We Tested 82 Sparkling Waters to Find the Best Ones. These 7 Flavors Topped Our List.
Shockingly, La Croix didn't make the cut.
What's a parched person to do? We know the seltzer struggle is real. That is why we convened a panel of taste testers to sample 82 different brands of sparkling waters and then report their reactions. There was only one, simple rule: The seltzers had to be nationally available and contain no added sugar. "We blinded each can, so tasters were unsure about the brands they were sipping," says Trish Clasen, Prevention's editorial project manager. "Each picked a favorite and commented on the bubbliness (big bubbles? Little bubbles?), flavor (artificial? Citrusy? Subtle?) and overall drinkability of each." Trish and Becca Miller, Prevention's editorial assistant, even asked at which occasions (for a picnic? Or dinner?) they would want to throw back each one. The seltzers that did best overall, says Trish, were the ones that were the most natural tasting, but with a mild, non-overpowering flavor. “People also liked the bubbly waters with big rolling bubbles, rather than a mellow fizz,” she adds. Whichever you pick, opting for an unsweetened, sparkling water is a healthier choice than reaching for sugary sodas and other soft drinks. “Sparkling water is a great alternative to fizzy beverages that are high in sugar, artificial colors, ingredients you can’t pronounce,” says Trish. “For me, it satisfies a soda craving!” Check out the winners below. You can order most of them in cases, or pick them up at your local supermarket.
1
STANDOUT STRAWBERRY
Perrier Strawberry Flavored Carbonated Mineral Water
Perrieramazon.com
$20.69 $14.97 (28% off)
A lot of the berry-boosted drinks we tried tasted fake, but not Perrier’s Strawberry. To one taster, it was like drinking “sweet, fresh-picked summer strawberries.
2
FRESHEST LIME
Spindrift Sparkling Water
SPINDRIFT
Spindriftamazon.com
$17.97 $14.97 (17% off)
Spindrift’s cans get a boost from real fruit juice—not essences or “natural flavors”—so the slightly tart citrus notes stand out. Even better they are only four calories per 12-ounce can. (PS: This will give your classic margarita an effervescent twist.)
3
VERY VANILLA
Hal's New York Seltzer Water
AMAZON
Hal's New Yorkamazon.com
$37.99
For the soft drink lovers out there, Hal’s Vanilla has the flavor of classic cream soda without the sugar—or the calories.
4
GREATEST GRAPEFRUIT
Schweppes Pink Grapefruit Sparkling Seltzer Water
TARGET
Schweppestarget.com
$4.19
Schweppes deftly captures the bright, somewhat bitter taste of grapefruit without going overboard. You can grab this one at Target.
5
ZESTIEST LEMON
Poland Spring Sparkling Water
Poland Springamazon.com
$4.49
While other brands reminded tasters of artificially flavored lemon candies (no judgment if that's your thing!), Poland Spring’s Lively Lemon serves up an authentic citrusy taste. Also available by the case.
6
COOLEST CUCUMBER
Perrier's Cucumber Mineral Water
AMAZON
Perrieramazon.com
$19.99
Perrier’s Cucumber with a Hint of Lime is the spin on spa water we’ve been waiting for—refreshing, light, and subtle. Close your eyes, take a sip, and say “ahhh.”
7
CLASSIC PLAIN
Canada Dry Original Sparkling Seltzer Water
AMAZON
Canada Dryamazon.com
$26.00
If you are all about the fizz, reach for a can of Canada Dry seltzer: Its big, round bubbles cannot be beaten. Customize it with a splash of your favorite juice, or just enjoy its sharp, tongue-tingly taste.