LaCroix (La Croix)
Light carbonation, zero sweetener, wide flavors (Key Lime, Grapefruit) for all-day sipping.
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Sparkling water—also called carbonated water or seltzer—is a zero-calorie fizz that hydrates like still water and can help replace sugary sodas. This page compares top brands, explains health considerations, and shows how to choose the best bottle or make it at home.
Note: This guide is informational, not medical advice. If you have dental erosion, reflux/IBS, or low-sodium needs, opt for unflavored and low-sodium options and always check product labels.
Sparkling water—also called carbonated water or seltzer—is a zero-calorie drink that hydrates like still water. This page compares top brands, explains health basics for teeth and digestion, clarifies club soda vs sparkling water, and shares home-carbonation tips so you can pick the right fizz for your taste and budget.
Discover top brands, carbonation levels, mineral profiles, flavors, and best uses (sipping & cocktails).
Light carbonation, zero sweetener, wide flavors (Key Lime, Grapefruit) for all-day sipping.
Fine bubbles, balanced minerals; smooth with meals and cheese boards.
Botanical, adventurous flavors; unsweetened seltzer with herb-forward notes.
Crisp bite and lively carbonation; excellent straight or as a mixer.
Sparkling water + real fruit juice; natural flavor with light fruit sweetness.
Bold zero-sweetener flavors with energetic bubbles (Grapefruit, Lime standouts).
Classic budget seltzer; huge seasonal flavor rotations, clean finish.
Spring-sourced, clean taste, aluminum packaging; lightly alkaline profile.
Legendary high carbonation with minerally snap; bartender-approved for cocktails.
Easy-drinking, calorie-free flavors; widely available and wallet-friendly.
Neutral profile; reliable everyday sipper and excellent mixer base.
Spring-based, straightforward taste; dependable value pick for bulk buyers.
Big-city fizz with bold flavors; unsweetened and punchy variety packs.
Mineral-rich in glass; gentle bubbles and premium table presentation.
Very high TDS natural mineral water; satisfying saline-mineral finish.
Mountain spring water in tallboy cans; clean taste with edgy branding.
Flavored and sweetened (zero sugar); soda-alternative feel with vitamins.
Creative flavor pairings (e.g., lime+watermelon); no sweetener, bright aroma.
Just carbonated water, usually no added minerals—clean, neutral base for daily drinking.
Carbonated water with added minerals (e.g., potassium bicarbonate) for extra bite—great in cocktails.
Bright, tangy, refreshing; balances savory foods and summer cocktails.
Clean citrus that pairs with tequila/rum and spicy foods; ultra-versatile everyday flavor.
E-E-A-T note: Preferences vary. For dietary needs (e.g., sodium, sweeteners), always check the product label. We avoid medical claims and focus on ingredients, carbonation, minerals, and common use cases.
Our editor’s picks balance carbonation, minerals, flavor style, ingredients, and versatility for sipping and mixes. No paid placements.
Explosive carbonation with a crisp mineral snap; incredible in citrus-forward drinks.
Bold aromas and clean finish without sweeteners; standouts include Grapefruit and Lime.
Sparkling water blended with a splash of real juice for true fruit character.
Naturally high in dissolved minerals (TDS) with a satisfying saline-mineral finish.
Reliable everyday seltzers with rotating flavors and wide availability.
Fine bubbles and table-friendly presentation; smooth, balanced minerality.
Distinct bite and lively bubbles; versatile for straight sipping or spritzes.
Carbonated water with added minerals for extra bite; dependable in cocktails.
Clean spring profiles in sturdy cans; easy to chill, stack, and recycle.
Understand ingredients, sodium, taste, and when to choose each—whether you’re mixing cocktails or sipping daily.
| Factor | Sparkling Water / Seltzer | Club Soda |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Carbonated water; may be spring/mineral or filtered. No sweeteners. | Carbonated water plus added minerals (e.g., potassium bicarbonate) for extra bite. |
| Sodium | Usually low; varies by brand/source. Check label if watching sodium. | Can be higher due to added salts; best to check per-serving sodium on the label. |
| Taste & Mouthfeel | Neutral to minerally depending on source; clean finish for everyday sipping. | Sharper, slightly saline “pop” that stands up in mixed drinks. |
| Carbonation | Ranges from gentle (e.g., San Pellegrino style) to very lively (e.g., Topo Chico). | Typically lively with minerals that accentuate bite in cocktails. |
| Best Use | Hydration, flavored no-sugar options, food pairing, afternoon refreshers. | Mojitos, spritzers, highballs, mocktails—any drink that needs structure. |
| Label Tips | Look for “carbonated water,” source, and flavor type (unsweetened). | Scan for mineral add-ins and sodium per serving to match your needs. |
E-E-A-T: This section focuses on ingredients, labels, and common usage. It is not medical advice.
Short answer: plain, unsweetened sparkling water can fit into a healthy routine—just watch flavors, acids, and sodium depending on your needs.
Plain sparkling water can help you meet daily fluid goals similar to still water. Pick unsweetened varieties if you’re swapping for soda.
Plain, unflavored sparkling water is generally kinder to teeth than sugary drinks, but acidity still matters. Flavored waters and acidic “hacks” (e.g., vinegar mixes) can raise enamel risk.
Carbonation can leave some people feeling gassy or bloated. In small trials, carbonated water improved symptoms of functional dyspepsia and constipation compared with still water.
Zero-calorie sparkling water can replace sugar-sweetened beverages to cut added sugars and calories without giving up fizz.
Carbonate chilled water at home with a CO₂ cylinder, then add flavors after fizzing. It’s simple, fast, and often cheaper than canned bottles once the cylinder cost is spread across liters.
Safety: Only carbonate to the marked fill line; never carbonate juices, alcohol, or warm liquids in the machine bottle.
Plain, unsweetened sparkling water offers fizz without sugar—making it a simple swap for soda and a versatile base for flavors and mocktails.
Counts toward daily fluid intake like still water when unsweetened—keep a chilled bottle handy to drink more overall.
The fizz scratches the soda itch with zero calories; choose flavored-but-unsweetened varieties for variety.
Natural mineral waters can provide trace minerals (e.g., calcium, magnesium) and a fuller mouthfeel—check the label for TDS and sodium.
Customize with lemon/lime peel, herbs, or a light 2–3% real-juice splash to keep calories minimal.
Carbonation can increase fullness for some people; if bloating occurs, pour over ice or let bubbles settle.
Club soda’s added minerals give cocktails structure; seltzer keeps flavors clean in alcohol-free spritzers.
Glass/aluminum are widely recyclable; home carbonation cuts packaging and can reduce cost per liter.
Bubbles lighten batters and tempura; a splash can deglaze pans for quick sauces.
Plain sparkling water avoids added sugars common in sodas; to protect enamel, limit acidic flavors and enjoy with meals.
Quick, answer-optimized comparison of top sparkling waters and club soda by carbonation, minerals, sodium, flavors, and best use.
| Brand | Type | Carbonation | Minerals / TDS | Sodium* | Flavors | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topo Chico | Sparkling mineral | Very strong | Moderate–high minerality | Low–moderate (check label) | Unflavored + some flavors | Fizzy sipping, highballs, citrus over ice strong fizz |
| Perrier | Sparkling mineral | Strong | Moderate minerals | Low–moderate | Unflavored + lemon/lime | Everyday sipping, spritzers classic bite |
| San Pellegrino | Sparkling mineral | Gentle–medium | Balanced minerals | Low–moderate | Unflavored | Dining/table water, glass presentation premium |
| Gerolsteiner | Sparkling mineral | Medium | High TDS (full mouthfeel) | Low–moderate | Unflavored | Meals, mineral lovers mineral-rich |
| Mountain Valley | Sparkling mineral | Gentle–medium | Moderate minerals | Low–moderate | Unflavored | Table service in glass premium |
| LaCroix | Seltzer (essenced) | Medium | Low (neutral) | Low | Zero-sweetener flavors | All-day flavored sipping zero sugar |
| Waterloo | Seltzer (essenced) | Medium–strong | Low (neutral) | Low | Bold zero-sweetener flavors | Flavor-first soda swap zero sugar |
| Spindrift | Sparkling + real juice | Medium | Low (neutral) | Low | Real fruit splash | Authentic fruit taste real-juice |
| Polar | Seltzer | Medium | Low | Low | Large rotating flavors | Value/bulk buy budget |
| Bubly | Seltzer | Medium | Low | Low | Simple zero-sweetener flavors | Everyday, widely available budget |
| Canada Dry (Club Soda) | Club soda | Medium–strong | Added minerals | Often higher | Unflavored | Cocktails, mocktails best for mixers |
| Liquid Death (Sparkling) | Sparkling spring | Medium | Low–moderate | Low–moderate | Unflavored + some flavors | Canned convenience, events aluminum |
| Proud Source | Sparkling spring | Medium | Light minerals | Low | Unflavored | Clean taste, recyclable cans aluminum |
Carbonate safely, keep costs low, and avoid foamy messes. Follow the quick steps and use the FAQs for fast troubleshooting.
Use fridge-cold water for better CO₂ absorption and less foam.
Use the machine bottle and stop at the marked fill line only.
Press in short bursts, pausing 3–5 seconds between pushes for stronger fizz.
Let the bottle rest ~10 seconds, then release pressure slowly.
Tilt the bottle and add flavors gently (no pulpy/dairy in the bottle).
Rinse bottle/cap; store cold. Replace bottles/gaskets per manufacturer.
Safety: Only carbonate water in the machine bottle. Do not carbonate juice, alcohol, or warm liquids.
Dr. Emily Carter researches carbonation, mineral composition (TDS), and flavor perception in sparkling waters. She leads blind tastings (chilled & over ice), compares label transparency (sodium, acids), and scores real-world use cases—daily sipping vs. cocktail mixers. Her goal is to translate science into clear, practical picks you can actually enjoy.
Transparency: We recommend unsweetened options for daily sipping and advise checking labels for sodium and acids. This guide is informational—not medical advice.
