We Polled Food Network Staffers for the Best Sparkling Waters, and These Two Brands Topped Our List
These carbonated water brands have our staff consistently reaching for bubbles over still.
The world of bubbly beverages continues to grow far beyond the classic club soda. Considering that we need to drink water to survive, we might as well make it exciting. Enter the market of sparkling water, a carbonated alternative that's crisp, refreshing, satisfyingly fizzy and sometimes even flavored! Our editors at Food Network are proud members of the sparkling water club (you should see the drinks lineup at the office) and are very passionate about which brands stand out from the rest. Whether you're a Spindrift loyalist, are looking to cut back on sugary drinks or constantly find yourself reaching for the mineral water bottle at dinner, there is a sparkling water option for every palate that we highlighted below, with two brands deserving of the most praise.
Brands in This Article
Overall Winner: Polar Seltzer
The consensus among our staff when it came to describing Polar Seltzer was one word: refreshing. Since 1882, the brand has been committed to delivering the best-tasting tiny, tingly bubbles through a careful process of dissolving CO2 into water at high pressure and cold temperatures without exposure to oxygen. Because of this, sparkling water fanatics alike get to enjoy long-lasting carbonation and crispness from Polar cans and bottles. But even more notable are Polar Seltzer's flavors, made from the extraction and distillation of natural sources, eliminating the risk of artificial flavors and instead leaving customers with an authentic and hydrating beverage our staff can't stop raving about.
"Polar Seltzer is as crisp and refreshing as the winters in Worcester (where it's made). The flavors are identifiable without being overpowering and, unlike some of its competitors, Polar is somehow able to retain consistent bubbliness whether in a can or a bottle." — Liz Olanoff, Producer of Digital Branded Content
“I do consider myself a seltzer connoisseur (ha), and my absolute favorite is Polar. I like more intense carbonation, and this brand delivers (and at a relatively affordable price point). My go-to flavor is the Cranberry Lime. It’s bright without tasting artificial, but even the plain one is satisfying thanks to the amount of bubbles!” — Maggie Wong, Editor
"When it comes to sparkling water, we are a Polar household! This seltzer is so light and refreshing, but you still get a hint of flavor that's not overwhelming. We always get the variety pack because the different flavors are always fun to try!" — Lauren Tom Cerone, Associate Commerce Editor
Runner-Up: Spindrift
Based on our poll, we've gathered that the Spindrift community is very loyal to this brand and this brand only. Made with real squeezed fruit, light carbonation and zero added sugar, Spindrift has skyrocketed since its 2010 debut into a reliable sip for consumers who crave subtle non-artificial flavor in their bubbly. And not only is Spindrift known for its fruit-forward variations like the popular grapefruit, lime and pineapple flavors, but the brand has since expanded into the lemonade and iced tea market with flavors growing equally as popular. But they don't stop there — what keeps Spindrift fans so loyal are the even more creative flavors that continue to drop, with the most recent one being Yuzu Mandarin (a.k.a one of our editor's top picks!)
"I am super into Spindrift's pink lemonade flavor right now, which somehow magically hits the same refreshing note as a real lemonade without the syrupy sweetness. Spindrift is such a great compromise between zero-cal seltzers and high-cal sodas — that little bit of fresh fruit makes all the difference." — Lauren Piro, Digital Director of Editorial
"Spindrift is the only sparkling water I drink, really. It doesn’t have the sad artificial fruit flavor or weird processed aftertaste that most brands do (sorry to say it), just water with a hint of juice. I mostly stick with the classics — Lime, Raspberry Lime and Lemon — but the new Yuzu Mandarin flavor is also very refreshing." — Sabrina Choudhary, Online Editorial Coordinator
"A pack of sparkling water is one of those items that almost always make it into my grocery order. While I like trying different brands and flavors, my reliable go-to pick is Spindrift in the lemon flavor. Unlike other sparkling waters that get their flavor from 'natural essences,' Spindrift’s carbonated beverages contain a small amount of real fruit juice, and I can really taste the difference. The lemon flavor contains 2% real lemon juice, has just 3 calories per serving and tastes much more citrusy and flavorful than other sparkling waters. I love drinking it on its own or using it as a mixer in mocktails like with my favorite Ghia Non-Alcoholic Apéritif." — Laura James, Commerce Editor
Honorable Mention: bubly
Another brand known for its vibrant flavors and zero-sugar content, bubly offers several crisp seltzer varieties that are natural-tasting, refreshing and extremely versatile. The brand encourages mixing them in cocktail or mocktail recipes, and they even come in bubly drops compatible with SodaStream to make your very own sparkling water at home. They're zero-calorie and the perfect alternative to satisfying a soda craving without overloading on sugar, which is one of the main reasons our editors love these beverages.
"I always keep a case or two of bubly at my house. I've tried and enjoyed several other sparkling water brands, but bubly has a couple of flavors that keep me coming back — I prefer their grapefruit flavor over La Croix Pamplemousse, and the cherry flavor hits the spot when I'm craving a cherry cola but don't want something filled with sugar or artificial sweeteners." — Shannon Phillips, Digital Managing Editor
Honorable Mention: Topo Chico
Originating in Mexico and acquired by Coca-Cola in 2017, Topo Chico has hit the ground running in the United States for its exclusivity, retro-style packaging and, most importantly, its sparkly, almost-salty taste from the natural mineral composition. The spring source of the mountain of Topo Chico (where the brand got its name) packs these glass bottles with naturally occurring minerals like sodium, playing a part in the brand's distinctive flavor and what sparkling water drinkers can't enough of — in addition to the zero-calorie label and strong carbonation that's equally refreshing and thirst-quenching, according to our staff.
"I discovered Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water on a weekend getaway trip to the Catskills. I was staying at the Urban Cowboy, renowned for its idyllic views, exceptional regional cuisine and its all-day offering of Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water. Topo Chico has quickly risen to my favorite of the sparkling waters. I’m sure it has much to do with the great memories I made the weekend I first discovered it, but I do think its qualities also make it the best in its category. It has the perfect bite to it – not too crisp that it burns your throat, not too neutral that it tastes flat. If you go for one with a flavoring, it’s bright yet subtle, never muted. It comes in an elegant glass bottle and has a higher price point, but you feel fancy drinking it. Bonus points if you can find the grapefruit flavor (my preferred!)." — Isabella Malfi, Production Coordinator
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