rankings:
- Zero or low sodium (under 10mg per can): Many Club Sodas add 50–95mg of sodium per 12oz can to mimic mineral water. At 3–4 cans a day, that’s 280mg+ of hidden sodium — almost a quarter of the AHA’s recommended daily limit.
- No “natural flavors” mystery: While FDA-approved, “natural flavors” is a catch-all term that can include dozens of compounds. Brands using real fruit juice (Spindrift) or essential oils with disclosure (Polar Premium) are more transparent.
- PFAS levels under 1 ppt: Consumer Reports tested 47 bottled waters and found that some carbonated brands had PFAS (“forever chemicals”) above the EPA’s health advisory level. Brands using reverse osmosis filtration before carbonation tend to test cleaner.
Ranked: Best & Worst Brands for Health
Here’s how the most popular sparkling water brands stack up — from cleanest to skip-it. Sodium values per 12oz serving, taken from current manufacturer nutrition panels.
| Brand / Type | Sodium | Sweeteners | Packaging | Health Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spindrift | 0–5mg | Real fruit juice (1–3g sugar) | Aluminum can | A+ |
| San Pellegrino | ~35mg (natural) | None | Glass / plastic | A |
| Topo Chico | ~5mg | None | Glass | A |
| Mountain Valley Sparkling | 0mg | None | Glass (BPA-free) | A |
| LaCroix / Bubly / Polar | 0mg | “Natural flavors” | Aluminum can | B+ |
| Perrier | ~5mg | “Natural flavors” in flavored | Glass / plastic | B+ |
| Generic Club Soda | 50–95mg | None (added salts) | Aluminum can | C- |
| Diet Tonic Water | ~30mg | Aspartame + quinine | Aluminum / plastic | D |
Best Sparkling Water Pick by Goal & Lifestyle
Your healthiest sparkling water depends on your body and goals. Here’s the right pick for each scenario:
Pick: San Pellegrino. The natural calcium (~180mg/L) and magnesium (~55mg/L) help replace minerals lost through sweat — without sugary sports drinks.
Pick: Spindrift or Topo Chico. Both are caffeine-free, low sodium, and additive-free. Avoid tonic water (quinine) and high-sodium club sodas.
Pick: Spindrift Lemon (less carbonated than mineral waters). Or pour any sparkling water and let it sit 5 minutes to release CO₂ before drinking.
Pick: Mineral waters (San Pellegrino, Topo Chico). Higher mineral content slightly buffers the acidity. Drink with meals through a straw.
Pick: Polar Seltzer or store-brand seltzer in cans. Or invest in a SodaStream — pays for itself in 2–3 months at typical drinking rates.
Pick: LaCroix, Bubly, or Mountain Valley Sparkling. All test under 5mg sodium per can. Skip San Pellegrino (35mg) and avoid all club sodas.
Pick: Topo Chico in glass bottles. The strong carbonation and ritual of pouring from a bottle satisfies the “drink in hand” craving without alcohol.
Pick: Spindrift or any unflavored sparkling water diluted with still water. Limit to 1 small glass with meals to protect developing enamel.
Where to Buy: Our Top Sparkling Water Picks
Here are the exact products behind our recommendations above — chosen for clean ingredients, glass or reusable packaging, and value. Prices and availability update on Amazon.
Topo Chico Mineral Water (Glass, 12-Pack)
Naturally carbonated since 1895. Low sodium (~5mg), zero additives, iconic glass bottles. Best for replacing soda or alcohol.
- ~5mg sodium, zero calories
- Glass — no microplastics
- Sharp, long-lasting bubbles
S.Pellegrino Mineral Water (Glass, 24-Pack)
Italian mineral water rich in calcium and magnesium — great for replacing minerals lost through sweat. Chef-loved, food-friendly.
- High calcium & magnesium
- Zero calories, no additives
- Premium Italian glass bottles
Spindrift sparkling water variety pack made with real squeezed fruit” class=”wp-image-10372″ width=”1200″ height=”800″ loading=”lazy” decoding=”async” style=”width:100%;height:200px;object-fit:cover;border-radius:10px;margin:0 0 12px;”/>
Spindrift 4-Flavor Variety Pack (20 Cans)
The only major sparkling water made with real squeezed fruit — no vague “natural flavors.” Just water, bubbles, and real fruit.
- Real fruit, only 1-3g sugar
- Non-GMO, gluten-free
- Great for kids & families
SodaStream Terra Water Maker (Bundle)
Carbonate filtered tap water in seconds. ~80% cheaper per liter, no plastic waste. Pays for itself in 2-3 months.
- ~80% cheaper long-term
- Reusable, zero waste
- Set your own fizz level
spring water green glass bottles” class=”wp-image-10420″ width=”1200″ height=”800″ loading=”lazy” decoding=”async” style=”width:100%;height:200px;object-fit:cover;border-radius:10px;margin:0 0 12px;”/>
Mountain Valley Sparkling (Glass, 24-Pack)
Twice named “Best Tasting Water in the World.” Zero sodium, zero additives, BPA-free glass — an A-grade daily drinker sourced from the Ouachita Mountains since 1871.
- 0mg sodium, zero additives
- Premium glass bottles
- Award-winning taste
LaCroix Variety Pack (18 Cans)
Zero calories, zero sodium, zero sweeteners — filtered by reverse osmosis before carbonation. A crowd-pleasing low-sodium pick with a huge range of flavors.
- 0 calories, 0 sodium
- RO-filtered, BPA-free cans
- Great flavor variety
bubly 6-Flavor Variety (18 Cans)
Zero sugar, zero calories, zero sweeteners at a friendly price. A budget-friendly flavored option with wide variety and 100% recyclable cans.
- 0 sugar, 0 calories, 0 sodium
- Great value per can
- Fun flavor range
Brand-vs-Brand: The Most-Searched Showdowns
Spindrift vs. LaCroix: Which Is Healthier?
Winner: Spindrift, by a small margin. Spindrift uses real squeezed fruit (you can see pulp at the bottom), while LaCroix relies on undisclosed “natural flavors.” On tested PFAS, Spindrift measured 0.19 ppt against LaCroix’s 1.16 ppt. However, LaCroix has zero calories and zero sugar, while Spindrift has 1–3g of natural sugar per can. If transparency matters most to you, Spindrift wins. If zero calories is your priority, LaCroix is fine.
Topo Chico vs. San Pellegrino: Which Mineral Water Is Better?
It’s a tie — depends on your goal. San Pellegrino has higher calcium (~180mg/L), making it better for bone health and athletes, and tested lower on PFAS at 0.31 ppt versus Topo Chico’s 3.9. Topo Chico has more silica and lower sodium (~5mg vs ~35mg per 12oz), making it better for low-sodium diets. Both come in glass bottles and contain zero additives. For the fuller safety picture on Topo Chico specifically, see our PFAS and sodium breakdown.
Perrier vs. Topo Chico: Which Tastes & Tests Better?
Topo Chico wins on bubble intensity (it’s known for sharper, longer-lasting carbonation). Perrier has softer bubbles and a more mineral-heavy taste, and tests lower on PFAS at 1.10 ppt against 3.9. Topo Chico is more reliably available in glass, while Perrier increasingly ships in plastic.
Bubly vs. Spindrift: Which for Daily Drinking?
Spindrift for ingredient transparency; Bubly for variety and price. Bubly is owned by PepsiCo and uses natural flavors but no sweeteners or sodium. Spindrift’s real-fruit approach makes it the cleaner pick if cost isn’t a factor.
Glass vs. Can vs. Plastic: Does It Matter?
The health of your water isn’t just about the liquid — it’s about what holds it. Carbonated water is slightly acidic, which can pull chemicals from containers more aggressively than still water.
Inert. No leaching. Brands like Mountain Valley, San Pellegrino, and Topo Chico in glass are the gold standard for daily drinkers.
Most cans now use BPA-free liners (BPA-NI coatings), but acidic beverages can still interact with liners over long storage periods. Drink within 6 months of purchase.
Microplastics and chemical leaching are higher here, especially if the bottle gets warm in a car or on a shelf in sunlight. Read more on plastic bottle risks.
Soda makers like SodaStream let you carbonate filtered tap water — fewer additives, less plastic waste, and roughly 80% cheaper per liter than canned brands.
Protect Your Teeth: A 4-Step Method
Even the healthiest sparkling water is acidic (pH 3–4). While that’s much better than soda (pH 2.5), sipping it all day long can soften tooth enamel. Follow this 4-step approach:
- Drink with meals — saliva production peaks during eating and naturally neutralizes acid.
- Use a straw — bypasses your front teeth, where enamel erosion is most visible.
- Rinse with plain water — swish for 10 seconds after to wash away residual acid.
- Wait 30 minutes before brushing — softened enamel can be eroded by brushing too soon.
Still confused about the different types? Read our full breakdown: Which Sparkling Water Should I Drink? (Seltzer vs Club Soda vs Tonic)
Daily Sparkling Water: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Zero calories, zero sugar (most brands)
- Hydrates as well as still water — debunked dehydration myth
- Helps replace soda & alcohol habits
- Mineral varieties add calcium & magnesium
- Variety of flavors keeps water-drinking sustainable
Cons
- Acidic — softens tooth enamel without precautions
- Bloating risk for IBS / sensitive stomachs
- Some Club Sodas pack 50–95mg sodium per can
- “Natural flavors” lack ingredient transparency
- Plastic-bottled brands risk microplastic exposure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the healthiest sparkling water to drink every day?
Plain sparkling mineral water in glass — like San Pellegrino or Topo Chico — is the healthiest choice for daily drinking. They contain natural minerals, zero additives, and no microplastic risk. For flavored options, Spindrift ranks highest because it uses real squeezed fruit instead of vague “natural flavors.”
What is the cleanest, non-toxic sparkling water with no PFAS?
Based on Consumer Reports lab testing, Spindrift (0.19 ppt PFAS) and San Pellegrino (0.31 ppt) are the cleanest, most non-toxic sparkling waters — both far below the EPA’s 4 ppt limit. Polar tested highest at 6.41 ppt. For daily drinking with the least “forever chemical” exposure, choose Spindrift (flavored) or San Pellegrino (mineral).
Is Spindrift healthier than LaCroix?
Spindrift is more transparent because it uses real squeezed fruit instead of “natural flavors,” and tested lower on PFAS at 0.19 ppt versus 1.16. However, LaCroix has zero calories and zero sugar, while Spindrift has 1–3g of natural sugar per can. Both are healthy daily-drinker choices — Spindrift wins for ingredient quality, LaCroix wins for zero-calorie strict diets.
Is Spindrift healthy?
Yes. Because Spindrift uses real squeezed fruit (lemon, lime, raspberry), you get a trace amount of sugar (1–3g) but avoid artificial essences. It’s considered one of the cleanest flavored sparkling waters on the market.
Which sparkling water has the most PFAS?
Of the brands Consumer Reports tested, Polar measured highest at 6.41 ppt total PFAS, followed by Topo Chico at 9.76 ppt in 2020 — though Topo Chico has since improved to roughly 3.9 ppt after a filtration upgrade. Both remain below the EPA’s enforceable 4 ppt limit for individual compounds, but Polar is the one worth reconsidering for heavy daily drinking.
Does sparkling mineral water cause kidney stones?
Generally, no. In fact, some mineral waters rich in magnesium and calcium may actually prevent certain types of stones by improving urinary citrate levels. Stay hydrated with plain water alongside your sparkling intake for the best protective effect.
Does sparkling water count toward daily water intake?
Yes. Sparkling water hydrates your body just as effectively as still water. The carbonation does not interfere with absorption, despite a long-standing myth. Track your full intake using our water intake guide.
Does carbonation make you bloated?
It can. Swallowing CO₂ gas can cause temporary bloating. If you have IBS or a sensitive digestive system, stick to still water or let your sparkling water sit open for a few minutes to release some carbonation.
Is LaCroix bad for you?
No, LaCroix is free of sugars, sodium, and artificial sweeteners — making it a safe daily drinker. It tested at 1.16 ppt PFAS, above EWG’s precautionary 1 ppt guideline but well below the EPA limit. Some people prefer brands like Spindrift that disclose exactly what their flavoring is derived from, but there’s no proven health concern with LaCroix’s formulation.
How much sparkling water can I safely drink per day?
For most healthy adults, up to 2–3 cans (about 1 liter) daily is fine. Beyond that, alternate with plain water to protect tooth enamel and reduce bloating risk. People with kidney issues or on low-sodium diets should consult a doctor about high-mineral brands.
Does sparkling water dehydrate you?
No. Sparkling water hydrates the body just as effectively as still water. The carbonation has no diuretic effect at typical consumption levels. This is one of the most persistent myths about carbonated water.
Is Topo Chico healthier than San Pellegrino?
Both are healthy mineral waters with similar profiles. San Pellegrino has higher calcium (~180mg/L), is better for bone health, and tested lower on PFAS at 0.31 ppt. Topo Chico has more silica and lower sodium (~5mg vs 35mg per serving), making it better for low-sodium diets. Both come in glass bottles with no additives.
Can pregnant women drink sparkling water?
Yes, plain or fruit-flavored sparkling water is safe during pregnancy. Avoid tonic water (which contains quinine) and limit high-sodium club sodas. Spindrift and Topo Chico are great pregnancy-safe picks.
Is sparkling water bad for your kidneys?
No, plain sparkling water is not harmful to healthy kidneys. People with chronic kidney disease should consult their doctor before drinking high-sodium options like club soda or high-mineral brands.
Sparkling Water Deep Dives
We’ve published dedicated guides on the questions that come up most often from this page:
- Sparkling Water Without PFAS — all 12 tested brands ranked lowest to highest, plus the popular brands with no published data at all
- Is Topo Chico Bad for You? — the full PFAS and sodium picture on the most-questioned brand in the category
- Best Plain (Unflavored) Sparkling Water — six unflavored options ranked by carbonation, minerals, and tested PFAS
- Best Mineral Water for Health — ranked by actual calcium, magnesium, and sodium content
- Waterloo Sparkling Water PFAS — why no published number exists, and what is actually known
- Low-Sodium Sparkling Water Brands — ranked by sodium per can
- AHA Sparkling Water Review — what happened to Coca-Cola’s dual-flavor brand
References & Sources
- Consumer Reports — PFAS in Carbonated Water Testing
- American Dental Association — Erosive Tooth Wear & Acids
- USDA FoodData Central — Beverage Nutrition Data
- American Heart Association — Daily Sodium Recommendations
- EPA — PFAS in Drinking Water Health Advisory
- FDA — PFAS in Bottled Water Survey (2025)
The Bottom Line
The healthiest sparkling water comes down to three things: short ingredient lists, glass packaging, and zero hidden sodium or sweeteners. On tested PFAS, Spindrift (0.19 ppt) and San Pellegrino (0.31 ppt) lead the category, while Polar sits at the bottom at 6.41 ppt. Plain mineral waters like San Pellegrino or Topo Chico are the gold standard for daily drinking, while Spindrift wins for flavored options thanks to real fruit juice. Skip Club Soda and Diet Tonic if you’re drinking daily — and if you’re an athlete, pregnant, or on a low-sodium diet, jump to our Best Pick by Goal section above. Sip smart, alternate with plain water for your teeth, and you’ll get all the bubble without the baggage.
