What is the sweetener used in bubly? The answer is simple: none
For the vast majority of its products, the bubly brand does not use any sweeteners, whether artificial or natural. The popular brand of sparkling water, owned by PepsiCo, has built its reputation on offering zero-calorie, zero-sugar beverages with a crisp, clean taste. The entire classic line, including flavors like lime, grapefruit, and strawberry, gets its flavor solely from natural essences and extracts. This commitment to a sweetener-free recipe is a major reason for its popularity among consumers looking for a healthy alternative to soda and other sugary drinks. The beverage is simply carbonated water infused with natural flavors.
How does bubly achieve its flavor without sweeteners?
The distinct and refreshing taste of classic bubly sparkling water comes from its use of "natural flavors." This might sound vague, but the process is quite common in the flavored sparkling water market. Essentially, manufacturers extract aromatic compounds and essential oils from natural sources, such as fruits, herbs, or spices, through processes like distillation or cold-pressing. These concentrated flavor essences are then added to the carbonated water. Because they are not adding any sugar, calories, or artificial sweeteners, the resulting beverage has a delicate fruit aroma and a hint of taste, but none of the intense sweetness associated with soda. This process allows for a wide range of fruit-forward flavors, from citrus to berry, while keeping the nutritional profile entirely clean.
The crucial difference: bubly Burst vs. classic bubly
While the original bubly sparkling water is entirely unsweetened, a significant point of clarification is the newer bubly Burst product line. Introduced by PepsiCo in 2024, bubly Burst is a sweetened sparkling water beverage designed for a richer fruit flavor profile. Unlike the classic bubly, which comes in cans, bubly Burst is sold in plastic bottles and is not calorie-free. The sweeteners used in bubly Burst are sucralose and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). This is a crucial distinction for consumers, as the two product lines offer very different taste experiences and have different ingredients.
Don't confuse bubly with Bubbl'r
It is also common for consumers to confuse the bubly brand with another product, Bubbl'r, which is also a popular flavored sparkling water. However, Bubbl'r is a different brand and does use sweeteners. Bubbl'r is marketed as an antioxidant sparkling water with natural caffeine, and it is sweetened with a sugar alcohol called erythritol, and in some varieties, stevia extract. While often placed near bubly in stores, its ingredients, nutritional profile, and flavor composition are distinct. For those specifically searching for a sweetener-free option, knowing the difference between these two brands is essential.
The bubly family and other variants
To add further clarity, the bubly brand has introduced other variants over time, including:
- bubly bounce: A line of caffeinated sparkling water that, like the classic bubly, does not contain any added sweeteners. The caffeine content provides an extra energy boost for consumers. Varieties include mango passion fruit and triple berry.
- bubly drops: Flavoring essences made for use with SodaStream machines. These are also unsweetened, allowing users to add the classic bubly flavor to their own sparkling water at home.
These different product offerings highlight the brand's efforts to cater to different consumer needs while maintaining its core reputation for flavor transparency. However, as demonstrated by the introduction of bubly Burst, not all products carrying the bubly name are sweetener-free, which is why it is always wise to check the ingredient list.
Comparison of bubly product lines
| Product Line | Sweetener Used | Calories per Serving | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic bubly | None | 0 | Carbonated Water, Natural Flavor |
| bubly Burst | Sucralose & Ace-K | 10 | Carbonated Water, Fruit Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavor |
| bubly bounce | None | 0 | Carbonated Water, Natural Flavor, Caffeine |
| Bubbl'r (Different Brand) | Erythritol, Stevia | 5 | Carbonated Water, Natural Flavor, Vitamins, Antioxidants |
Conclusion: Read the label, know the product
In summary, the original bubly sparkling water does not contain any sweeteners. The taste is derived entirely from natural fruit essences. This makes it an ideal zero-calorie, zero-sugar beverage for those avoiding added sugars. However, the introduction of products like bubly Burst changes this, as they are specifically sweetened to provide a bolder, sweeter flavor. For consumers seeking a truly unsweetened option, it is vital to distinguish between the classic bubly in cans and the newer bubly Burst in bottles, as well as to be aware of other brands with similar names, such as Bubbl'r, that use their own mix of sweeteners. Always check the packaging to confirm the ingredients before purchasing.
