These Are All The Sparkling Water Brands Nutritionists Actually Drink

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What's better than popping the tab or lid on a sparkling water and enjoying that first ice cold, refreshing sip? The bubbles, the fizz and that effervescent pop is pure perfection—so we're perpetually on the hunt for the best sparkling water brands.

With all those fizzy options available (sparkling water is expected to be a $67.6 billion industry by 2023), you might be wondering: What exactly is the difference between sparkling water and seltzer, and are they really healthy?

The simple answer is this: seltzer and sparkling water are both carbonated water. However, seltzer is artificially carbonated using carbon dioxide and sparkling water is naturally carbonated or lightly artificially carbonated, says SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD. “Generally, I think sparkling water is a better choice because it's closer to nature - but an unsweetened or lightly flavored seltzer is still a better choice than a sugary soda.”

Peep a few of the best sparkling water brands, below:

And though sparkling water may seem like an across-the-board healthy option, not all brands are created equal. To make sure your fizzy drink is as good-for-you as can be, choose a brand that is low in sodium and contains no added sugars, artificial flavors, or artificial sweeteners, says dietitian Elizabeth Shaw, RDN, CPT. (A little natural sweetness from real fruit juice is a-okay, though.)

Though many sparkling waters come canned these days, if you choose an option in a plastic bottle, just double check that it’s BPA-free, Shaw says. Keep your bubbly sips simple by opting for one of the following 15 fizzy water brands—all recommended by dietitians, happy customers, and Women's Health editors.

Spindrift

What sets Spindrift apart from other sparkling waters: It’s made with real squeezed juice. “It tastes the most ‘natural,’ without any 'natural flavors' added in,” says dietitian Alanna Waldron, RD. With slightly colorful hues (thanks to the juice), Spindrift's sparking waters are just sweet enough and low in calories. (Flavors range from zero to 15 calories per serving.)

Rave review: "I love how Spindrift has actual juice with no sugar! It's the best! I'll typically put lime or lemon in sparkling water, but I find that the lime or lemon goes bad or it's not as easy to take around town. I also love all the flavors, but raspberry lime is probably my favorite with lemon being a close second."

Polar

Registered dietitians Lyssie Lakatos and Tammy Lakatos Shames love that Polar is free from any added sugars and sodium. Plus, with 18 flavors (the Cranberry Lime is too good) to choose from, you'll never get bored with this pick.

Rave review: "Great taste, perfectly carbonated, and excellent selection of flavors, at an excellent price!"

Nixie

These sparkling waters infuse the health benefits of caffeinated green and black teas with the refreshing zing of sparkling water, to offer up fun and unique flavors. Shoemaker is a huge fan of Nixie sparkling water. “The brand is certified organic and has some tasty flavors like Strawberry Hibiscus and Watermelon Mint,” she says.

Rave review: “I had been looking for a carbonated tea beverage and tried quite a few brands and flavors. Nixie sparkling peach tea is everything I was looking for! Light caffeine, lots of bubbles and a delicious peach flavor.”

Bubly

"Similar to other flavored sparkling waters, Bubly's products are unsweetened and caffeine-free,” says dietitian Cara Harbstreet, RD of Street Smart Nutrition. She loves the brand's fun packaging—and that they've continued to expand their flavor offering.

In addition to boxes of cans at the grocery store, you can also find individual bottles of Bubly at lots of convenience stores, when you crave fizz on-the-go.

Rave review: "The strawberry and mango are my favorite so far! Very realistic fruit flavors and it’s a bonus that the packaging is just so darn cute."

Recess

La Croix

La Croix is a heavy favorite in the sparkling water world, with some flavors that practically have cult followings. "At one point, it was estimated that the brand held nearly 30 percent of the market share in the seltzer category," says Harbstreet, who credits its tropical, fruit-forward flavors.

Like many others, the popular brand lists carbonated water, natural flavors, and natural essences as its only ingredients.

Rave review: "I have made an effort to reduce processed sugar, but am concerned about the artificial sweeteners in diet sodas. I decided to give La Croix Sparkling Water a try and am glad I did. I love the variety pack, as it gave me a chance to sample 14 different flavors. I think they are a great alternative to diet soda and they have become my new go-to beverage!"

Waterloo

As a fan of Waterloo sparkling water myself, I couldn't leave it off this list. They have some more unique flavors like blueberry, pineapple, and watermelon.

Harbstreet likes sparkling waters (like Waterloo's) that are free from phosphoric acid, which is often used to give beverages a tangy flavor. “This is a good option for people who may not be able to enjoy products containing phosphate, calcium, or potassium additives, like those with renal disease,” Harbstreet says.

Rave review: "If you're a fan of sparkling water, try these. No perfume-y taste as some sparkling waters have, just yummy and refreshing."

Perrier

While you may think of Perrier as something your parents might order at a fancy restaurant, don’t discount it. “It’s calorie-free and keeps it simple with just natural spring water, carbon dioxide, and natural flavors," say Lakatos and Lakatos Shames. "With so many waters sneaking in added sugar, we like that this one doesn’t."

Rave review: "We love the crisp and consistent taste of Perrier. No funny aftertastes, just smooth and effervescent. When we switched from soda to water we all missed the fizz. Fortunately we didn't have to sample too many before we tried Perrier. Now all others taste 'wrong' to our home."

Aura Bora

I'm literally obsessed with this sparkling water and the super unique flavors. My "special occasion" seltzer, it's the perfect pick-me-up when I want something refreshing in the afternoon without reaching for caffeine. I also love mixing it with alcohol for cocktails, and always get compliments when I'm hosting with it. Flavors include cactus rose, basil berry, lemongrass coconut, and more.

Rave review: "I enjoyed every one of these. My husband and I drink a lot of seltzer water and we have tried a lot of different brands. Aura Bora sparkling waters have a very unique taste. My favorite is the lemongrass coconut. It has real lemongrass extract and it tastes so fresh and light. All of the flavors are tasty, though! I really like these!"

Hal's New York Seltzer Water

While Waldron (who is based in New York City) admits she may be biased, she loves this "New York" seltzer water for its serious bubbles. “I always drink this brand when I want a heavily carbonated beverage without any added sugars,” she says. Tons of Women's Health editors can often be seen around the office with one of these in their hands, too.

Rave review: "So delicious. It's tough to find a seltzer water without artificial flavors or sweeteners. This one is AWESOME and hits the spot. Mixes well or works well alone for a grab-and-go calorie-free drink. LOVE it!"

Sanzo

WH editor Maridel Reyes calls this her fave. Sanzo comes in three refreshing flavors: mango, lychee, and calamansi (a kind of lime). And, with four stars on Amazon, the brand has hundreds of happy customers. Does it get any better than that?

Rave review: "We drink a lot of seltzer / sparkling waters at the house," one review reads. "Nothing against the standard sparkling water flavors / generic brands (they're great value), but Sanzo really takes it to the next level. The flavor profiles are rich and complex, and just incredibly satisfying. I love that they're bringing some of these traditionally underrepresented flavors to market, and the fact that they're a click away with free shipping is quite exciting :-)."

San Pellegrino

Harbstreet loves San Pellegrino because of its wide range of options. “I can opt for the mineral water if I want something bubbly without being overwhelmed with fizz," she says. When she's craving something sweeter, she'll go for one of Pellegrino's fruit-flavored beverages, which are like sparkling juices.

Rave review: "Really like this sparkling water. It is a crisp, unsweetened mineral water, which quenches my thirst here in hot Texas. So nice to get away from sugar and artificial sweeteners. Plastic bottles are BIG."

Aurora Hemp Elixirs

Another WH editor pick, Aurora's Hemp Elixirs are infused with hemp extract and come in five flavors: lavender orange, rosemary grapefruit, cayenne citron, blackcurrant spruce, and spiced orange bergamot. Former news editor Karla Alindahao says "I love the flavors," adding that the cayenne citron is her fave.

Rave review (for cayenne citron): "Refreshing, excellent flavor profile. Citron and spice ratio is elegantly balanced. Overall, a very sophisticated, refreshing drink."

Poland Spring

Waldron is a long-time fan of Poland Spring's sparkling water. “Their sparkling water tastes very crisp and the flavors are subtle, without any artificial aftertaste,” she says. “I also find them to be one of the most reasonably priced sparkling waters on the market.”

Rave review: "Best bottled water I've ever had. Really carbonated just the way I like it. I add natural flavorings. Even without flavors it tastes great."

Gerolsteiner

According to its nutrition label, each bottle of Gerolsteiner Mineral Water contains 8 percent of your daily recommended calcium intake. It's "another one I like because of the calcium," says Glassman.

FYI, whether you're getting calcium from a supplement or from mineral water, it's all the same to your body, Glassman clarifies. So sip away!

Rave review: "My favorite water...bubbly but in a soft way. Has healthy minerals and a truly unique taste that blows other bubbly waters, well, out of the water."

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