Does Sparkling Water Contain Aspartame or Artificial Sweeteners? | SipTrend (2024)

The beverages we put into our bodies often have confusing labels, and that can make things difficult if you have certain dietary restrictions or goals. It’s reasonable to ask whether or not sparkling water contains aspartame, sucralose, erythritol, or other artificial sweeteners.

The average person and the United States Food and Drug Administration would likely say two different things about whether or not sparkling water contain aspartame or other artificial sweeteners. The FDA’s definition allows sparkling water to contain aspartame. But, the most popular beverages labeled as sparkling water do not contain any artificial sweeteners.

Does Sparkling Water Contain Aspartame or Artificial Sweeteners? | SipTrend (1)

The Colloquial Definition of Sparkling Water

What you probably think of as sparkling water – also known as club soda, soda water, seltzer, mineral water, or fizzy water – does not contain any artificial sweeteners.

LaCroix, Bubly, Perrier, and other widely popular brands contain no sweeteners of any kind. In a health-conscious age, this lack of added ingredients is typically a key selling point.

These types of beverages are simply composed of carbonated water. The drink is made either by injecting water with carbon dioxide gas, or by bottling naturally sourced carbonated water. Some sparkling water may contain minerals and other dissolved solids such as potassium bicarbonate,sodium bicarbonate,sodium citrate, orpotassium sulfate. These minerals have been linked to health benefits such as cholesterol and blood pressure regulation.

Additionally, sparkling water commonly contains natural or artificial flavoring – often citrus, berry, or other fruit flavors. Most brands are vague about the contents of this mystery flavoring. However, some brands provide a bit of explanation. For example, LaCroix’s website says “The flavors are derived from the natural essence oils extracted from the named fruit used in each of our LaCroix flavors. There are no sugars or artificial ingredients contained in, nor added to, these extracted flavors.”

So colloquially speaking, sparkling water does not contain any sugar or artificial sweeteners, and that includes aspartame. If you are attempting to avoid artificial sweeteners for any reason, most brands of sparkling water will meet that standard. However, the official definition of sparkling water provided by the FDA may surprise you.

The FDA’s Definition of Sparkling Water

The Food and Drug Administration classifies soda water (including sparkling water) a little more broadly. It says “No product shall be excluded from this definition because it contains artificial sweeteners or discrete nutrients added to the food such as vitamins, minerals and protein.”

That means, according to the FDA, sparkling water can contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame, or natural sweeteners like stevia. Under this broad definition, sparkling water can include brands such as Sparkling Ice (which contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener). This brand also uses artificial colors, which are certainly unnecessary and potentially harmful.

Which Sparkling Water Does Not Contain Aspartame?

The good news is that most brands of sparkling water do not contain aspartame or other artificial sweeteners. Here is a quick, non-exhaustive list of some popular options you can count on:

Does Sparkling Water Contain Aspartame or Artificial Sweeteners? | SipTrend (2)

Is Aspartame Bad for You?

There is a lot of skepticism surrounding artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and erythritol. You may have heard that these sugar replacements can cause cancer or other serious health problems. They are commonly found in liquid, powder, and tablet forms of water enhancers.

While researchers haven’t conclusively linked aspartame to any health problems, it’s probably best to keep intake levels low – just as we should with real sugar.

So far, the FDA nor the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have made conclusive discoveries regarding any aspartame-related health effects. Early studies did find a link between the sweetener and cancer when testing rats. Scientists have not replicated that finding with humans.

TheFDA concluded that “the use of aspartame as a general purpose sweetener… is safe.” Meanwhile, theEFSA has stated, “Studies do not suggest an increased risk associated with aspartame consumption for… leukaemia, brain tumours or a variety of cancers, including brain, lymphatic and haematopoietic (blood) cancers.”

Manufacturers have been adding Aspartame to foods and beverages since 1981. Since then, no ill effects have been linked to the substance, including cancer or other serious diseases. Still, aspartame and other artificial sweeteners remain controversial in the public sphere, with many consumers skeptical of potential long-term health consequences.

Does Sparkling Water Contain Sugar?

Most sparkling water does not contain any sugar – including the majority of popular brands in the US. In terms of added ingredients, sodium is somewhat common, but only in very small quantities.

Certain brands, such as Spindrift, do contain some sugar. In the case of Spindrift, the sugar comes from the fruit juice used to flavor the beverage. It’s only about a gram or two of sugar. Outside of the juice, it contains no additional sugar.

Replacing Sugary Drinks with Sparkling Water

If you are trying to reduce your sugar intake or avoid sugar altogether, sparkling water is a great option. It is just as hydrating as regular water, and it can replicate some of what many people enjoy about soda or beer – the bubbles!

Some people describe sparking water as an acquired taste. If you like the ultra-sweet flavor of soda, you might not appreciate the lack of sugar in sparkling water. For this reason, sparkling water with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame could be a decent soda alternative.

Does Sparkling Water Contain Aspartame or Artificial Sweeteners? | SipTrend (2024)

FAQs

What sparkling water has no artificial sweeteners? ›

LaCroix. This popular sparkling water comes in more than 20 flavors. LaCroix products have no calories, added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or other synthetic ingredients. They're flavored with natural fruit essences (21).

Does flavored sparkling water have artificial sweeteners? ›

But many other issues arise when flavor, like lemon or grapefruit, is added to sparkling water. “To add the fruity taste, these bubbly waters typically use artificial sweeteners like stevia, aspartame, and sucralose to make it sweet,” says Dr. Hashmi.

Does sparkling ice water have artificial sweeteners? ›

All of the Sparkling Ice beverages use the artificial sweetener sucralose. As consumers are increasingly interested in “natural” beverage options, this ingredients could be seen as a red flag.

Does all flavored water have aspartame? ›

All flavored waters are sweetened with some type of sugar (high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, agave syrup) or with an artificial sweetener (sucralose, aspartame).

What is the safest sparkling water? ›

Which Sparkling Water Brands Are Lowest in PFAS?
  • Schweppes PFAS (0.58 ppt)
  • Dasani PFAS (0.37 ppt)
  • San Pellegrino PFAS (0.31 ppt)
  • Spindrift PFAS (0.19 ppt)
  • Sparkling Ice PFAS (not detected)

What is the most healthy sparkling water? ›

Sanzo Flavored Sparkling Water – Top Pick

These drinks are made from real fruit and do not contain any added sugar, so they are a healthy alternative to soda. Less than 20 calories in a can mean that they are fat-free, and they are also non-GMO and gluten-free, which makes them vegan-friendly.

What sparkling water doesn't have aspartame? ›

LaCroix, Bubly, Perrier, and other widely popular brands contain no sweeteners of any kind. In a health-conscious age, this lack of added ingredients is typically a key selling point. These types of beverages are simply composed of carbonated water.

Which is healthier soda water or sparkling water? ›

Sparkling water provides true hydration, and it's a much better option than drinking regular soda or even diet soda, which doesn't provide adequate hydration. If a person's not hydrated, they may always feel hungry because the body can't tell the difference between hunger and thirst.

Does Dasani sparkling water have artificial sweeteners? ›

Dasani Sparkling Water has no sweeteners and comes either unflavored or naturally flavored with lime, lemon, berry and apple. It is produced by adding carbonation to purified water. Years ago, sparkling water was more often associated with the higher-end Perrier, a naturally carbonated spring water from France.

Does LaCroix sparkling water have artificial sweeteners? ›

There are no sugars, sweeteners, or artificial ingredients contained in La Croix beverages, according to the brand's website. As such, it is a zero-sugar beverage, so it's a tasty choice if you want to swap out your soda or other sugar-sweetened beverage for a La Croix to cut back on added sugar.

Does LaCroix have aspartame? ›

However, LaCroix does not include the same artificial sweeteners found in diet sodas. “We do not add any artificial sweeteners, sugars or sodium to our waters,” the company writes on its website.

Does ice drink have aspartame? ›

Sparkling Ice is sweetened with sucralose, whereas Diet co*ke, several co*ke drinks, and many sugar-free products are sweetened with aspartame. Both artificial sweeteners are approved by the FDA. Both have multiple studies that conclude "safe" and "unsafe" use for different health conditions.

Is there aspartame in Bubly sparkling water? ›

Bubly, which comes in eight flavors — lime, grapefruit, strawberry, lemon, orange, apple, mango and cherry — contains zero artificial sweeteners, flavors or calories, the company said. Its colorful cans have pull tabs reading cutesy phrases like “oh hi.”

What drink has the most aspartame? ›

Their aspartame content, in order from least to most per 8-ounce bottle: Sprite Zero (50 mg), co*ke Zero (58 mg), Pepsi Max (77 mg), Diet Pepsi and Caffeine-Free Diet Pepsi (111 mg and 118 mg, respectively), Diet Dr. Pepper (123 mg), Diet co*ke and Caffeine-Free co*ke (125 mg).

Do all Crystal Light flavors have aspartame? ›

The original Crystal Light is sweetened with aspartame and acesulfame potassium. Some of the newer flavors, including Pure are sweetened with Truvia. You may also find certain flavors are sweetened with sucralose or cane sugar as well.

Is there a downside to drinking sparkling water? ›

The carbonation in sparkling water causes some people to have gas and bloating. If you notice excessive gas while drinking sparkling water, your best bet is to switch to plain water.

Are there any cons to drinking sparkling water? ›

Sparkling water disadvantages

Since sparkling water contains CO2 gas, the bubbles in this fizzy drink can cause burping and bloating symptoms. Dr. Ghouri also points out that some sparkling water brands may contain artificial sweeteners like sucralose which may cause diarrhea and even alter your gut microbiome.

Is it OK to drink mostly sparkling water? ›

But can sparkling water actually replace regular water? Nathalie Sessions, wellness dietitian at Houston Methodist Wellness Services says, “Yes, sparkling water is just as healthy as regular water — most of the time.”

What is the best bottled sparkling water? ›

In this article, we'll talk about the best sparkling water brands and help you find the best beverage that suits your needs.
  • La Croix Sparkling Water. ...
  • Spindrift Sparkling Water. ...
  • Good & Gather Sparkling Water. ...
  • Perrier Mineral Sparkling Water. ...
  • FUL® Sparkling Drinks. ...
  • San Pellegrino Natural Sparkling Water. ...
  • Bubly Sparkling Water.

Are there any benefits to sparkling water? ›

Drinking carbonated water can help you stay more hydrated throughout the day. Many people find that carbonated water tastes better and is easier to drink than regular tap or spring water. However, carbonated has the same health benefits as spring water, in that it will keep your body hydrated.

Is sparkling water OK for gut health? ›

While these are forms of water, they're not quite the same as flat water because they're filled with bubbles; though seltzer can be hydrating, the carbonation could actually negatively impact your gut health, which could ultimately disturb digestion.

What is the best substitute for sparkling water? ›

You're making a new recipe and discover you're missing spakling water. Acidulating bottled water with lemon juice is the simplest way to recreate the effects of sparkling water in baking.

Does clear American sparkling water have aspartame? ›

Ingredients In Clear American Sparkling Water

Clear American Sparkling Water is made with filtered carbonated water, natural flavor, citric acid, malic acid, potassium benzoate (a preservative), aspartame, potassium citrate, and acesulfame potassium.

Is La Croix a healthy alternative to soda? ›

But sparkling waters, such as LaCroix, Topo Chico, and Perrier, are a fun way to shake up the monotony of flat water without introducing a ton of sugar or other questionable ingredients into your diet. Even the CDC recommends drinking sparkling water as a healthy alternative to soda and other high-calorie beverages.

What happens if you drink sparkling water everyday? ›

Excessive consumption of sparkling water is not recommended

Although the carbonic acid in sparkling water has no detrimental effect on the pH balance of the body, too much of it might influence stomach acid output and induce bloating, according to Healthline.

Is sparkling water good for the Kidneys? ›

Drinking both regular and diet sodas may increase your risk for chronic kidney disease. Excess soda can contribute to weight gain and increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes, raising your odds for kidney disease. Limit carbonated beverages to avoid the adverse effects on your nutrition and your kidneys.

Is zero sugar sparkling water good for you? ›

As long as there are no added sugars, sparkling water is just as healthy as still water. Unlike sodas, carbonated waters don't affect your bone density or greatly damage teeth. They can make you feel gassy or bloated, so you may want to avoid them if you have gastrointestinal issues.

Does bubly sparkling water have sweetener? ›

bubly is an unsweetened sparkling water that playfully instigates fun and positivity in everyday life. Available in 16 flavors, bubly sparkling water pairs crisp, sparkling water with natural fruit flavors to provide a delicious taste with no calories, no sweeteners, all smiles.

What are the disadvantages of LaCroix? ›

Because sparkling water contains CO2 gas, the bubbles in this fizzy drink can cause burping, bloating and other gas symptoms. Though these may not be particularly harmful for most people, those with gastrointestinal issues, like IBS or Crohn's disease, might want to avoid drinking too much carbonated water.

Can sparkling water raise blood sugar? ›

Like regular water, seltzer water is free of calories, carbs, and sugar. Carbonated water is a great way to stay hydrated and support healthy blood sugar levels.

What can aspartame cause? ›

Some studies suggest that aspartame consumption has influence on obesity levels, glucose and insulin intolerance, and changes in the microbiota of the offspring of rats. In humans, there have been reports of premature birth as well as allergic reactions and weight gain in the newborns.

Is aspartame good for you? ›

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that “the use of aspartame as a general purpose sweetener… is safe.” The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has stated, “Studies do not suggest an increased risk associated with aspartame consumption for…

What is the difference between sparkling water and seltzer water? ›

The main difference between seltzer and sparkling water comes down to where the carbonation comes from. If the carbonation is artificial, it's probably seltzer or club soda and regulated like a soda. If the bubbles are naturally occurring, straight from the source, it's sparkling water.

Why is LaCroix so addictive? ›

A study shows that cold and carbonated beverages actually quench thirst better. As the researchers put it: "Thirsty humans often prefer beverages that are both cold and carbonated including: mineral waters, seltzer, sodas, and beers." That may seem obvious, but no one knew why until now.

Do zero sodas have aspartame? ›

Yes. We sweeten co*ke Zero Sugar in our bottles and cans with a blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium (or Ace-K).

Do all zero sugar sodas have aspartame? ›

Key differences between co*ke Zero and Diet co*ke

While Diet co*ke uses aspartame as its sweetening agent, co*ke Zero uses both aspartame and acesulfame potassium, also called “Ace K” or “acesulfame K.” Acesulfame potassium is another calorie-free sweetener that passes through the body without raising blood sugar levels.

Does White Claw have aspartame? ›

White Claw is an all-natural, low carb, gluten free spiked sparkling water infused with natural fruit flavors, juices, and no artificial sweeteners. White Claw Seltzer Works has a patentable, proprietary process which produces an alcohol base so pure that 7 out of 10 consumers prefer it to Grey Goose.

Is sucralose the same as aspartame? ›

Sucralose is a non-nutritive sweetener, while aspartame is a nutritive sweetener. To be considered non-nutritive, a sweetener has to contain less than two percent of the calories in an equivalent amount of sugar.

Does Polar Seltzer contain aspartame? ›

Polar Seltzer “natural flavors” do NOT contain sugar, artificial sweeteners, MSG, gluten, sodium or animal products.

Which is worse for your body sugar or aspartame? ›

Both sugar and artificial sweetener are addictive. But artificial sweeteners may be likelier to make you get hungry, eat more throughout the day and develop diabetes. Sugar is OK in limited amounts and in the context of a healthy diet. (Eating a cookie you've made yourself is fine.

Why do people avoid aspartame? ›

Dozens of studies have linked aspartame — the world's most widely used artificial sweetener — to serious health problems, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, seizures, stroke and dementia, as well as negative effects such as intestinal dysbiosis, mood disorders, headaches and migraines.

Is aspartame the worst artificial sweetener? ›

The absolute worst sweeteners are artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose, saccharin, and aspartame. These are the worst sugar substitutes because these sweeteners are manufactured in a lab, meaning they're not found in nature.

Is drinking water with Crystal Light the same as drinking water? ›

The Crystal Light Pure option, which uses more naturally derived ingredients, is a better choice, though it does contain added sugar. As such, Crystal Light could certainly be enjoyed on occasion, but plain water remains the best way to meet your hydration needs.

What drinks do not have aspartame? ›

Hansen's diet sodas are sweetened with sucralose and ace-K and contain no aspartame. Hansen's flavors include cola, vanilla, pomegranate, strawberry and ginger ale, among others.

Are there any side effects of drinking Crystal Light? ›

Gastrointestinal problems, migraines, dizziness, blood sugar increases, and seizures are just a few of the common ones. To learn more about what sucralose is, why it's full of chlorine, and why The Naked Label DOES NOT recommend it's consumption, check this out.

Does LaCroix have artificial sweeteners? ›

There are no sugars, sweeteners, or artificial ingredients contained in La Croix beverages, according to the brand's website. As such, it is a zero-sugar beverage, so it's a tasty choice if you want to swap out your soda or other sugar-sweetened beverage for a La Croix to cut back on added sugar.

What sparkling water has no aspartame? ›

What you probably think of as sparkling water – also known as club soda, soda water, seltzer, mineral water, or fizzy water – does not contain any artificial sweeteners. LaCroix, Bubly, Perrier, and other widely popular brands contain no sweeteners of any kind.

Does bubly water have artificial sweeteners? ›

Bubly, which comes in eight flavors — lime, grapefruit, strawberry, lemon, orange, apple, mango and cherry — contains zero artificial sweeteners, flavors or calories, the company said.

Does LaCroix use aspartame? ›

We do not add any artificial sweeteners, sugars or sodium to our waters,” the company writes on its website. Instead, LaCroix uses “natural flavor.” However, those words allow for quite a bit of wiggle room.

Is sparkling water with aspartame good for you? ›

Is artificially flavored sparkling water bad for you? Make sure it's zero calories and zero sugar. Avoid drinks with high fructose corn syrup and regular sugar. With flavored carbonated waters, artificial flavoring is OK, but it is recommended to limit excessive artificial sweeteners, like aspartame or Splenda.

What are the disadvantages of sparkling water? ›

  • Sparkling Water Can Cause Tooth Decay. The mildly acidic nature of sparkling water can affect the enamel on teeth. ...
  • Sparkling Water Can Cause Gas and Bloating. Consuming sparkling water has the potential to cause gas and bloating.
Apr 28, 2022

Is there any natural sparkling water? ›

The carbonation of sparkling water can occur naturally or artificially. Sparkling or carbonated water forms naturally when volcanic gases dissolve in springs or wells of natural water. This naturally occurring sparkling water often contains minerals such as sodium or calcium.

Is drinking sparkling water good for you? ›

Plain carbonated water is a healthy and hydrating beverage choice. Some individuals may experience mild symptoms from too much carbonated water, such as temporary bloating or gas.

Can you drink too much sparkling water? ›

That said, there's definitely such a thing as too much seltzer. “A large intake of seltzer in a short period of time may cause gastric distress or bloating and can weaken a valve that typically keeps stomach contents down,” Manning says.

Does ice sparkling water have aspartame? ›

Many, notoriously Frank Lipman, take issue with their sweetener. Sparkling Ice is sweetened with sucralose, whereas Diet co*ke, several co*ke drinks, and many sugar-free products are sweetened with aspartame.

What are the health risks of aspartame? ›

Aspartame has been linked to behavioral and cognitive problems including learning problems, headache, seizure, migraines, irritable moods, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, wrote the researchers of a 2017 study in Nutritional Neuroscience.

What is Bubly sweetened with? ›

Fruit Drops and bubly drops™ are all-natural, unsweetened flavor essences. Classic flavors are sweetened with sugar, sucralose, acesulfame potassium and/or stevia leaf extract. Diet/Zero flavors are sweetened with combinations of sucralose and/or stevia leaf extract and/or erythritol.

Why do Europeans drink carbonated water? ›

As carbonated waters became popular all over Europe, it became the norm for bottled water. By the time tap water became healthy enough for Europeans to drink, they were already somewhat set in their preferences. Tap water was used for cleaning, washing and things of that nature, and carbonated water was for drinking.

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