The question of whether Clearly Canadian falls into the 'water' or 'soda' category is a common one, fueled by its unique position in the beverage market. The short answer is that it is a flavored sparkling water, but with some notable characteristics that set it apart from both plain sparkling water and sugary soft drinks. Its history, ingredients, and flavor profile all contribute to its distinctive identity.
The Origins of a 'New Age' Beverage
Clearly Canadian was founded in British Columbia in 1987 and quickly established itself as a pioneer in the 'new age beverage' market. At the time, consumers' choices were primarily limited to sugary sodas, plain bottled water, and unflavored sparkling water. Clearly Canadian emerged as a refreshing alternative, offering a lightly sweetened and naturally flavored carbonated drink. Its iconic teardrop-shaped glass bottle was also a key part of its appeal, suggesting a premium, purer product.
The brand experienced significant success in the 1990s, becoming a cultural touchstone that appeared in popular television shows and movies. However, production ceased around 2010 due to a series of business challenges, leading to widespread disappointment among its fanbase. In a remarkable display of consumer power, a successful crowd-sourcing campaign led to the brand's revival in 2015, bringing back the beloved flavors for a new generation of drinkers.
Ingredients: The Key to the Debate
To understand Clearly Canadian's identity, one must look at its ingredients. The original version contains four simple components: carbonated Canadian spring water, pure cane sugar, natural flavor, and citric acid. This is a crucial distinction. Traditional sodas are often loaded with high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, and a much longer list of ingredients. On the other hand, plain sparkling water contains only water and carbonation, while modern flavored sparkling waters use natural flavors but no sugar.
The original Clearly Canadian's inclusion of cane sugar is what gives it a taste closer to soda than modern, unsweetened flavored seltzers. It provides a sweet, full-bodied fruit flavor without the cloying, syrupy consistency of a traditional soda. For this reason, many consider it a 'bridge' product, occupying a middle ground between water and soda.
The Family of Clearly Canadian Products
Beyond the classic cane sugar version, the brand has evolved to meet modern consumer demands for healthier options. Today, the Clearly Canadian family of products includes:
- Clearly Canadian Originals: The classic, cane-sugar sweetened, naturally-flavored sparkling water.
- Clearly Canadian Zero Sugar: A version sweetened with Stevia leaf extract, offering the same bold flavor with zero sugar and zero calories.
- Clearly Canadian Sparkling Essence: An unsweetened, zero-calorie option that relies solely on natural fruit essences for flavor, similar to other flavored sparkling water brands.
This product diversification allows the brand to appeal to a wider audience, from nostalgic fans who remember the original taste to health-conscious consumers seeking a sugar-free alternative.
Clearly Canadian vs. The Competition: A Comparison Table
To further clarify its position, let's compare the classic Clearly Canadian Originals to a typical soda and a plain flavored sparkling water.
| Feature | Clearly Canadian (Originals) | Traditional Soda (e.g., Cola) | Plain Flavored Sparkling Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Ingredient | Carbonated spring water | Carbonated water | Carbonated water |
| Sweetener | Pure cane sugar | High fructose corn syrup or sugar | None |
| Sugar Content | Moderate (approx. 24g per 11oz bottle) | High (approx. 24g per 8oz serving) | 0g |
| Flavoring | All-natural fruit flavor | Artificial and/or natural flavors | Natural fruit essence |
| Key Ingredients | Carbonated Spring Water, Cane Sugar, Natural Flavor, Citric Acid | Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, etc. | Carbonated Water, Natural Flavor |
| Calorie Count | Approx. 80 calories per bottle | High (approx. 100 calories per 8oz) | 0 calories |
| Market Position | 'New Age Beverage' / Premium sparkling water | Traditional soft drink | Healthy, zero-calorie water |
The Resurgence of a 90s Icon
Clearly Canadian's journey from a 90s hit to a crowd-sourced revival in the 2010s is a testament to its enduring appeal. The successful crowdfunding campaign in 2015 was fueled by a nostalgic fanbase eager to taste the familiar flavors again. In fact, the campaign surpassed its goals, allowing the company to bring back not only the original flavors but also the classic Summer Strawberry flavor.
This revival highlights a key aspect of the brand's identity: its connection to a simpler time. For many, Clearly Canadian isn't just a drink; it's a taste of nostalgia. The brand has leveraged this emotional connection effectively, continuing to market itself as a beverage with a rich history and a strong community following. The famous teardrop glass bottle, which the founder reportedly shaped to feel like a baseball in his hand, also adds to this iconic legacy.
Conclusion: A Category of its Own
So, is Clearly Canadian water or soda? It's neither and both, existing in a category of its own. It is a flavored sparkling water, but the original version's cane sugar content places it closer to a soda than modern unsweetened sparkling waters. However, its natural ingredients and less sugary profile keep it a step removed from traditional soft drinks. The existence of zero-sugar and essence versions further complicates a simple classification. Ultimately, Clearly Canadian is best described as a premium, naturally-flavored, carbonated beverage that occupies a unique and beloved niche in the drinks market. Its legacy as a 90s favorite and its successful modern revival ensure its place as a classic for years to come. For those seeking a delicious middle ground between soda and plain water, Clearly Canadian remains the perfect choice.
For more information on the company, you can visit their official website [https://clearlycanadian.com/].
