Can I Have Bubly on Whole30? The Definitive Guide to Compliance

According to the official Whole30 program rules, all beverages must be free of added sugars and artificial sweeteners. So, can I have bubly on Whole30, a popular sparkling water brand, or are there hidden ingredients that could derail your 30-day reset?

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed look at bubly's ingredient list and clarifies which varieties are Whole30 compliant and which are off-limits. It focuses on the crucial difference between the classic sparkling water and the newer sweetened options, helping you make informed beverage choices.

Key Points

• Compliant Classic: Classic bubly sparkling water, containing only carbonated water and natural flavors, is allowed on Whole30.

• Non-Compliant Burst: The newer Bubly Burst line is not Whole30 compliant because it contains artificial sweeteners like sucralose.

• Always Check Labels: The most crucial step is to read the ingredient list to ensure no sugars or non-compliant sweeteners have been added.

• Look for 0 Sweeteners: A compliant sparkling water will list zero calories, zero total sugars, and zero added sugars on its nutrition label.

• Plenty of Alternatives: Other compliant brands like LaCroix, Polar, and Spindrift are excellent options for flavored sparkling water on Whole30.

• Natural Flavor vs. Sweetener: The Whole30 program allows for 'natural flavors' but prohibits any form of natural or artificial sweeteners.

Understanding the Core Whole30 Beverage Rules

The Whole30 program prohibits all forms of added sugar, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol. Compliant beverages include water, black coffee, and herbal tea. Flavored sparkling water is allowed if it contains no added sugars, syrups, or non-compliant sweeteners and the flavor comes from 'natural flavors' without a sweetening effect.

Is Classic Bubly Sparkling Water Whole30 Compliant?

Yes, classic bubly sparkling water is generally Whole30 compliant. Most standard flavors contain only carbonated water and natural flavor, with zero calories, sweeteners, or sodium. This makes it a suitable alternative to sugary drinks during the program.

The All-Important Label Check

Always check the ingredients and nutrition facts panel. Compliant beverages should have 0 calories, 0g total sugars, and 0g added sugars, with a simple ingredient list of carbonated water and natural flavors. Avoid products with concentrates, juices (beyond minimal for flavor), or any type of sweetener.

Why is Bubly Burst NOT Whole30 Compliant?

Bubly Burst is not compliant with Whole30 rules because it contains prohibited artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium. This distinguishes it from the classic bubly line and makes it off-limits for the program.

Whole30 Compliant Alternatives to Consider

Many other sparkling water brands are compliant. Approved options often include:

• LaCroix: Compliant flavored versions contain carbonated water and natural essence.
• Spindrift: Allowed if it uses a small amount of 100% fruit juice for flavor.
• Polar Seltzer: Offers various flavors with just carbonated water and natural flavors.
• Waterloo Sparkling Water: Another brand approved by the Whole30 program.

A Comparison: Bubly Classic vs. Bubly Burst

Feature	Bubly Classic Sparkling Water	Bubly Burst Sweetened Sparkling Water
Whole30 Status	Compliant	Non-Compliant
Sweeteners	None	Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium
Calories	0 kcal	10 kcal (approx.)
Added Sugars	0 g	0 g (but contains non-compliant sweeteners)
Main Ingredients	Carbonated Water, Natural Flavor	Carbonated Water, Natural Flavor, Sweeteners, Concentrates
Purpose	Refreshment, Hydration	Sweetened drink alternative

Conclusion

Classic bubly sparkling water is a compliant beverage for the Whole30 program, provided it contains only carbonated water and natural flavors. It is crucial to read labels carefully and avoid products like Bubly Burst that include prohibited sweeteners. By selecting compliant sparkling water options, you can enjoy a fizzy drink while adhering to the program's rules. For detailed program guidelines, refer to the official Whole30 Program Rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which specific bubly flavors are Whole30 compliant?

Most standard bubly flavors, such as Lime, Grapefruit, and Cherry, are compliant because their ingredients are just carbonated water and natural flavor. Always double-check the label to be certain.

Why is Bubly Burst not allowed on Whole30?

Bubly Burst is not allowed because it contains artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, which are strictly prohibited by the Whole30 rules for all beverages.

Can 'natural flavor' be a hidden sweetener on Whole30?

No. The Whole30 program allows for the use of 'natural flavors' in beverages like sparkling water, provided they are not sweetening the product. The focus of the program is to break the psychological reliance on sweet tastes.

What other sparkling waters are safe to drink on Whole30?

Several other brands offer compliant sparkling water, including LaCroix, Polar Seltzer, Waterloo, and Spindrift (as long as it only contains a small amount of 100% fruit juice for flavor).

Can I add fruit juice to my sparkling water during Whole30?

Yes, you can add a small splash of 100% fruit juice to your sparkling water to enhance the flavor. This is permissible under the Whole30 rules.

Are all bubly products non-compliant?

No, this is a common misconception. The classic bubly sparkling water is compliant, while the newer Bubly Burst products are not. It's essential to distinguish between the product lines by checking the label.

What should I look for on the bubly label to ensure it's Whole30 compliant?

Look for an ingredient list with only 'carbonated water' and 'natural flavor.' The nutrition facts should show 0 calories, 0g total sugars, and 0g added sugars.