Does drinking LaCroix count as water intake? The fizzy truth

October 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, sparkling water is just as hydrating as regular water. This is great news for those who ask, 'Does drinking LaCroix count as water intake?', as the popular brand provides a guilt-free way to meet your daily fluid requirements with some extra zest.

Quick Summary

Sparkling water, like LaCroix, effectively hydrates the body just like still water, because the core ingredient is H2O. The carbonation does not inhibit fluid absorption. While it serves as a healthy alternative to sugary drinks, the sensation of fullness from the fizz might reduce total intake for some people.

Key Points

Equally Hydrating: Research indicates that sparkling water, like LaCroix, is just as effective at hydrating the body as regular still water.
Zero Calories and Sweeteners: LaCroix contains no calories, added sugars, or artificial sweeteners, making it a healthy alternative to sugary soft drinks.
Healthy Soda Substitute: The fizz of sparkling water can help curb cravings for soda and other high-sugar beverages, aiding in weight management.
Personal Tolerance Varies: Some individuals may experience bloating or discomfort from carbonation, which could reduce overall fluid consumption.
Consider Exercise Timing: Avoid sparkling water during intense workouts, as bloating from carbonation can cause discomfort; opt for still water instead.
Mindful of Dental Health: Plain LaCroix poses minimal risk to teeth, but for flavored varieties (especially citrus), consider using a straw and rinsing with plain water afterward to protect enamel.

The Hydration Science Behind Sparkling Water

For many years, a common misconception suggested that carbonation diminishes a beverage's hydrating properties. Fortunately for fans of bubbly water, multiple studies have debunked this myth. The core component of LaCroix, and any sparkling water, is still water (H2O). The addition of carbon dioxide gas simply creates the fizzy sensation but does not prevent the body from absorbing the fluid.

One study, which measured the Beverage Hydration Index (BHI) of several drinks, found that sparkling water had the same hydration index as still water. In essence, your body treats the carbonated water as it would plain water, making it an equally effective choice for staying hydrated throughout the day. This is especially beneficial for people who find plain water unappealing and may struggle to drink enough without some extra flavor.

LaCroix: What's in the Can?

Understanding the ingredients in LaCroix is key to recognizing its hydrating potential. The company's nutritional information confirms that its products contain only two components: carbonated water and "natural essence".

Here’s a breakdown of what that means:

Zero Calories: Unlike sugary sodas and juices, LaCroix contains no calories, so you can drink it without worrying about empty calories contributing to weight gain.
Zero Sweeteners: The flavors are derived from natural fruit essence oils, not artificial or added sugars. This prevents the blood sugar spikes and cravings often associated with sweetened beverages.
Zero Sodium: Most flavors contain 0mg of sodium, though some sparkling mineral waters may contain trace minerals.

For those seeking a refreshing alternative to soda, LaCroix is a superb option. Its lack of sugar and artificial additives makes it a far healthier choice that still provides the satisfying fizz.

Sparkling Water vs. Still Water: A Comparison

To fully appreciate the role of sparkling water like LaCroix, it helps to compare it to other common beverages. This table highlights the key differences.


Feature	Plain Still Water	Plain LaCroix	Sugary Soda
Primary Ingredient	H2O	H2O and CO2	H2O, high-fructose corn syrup, etc.
Calories	0	0	High
Added Sugars	No	No	Yes (High)
Hydration Level	High	High	Low (due to high sugar)
Impact on Weight	Neutral	Neutral	Contributes to weight gain
Dental Health	Excellent	Minimal risk (very slightly acidic)	High risk (highly acidic and sugary)
Bloating Potential	None	Potential for some individuals	Potential for some individuals
Workout Hydration	Excellent	Not ideal for intense exercise	Poor

Potential Caveats to Consider

While LaCroix is a great way to stay hydrated, it's not a perfect substitute for every situation. Consider these points:

Bloating and Fullness: The carbonation can cause bloating or gas for some people, leading them to drink less over time. If you experience this, you may need to mix in some still water.
Exercise Performance: During intense workouts, some experts recommend plain water instead. The gas from carbonation can cause gastrointestinal discomfort or bloating, which is distracting and uncomfortable during high-level physical activity.
Dental Erosion: Though far less damaging than soda, sparkling water is slightly more acidic than still water due to carbonic acid. Flavored varieties, particularly citrus, can increase this acidity. To minimize potential effects on tooth enamel, the American Dental Association suggests drinking in moderation, using a straw, and rinsing with plain water afterward.

Practical Tips for Staying Hydrated with LaCroix

If you enjoy the taste and feel of sparkling water, incorporating it effectively into your diet is simple.

Balance with Still Water: Drink a mix of still and sparkling water throughout the day. This provides variety while ensuring you get plenty of fluids without overdoing the fizz.
Infuse Your Own Flavors: To avoid any potential dental concerns from citrus flavors, consider adding fresh fruit slices to plain sparkling water. Slices of cucumber, mint leaves, or berries can create a refreshing, natural flavor.
Listen to Your Body: If you feel bloated or full after drinking a can, switch to still water for a while. Pay attention to how your body responds to determine the right balance for you.
Use it as a Soda Substitute: Replace your high-sugar soda habit with sparkling water. It provides the satisfying fizz without the negative health consequences associated with added sugars and artificial ingredients.

Conclusion: Fizz, Facts, and Hydration

To answer the primary question, yes, drinking plain LaCroix absolutely counts as water intake. Health experts and scientific studies confirm that it is just as effective for hydration as still water. By providing a calorie-free, sweetener-free, and flavorful option, LaCroix can help people who dislike plain water to meet their daily fluid goals. However, for those sensitive to carbonation or engaging in strenuous exercise, still water may be a more comfortable choice. Ultimately, the best water for hydration is the one you will drink consistently, and for many, that includes the occasional can of LaCroix.

For more detailed guidance on daily fluid intake, you can visit the Mayo Clinic's website: Water: How much should you drink every day?.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, research shows that sparkling water is equally as hydrating as regular still water. Your body absorbs the water from LaCroix just as effectively because the carbonation does not interfere with the hydration process.

Yes, you can substitute LaCroix for regular water, but it's often best to have a mix. Some people find the carbonation can cause bloating, which might cause them to drink less overall. Balance is key, and if you enjoy it, it's a perfectly fine way to stay hydrated.

The 'natural essences' in LaCroix are derived from the natural oils of fruits and contain no calories, sugar, or artificial ingredients. They are generally considered safe, but the term itself is not strictly regulated by the FDA, leading to some debate.

While sparkling water is slightly more acidic than plain water, it is far less harmful to tooth enamel than sugary sodas or juices. Drinking in moderation or using a straw can help mitigate any potential risk, especially with citrus flavors.

LaCroix can indirectly help with weight loss by serving as a healthy, zero-calorie replacement for sugary beverages. Staying hydrated can also help manage appetite, as the body can sometimes mistake thirst for hunger.

It is generally not recommended to drink sparkling water during intense exercise. The carbonation can cause bloating and discomfort. Plain still water is the better choice for rapid rehydration during strenuous activity.

While most plain sparkling waters hydrate equally, differences can exist. Natural mineral waters may contain different electrolyte levels. Brands can also vary in their flavorings and sodium content, so it is always wise to read the nutritional label.