What is the least toxic sparkling water?

December 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to recent studies, many popular sparkling water brands contain detectable levels of 'forever chemicals' known as PFAS. These substances, linked to various health issues, have prompted a wave of consumer concern over what is the least toxic sparkling water available on the market. The good news is that several brands have been shown to have undetectable or very low levels of these potentially harmful compounds.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the safest sparkling water brands with low to non-detectable levels of PFAS chemicals, highlights brands to avoid based on test results, and explains how to choose healthier carbonated beverages. It also provides tips for ensuring the cleanest sparkling water, including DIY methods.

Key Points

PFAS chemicals were found in many brands: Studies have detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or 'forever chemicals,' in many popular sparkling water products.
Low PFAS brands exist: High-quality options with very low or non-detectable PFAS levels include Mountain Valley, Sound, Aura Bora, Nixie, and Spindrift.
Avoid brands with high PFAS: Some brands, such as Topo Chico, Polar, and LaCroix, have been flagged for higher levels of PFAS in tests.
'Natural flavors' can be misleading: The term 'natural flavors' often refers to complex, lab-created chemical compositions, not whole fruit.
DIY is the safest option: For the highest safety, use a home carbonation system with a reverse-osmosis or activated carbon water filter to ensure purity.
Choose unflavored or real fruit: For the cleanest flavored options, stick to brands that use real fruit for flavoring, like Spindrift.
Use a straw to protect teeth: While less acidic than soda, sparkling water can still mildly affect dental enamel. Using a straw can minimize contact with teeth.

Navigating the 'Forever Chemical' Problem in Sparkling Water

The rising popularity of sparkling water has been met with a startling revelation: many brands contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of man-made 'forever chemicals'. These substances, used widely since the 1940s in products like non-stick cookware and food packaging, do not break down in the environment or the human body. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of potential health problems, including thyroid issues, fertility problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

Recent reports from organizations like Consumer Reports have brought this issue to the forefront, revealing specific brands with measurable amounts of PFAS. For health-conscious consumers, this information is critical for making informed choices. While the EPA has begun regulating PFAS in municipal water sources, bottled and canned sparkling water standards are still unregulated.

Sparkling water brands with low or non-detectable PFAS

Thankfully, several brands are taking steps to provide cleaner products. These brands often use advanced filtration methods, such as reverse osmosis, to purify their water. When choosing a brand, look for those that are transparent about their sourcing and filtration processes. Some of the most highly-rated options for low toxicity include:

Mountain Valley Spring Water: This brand has been ranked among the cleanest waters in the country and is noted for having non-detectable levels of PFAS.
Sound: With a focus on organic ingredients and reverse-osmosis filtered water, Sound reports zero levels of PFAS chemicals.
Aura Bora: This company also uses reverse-osmosis filtration and organic ingredients, reporting no detectable PFAS.
Nixie Sparkling Water: Similar to other low-PFAS brands, Nixie uses reverse-osmosis and organic flavoring ingredients.
Spindrift: Known for using real fruit, Spindrift has shown very low levels of PFAS, well below the recommended safety thresholds.

The issue with 'natural flavors'

For flavored sparkling waters, the ingredient list can be misleading. Many products list 'natural flavors,' which, contrary to public perception, are often complex, lab-created chemical compositions meant purely for taste. Food chemists extract and combine substances from various plants or animals to create specific tastes, allowing companies to avoid listing potentially concerning ingredients. For the cleanest option, it's best to stick to unflavored sparkling water and add fresh fruit yourself.

How to reduce your risk

For those who enjoy sparkling water, there are practical steps you can take to minimize your exposure to potential contaminants.

Read Labels Carefully: Prioritize brands that list their specific ingredients and avoid those with ambiguous 'natural flavors'.
Choose Reputable Brands: Stick to brands known for transparency and low PFAS levels, such as Mountain Valley or Sound.
Try DIY: The least toxic sparkling water is the one you make yourself. Using a home carbonation system with pre-filtered tap water (using a filter that removes PFAS) gives you full control over the ingredients.
Opt for Unflavored: If buying commercially, unflavored options are often the safest bet, as flavorings can introduce other chemicals.
Consider Packaging: While not a toxicity issue, some consumers prefer glass bottles over aluminum cans, as cans are often lined with a protective coating that some may want to avoid.

Comparison of sparkling water brands


Feature	Mountain Valley	Spindrift	Topo Chico	LaCroix
Sourcing	Natural Spring	Filtered Water + Real Fruit	Natural Mineral	Filtered Water + Natural Essence
PFAS Levels	Non-detectable	Very Low (< 1 ppt)	High (9.76 ppt)	Measurable (1.16 ppt)
Flavoring	Unflavored	Real fruit juice	Naturally occurring minerals	'Natural Essence'
Packaging	Glass bottles, aluminum cans	Aluminum cans	Glass bottles	Aluminum cans
Consumer Notes	Long-standing reputation for quality and purity.	Popular for real fruit flavor.	Taste preference varies, high PFAS detected.	Subtle flavor, PFAS detected.

Conclusion

Choosing the least toxic sparkling water means being an informed consumer. While the fizz is refreshing, it's crucial to look beyond the bubbles and examine what's truly inside. Brands like Mountain Valley and Sound stand out for their commitment to providing exceptionally clean products with non-detectable levels of 'forever chemicals.' For those seeking flavored options, Spindrift, with its real fruit ingredients, represents a transparent and safer choice compared to brands that rely on ambiguous 'natural flavors.' The safest option of all, however, remains making your own sparkling water at home with filtered water, giving you complete control over your hydration. By paying attention to brand transparency, sourcing, and ingredients, you can confidently enjoy a delicious and clean carbonated beverage.

Homemade Sparkling Water is Safest: Making your own with a home carbonation machine using pre-filtered tap water offers the highest level of control over what you drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

PFAS are 'forever chemicals' that don't break down easily and have been linked to health issues like cancer and thyroid problems. They can end up in water sources and have been detected in many popular sparkling water brands.

Brands reporting non-detectable or very low levels of PFAS include Mountain Valley, Sound, Aura Bora, and Nixie. Spindrift also scores well for its low levels and use of real fruit.

Yes, making sparkling water at home with a carbonation machine is the safest option. If you use filtered tap water (especially with a reverse-osmosis filter), you have complete control over purity.

Flavored sparkling waters can be less healthy if they contain ambiguous 'natural flavors,' which are often lab-created. Opt for brands that use real fruit juice or add your own fresh fruit.

While sparkling water is slightly acidic and can potentially affect tooth enamel, it is far less harmful than sugary sodas. Drinking it in moderation, with meals, or through a straw can mitigate any risk.

Not entirely. The FDA's definition of 'natural flavors' is broad and can include extracts created in a lab from natural sources. It does not mean the flavor comes from real fruit squeezed into the can.

Yes, sparkling water can aid in hydration, improve digestion, and increase feelings of fullness, which can support weight management. It serves as a great, calorie-free alternative to sugary sodas.