What Do They Put in Sparkling Water to Make It Sweet?

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

The market for carbonated water has grown significantly, but when it comes to flavored versions, the question 'What do they put in sparkling water to make it sweet?' is common for health-conscious consumers. This guide breaks down the ingredients used to add sweetness and flavor to your favorite bubbly drinks.

Quick Summary

Artificially sweetened sparkling waters use compounds like aspartame and sucralose, while naturally sweetened options often contain stevia or monk fruit extracts. Many brands also use 'natural flavors' or fruit essences for taste without adding calories.

Key Points

Artificial Sweeteners: Flavored sparkling waters often use synthetic sugar substitutes like sucralose (Splenda), aspartame (Equal), and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) to achieve a sweet taste with zero or low calories.
Natural Alternatives: Plant-based options such as stevia and monk fruit extracts are used as natural, zero-calorie sweeteners in many brands, catering to those who prefer less-processed ingredients.
'Natural Flavors': Some sparkling waters derive their taste from fruit essences and extracts, often listed as 'natural flavors,' which add flavor without adding calories or actual sugar. The term can be vague, so checking for other added sweeteners is important.
Impact on Health: While plain sparkling water is a healthy choice, sweetened versions may affect gut bacteria and appetite, and could be particularly sensitive for individuals with certain health conditions or sensitivities to certain additives.
Importance of Reading Labels: Due to the wide variety of ingredients, consumers should always read the nutrition facts and ingredient list to know what they are consuming and to make informed health choices.
Hydration Benefits: Regardless of the flavor additives, sparkling water is just as hydrating as still water and can be a great alternative to sugary sodas for those who prefer carbonation.

A World of Sweetness: From Artificial to Natural

Sparkling water's appeal comes from its refreshing fizz, but many popular varieties get their sweet taste from more than just fruit essence. For consumers trying to reduce sugar intake, understanding the sweeteners behind the flavor is crucial. While plain sparkling water is simply carbonated water, flavored versions often rely on a variety of additives to create a sweet and satisfying experience without the calories of traditional soda. The primary types of sweeteners fall into two broad categories: artificial and natural.

The Rise of Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, or non-nutritive sweeteners, are synthetic sugar substitutes that provide intense sweetness with minimal to zero calories. They are a staple in 'diet' and 'zero-calorie' beverages and are found in many commercially sweetened sparkling waters. While considered safe by the FDA within acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels, there is ongoing research and debate regarding their long-term health effects.

Common artificial sweeteners include:

Sucralose (Splenda): A zero-calorie sweetener derived from sugar, but chemically modified to be about 600 times sweeter. It is heat-stable and often mixed with bulking agents like maltodextrin.
Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet): Composed of two amino acids and about 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is not heat-stable and breaks down under high temperatures. People with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid it due to its phenylalanine content.
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): A calorie-free sweetener often combined with other sweeteners to balance out its slightly bitter aftertaste.

Exploring Natural and Plant-Based Sweeteners

For those seeking alternatives to artificial ingredients, a growing number of sweetened sparkling water brands use plant-based options. These natural sweeteners offer zero or very low calories while still satisfying the palate's sweet tooth.

Popular natural sweeteners include:

Stevia: Derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant native to South America, stevia contains sweet compounds called steviol glycosides. It is 200–400 times sweeter than sugar and is often combined with other ingredients to balance a potential bitter aftertaste.
Monk Fruit: An extract from a small melon native to Asia, monk fruit gets its sweetness from mogrosides, which are 100–250 times sweeter than table sugar. It has a clean, fruity taste with no known side effects.
Erythritol: A sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some fruits and is used as a zero-calorie bulking agent in many low-sugar products.

How Brands Add Flavor Without Sweeteners

Not all flavored sparkling waters contain added sweeteners. Many brands achieve their taste profile using 'natural flavors' or fruit essences. These flavorings are highly concentrated extracts or oils derived from fruits, vegetables, spices, or herbs. They provide the aroma and taste of a specific fruit without adding sugar or calories.

However, the term 'natural flavors' can be vague, and the extracts are created in a lab, so they are not the same as adding a fresh fruit slice. It's essential to read the ingredient label to see if a product is flavored purely with essences or if it includes added sweeteners for a sweeter taste.

Sweetener Comparison Table

To help you decide, here is a comparison of some of the most common sweeteners used in sparkling water.


Feature	Aspartame	Sucralose	Stevia	Monk Fruit
Type	Artificial	Artificial	Natural	Natural
Calories	Low (negligible in small doses)	Zero	Zero	Zero
Sweetness	~200x sweeter than sugar	~600x sweeter than sugar	200–400x sweeter than sugar	100–250x sweeter than sugar
Aftertaste	Some find it metallic	Very sugar-like	Can be bitter/metallic	Clean, mild, fruity
Heat Stability	Breaks down when heated	Heat-stable	Heat-stable	Heat-stable
Source	Two amino acids	Modified sugar molecule	Stevia rebaudiana plant leaves	Siraitia grosvenorii fruit

Health Considerations: What to Watch For

While sweetened sparkling water is often a better alternative to sugary sodas, it's not without health considerations. The carbonation itself can cause bloating or gassiness in some individuals. Furthermore, some studies suggest that long-term consumption of artificial sweeteners may disrupt gut bacteria or increase sweet cravings. It's always best to be aware of what you're consuming.

For most people, plain sparkling water remains the healthiest option, but if you prefer some sweetness, checking labels for a simple, minimal ingredient list is the best practice. A natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia may be a preferable option for those wishing to avoid synthetic ingredients.

Conclusion: Read the Label to Quench Your Sweet Craving

What they put in sparkling water to make it sweet can be artificial compounds like sucralose and aspartame, or natural plant extracts such as stevia and monk fruit. The presence and type of sweetener, or lack thereof, varies by brand. Some rely solely on fruit essences for flavor, offering a zero-calorie, zero-sweetener beverage. For individuals managing health concerns like diabetes or weight, or those who are sensitive to additives, reading the ingredient list is the most reliable way to know what you are drinking. When in doubt, adding fresh fruit to plain seltzer is always a great way to control your ingredients entirely.

Resource for further information on artificial sweeteners: Exploring the Long-Term Effect of Artificial Sweeteners on Metabolic Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all flavored sparkling water contains added sweeteners. Some brands use only natural fruit essences or extracts, which provide flavor without adding sugar or calories. It is important to check the ingredient list to be sure.

While natural flavors are derived from real food sources, they are processed and created in a lab environment and should not be equated with fresh fruit. Nutritionally, they are similar to artificial flavors, and some natural flavor extractions can involve additives or solvents.

Sucralose is a zero-calorie sweetener derived from a modified sugar molecule and is about 600 times sweeter than sugar. Aspartame is composed of two amino acids and is about 200 times sweeter, but contains minimal calories and is not heat-stable.

Yes, for some individuals, the carbonation (bubbles) in sparkling water can cause bloating, gas, or exacerbate symptoms of acid reflux, especially if they have sensitive gastrointestinal systems.

The better choice often comes down to personal taste preference. Some find stevia to have a slight bitter or metallic aftertaste, while monk fruit is generally considered to have a cleaner, fruitier flavor. Both are zero-calorie natural sweeteners.

While plain sparkling water is generally safe, the carbonic acid created by the carbonation can cause mild enamel erosion over time, though it is significantly less harmful than sugary sodas. Flavored versions often contain citric acid, which can increase this risk. Drinking through a straw can help minimize contact with teeth.

The relationship between artificial sweeteners and weight gain is complex and debated. Some research suggests they may alter gut bacteria and increase cravings for sweet foods, potentially leading to increased calorie intake over time. However, as a calorie-free substitute for sugar, they can assist with weight management when used in moderation.