What Sparkling Waters Are Gluten-Free? Your Comprehensive Guide

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Pure, unflavored sparkling water consists of just two ingredients—water and carbon dioxide—both of which are naturally gluten-free. However, the safety of flavored options is a common concern, prompting the question: what sparkling waters are gluten-free? This guide addresses this dietary query for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Quick Summary

Most pure sparkling waters are safe for a gluten-free diet. Caution is advised for flavored varieties due to potential cross-contamination or additives. Safe brands like LaCroix and Perrier are widely available, but always check labels for certification.

Key Points

Pure Water is Safe: Plain, unflavored sparkling water is naturally gluten-free as it only contains water and carbon dioxide.
Check Flavored Varieties: Potential gluten risks are associated with flavorings, additives, or cross-contamination in flavored sparkling waters.
Trusted Brands are Labeled: Many popular brands like LaCroix, Perrier, and Spindrift explicitly state they are gluten-free on their packaging.
Certifications Offer Assurance: Looking for third-party certifications like GFCO provides the highest level of confidence that a product is gluten-free.
Read All Labels: Hard seltzers and new or craft brands should be checked individually, as ingredients and processing methods can vary significantly.
Cross-Contamination is Possible: For those with severe sensitivity, understanding the manufacturing process is key, as facilities handling other ingredients could cause cross-contamination.

The Basics: Is Plain Sparkling Water Safe?

At its most fundamental level, sparkling water is simply water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. Since gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye, it does not naturally occur in either water or carbon dioxide. Therefore, any plain, unflavored sparkling water, seltzer, or club soda is inherently gluten-free and completely safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The issue of gluten only becomes relevant when other ingredients are added to the beverage.

The Risks with Flavored Sparkling Water

While the base of sparkling water is safe, adding flavor introduces variables that must be scrutinized. Some flavored beverages may contain hidden gluten ingredients, and there is always a risk of cross-contamination during the manufacturing process. The source of the flavoring is the most critical factor. Many brands use natural essences derived from fruits, which are naturally gluten-free. However, some manufacturers might use malt flavorings or other additives that contain gluten. This is why it is essential to read labels carefully and seek confirmation from manufacturers, especially for obscure or craft brands. For major brands, the risk is typically low, but vigilance is still important.

How to Verify Flavored Varieties

Read the ingredients list: Check for any mention of wheat, barley, rye, or malt flavoring.
Look for certifications: Products certified gluten-free by organizations like GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet strict standards.
Check the manufacturer's website: Many companies, such as Spindrift and LaCroix, explicitly state their gluten-free status on their websites and packaging.
Consider potential allergens: If a brand lists common allergens like wheat, there is a chance of cross-contamination, even if it's not specifically a gluten-containing ingredient.

Comparison of Popular Gluten-Free Sparkling Water Brands

Here is a comparison of some of the most popular sparkling water brands and their gluten-free status, confirmed by company statements and certifications available from the search results.


Brand	Certified Gluten-Free?	Key Flavors	Special Notes
AHA	Yes	Citrus + Green Tea, Strawberry + Cucumber	Owned by Coca-Cola, no sweeteners
Bubly	Yes	Blackberry, Lime, Cherry, Grapefruit	PepsiCo brand, vegan-friendly
LaCroix	Yes	Pamplemousse, Key Lime, Coconut, Berry	Natural essence oils, non-GMO, Whole30 approved
Perrier	Yes	Original, Lemon, Lime, Pink Grapefruit	French mineral water, has been confirmed by company
Polar	Yes	Original, Black Cherry, Lime	Long-standing seltzer brand, no sweeteners
San Pellegrino	Yes	Original, Lemon + Mint, Blood Orange	Italian mineral water, known for mineral content
Spindrift	Yes (GFCO)	Raspberry Lime, Grapefruit, Lemon	Made with real squeezed fruit, GFCO certified
Topo Chico (Mineral)	Yes	Original, Twist of Lime, Grapefruit	Mineral water from Mexico, naturally carbonated
Waterloo	Yes	Summer Berry, Peach, Black Cherry	Naturally flavored with fruit extracts

Safe and Certified Gluten-Free Sparkling Water Brands

AHA Sparkling Water: All flavors of AHA are natural and gluten-free, a safe option for any diet.
Bubly Sparkling Water: Launched by PepsiCo, this brand is explicitly vegan and gluten-free across its wide range of fruit flavors.
LaCroix Sparkling Water: A popular choice, all LaCroix flavors are made with natural essence oils and are confirmed gluten-free, vegan, and Whole30 approved.
Perrier Sparkling Mineral Water: This classic French mineral water, including its flavored versions, has been confirmed by the manufacturer to be gluten-free.
Polar Seltzer Water: Known for its variety, Polar’s seltzer waters are confirmed to be gluten-free and are a safe choice.
San Pellegrino: Both the original mineral water and the Essenza flavored varieties are naturally gluten-free.
Spindrift Sparkling Water: A great option made with real fruit juice, Spindrift holds a GFCO certification, ensuring high standards for its gluten-free status.
Topo Chico: Both the plain mineral water and the flavored versions are naturally gluten-free. Note that Topo Chico Hard Seltzer is also explicitly certified gluten-free but is an alcoholic beverage.
Waterloo Sparkling Water: This brand confirms its products are naturally gluten-free and use natural fruit essences.

What About Hard Seltzers?

It's important to distinguish between non-alcoholic sparkling water and hard seltzers, which contain alcohol. Many popular hard seltzers are also gluten-free, but it is not a guarantee and depends entirely on the brewing process and ingredients. For example, Topo Chico Hard Seltzer is explicitly certified gluten-free, while other brands, like those brewed with a malt base, are not. Always check the packaging or the manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Conclusion: Sip Safely with Confidence

In summary, the vast majority of sparkling water brands, particularly the pure, unflavored varieties, are naturally gluten-free. For flavored options, sticking with major brands that explicitly state their gluten-free status or carry a certification is the safest route. By carefully reading labels and being aware of potential risks, individuals with gluten sensitivities can enjoy a wide array of refreshing, bubbly beverages without worry. Always confirm with the manufacturer if you are unsure about a product's gluten status. For more information, the resources at Celiac.com are an excellent source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all flavors of LaCroix sparkling water are gluten-free. The company states that its products are vegan, non-GMO, and made with natural essence oils.

Most flavored sparkling waters are naturally gluten-free, but safety depends on the specific brand. It is important to check the ingredient list and look for a gluten-free certification, as some may contain hidden gluten ingredients or be at risk for cross-contamination.

Plain and flavored Topo Chico mineral waters are naturally gluten-free. Their Hard Seltzer is also certified gluten-free, though it is important to remember this is an alcoholic beverage.

To be sure, check the product label for a 'gluten-free' certification, review the ingredients list for any gluten-containing items, and consult the manufacturer's website for confirmation.

While the core ingredients are gluten-free, cross-contamination is a risk if the product is processed in a facility that also handles gluten. Looking for certified gluten-free products helps mitigate this risk.

Yes, Polar's flavored seltzer waters are confirmed to be gluten-free and are a safe option for individuals with celiac disease.

While a label claim is generally trustworthy, a third-party certification provides a higher level of assurance. For severe gluten sensitivities, certified products are the safest option.

Yes, Spindrift products are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). The company uses real fruit juice for flavoring.