Which brand of sparkling water is the healthiest? A Guide to Nutrient-Rich Options

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

A 2024 review confirmed that pure sparkling water is just as hydrating as regular water, making it a healthy alternative to sugary drinks. But with a market full of options, figuring out which brand of sparkling water is the healthiest can be surprisingly complicated due to variations in mineral content, sodium, and flavorings.

Quick Summary

Determining the healthiest sparkling water requires checking for natural minerals, minimal sodium, and zero artificial additives. Naturally carbonated mineral waters often offer added health benefits, while plain seltzers are calorie-free and hydrating.

Key Points

Seltzer vs. Mineral: Seltzer is plain water with added CO2; mineral water contains naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Avoid Additives: The healthiest options are unsweetened and free of artificial flavors, opting instead for natural fruit essences or pure mineral content.
Choose Based on Needs: Pick seltzer for pure hydration or mineral water for added nutrients like calcium and magnesium, especially from brands like Gerolsteiner.
Watch for Sodium: Brands like Aqua Carpatica offer low-sodium mineral water, which is important for those managing blood pressure.
Protect Dental Health: Drink sparkling water in moderation and consider using a straw to minimize potential enamel erosion from the mild acidity.
Beware of Bloating: If you have digestive sensitivity, the carbonation in sparkling water may cause bloating.

Seltzer vs. Mineral Water: Understanding the Differences

Not all sparkling waters are created equal, and their source and production method significantly impact their nutritional profile. The primary distinction is between seltzer water and sparkling mineral water.

Seltzer Water

Seltzer is simply still water that has been artificially infused with carbon dioxide (CO2). It starts as plain water, so it typically contains no minerals unless they are added later, as is the case with club soda. Because it lacks naturally occurring minerals, pure seltzer is a blank slate, offering hydration with zero calories, sugar, or sodium. Flavored versions typically use natural fruit essences for taste, which should also be free of sugar and calories. Some well-regarded seltzer brands known for avoiding additives include LaCroix, Waterloo, and Polar Seltzer.

Sparkling Mineral Water

This type of sparkling water comes from natural mineral springs or wells and contains naturally occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The carbonation can be naturally present from geological processes (like volcanic rock) or added later. Brands like Gerolsteiner, San Pellegrino, and Perrier are examples of mineral water. The mineral content is a key health differentiator. For instance, Gerolsteiner is naturally rich in calcium and magnesium, with one liter able to cover a significant portion of daily needs. The dissolved minerals can enhance flavor and provide additional nutritional benefits that plain seltzer lacks.

Potential Health Concerns and How to Navigate Them

While sparkling water is generally a healthy choice, there are a few considerations to keep in mind, especially regarding flavored varieties.

Dental Health: The carbonic acid in sparkling water gives it a slightly acidic pH (typically 5–6). While this is far less erosive than sugary sodas, excessive consumption could potentially impact tooth enamel over time. Flavored versions containing citric acid are more acidic and pose a higher risk. You can minimize risk by drinking in moderation, using a straw, or consuming it with a meal.
Bloating and Gas: The carbonation can cause temporary bloating and gas for some individuals, especially those with sensitive digestive systems or conditions like IBS. If this occurs, switching to still water may be necessary.
Additives: Always read the labels on flavored sparkling waters. Some brands add artificial sweeteners, sugars, or preservatives that undermine the health benefits. Stick to brands that use natural essences and state zero calories, sugars, and sweeteners.

Comparison of Top Healthy Brands

The table below compares some of the healthiest sparkling water brands based on key factors.


Brand	Type	Key Minerals	Sodium	Sweeteners/Additives	Carbonation	Health Considerations
Gerolsteiner	Naturally Sparkling Mineral	High in Calcium & Magnesium	Low	None	Bold, Natural	Excellent for mineral intake; very healthy.
San Pellegrino	Naturally Sparkling Mineral	Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium	Moderate	None	Fine, Natural	Good source of minerals; moderate sodium level.
Aqua Carpatica	Naturally Sparkling Mineral	Calcium, Magnesium	Zero	None	Fine, Natural	Unique zero-sodium mineral option, ideal for those on low-sodium diets.
LaCroix	Seltzer	None	Zero	None, Natural Essence	Moderate, Artificial	Good for pure hydration without any additives.
Waterloo	Seltzer	None	Zero	None, Natural Essence	Moderate, Artificial	Non-GMO and BPA-free cans; great flavored option.
Spindrift	Seltzer	None	Minimal	None, Real Fruit Juice	Moderate, Artificial	Contains a small amount of real fruit juice, adding minimal calories.
Topo Chico	Naturally Sparkling Mineral	Various	Low	None	Fine, Natural	Known for classic mineral taste; some sources note potential for PFAS, but overall a solid choice.

How to Choose the Healthiest Option

Prioritize Water over Additives: The healthiest sparkling water is plain and unsweetened. It contains only carbonated water and, in the case of mineral water, naturally occurring minerals. This simple composition is ideal for hydration without extra sugars or artificial chemicals.
Go Mineral-Rich for Added Benefits: If you're seeking more than just hydration, naturally carbonated mineral water is the best choice. Brands like Gerolsteiner and Aqua Carpatica provide electrolytes and minerals like calcium and magnesium that are beneficial for bone and heart health.
Opt for Natural Flavors with Caution: If you prefer a taste, look for brands that use natural fruit essences rather than artificial sweeteners or fruit juices with added sugar. Spindrift uses a small amount of real juice, which adds minimal calories but offers authentic flavor. Brands like LaCroix and Waterloo rely on natural essences for a calorie-free option.
Check Sodium Levels: For individuals watching their sodium intake, certain mineral waters, like San Pellegrino, contain moderate levels. Brands like Aqua Carpatica are uniquely low in sodium, offering a mineral-rich alternative. Standard seltzers like LaCroix and Waterloo are generally sodium-free.
Consider Your Gut Health: If you suffer from IBS or acid reflux, the carbonation might cause discomfort. In this case, still water or a very gently sparkling option may be more suitable.

Conclusion: Which is the Best Pick?

Ultimately, the 'healthiest' choice depends on your specific needs. For pure, no-frills hydration, a plain, additive-free seltzer like LaCroix or Waterloo is a perfect choice. If you're looking to add beneficial minerals to your diet, naturally sparkling mineral waters like Gerolsteiner offer a clear advantage. If you require a low-sodium mineral option, Aqua Carpatica is unparalleled. The key is to avoid heavily sweetened or artificially flavored products that negate the drink's inherent health benefits.

For more detailed information on water and hydration, you can visit authoritative sources like Healthline.(https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/carbonated-water-good-or-bad)

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. Flavored sparkling water is healthy as long as it contains no added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or other synthetic ingredients. Brands like LaCroix and Waterloo use natural fruit essences for flavor, keeping them a healthy choice. Always check the nutrition label.

Yes, research confirms that sparkling water hydrates your body just as effectively as still water. Both are excellent choices for meeting your daily fluid intake requirements.

Seltzer is simply plain water carbonated by infusing it with CO2. Mineral water is sourced from a mineral spring and contains naturally dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can provide additional nutritional benefits.

Pure sparkling water has a mild acidity due to carbonation, but it is far less damaging to tooth enamel than sugary sodas. Flavored versions with citric acid are more acidic. To minimize risk, drink in moderation, consider a straw, or rinse with still water afterward.

Sparkling mineral waters rich in bicarbonate, like Gerolsteiner, can aid digestion by neutralizing stomach acidity. Studies have also shown that the bubbles in carbonated water can help relieve symptoms of constipation.

Many sparkling waters, especially seltzers like LaCroix and Waterloo, are sodium-free. Some naturally mineralized waters, like San Pellegrino, contain moderate sodium, while others, like Aqua Carpatica, have zero sodium. Check the label if you are on a low-sodium diet.

Reports have indicated some older or less transparent brands, like Topo Chico, have contained higher levels of PFAS, often called 'forever chemicals'. However, many newer and health-conscious brands actively test to avoid these contaminants. Look for brands that are certified for purity or stick with established brands known for being clean.