Which Seltzer Has Zero Sugar? A Guide to Top Brands

January 5, 2026 •

5 min read

According to a consumer trend analysis, demand for sugar-free beverages, including seltzers, has surged as people seek healthier alternatives. So, which seltzer has zero sugar and what should you look for beyond the marketing to find the best option for your taste and health goals?

Quick Summary

Many popular seltzer brands like Bubly, Waterloo, and Polar offer zero-sugar options, but differences exist in flavoring methods. Spindrift uses real fruit for flavor, while other brands rely on natural flavor essences. Hard seltzers also feature zero-sugar varieties, necessitating a careful review of labels.

Key Points

Check for Added Sweeteners: Many zero-sugar seltzers use natural essences, but always verify the ingredients list to avoid hidden artificial sweeteners.
Know Your Flavoring Method: Brands like Spindrift use real fruit, resulting in trace amounts of natural sugar, while brands like Bubly and Waterloo use flavor essences for zero calories and zero sugar.
Distinguish Hard vs. Non-Alcoholic: Don't mistake hard seltzers for non-alcoholic versions; hard seltzers contain alcohol and should be consumed in moderation, while non-alcoholic seltzers are simply flavored sparkling water.
Consider Health Benefits: Zero-sugar seltzers can be a great alternative to sugary sodas for hydration and weight management, with some people finding they aid digestion.
Read the Label for Hard Seltzers: For hard seltzers, check the specific flavor and brand, as not all are zero sugar and some may contain residual sugars from fermentation.
Mindful Consumption: As with any carbonated beverage, consuming zero-sugar seltzers in moderation is best for dental health, even though they are much less acidic than sodas.

Your Guide to Zero-Sugar Seltzers

For those looking to reduce sugar intake, seltzer water is an excellent alternative to sugary sodas and juices. The rise in popularity of zero-sugar seltzers means more choices are available than ever before, but not all seltzers are created equal. The primary differences lie in the flavoring process and the inclusion of sweeteners, which can impact the final taste profile and ingredient list. Below, we break down some of the most popular non-alcoholic and hard seltzer options on the market that boast zero sugar.

Non-Alcoholic Seltzers with Zero Sugar

Many household-name brands in the non-alcoholic seltzer space offer a diverse range of sugar-free options. The key is to pay attention to how they achieve their flavors.

Bubly Sparkling Water

Zero sugar, zero calories: Bubly is made with refreshing, crisp sparkling water and natural fruit flavors.
No sweeteners: The flavor comes purely from natural essences, with no added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Diverse flavors: Available in many different fruit flavors, each can features a different friendly greeting on the tab.

Waterloo Sparkling Water

Bold, authentic flavors: Waterloo prides itself on creating a full-flavor experience using natural flavors.
Zero additives: The ingredients are simple: purified sparkling water and natural flavors, with zero sugar, calories, or artificial sweeteners.
Wide variety: Offers a broad selection of unique and traditional flavor combinations.

LaCroix Sparkling Water

Natural flavor essences: A long-standing player in the market, LaCroix's signature taste comes from flavor essences extracted from the oils of natural fruits.
No sugar or sodium: Like its competitors, LaCroix contains zero calories, zero sweeteners, and zero sodium.
Milder taste: Some consumers report the flavors in LaCroix are more subtle compared to other brands.

Polar Seltzer

Family-made since 1882: A long-standing brand, Polar Seltzer is crafted with premium natural flavor essences derived from fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
Simple ingredients: Contains only water, carbonation, and natural flavors, with no sugar, sweeteners, or sodium.
High-quality flavor: The flavors are derived from highly concentrated essential oils, providing aroma and taste without nutritional components.

Spindrift Sparkling Water

Real squeezed fruit: A standout in the category, Spindrift flavors its sparkling water with real fruit juice and fruit purées.
No added sugar: Spindrift sparkling water contains no added sugar, though some natural sugar from the fruit itself will appear in the nutrition facts. This is an important distinction from other brands that use only essences.
Color from fruit: Because of the real fruit, Spindrift is not clear like other seltzers.

Hard Seltzers with Zero Sugar

For alcoholic options, hard seltzers also offer low-carb, zero-sugar alternatives. It is important to check the nutrition facts, as some hard seltzers do contain added sweeteners and sugar.

Smirnoff Zero Sugar Hard Seltzer

Zero sugar options: Smirnoff offers a line of zero-sugar seltzers, often found in variety packs.
Natural flavors: Made with natural fruit flavors and no artificial sweeteners.
Low calories and carbs: Each can is typically around 90 calories and contains 1g of carbs.

San Juan Seltzer

Zero sugar, zero carbs: This spiked seltzer is known for having zero sugar and zero carbs.
Real fruit flavor: It uses Pacific Northwest-inspired fruit flavors, delivering a clean and crisp taste without artificial sweetener aftertaste.
Craft-made: The brand focuses on small-batch production for a quality product.

Viva Tequila Seltzer

Tequila-based: These seltzers are made with premium tequila, sparkling water, and natural flavors.
Zero sugar, zero carbs: Contains zero sugar and zero carbs, with a low-calorie count.
Gluten-free: An ideal choice for those avoiding gluten.

Comparison Table: Non-Alcoholic Zero-Sugar Seltzers


Brand	Added Sugar	Sweeteners	Flavoring Method	Key Takeaway
Bubly	No	No	Natural Essences	Crisp, reliable flavor variety.
Waterloo	No	No	Natural Essences	Bold, authentic flavor.
LaCroix	No	No	Natural Essences	Subtle flavor profile.
Polar	No	No	Natural Essences	Classic brand, high-quality essences.
Spindrift	No	No	Real Squeezed Fruit	Real fruit taste, with trace natural sugar.

Choosing Your Zero-Sugar Seltzer

When navigating the wide world of zero-sugar seltzers, consider these factors to find the right fit for your palate and preferences.

Taste Profile

Flavoring is a key differentiator. Brands that use natural essences, like Bubly and Waterloo, can produce a wide array of consistent flavor profiles. However, for a more authentic, fruit-forward taste, a brand like Spindrift with its real squeezed fruit is the best option. Some palates prefer a more subtle flavor, while others enjoy a stronger, more pronounced fruit taste.

Ingredients

Always read the label. While this article focuses on zero-sugar options, it's worth checking for artificial sweeteners or other additives you may want to avoid. The distinction between natural flavor essences and real fruit juice is significant for some consumers. For hard seltzers, be mindful of the alcohol base, which varies between brands.

Dietary Needs

For those with specific dietary requirements, like managing diabetes or following a keto diet, zero-sugar seltzers are an excellent choice. Hard seltzers also offer low-carb and gluten-free options, but confirmation on the label is necessary, especially for those with celiac disease. Spindrift is an excellent option for those with diabetes, though the presence of small amounts of natural fruit sugar should be noted.

Hydration

Replacing high-sugar drinks with zero-sugar seltzer is a great step towards better hydration, as many zero-sugar seltzers contain no calories and are simply flavored water. However, it's important to note that alcoholic hard seltzers have a dehydrating effect and should not be considered a source of hydration.

Conclusion

Today, a vast selection of zero-sugar seltzers is available to consumers, ranging from non-alcoholic sparkling waters to hard seltzers. Popular non-alcoholic brands like Bubly, Waterloo, and LaCroix use natural essences for their flavor, providing consistent, zero-calorie refreshment. Spindrift stands out by using real squeezed fruit, offering a different taste profile with natural sugars present. Hard seltzer options, such as Smirnoff Zero Sugar and San Juan Seltzer, provide zero-sugar alcoholic alternatives. Ultimately, the best zero-sugar seltzer depends on individual preference for flavor intensity and ingredient sourcing. By checking the label and understanding the flavoring methods, you can make an informed choice that best suits your needs. The rise of these healthier alternatives is a positive shift for those looking to reduce their sugar intake without sacrificing flavor or fizz. For more information on the history and evolution of hard seltzers, consider exploring informative resources like this one on WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all seltzers are zero sugar. While plain seltzer water is naturally sugar-free, some flavored varieties and hard seltzers contain added sugars or sweeteners. It is essential to check the nutrition facts on the label to be sure.

Natural flavor essences, like those used by Bubly and Waterloo, are derived from natural sources but contain no nutritional components, resulting in a zero-calorie, zero-sugar drink. Spindrift, on the other hand, uses real squeezed fruit, meaning the seltzer contains trace amounts of natural sugar and calories from the fruit itself.

Several hard seltzer brands offer zero-sugar options, including Smirnoff Zero Sugar Hard Seltzer, San Juan Seltzer, and some varieties from Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer. Always confirm the specific flavor you are purchasing, as not all hard seltzers are sugar-free.

Yes, zero-sugar seltzer is generally considered a much healthier alternative to sugary sodas. It provides hydration without the high sugar and calorie content, which can help with weight management and improve dental health.

Not all zero-sugar seltzers contain artificial sweeteners. Brands like Bubly, Waterloo, and Polar explicitly state they use no sweeteners, relying only on natural flavors for taste. However, it is always best to check the ingredients list, as other zero-calorie drinks may use artificial sweeteners.

While generally safe, some potential drawbacks of excessive consumption can include bloating or gas for certain individuals due to carbonation. Additionally, the acidity can be a concern for tooth enamel over time, though it is far less damaging than soda.

Many zero-sugar seltzer brands, including Bubly, Waterloo, and Polar, state they use natural flavors and no artificial ingredients. Spindrift goes a step further by using real squeezed fruit.