Does bubly have phosphate?

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

According to official PepsiCo product information, bubly sparkling water contains 0mg of phosphorus per serving, meaning it is entirely phosphate-free. This is a significant distinction from many traditional colas and sodas that contain phosphoric acid.

Quick Summary

Bubly sparkling water is confirmed to be phosphate-free, with its simple ingredients consisting of carbonated water and natural flavors. This makes it a healthier alternative to colas containing phosphoric acid, especially for those monitoring their phosphate intake.

Key Points

Phosphate-Free: bubly sparkling water contains no added phosphates or phosphoric acid, confirmed by PepsiCo's nutrition facts.
Simple Ingredients: The standard bubly formulation consists only of carbonated water and natural flavors, without added sugar or sweeteners.
Smarter Soda Alternative: Unlike many colas and soft drinks, bubly does not contain phosphoric acid, a preservative that is completely absorbed by the body.
Less Harmful for Kidneys: The absence of phosphate additives makes bubly a safer beverage option, especially for individuals monitoring their phosphate intake due to kidney health concerns.
Dental Impact: bubly is mildly acidic due to carbonation, but it lacks the combination of high acid and sugar that makes traditional sodas significantly more damaging to tooth enamel.
Moderation is Key: Despite its simple ingredients, consuming sparkling water in moderation is recommended, and using a straw can help minimize contact with tooth enamel.

The Quick Answer: Bubly is Phosphate-Free

One of the most appealing aspects of bubly sparkling water is its simple, straightforward ingredient list. For standard bubly, the only components are carbonated water and natural flavors. This simplicity is the key reason it contains no added phosphates or phosphoric acid, a compound often used in many dark-colored soft drinks.

Official Product Facts

The PepsiCo product facts page for various bubly flavors, such as lime, explicitly lists "Phosphorus 0 mg (0% DV)". This data, verified by the manufacturer, provides clear evidence that phosphates are not an ingredient in their standard sparkling water line. This phosphate-free status is a major consideration for health-conscious consumers, particularly those with kidney concerns.

Natural vs. Added Phosphates: Why the Distinction Matters

Not all phosphates are created equal in terms of health impact. The human body requires phosphorus for numerous functions, and it is naturally present in many foods. However, the type of phosphate found in processed foods and certain beverages is often inorganic and added, which is absorbed almost entirely by the body.

The Problem with Added Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric acid, a phosphate additive, is used in colas for its sharp flavor and preservative properties. Research has linked excessive consumption of cola beverages with potential health issues, including a higher risk of chronic kidney disease and reduced bone mineral density in some populations. The issue lies in the high absorption rate of inorganic phosphate additives, which can become problematic for individuals with compromised kidney function.

Bubly vs. Other Carbonated Beverages: A Comparison

To highlight why bubly is a preferred alternative for many, it is helpful to compare its composition to other popular choices. The following table contrasts the key ingredients and characteristics.


Beverage	Phosphate / Phosphoric Acid	Added Sugar	Calories	Other Notable Additives
bubly Sparkling Water	No added phosphates	No	0	Natural Flavor
Traditional Cola	Yes (Phosphoric Acid)	Yes (High Fructose Corn Syrup)	High	Caramel Color
Diet Cola	Yes (Phosphoric Acid)	No (Artificial Sweeteners)	0	Caramel Color, Artificial Sweeteners
Plain Seltzer Water	No added phosphates	No	0	None

This comparison clearly illustrates that bubly and plain seltzer are in a different category than colas, which rely on phosphoric acid for their characteristic flavor profile.

Considering Acidity and Dental Health

While bubly is free of harmful phosphate additives, it is still a carbonated beverage. The carbonation process infuses water with carbon dioxide, which creates a weak carbonic acid. This makes sparkling water slightly more acidic than flat water, and flavored versions with additives like citric acid can be even more acidic.

Mitigating Dental Risks

For most healthy individuals, moderate consumption of sparkling water is unlikely to cause significant dental erosion. However, those with sensitive teeth or a history of dental issues should take precautions to minimize risks. Strategies for enjoying sparkling water while protecting dental health include:

Drinking it with meals to minimize exposure to teeth.
Using a straw to bypass direct contact with tooth enamel.
Rinsing your mouth with plain water after drinking.
Alternating between sparkling and flat water throughout the day.

The Role of Phosphate in a Healthy Diet

Phosphorus is an essential mineral naturally found in many foods, including dairy, meat, nuts, and whole grains. For most people with healthy kidneys, dietary phosphate is well-regulated by the body. The real concern, especially for those with chronic kidney disease, stems from the highly-absorbable phosphate additives found in processed foods and certain drinks. Avoiding beverages with phosphoric acid and limiting other processed foods is a key dietary recommendation for managing high phosphate levels. Learn more about managing phosphorus intake from the National Kidney Foundation.

Conclusion: The Clear, Phosphate-Free Choice

For consumers looking for a refreshing, flavorful, and healthy alternative to traditional soda, bubly sparkling water is an excellent choice. With its simple ingredient list of carbonated water and natural flavors, it is confirmed to be free of added phosphates. This distinguishes it from colas that use phosphoric acid as a preservative and flavor enhancer, which can pose health concerns for certain individuals, especially regarding kidney function and bone health. While it's always wise to be mindful of acidity for dental health, bubly offers the fizz without the phosphorus, making it a smarter beverage option for many.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, standard bubly sparkling water is confirmed to be phosphate-free. The ingredient list includes only carbonated water and natural flavor, with 0mg of phosphorus listed on the nutrition facts.

No, bubly is not the same as a diet cola. While both are calorie-free, diet colas typically contain phosphoric acid and artificial sweeteners, neither of which is found in standard bubly sparkling water.

No, bubly sparkling water does not contain phosphoric acid. This chemical is often added to colas for flavor and preservation, but bubly's simple formula avoids this additive.

For most people with healthy kidneys, bubly is not considered bad. Unlike colas with phosphoric acid, bubly does not contain high levels of the highly-absorbable inorganic phosphates that can pose a risk to those with compromised kidney function.

As a carbonated beverage, bubly is mildly acidic due to the formation of carbonic acid. However, this is significantly less erosive than sugary sodas. For most, moderate consumption is safe, but using a straw can further protect enamel.

Natural phosphates occur organically in foods like meat and dairy and are less easily absorbed by the body. Added (or inorganic) phosphates, like those in cola, are absorbed almost entirely and can be a health concern in excess, particularly for kidney patients.

Yes, bubly is considered a much healthier alternative to soda. It contains zero calories, zero sugar, and no phosphoric acid, offering the refreshing fizz without the numerous additives found in many soft drinks.