Does Bubly Sparkling Water Count as Water Intake? The Definitive Guide

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study on beverage hydration, unsweetened sparkling water is just as hydrating as regular still water. Therefore, if you enjoy the fizzy taste, Bubly sparkling water can absolutely count toward your daily water intake goals, provided it is the standard, unsweetened variety.

Quick Summary

Pure sparkling water, including the unsweetened varieties of Bubly, hydrates the body as effectively as still water. It provides a calorie-free, sugar-free fluid source that can help meet daily hydration requirements and offers a flavorful alternative to plain water.

Key Points

Equally Hydrating: Unsweetened sparkling water, including Bubly, provides the same level of hydration as regular still water.
Zero Calories and Sugar: Standard Bubly varieties are calorie-free and sugar-free, making them a healthy fluid option.
Encourages Intake: The variety of flavors and the satisfying fizz can help those who dislike plain water drink more fluids throughout the day.
Read the Label: Always check for added sugars or artificial sweeteners, as some flavored carbonated drinks can negate the health benefits.
Minimal Dental Risk: When unsweetened, plain sparkling water poses a minimal threat to tooth enamel compared to acidic, sugary beverages.
Consider Bloating: The carbonation in sparkling water may cause temporary bloating or gas for some sensitive individuals.

Understanding Hydration and Sparkling Water

Proper hydration is a cornerstone of good health, crucial for everything from regulating body temperature to maintaining cognitive function. While plain water is the gold standard for hydration, many people find its neutral taste unappealing, which can make it difficult to drink enough throughout the day. This is where products like Bubly sparkling water come in, offering a refreshing and flavorful alternative. The key question, however, is whether adding carbonation and natural flavors changes its hydrating properties.

The Science Behind Sparkling Water and Hydration

At its core, Bubly sparkling water is simply carbonated water infused with natural fruit flavors. A 2016 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that plain sparkling water was just as hydrating as regular water. The study used a 'Beverage Hydration Index' (BHI) to compare the hydrating effects of various drinks, concluding that carbonated water performs similarly to still water. The carbon dioxide that creates the fizz does not inhibit the body's ability to absorb the water. For many, the appeal of the bubbles and flavor can even encourage greater fluid intake overall, making it a valuable tool for staying hydrated.

Comparing Bubly to Other Beverages

When considering your hydration options, it's helpful to compare Bubly to other common drinks. Its composition of carbonated water and natural flavor, with zero calories and zero sugar, makes it a distinctly different choice from sugary sodas and even some other flavored sparkling drinks that contain added sweeteners.

Bubly vs. Sugary Soda:

Bubly provides all the fizz without the calories, sugar, or artificial additives found in most sodas.
Replacing just one sugary soda a day with sparkling water can significantly reduce your daily calorie and sugar intake, promoting better health outcomes.

Bubly vs. Other Carbonated Drinks:

Club soda contains added minerals like potassium bicarbonate and sodium, while Bubly does not.
Tonic water includes quinine and often sugar or sweeteners, making it a different and less hydrating beverage than plain sparkling water.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While Bubly is an excellent hydration choice, there are some minor considerations for certain individuals.

Bloating: For some people, the carbonation can lead to a temporary feeling of gas or bloating, especially when consumed quickly or in large quantities. If you are prone to digestive issues or acid reflux, you may want to moderate your intake.
Dental Health: The carbonic acid in sparkling water makes it slightly more acidic than regular water. However, research from the American Dental Association suggests that plain sparkling water poses minimal risk to tooth enamel, especially compared to sugary or highly acidic fruit juices and sodas.
Sodium Content: The Bubly brand is sodium-free, but it's always wise to check the labels on other sparkling water brands, as some can contain added sodium for flavor.

How to Maximize Your Hydration with Bubly

If you find yourself enjoying Bubly, here are some tips to make it a key part of your hydration strategy:

Mix and Match: Don't feel pressured to choose one type of water. Alternate between still and sparkling water throughout the day to keep your palate interested.
Add Fresh Ingredients: Enhance the natural fruit flavor by adding fresh citrus slices, berries, or mint to your Bubly. This adds flavor and nutrients without extra calories.
Make it Accessible: Keep a few cans chilled in the fridge so they are always readily available when you need a refreshing drink.

Hydration Comparison: Bubly vs. Still Water vs. Sugary Soda


Feature	Bubly Sparkling Water (Unsweetened)	Still Water	Sugary Soda
Hydration Value	Excellent, equal to still water.	Excellent, the standard for comparison.	Poor, often contains dehydrating ingredients.
Calories	0	0	High, typically 100+ per can.
Sugar	0 grams	0 grams	High, typically 30+ grams per can.
Sodium	0-5 mg (depending on flavor)	Varies by source, generally low.	Varies, typically higher than plain water.
Flavor	Variety of natural fruit flavors.	Plain, neutral taste.	Artificial and natural flavors, very sweet.
Carbonation	Yes	No	Yes
Dental Impact	Minimal risk for enamel when unsweetened.	Very low risk.	High risk for enamel erosion and cavities.
Digestive Impact	May cause bloating in some individuals.	No impact.	Can cause upset stomach and other issues.

Conclusion: So, does Bubly count?

Yes, unsweetened Bubly sparkling water does count as water intake. Because it is simply water with carbon dioxide and natural flavor, it provides the same hydration benefits as still water. It offers a calorie-free, sugar-free, and flavorful option that can help you meet your daily fluid requirements, especially if you find plain water unappealing. Just remember to choose the standard, unsweetened versions and be mindful of potential bloating if you are sensitive to carbonation. The best water for you is the one you will drink consistently to stay well-hydrated.

For more detailed information on beverage hydration, consult authoritative sources like the Healthline article linked here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Bubly sparkling water is just as hydrating as regular still water. The carbonation and natural flavors do not diminish its ability to hydrate the body.

For most people, replacing some or all water intake with standard, unsweetened Bubly is perfectly acceptable for hydration. However, a balanced approach with both still and sparkling water is often ideal, especially if you experience bloating from carbonation.

Yes, unsweetened Bubly is significantly better for you than sugary soda. It provides a fizzy beverage experience without the high calories, sugar, and artificial ingredients found in most sodas.

Standard Bubly sparkling water poses a minimal risk to tooth enamel compared to sugary drinks. Its mild acidity is not typically a concern for dental health, but moderation is always advised.

No, standard Bubly sparkling water contains zero calories and zero sugar. Its flavor comes from natural essences, not sweeteners.

As long as it is unsweetened, flavored sparkling water, like Bubly, is just as hydrating as unflavored. The natural flavors do not affect its hydration properties.

The primary difference is the carbonation. Bubly has added carbon dioxide, which gives it a fizzy texture, while still water does not. In terms of hydration, their effects are the same.