Can Vegans Drink Sparkling Water? A Guide to Choosing Vegan-Friendly Brands

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 5% of US households now consider themselves vegan, prompting many to scrutinize ingredient lists for hidden animal products, even in seemingly simple beverages. This diligence naturally raises the question: Can vegans drink sparkling water? While plain sparkling water is universally vegan, the addition of flavors or minerals can complicate its vegan status.

Quick Summary

Pure sparkling water is vegan, but flavored varieties can contain animal-derived ingredients like honey or carmine. To ensure a product is vegan-friendly, check labels for certifications, research ambiguous "natural flavors," and be aware of non-vegan additives and processing agents.

Key Points

Plain sparkling water is vegan: The simplest form, containing only water and carbon dioxide, is completely safe for vegans.
Flavored sparkling water requires scrutiny: Hidden non-vegan ingredients can be found in flavors, colors, and sweeteners, making label reading essential.
"Natural flavors" can be ambiguous: This term can legally encompass animal-derived products, so look for confirmation that flavors are plant-based.
Check for common non-vegan additives: Be aware of honey, carmine (a red dye from insects), gelatin, and Vitamin D3 (often from sheep's wool).
Look for vegan certifications: Rely on third-party certifications like the Vegan Society Trademark or Certified Vegan logo for the highest level of assurance.
Some popular brands are reliably vegan: Brands like LaCroix, Spindrift, and Bubly are known for their vegan-friendly products.
DIY is the safest option: Making your own sparkling water with fresh, whole-food infusions guarantees control over all ingredients.

Is Plain Sparkling Water Vegan?

In its simplest form, yes, plain sparkling water is always vegan. This beverage is created by adding carbon dioxide to water, a process that does not involve any animal products or byproducts. However, the vegan status can change when a manufacturer adds ingredients for flavor or enhanced nutrition.

Potential non-vegan additives in flavored sparkling water

As soon as you venture into the world of flavored sparkling water, vigilance is required. The seemingly innocent addition of "natural flavors," colors, or sweeteners can introduce non-vegan elements. This is where the label-reading detective work begins for a vegan consumer.

Natural Flavors: The term "natural flavors" is a broad legal category that allows companies to use ingredients derived from both plant and animal sources. For example, the Castoreum, a secretion from a beaver's anal glands, has historically been used in some flavorings, though its modern use is extremely rare. Unless a brand explicitly confirms the plant-based origin of their natural flavors, it is best to be cautious or contact the manufacturer.
Sweeteners: While many sparkling waters are sugar-free, some flavored versions or sparkling beverages are sweetened. Honey, a common "natural" sweetener, is not considered vegan. Additionally, some conventional cane sugar is processed using bone char, a type of charcoal made from animal bones, though many brands now use vegan-friendly beet sugar or organic cane sugar.
Colorants: Brightly colored sparkling drinks may get their hue from animal sources. Carmine, also known as cochineal extract (or E120), is a red food coloring made from crushed cochineal insects. Reputable vegan-friendly brands typically use plant-based dyes or avoid artificial colorants altogether.
Vitamins and Minerals: Some fortified sparkling waters include added vitamins. Vitamin D3, for instance, is often sourced from lanolin, which is a wax secreted by sheep.

How to verify if a brand is vegan

To navigate the sparkling water aisle with confidence, follow these steps to ensure your bubbly beverage aligns with a vegan lifestyle:

Look for official vegan certification: The most reliable method is to look for a third-party vegan certification logo, such as the Vegan Society Trademark or the Certified Vegan logo. These certifications ensure the product, including its ingredients and processing, is free from animal products and animal testing.
Check the ingredient list: Scrutinize the label for common non-vegan culprits like honey, gelatin, or carmine. If "natural flavors" are listed without further explanation, it's a red flag. If it contains sugar, look for confirmation that it is organic or specifically vegan-friendly.
Contact the manufacturer: If you are unsure about the source of an ingredient or process, reach out to the company directly. Many companies have FAQs on their websites that address vegan-related questions.

Popular brands: Vegan status comparison


Brand	Plain Sparkling Water	Flavored Sparkling Water	Vegan Status Confirmation	Notes
LaCroix	Vegan	Vegan	Often explicitly stated as vegan. Widely considered safe.	Offers a large selection of consistently vegan flavors.
Perrier	Vegan	Vegan	Generally considered vegan. Ingredients are typically just water and carbon dioxide.	Flavors are made with natural essences.
Spindrift	N/A	Vegan	Uses real squeezed fruit for flavor and is vegan-friendly.	Clearly labels ingredients, simplifying confirmation.
Waterloo	N/A	Vegan	Marketed as vegan, using natural flavors.	Known for being free of sugar and sweeteners.
Bubly	N/A	Vegan	Explicitly marketed as containing zero animal products.	Confirmed vegan-friendly across all flavors.
San Pellegrino	Vegan	Vegan	Mineral water is naturally vegan. Flavored options are also widely regarded as vegan.	Known for its distinctive minerality.
Topo Chico	Vegan	Vegan	Considered vegan, with clear, simple ingredients.	Mineral water with a strong effervescence.
Sparkling Ice	N/A	Varies	Some flavors contain honey or beeswax. Requires careful label-reading.	Must check each flavor individually for vegan status.

Making your own vegan sparkling beverages

For complete control over ingredients, making sparkling water at home is the safest bet. It eliminates any concerns about undisclosed non-vegan additives or processing methods.

DIY infusions: Simply add fresh fruit slices, herbs (like mint or basil), or cucumber to a pitcher of plain sparkling water for a refreshing and fully vegan beverage. This method avoids all processed ingredients.
Home carbonation machines: Devices like a SodaStream or Drinkmate allow you to carbonate your own water. With these tools, you can ensure your base is just pure water and CO2, and then add your own plant-based flavorings.

Conclusion: Read labels to be sure

While plain sparkling water is a safe bet, the question of "can vegans drink sparkling water?" is not a simple yes-or-no for all brands. The inclusion of flavors, colors, or processing aids can introduce animal-derived products. By prioritizing brands with clear vegan labeling, checking ingredient lists carefully, or even making your own at home, you can confidently enjoy a delicious and ethical sparkling beverage. A little scrutiny goes a long way toward ensuring your drink aligns with your vegan values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all sparkling water is vegan because some flavored versions use animal-derived ingredients for coloring, flavoring, or sweetening. These can include honey, carmine (from insects), or ambiguous "natural flavors" with animal origins.

Look for a clear vegan certification mark on the packaging. If none is present, scan the ingredient list for honey, carmine (or E120), and any unspecified "natural flavors".

In very rare cases, some water filtration processes use bone char, a charcoal made from animal bones, particularly for refining cane sugar. Most water-only products or those with beet sugar or organic sugar avoid this.

Many popular brands are considered vegan across their product lines. Reliable choices include LaCroix, Bubly, Spindrift, and Waterloo.

No, the term "natural flavors" is not reliable on its own. It is a broad category that can include animal-derived ingredients. It is best to choose brands that explicitly state their flavorings are plant-based or have a vegan certification.

To be completely certain, make your own at home using a carbonation machine and plain tap water. You can then add fresh, plant-based ingredients like fruit slices, herbs, or homemade syrups for flavor.

The vegan status of Sparkling Ice varies by flavor. Some flavors contain honey or beeswax, so it's essential to check the ingredient list for the specific flavor you are considering.