This is just a fun run-down of the sparkling water flavors I’ve tried and whether I liked them or not. I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments!
I started this research in 2021. It’s now 2026. Here’s to trying all the flavors life has to offer. Well, not all of them. Only the delicious and non-toxic, at least to start.
Topo Chico: Unflavored (12 oz glass bottles)
My go-to for plain fizzy water; big, long-lasting bubbles. You can open a bottle and leave it out for 2 days and it will still be fizzier than a freshly popped Perrier.
Topo Chico: Lime (12 oz glass bottles)
Robust bubbles with a nice natural lime flavor. We drink so many… so, so many.
Topo Chico: Grapefruit (12 oz glass bottles)
Also super bubbly with a refreshing natural grapefruit essence. A great substitute if there’s no lime Topo on the store shelves.
La Croix: Tangerine (12 oz cans)
At half the cost of a 12-pack of Topo Chico glass bottles, I’m happy to have found the Tangerine La Croix flavor to be pleasing and surprisingly ‘juicy’ while only containing ‘carbonated water and natural essences.’
LaCroix: Orange (12 oz cans)
Lovely, natural orange flavor (drinking one now)
La Croix: Cerise Limon / Cherry Lime (12 oz cans)
My friend Jody gave me my first can of Cerise Limon ages ago and it’s always a great fallback if it’s in stock.
La Croix: Lemon (12 oz cans)
Not a fave… would drink it again, but wouldn’t buy it. It’s almost too ‘soft’ a lemon flavor — not natural enough to really enjoy but would work great as a mixer.
La Croix: Coconut (12 oz cans)
The first time I tried this, I wasn’t a fan. I do want to try it again but not currently willing to commit to a 12-pack.
Bubly: Blackberry (12 oz cans)
Disappointing and indistinct; tastes like Flintstone vitamins.
Bubly: Cherry (12 oz cans)
I love this one. It tastes a LOT like Dr. Pepper, and even the can is sporting the same color palette. I’m surprised I like it since it does taste almost exactly like a ‘dry’ Dr. Pepper which was my favorite soda growing up, but nowadays I just find it too sweet. Let’s call it a grown-up Dr. Pepper!
Bubly: Watermelon (12 oz cans)
I knew I probably wouldn’t like this one but I picked up a 12-pack anyways. I was right. If you like watermelon Jolly Ranchers, there’s a good chance you’ll like this too. It’s just not my cup of tea.
Ozarka Pomegranate Lemonade (12 oz can)
Meh. Doesn’t really go anywhere, but if you like Smarties you might like it (who actually likes Smarties?!). Husband took my car and left an unopened can in the cupholder, not sure where he got it from. Decent bubble action and still going to drink it.
Bubly Strawberry (Tall boy can)
I saw this in a refrigerator at the check-out line and decided to give it a go since it was only a one-can-commitment. Nice bubbles but the flavor wasn’t legit enough to grow on me even though I finished it.
On a better note, we have a new president who isn’t Donald ‘Reality Show’ Trump, and I feel a lot of hope in the air that makes for much needed oxygen in these crazy times. (Update: Never mind, he’s back)
Waterloo, Black Cherry (12 oz can)
I enjoyed it, but didn’t love it. Fruity and not as Dr. Peppery as the Bubly Cherry flavor, so if you’re not a DP fan and like cherry flavor, you should be happy with this.
Waterloo, Grape (12 oz can)
Oooh this one is tasty!! Very much like Grape Kool-aid or Crush sans the sweet. Refreshing and nice bubbles. Glad I gave it a chance!
San Pellegrino Dark Morello Cherry & Pomegranate
Confused. The fancy sounding flavors just don’t resolve. I’ll probably add it to my ‘guest options cache’ or just drink them since they’re cold and available.
Waterloo Raspberry Nectarine
I like it more than I thought I would. It has a balanced snap in the nose from the nectarine. The raspberry is kind of elusive but it’s there, and it’s plenty there, even though it’s just kind of there.
Waterloo Peach
I like it! For the same reasons I like the above Waterloo flavor, the peach is nicely replicated like the nectarine but lighter in flavor and aroma. This is going to be great when the summer really kicks in. Very refreshing.
Waterloo Tropical Fruit
This is pretty good, especially for a ‘fruit medley’ flavored drink. I’ve only committed to a full pack once. I do enjoy them as one-offs more and I can find this flavor and other flavors as single cans Whole Foods near the cold sandwich coolers for about a dollar each.
More to come!