Is LaCroix Sparkling Water Healthy for You?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drinking enough water is crucial for your health, but many people seek flavored alternatives. This brings up a common question: Is LaCroix sparkling water healthy for you, or is it just another beverage trend with hidden downsides?

Quick Summary

An in-depth look at LaCroix's health aspects, examining its ingredients, dental health considerations, and role in hydration without sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Key Points

Zero Sugar and Sweeteners: LaCroix contains no calories, no sugar, and no artificial sweeteners, making it a healthier alternative to soda.
Dental Erosion Risk: The carbonation in LaCroix creates carbonic acid, which is mildly acidic and can potentially erode tooth enamel with frequent, excessive consumption.
Great for Hydration: LaCroix is just as hydrating as regular water and can help those who dislike plain water meet their daily fluid needs.
Bloating and Gas: Some individuals with sensitive digestive systems may experience bloating, gas, or burping due to the carbonation.
Natural Essences: The flavors in LaCroix come from natural fruit essence oils, not synthetic chemicals.
Consider the Flavor: Citrus-flavored LaCroix varieties may be more acidic than unflavored options, increasing the potential risk to dental enamel.
Better than Soda: Opting for LaCroix over sugary or diet sodas is a healthier choice for overall wellness and weight management.

Understanding LaCroix's Core Ingredients

LaCroix is known for its simple ingredient list: carbonated water and "natural essence". Unlike many sodas and sweetened drinks, it contains zero calories, zero sweeteners, and zero sodium. This minimalist approach is a major reason for its popularity among health-conscious consumers. The "natural essence" is derived from the natural oils of the fruits, which provide flavor without adding sugar. While the exact composition of these essences is proprietary, their natural origin is a key selling point for the brand.

The Health Benefits of Choosing LaCroix

Replacing sugary beverages with a zero-calorie option like LaCroix can offer several health advantages. High-sugar drinks are linked to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues. By switching to LaCroix, you can still enjoy a flavorful, bubbly drink without the empty calories. Furthermore, some studies suggest that the carbonation in sparkling water can increase feelings of fullness, potentially helping with weight management. Staying hydrated is essential for numerous bodily functions, from regulating temperature and cognitive function to joint lubrication and waste removal. For those who find plain water unappealing, LaCroix can be an enjoyable way to meet daily fluid intake goals.

Potential Dental Health Concerns

One of the most debated aspects of sparkling water is its effect on dental health. The carbonation process creates carbonic acid, a weak acid. This slight acidity means that, over time, frequent exposure could potentially lead to the erosion of tooth enamel.

Acidity and pH levels: While plain water has a neutral pH of around 7, carbonated water typically has a pH between 3 and 4, making it mildly acidic. Adding citrus flavors, such as lemon or grapefruit, can lower the pH even further, increasing its erosive potential.
Moderation is key: Dental experts note that while sparkling water is far less damaging than sugary sodas, which are much more acidic, excessive consumption is not recommended. Constantly sipping on any acidic beverage can prolong the exposure of teeth to acid. Drinking it with meals or rinsing with plain water afterward can help mitigate risks.

Digestive System Effects

For many, sparkling water is a refreshing treat, but for some, the carbonation can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. The carbon dioxide gas that creates the bubbles can lead to bloating, gas, and burping. Individuals with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) might find that carbonated drinks exacerbate their symptoms. On the other hand, a few studies suggest that carbonated water may actually help improve swallowing ability and relieve constipation.

LaCroix vs. Other Beverage Choices

When comparing LaCroix to other popular drinks, its nutritional profile stands out as a healthier choice. It contains no artificial sweeteners, which some research suggests can trigger cravings for sweet flavors. It is a much better alternative to regular soda, which is full of sugar and calories, or diet soda, which contains artificial ingredients. However, comparing it to plain water reveals its main drawback: dental erosion risks. The bubbles that make it appealing are also what make it slightly less ideal for your teeth than still water.

LaCroix vs. Still Water: A Comparison


Feature	LaCroix Sparkling Water	Plain Still Water
Ingredients	Carbonated water, natural essence	Water
Calories	0	0
Sodium	0 mg	0 mg
Sweeteners	0 (no artificial or added)	0
Dental Impact	Mildly acidic; potential for enamel erosion with frequent, excessive consumption	Neutral pH; no risk of enamel erosion
Hydration	Just as hydrating as plain water	Excellent for hydration
Bloating/Gas	Can cause bloating in sensitive individuals	No bloating/gas side effects
Flavor	Wide variety of fruit flavors available	No flavor unless additives are used

Authoritative Sources on Sparkling Water

For more in-depth information on the health effects of sparkling water, you can visit the Healthline website, which provides a detailed look at the topic. Healthline's article on carbonated water reviews the research on dental health, digestion, and hydration, offering a balanced perspective on its pros and cons.

Conclusion: The Verdict on LaCroix's Healthiness

Is LaCroix sparkling water healthy for you? The short answer is yes, with some caveats. It's a significantly healthier choice than sugary sodas and drinks with artificial sweeteners, offering a zero-calorie, zero-sugar, and zero-sodium alternative to help with hydration. For individuals who struggle to drink enough plain water, LaCroix can be a beneficial and satisfying way to increase fluid intake. The primary concern is dental health, as the carbonation creates a mild acidity that can, with excessive and prolonged exposure, contribute to enamel erosion over time. By drinking LaCroix in moderation and avoiding constant sipping, you can enjoy its flavor and hydrating benefits while minimizing any potential risks. As with any food or drink, the context of your overall diet and health habits is the most important factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, LaCroix sparkling water contains zero sugar and no artificial sweeteners. It is flavored with natural fruit essences only.

Yes, frequent and excessive consumption of LaCroix could potentially contribute to tooth enamel erosion over time due to its mild acidity. However, it is far less damaging than sugary sodas.

Yes, sparkling water like LaCroix is just as effective for hydration as still water. It can be a good way to increase your fluid intake if you find plain water boring.

According to the company, the flavors are derived from natural fruit essence oils, which provide the taste without added sugars or artificial ingredients.

Yes, some people may experience bloating, gas, or burping from the carbonation in LaCroix, particularly those with sensitive digestive systems or conditions like IBS.

Yes, LaCroix is an excellent and much healthier alternative to both regular and diet soda, as it eliminates the sugar, calories, and artificial ingredients found in those beverages.

To reduce the risk of enamel erosion, drink LaCroix in moderation, avoid sipping it for long periods, drink it with meals, and consider rinsing your mouth with plain water afterward.