What is the best sparkling water to drink?

December 5, 2025 •

6 min read

According to a 2024 report by market research firm Grandview Research, the sparkling water industry is valued at over $33 billion and is still growing. Navigating this vast market to find what is the best sparkling water to drink for your personal preferences can be challenging, but understanding the different types and top-rated brands is the first step toward a perfect bubbly sip.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the qualities that make sparkling water great, reviewing popular brands and helping you decide based on flavor, fizz, and ingredients. We detail key differences between types like mineral water and seltzer, and offer a brand comparison for an informed choice.

Key Points

Taste Profile Matters: Look for a clean, neutral flavor without metallic aftertastes. Some high-rated brands are celebrated for their subtle mineral notes.
Carbonation Level is Key: Decide if you prefer intense, aggressive bubbles (like Saratoga) or a more delicate, refined fizz (like Topo Chico) to match your palate.
Understand Water Types: Know the difference between Seltzer (plain water), Club Soda (added minerals), and Mineral Water (naturally sourced minerals) to make an informed choice.
Check Ingredients and Source: For the healthiest option, choose plain, unflavored sparkling water. Pay attention to added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and sodium in flavored varieties.
Consider Cost and Sustainability: Budget-friendly brands and at-home carbonation systems (like SodaStream) offer great alternatives for regular drinkers, reducing plastic waste.
Explore Flavored vs. Unflavored: If you like flavor, choose between simple essences with zero calories (LaCroix) or real fruit juice infusions (Spindrift), which have higher calories but more authentic taste.
Experiment to Find Your Favorite: The best way to find your perfect fizz is to taste-test different brands and types to discover what you enjoy most.

What Defines the Best Sparkling Water?

Choosing the best sparkling water is a subjective experience, but expert tasters and daily drinkers look for a few key characteristics. The first and most critical is the purity of taste. The water should taste clean and neutral, without metallic or artificial aftertastes. A subtle mineral or citrus hint is often appreciated, but the base flavor should be pristine.

Next, the carbonation level is a major differentiator. Some brands, like Saratoga, are known for their big, aggressive bubbles that hit you with a sharp sensation. Others, such as Topo Chico, are praised for their fine, tiny bubbles that create a more delicate and refined texture on the palate. Your preference for fizz—gentle or intense—is a personal choice that greatly affects the overall drinking experience.

Finally, the ingredients and source play a significant role. Naturally sourced mineral waters contain electrolytes and minerals from their origin, which can contribute a unique flavor profile and added health benefits. Seltzers and club sodas, on the other hand, are artificially carbonated and may contain added sodium or other minerals. For the healthiest option, experts recommend plain sparkling water without added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or excessive additives.

Types of Sparkling Water Explained

Before you can pick a brand, it is helpful to know the difference between the most common types of bubbly water.

Seltzer Water: This is plain water infused with carbon dioxide gas. It has no added minerals or sodium, offering a very neutral flavor that serves as an excellent base for infusions or cocktails. Popular brands include LaCroix and Polar.
Club Soda: Similar to seltzer, club soda is also artificially carbonated but has added minerals like sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate. These additions give it a slightly salty or mineral-heavy taste, making it a classic mixer.
Sparkling Mineral Water: This type is sourced from a naturally carbonated spring and contains naturally occurring minerals. The taste varies based on the mineral content of the source. Topo Chico and San Pellegrino are prominent examples.
Flavored Sparkling Water: These are carbonated waters infused with natural or artificial fruit essences. Brands like Spindrift stand out by using real fruit juice, which can add calories but provides a more authentic flavor.

A Comparison of Top Sparkling Water Brands


Brand	Water Type	Best Known For	Carbonation	Flavor Profile	Pros	Cons
Topo Chico	Mineral Water	Strong, tiny bubbles	Intense and tight	Clean, slightly mineral	Refined texture, premium feel	Some consumers found PFAS, though levels have been lowered
Canada Dry	Seltzer/Club Soda	Affordable, versatile	Medium to strong	Neutral with subtle notes	Budget-friendly, reliable fizz	Not a naturally mineral water, some may prefer cleaner taste
LaCroix	Seltzer Water	Wide variety of flavors	Light to medium	Subtle fruit essence	Calorie-free, wide selection	Can taste bland or artificial to some palates
Saratoga	Spring Water	Large, aggressive bubbles	High	Distinct mineral, bright	Intense fizz, refreshing	Strong bubbles may be overwhelming for some
Spindrift	Flavored Seltzer	Real fruit juice	Moderate	Authentic, rich fruit	Real fruit ingredients, great taste	Higher calories than other flavored options
Liquid Death	Mountain Water	Clean, crisp taste	Gentle to moderate	Neutral, clean	Less aggressive bubbles, cool branding	Some may find it too tame

How to Choose the Best Sparkling Water for You

Finding your personal favorite bubbly beverage involves a little experimentation. Start by defining your ideal sparkling water profile.

Consider Your Taste and Fizz Preferences

Are you looking for a neutral canvas for cocktails, or do you want a burst of flavor? If you prefer a clean, neutral taste, a classic seltzer like Canada Dry or LaCroix Pure is a great starting point. For those who enjoy a mineral-forward flavor, brands like Topo Chico or San Pellegrino offer a unique taste profile derived from their source. For a bold, fruity kick, consider Spindrift with its real fruit juice or Bubly with its zero-calorie flavor essences.

Your carbonation preference is equally important. If you crave a prickly, aggressive fizz, reach for Saratoga or Polar. For a smoother, more refined bubble texture, Topo Chico is a popular choice among enthusiasts. The best way to discover your preference is to try a few different brands side-by-side.

Factor in Health and Ingredients

For health-conscious consumers, plain, unflavored sparkling water is the healthiest option, as it contains no calories, sugar, or artificial additives. When choosing a flavored option, always check the ingredients list. Some brands add artificial sweeteners or sodium, which can add up if consumed regularly. Brands like Spindrift, which use real fruit juice, contain some calories, but are free from artificial sweeteners and can offer a more natural flavor.

Budget and Accessibility

Your budget and local availability will also influence your choice. Budget-friendly brands like Canada Dry and store-brand seltzers are widely accessible and offer great value for everyday hydration. If you're a heavy drinker and want to save money in the long run, consider a home carbonation system like SodaStream, which lets you carbonate your own tap water. Premium mineral waters, like Topo Chico in glass bottles, are often more expensive but offer a distinct flavor and texture for a special treat.

Making Sparkling Water at Home

For those who love sparkling water and are environmentally conscious, a home soda maker is an excellent investment. Brands like SodaStream allow you to carbonate filtered tap water on demand, reducing your reliance on canned or bottled products. This also gives you complete control over the carbonation level. You can experiment with fresh fruit infusions, creating your own unique, healthy flavored sparkling water without any artificial additives.

Step-by-Step Home Carbonation Guide

Prepare the Water: Fill a reusable bottle designed for your soda maker with cold, filtered water. Colder water holds carbonation better, resulting in a fizzier drink.
Attach to Machine: Secure the bottle to the carbonating machine according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Add Fizz: Press the button to add carbonation. The number of presses determines the bubble intensity. Start with a few short bursts and adjust to your liking.
Flavor (Optional): Once carbonated, add fruit slices, herbs, or a small amount of juice. Never carbonate water with additives, as this can damage the machine.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Fizz

Finding the best sparkling water is a journey guided by personal preference. The ideal choice depends on your palate's desires, from the clean taste and delicate bubbles of Topo Chico to the bold fruit flavors of Spindrift. For budget-conscious daily drinkers, a reliable seltzer like Canada Dry is a solid choice, while a home carbonation system offers maximum control and sustainability. By considering factors like water type, carbonation intensity, and ingredient list, you can move beyond simple hydration and find a bubbly drink that truly delights your senses. So go ahead, start exploring the world of sparkling waters and find the perfect fizz for you.

Key takeaways:

Taste and carbonation level are crucial for choosing the best sparkling water.
Understand the difference between Seltzer, Club Soda, and Mineral Water before buying.
Topo Chico is favored for its refined, tight bubbles and clean mineral taste.
Spindrift is a top choice for authentic fruit flavor, using real juice.
Home soda makers like SodaStream offer a budget-friendly and customizable alternative.
Plain, unflavored sparkling water is the healthiest option, with zero calories or sugar.
For flavored options, check the label for added sweeteners or sodium.

Best for Bubble Intensity: Topo Chico and Saratoga Best for Natural Flavor: Spindrift and Topo Chico Best for Budget: Canada Dry or home carbonation with SodaStream

The Final Sip: A Refreshing Choice Awaits

Ultimately, the best way to discover your preference is to sample different brands. Your perfect bubbly beverage is out there, waiting to be found. Cheers!

Disclaimer: Product reviews are subjective. Prices and product formulations may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unflavored sparkling water is generally not considered harmful to tooth enamel. It is slightly more acidic than still water, but far less so than sugary sodas or fruit juices. Drinking it in moderation, especially with meals or through a straw, minimizes any potential risk.

Yes, sparkling water is just as hydrating as regular still water. The carbonation does not hinder your body's ability to absorb the water, and for many people, the satisfying fizz can encourage them to drink more and stay better hydrated throughout the day.

Seltzer water is plain water with added carbon dioxide for fizz and no other additives. Club soda is also artificially carbonated but has added minerals like sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate, which give it a slightly different flavor profile and make it a classic mixer.

Flavored sparkling water can be a healthy alternative to sugary drinks, but it's important to read the label. Choose brands with no added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or sodium. Flavors derived from natural essences or real fruit juice are generally the best options.

While sparkling water won't cause weight loss on its own, it can be a valuable tool. The carbonation can help you feel fuller for longer, potentially reducing your overall calorie intake. It also serves as a zero-calorie, zero-sugar replacement for high-calorie soft drinks.

The taste of sparkling water can vary significantly based on its source and mineral content. Naturally sourced mineral waters contain different minerals (like calcium and magnesium) that affect the flavor, while artificially carbonated waters can have additives like sodium that alter the taste.

For those who drink sparkling water regularly, a home soda maker can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to buying pre-bottled drinks. It allows you to control the carbonation level and flavor, using reusable bottles and reducing plastic waste.