Low-Sodium Sparkling Water: Ranked by Sodium Per Can
Here’s how the most popular sparkling waters compare on sodium content. Figures are per 12oz can or serving, based on published brand nutrition data.
| Brand | Sodium (per 12oz) | Type | Low-Sodium Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| LaCroix | 0 mg | Flavored seltzer | Excellent |
| Polar Seltzer | 0 mg | Flavored seltzer | Excellent |
| bubly | 0 mg | Flavored seltzer | Excellent |
| Waterloo | 0 mg | Flavored seltzer | Excellent |
| Spindrift | ~0–5 mg | Real-fruit seltzer | Excellent |
| Topo Chico | ~5 mg | Mineral water | Very good |
| Perrier | ~3 mg | Mineral water | Very good |
| San Pellegrino | ~35 mg | Mineral water | Moderate |
| Club soda | ~40–75 mg | Mineral-added | Avoid |
| Vichy Catalan | ~330 mg | High-mineral | Avoid |
Sodium values are approximate and can vary by flavor and batch. Always check the current nutrition label.
Why Sodium in Sparkling Water Matters
For most healthy adults, the sodium in sparkling water is negligible — the daily limit is around 2,300mg, so you’d need to drink nine or ten cans of even a 40mg brand to make a real dent. But three groups should pay attention:
- People with high blood pressure who are actively lowering sodium intake.
- Those with kidney conditions, where sodium and mineral load matter more.
- Heavy drinkers — if you go through 4–6 cans a day, a 35mg brand adds up faster than a 0mg one.
The key distinction is seltzer vs. mineral water. Seltzers (LaCroix, Polar, bubly, Waterloo) are purified water plus CO2, so they’re naturally sodium-free. Mineral waters (San Pellegrino, Perrier, Topo Chico) carry naturally dissolved minerals, which usually means a little sodium. Club sodas are the trap — they have sodium added for taste.
Our Low-Sodium Picks (0mg)
These are the sparkling waters we’d reach for on a low-sodium diet. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases — it never affects our picks.
LaCroix Variety Pack
Zero sodium, zero calories, zero sweeteners. The most widely available true low-sodium seltzer, with a flavor for everyone.
Spindrift Real Fruit
Flavored with real squeezed fruit, minimal sodium. Best low-sodium pick if you find plain seltzer boring.
Polar Seltzer
Sodium- and mineral-free, triple-filtered. Family-made since 1882 with inventive seasonal flavors at a friendly price.
SodaStream Maker
Carbonate your own filtered water for zero sodium and zero cost per can after setup. Pays for itself in 2–3 months.
What to Avoid on a Low-Sodium Diet
- Club soda: Sodium is deliberately added (~40–75mg per can). The single worst offender among common sparkling drinks.
- Vichy Catalan: This Spanish mineral water hits roughly 1,097mg sodium per liter — off the charts for anyone watching intake.
- Tonic water: Not just sodium — it also carries added sugar and quinine. A different category entirely.
- San Pellegrino (in volume): At ~35mg it’s fine occasionally, but heavy daily drinkers on strict limits should pick a 0mg seltzer instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sparkling water has the lowest sodium?
LaCroix, Polar Seltzer, bubly, and Waterloo all test at 0mg sodium per can, making them the lowest-sodium sparkling waters available. Spindrift is the best low-sodium flavored option using real fruit.
Is sparkling water bad for high blood pressure?
Plain seltzers with 0mg sodium have no effect on blood pressure. The concern is only with high-sodium options like club soda or high-mineral waters. Choose a 0mg seltzer and sparkling water is a safe choice for most people managing blood pressure.
Does Topo Chico have a lot of sodium?
No. Topo Chico contains only about 5mg of sodium per 12oz — much lower than club soda or San Pellegrino. It’s a good low-sodium mineral water option.
Is club soda high in sodium?
Yes, relatively. Club soda has sodium added for flavor, typically 40–75mg per can. If you’re watching sodium, choose a plain seltzer like LaCroix or Polar instead.
How much sodium is too much in sparkling water?
For most people, even a 35mg brand is fine — you’d need 9–10 cans to reach the “low sodium” threshold for a single food. But on a strict low-sodium diet, aim for 0mg seltzers and treat 35mg+ mineral waters as occasional.
The Bottom Line
If you’re watching sodium, the safest sparkling waters are the 0mg seltzers — LaCroix, Polar, bubly, and Waterloo. For flavor without the sodium, Spindrift uses real fruit. Skip club soda and ultra-mineral brands like Vichy Catalan. For most healthy adults the difference is small, but for anyone managing blood pressure or kidney health, choosing a true 0mg brand makes staying hydrated worry-free.
