Nutrition Diet: What Sparkling Water Does Not Have Artificial Sweeteners?

November 2, 2025 •

5 min read

With the market for sparkling water exploding, it's estimated that Americans drink billions of gallons annually, but not all products are created equal. A key concern for many health-conscious consumers is determining what sparkling water does not have artificial sweeteners, ensuring a truly clean and healthy beverage choice. This guide provides a comprehensive look at brands and options that fit the bill.

Quick Summary

The guide identifies brands of sparkling water that are free of artificial sweeteners and examines the health benefits. It details how to interpret labels, explains the differences between seltzer and mineral water, and provides simple ways to add natural flavor.

Key Points

Avoid Artificial Sweeteners: Look for sparkling water brands that do not include aspartame, sucralose, or other artificial sweeteners, which can cause digestive issues.
Choose Clean Brands: Reputable brands like LaCroix, Waterloo, and Bubly offer unsweetened and naturally flavored sparkling water.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredients list and nutrition facts to ensure the product has 0 calories and 0 grams of sugar, indicating no artificial sweeteners.
Understand Water Types: Know the difference between seltzer (infused water) and mineral water (naturally sourced with minerals) to choose the right fit.
Enjoy Healthier Hydration: Unsweetened sparkling water provides the same hydration as still water and can aid digestion and weight management.
Enhance with Natural Flavors: Add fresh fruit slices, herbs, or a splash of 100% juice to boost flavor naturally without resorting to artificial ingredients.

The Rise of Clean-Label Beverages

In recent years, a growing trend towards health and wellness has shifted consumer preferences away from sugary sodas and diet drinks. While many turn to sparkling water for a bubbly, satisfying alternative, the presence of artificial sweeteners and other additives in some products can be a surprise. Artificial sweeteners, like aspartame and sucralose, are often used to mimic the taste of sugar without adding calories, but they can come with their own drawbacks. Some people experience digestive discomfort, while others are concerned about their long-term health effects. The best and healthiest sparkling water is the simple, straightforward kind—just water and carbonation.

The Drawbacks of Artificial Sweeteners

While the FDA considers artificial sweeteners safe in moderation, many people experience side effects such as stomach upset. Furthermore, research has suggested that regular consumption of artificially sweetened beverages could be linked to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. For those seeking to avoid such ingredients, it's essential to know which brands offer a clean, natural product.

What Sparkling Water Does Not Have Artificial Sweeteners? The Best Brands

For those who prioritize a clean ingredient list, several brands offer excellent options. These brands rely on natural flavors or the pure taste of carbonated mineral water to create a refreshing drink without added sweeteners. When shopping, look for these brands:

LaCroix Sparkling Water: A pioneer in the naturally flavored seltzer market, LaCroix uses only carbonated water and natural essence oils to create its flavors. It contains no calories, no sugar, and no artificial ingredients.
Waterloo Sparkling Water: Known for its bold and authentic flavors, Waterloo offers a full-flavor sparkling water that is free of calories, sugar, and artificial sweeteners.
Bubly Sparkling Water: Owned by Pepsi, Bubly is a popular seltzer brand that contains zero sugar, zero calories, and no artificial sweeteners. It comes in a wide variety of flavors.
Spindrift Sparkling Water: Uniquely, Spindrift is made with real squeezed fruit juice, providing a more robust and authentic flavor than essence-based seltzers. While it contains a small amount of natural sugar from the fruit, it has no artificial additives.
Perrier Carbonated Mineral Water: A classic option, Perrier is naturally carbonated mineral water sourced from a spring in France. The iconic green bottle contains no added sweeteners or calories.
S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water: Sourced from the Italian Alps, S. Pellegrino is another naturally carbonated mineral water that is free of calories, sugar, and artificial sweeteners.
Topo Chico Mineral Water: This brand offers a crisp and refreshing taste derived from naturally carbonated mineral water sourced in Mexico. It is a popular choice for cocktails and on its own.
Liquid Death Sparkling Water: Despite its dramatic branding, Liquid Death is simply purified sparkling water with no sugar and no artificial sweeteners.

Understanding the Different Types of Sparkling Water

Navigating the world of bubbly beverages requires understanding the differences between them. While many use the terms interchangeably, there are distinct types based on their source and mineral content.

Seltzer Water: Plain drinking water infused with carbon dioxide. It is typically free of added minerals or sodium, though brands may add natural flavors.
Sparkling Mineral Water: Sourced from a naturally carbonated spring or well. It contains naturally occurring minerals like magnesium and calcium, which can affect its taste and provide electrolytes.
Club Soda: Similar to seltzer but contains added minerals like sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate for a slightly different taste profile.
Tonic Water: Infused with quinine, giving it a bitter flavor. Most tonic waters also contain a significant amount of added sugar or artificial sweeteners and should be consumed sparingly.

How to Ensure Your Sparkling Water is Free of Artificial Sweeteners

Becoming a savvy label reader is the most reliable way to guarantee your sparkling water is free of unwanted additives. Here’s what to look for:

Read the Ingredients List: Check the ingredients for artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose (Splenda), acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), or saccharin. Opt for products with minimal ingredients, such as just 'carbonated water' and 'natural flavors.'
Look at the Nutrition Facts: A quick glance at the Nutrition Facts panel is an easy giveaway. A product with 0 calories and 0g of sugar is a good indicator that no artificial sweeteners are present. For products like Spindrift with real fruit juice, a small amount of naturally occurring sugar is expected.
Understand 'Natural Flavors': In unsweetened sparkling waters, 'natural flavors' or 'fruit essences' are derived from plant sources like fruits and herbs, providing a taste without calories or sugar. It's a key distinction from artificially sweetened options.

Comparison of Sparkling Water Types


Feature	Seltzer Water	Mineral Water	Sweetened Sparkling Water
Source	Infused with CO2	Natural spring/well	Infused with CO2
Artificial Sweeteners	None (check flavored)	None	Often contains
Calories	0	0	Can be low or high
Natural Flavors	Yes, via essences	No (natural minerals)	Can be artificial
Added Minerals	Usually none	Yes, naturally occurring	Often includes
Best for	Mixing drinks, hydration	Drinking plain	Those weaning from soda

The Health Benefits of Unsweetened Sparkling Water

Choosing sparkling water without artificial sweeteners is a positive step for your diet and overall health. Here are some of the benefits:

Excellent for Hydration: Like still water, plain sparkling water is just as hydrating, which can help you meet your daily fluid intake goals, especially if you find plain water boring.
Aids in Digestion: Studies suggest that carbonated water can help improve digestion and relieve constipation in some individuals.
Supports Weight Management: The carbonation can make you feel fuller, which may help curb cravings and reduce overall calorie intake if you are replacing sugary drinks.
Better for Dental Health: While slightly acidic, plain sparkling water is far less damaging to tooth enamel than sodas and artificially sweetened beverages, which often contain citric acid and other erosive components.

Incorporating Unsweetened Sparkling Water into Your Diet

Making the switch is easier than you think. Here are a few tips:

Replace Sugary Drinks Gradually: Swap out one can of soda or juice per day with a can of unsweetened sparkling water.
Add Natural Flavors: Enhance the taste by adding fresh fruit slices (lemon, lime, cucumber), mint leaves, or muddled berries.
Create Simple Mocktails: Use unsweetened sparkling water as a base for low-calorie mocktails with a splash of 100% fruit juice.

Conclusion

Making informed choices about the beverages you consume is a vital part of a healthy nutrition diet. When it comes to sparkling water, avoiding brands with artificial sweeteners is a simple but impactful step. By opting for pure mineral water or naturally flavored seltzers from brands like LaCroix, Waterloo, or Spindrift, you can enjoy a refreshing, bubbly drink without any unwanted additives. The health benefits, including superior hydration and better digestion, make it a smart swap for sugary or artificially sweetened alternatives. Always remember to check the label for added sugars and artificial ingredients to ensure you are making the healthiest choice for your body.

For more in-depth nutritional information on beverages, consider consulting a reliable source such as the CDC website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, LaCroix is considered a healthy alternative to sugary drinks and diet sodas because it contains no artificial sweeteners, sugar, or calories. It is made from carbonated water and natural flavor essences.

Seltzer is plain water that has been artificially infused with carbon dioxide. Mineral water, on the other hand, comes from a natural spring or well and is naturally carbonated, containing dissolved minerals like magnesium and calcium.

Not necessarily. In unsweetened sparkling water, 'natural flavors' are typically derived from fruit and other plant essences, providing flavor without calories or sugar. However, it's always best to check the nutrition facts panel to confirm there are no added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

Plain, unsweetened sparkling water is only mildly acidic and far less damaging to teeth than sugary sodas. The real risk to dental enamel comes from the sugar and acids found in many sweetened beverages. You can minimize any potential risk by drinking it with a meal or through a straw.

To make your own naturally flavored sparkling water, simply add fresh fruit slices (such as lemon, lime, or cucumber) or fresh herbs like mint or basil to plain seltzer or mineral water. A soda maker can also be used to carbonate your tap water at home.

Yes, some flavored sparkling waters use plant-based sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, which provide sweetness without calories. While not artificial, these are still sweeteners, so it is important to check the label if you prefer an unadulterated product.

For some individuals, the carbonation in sparkling water can lead to gas, bloating, or discomfort. If you experience these symptoms, it's best to switch to still water or consume sparkling water in moderation to see how your body reacts.