The question of what artificial sweetener is in bubly can be confusing for consumers, largely due to the brand's product line expansion. While bubly's flagship sparkling water is celebrated for its simplicity, featuring only carbonated water and natural fruit flavors, certain newer additions, such as Bubly Burst, have a different formulation. Understanding this distinction is key for anyone monitoring their intake of sweeteners.
The Two Faces of Bubly: Original vs. Burst
For years, bubly has built its reputation on a simple ingredient list: carbonated water and natural flavors, with zero sugar and zero sweeteners. This positioning made it a popular choice for those seeking a healthier alternative to sugary sodas. The core flavors, such as limebubly and grapefruitbubly, proudly advertise their lack of sweeteners and calories. The sweetness you taste in these cans comes solely from the natural fruit essence.
However, the introduction of Bubly Burst, a separate line of sweetened sparkling water beverages, has created some confusion. These products are explicitly marketed as zero-sugar but are formulated to be sweeter than the standard bubly cans. The ingredients label for flavors like Triple Berry Burst and Watermelon Lime Burst confirms the presence of artificial sweeteners. This strategic product diversification from parent company PepsiCo caters to a different consumer palate, prioritizing a sweet taste without the added sugar.
The Artificial Sweeteners in Bubly Burst
For those specifically asking what artificial sweetener is in bubly Burst, the answer is a combination of two common non-nutritive sweeteners: sucralose and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). This pairing is a popular choice in the beverage industry, as each sweetener offers a unique benefit. Sucralose, commonly known by the brand name Splenda, provides a clean, sugar-like sweetness. Acesulfame potassium is often used alongside other sweeteners to enhance and prolong the sweet flavor profile. The blend of the two creates a more balanced and complex sweetness that closely mimics the taste of sugar.
The Sweetener Controversy
While the use of these artificial sweeteners is generally recognized as safe by the FDA, their inclusion in bubly products has sparked debate among some consumers. For those expecting the simple, unsweetened bubly experience, the discovery of sweeteners in the Burst line can be surprising. This highlights the importance of reading the ingredients list, especially with line extensions that may differ significantly from a brand's original promise.
Comparing Bubly Product Lines
To better illustrate the differences, consider this comparison between the original bubly and the Bubly Burst product lines:
| Feature | Original bubly Sparkling Water | Bubly Burst Sweetened Sparkling Water |
|---|---|---|
| Sweeteners | None | Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) |
| Ingredients | Carbonated water, natural flavor | Carbonated water, juice concentrates, natural flavor, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, vitamins |
| Calories | 0 | 10 per bottle |
| Sugar Content | 0g | 0g Added Sugar |
| Flavor Profile | Crisp and subtle fruit essence | Noticeably sweeter and more pronounced fruit flavor |
| Container Type | Cans | Bottles |
The Bubly Drops Connection
Another bubly product that can cause confusion is the Bubly Drops, designed for use with SodaStream machines. Similar to the original bubly sparkling water, Bubly Drops are unsweetened natural flavor essences. This means when you make a glass of bubly at home with Bubly Drops and a SodaStream, you are creating an unsweetened, zero-calorie beverage, provided no sugar or sweeteners are added from another source. This consistency across the unsweetened products helps maintain brand integrity for those who prefer no sweeteners.
The Takeaway for Consumers
For the majority of its existence, bubly sparkling water has not contained artificial sweeteners. This remains true for its classic line of canned sparkling waters. However, with the launch of Bubly Burst, the brand has introduced a separate, sweetened product. Therefore, it is crucial for consumers to check the specific product label, particularly differentiating between the canned 'bubly' and bottled 'bubly Burst'. The inclusion of sucralose and acesulfame potassium in the Bubly Burst line clearly distinguishes it from the company's unsweetened offerings. For health-conscious individuals or those with sensitivities, this small detail makes all the difference.
Conclusion
In summary, the original bubly sparkling water contains no artificial sweetener whatsoever, relying solely on natural fruit essence for flavor. The specific artificial sweeteners found in the newer, sweeter Bubly Burst line are sucralose and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). For consumers, the best practice is to always check the product label, as the bubly product line now includes both sweetened and unsweetened options to suit different preferences. For more details on common sweeteners, the Mayo Clinic provides a comprehensive resource on artificial and non-nutritive sweeteners.
