15 Best Sparkling Water Brands, According to Experts

With its wide array of flavors, from grapefruit to raspberry-lime, all made with a squeeze of fresh fruit juice, Spindrift sparkling water is a favorite of our editors. "Spindrift is by far my favorite," says Sassos. "It has the perfect level of carbonation and a splash of real fruit juice instead of flavorings. The pineapple flavor is a particular favorite of mine."

Another team favorite: the blood orange tangerine flavor. "It's sweet but not too sweet, with a good balance of juice and sparkling water. Perfect for sipping on a hot summer day," shares Deputy Food Editor Trish Clasen Marsanico. Why not try the whole lineup in one of their many variety packs?

If you're on the hunt for the best seltzer water to swap in for your go-to soda, Hal's is the perfect option. This bubbly beverage's sweet vanilla cream flavor — without any added sugar — makes this pick a satisfying swap for your favorite sugary soda. "Sparkling waters that are free from added sugar can be a fantastic replacement for soda. You’ll still get that fizzy drink fix, without all the excess sweetness and calories," says Sassos. All about the fizz? Not only full of flavor, Hal's seltzer is also bursting with satisfyingly small bubbles.

If you're a fan of just a hint of flavor in your bubbly water, might we suggest sipping from this glass bottle? Tasters adored this pick, which is bottled in Monterey, Mexico, for its delicate grapefruit taste — like you've added a big piece of grapefruit peel right into your drink. The scent is also bright and citrusy, and the bubbles are smooth and round. Sip on its own or turn it into a classic Ranch Water cocktail by pouring in a splash of tequila. Did someone say happy hour?

La Croix has some seriously devoted customers, and after trying a variety of their flavors of their sparkling water, we understand why. From a grapefruit flavor that stands out because it skips the bitterness of the fresh fruit, to a coconut can that boasts a rich creaminess (really!) that seems impossible to find in water, there's a flavor for every craving. Their multipacks give you plenty of variety to try whatever you're in the mood for. "I could sip on any of these cans all day long," one food editor shared. "Sometimes... I do."

This brand incorporates only organic flavorings (like strawberry, lime, pomegranate and ginger) with sparkling water for a delicious seltzer. The addition of hibiscus adds mild floral notes to the deliciously fresh berry base. "Each sip is effervescent and bubbly with just a faint taste of strawberry that was pleasant and refreshing," says Food Producer Tina Martinez.

Ever wonder the difference between sparkling water, seltzer and sparkling mineral water? While sparkling water and seltzer get their bubbles from the addition of carbon dioxide, sparkling mineral water is naturally, well, sparkling, because of the minerals in the springs where the water is collected. This results in fewer bubbles, like in this bottle. If you're a fan of only a little bit of fizz, grab one of these bottles, that also have a slight minerally flavor. Classic and classy!

Each can of this brew is infused with a combo of hemp and adaptogens like lemon balm and ginseng, plus real fruit juice and a splash of spicy chai to add a hint of flavor. It makes a great nightcap to wrap up your evening. The clever combination of botanicals provides calming properties great for chilling out before bed or during a particularly stressful day. And tasters noted that its complex flavor and chill-out vibes made it a wonderful replacement for alcohol.

If you're a mocktail or cocktail aficionado, try out these elegant and distinctive cans. Each combination of flavors, from peppermint-watermelon to lemongrass-coconut is made with only all-natural ingredients and is free from added sugars and citric acid. "With very unique, fun flavors, it's almost like a funky mocktail-meets-sparkling water," shares Sassos. Lavender-cucumber and cactus-rose are two favorites from this sparkling water brand for their delicate but fragrant floral notes and bold fruitiness, thanks to a splash of fruit extract.

This flavor combines summer berry flavor with tiny, invigorating bubbles for a refreshingly fruity can. Chief Food Director Kate Merker, says "the strawberry taste is so refreshing it's almost juicy, like real fruit." The brand also sells its own berry syrups (strawberry, along with blackberry and cherry) through SodaStream to flavor plain seltzer. Fan of making your own? Bust out your soda maker, get fizzing and add a few drops of the strawberry concentrate right in. Either way, you'll have a cup that boasts big berry flavor, just like the real deal.

All of Waterloo Sparkling Water's flavors are great if you're looking for something natural without calories or added fruit juice. They have a wide range from lime for the purists who want to keep it straight-forward to a host of seasonally-inspired cans. "Their seasonal Sparkling Spiced Apple is my favorite," says Sassos. "I also find that they are great to cook and bake with since they are packed with bold, rich flavor!" Stock up on a multipack, and keep an eye out for the blackberry lemonade flavor, another top choice for our Test Kitchen editors. "It reminds me of sweet summer lemonade, even when I'm sipping in the middle of the winter. Sunshine in a can!" said one taster.

Not a flavor fan? No problem. If you're looking for the clear, crisp taste of sparkling water all on its own, opt for Canada Dry's original seltzer for a can full of bubbly goodness, no flavor needed. Full of big, round bubbles, this one really brings the fizz. Tasters also noticed that these cans kept their fizz for longer than some other bottles or brands. "I love that I can add my own squeeze of lemon or lime or even a splash of pomegranate juice. It's the perfect mocktail maker that I can spice up all on my own," said one taster.

This brand, which has delicious duos of flavors in all of its cans, has done it again with this ultra-refreshing buy. Looking for a fun pick? The watermelon essence in this flavored sparkling water serves up candy vibes (don't worry, no sugar is added!). Tasters suggested that this buy would make a great family sip, especially if your crew is trying to cut back on sodas.

Sanzo offers a variety of unique flavors (lychee, mango and calamansi), but their yuzu can stands out for its perfectly balanced hint of this citrus, predominantly grown in East Asia. The addition of ginger brings a slightly spicy hit in each gulp. Assistant Food Editor Samantha MacAvoy says, “It has a lemony smell, tart taste and subtle ginger kick at the end. Love!”

RELATED: What Is Yuzu? Everything You Need to Know About This Citrus Fruit

Club sodas, while super fizzy, can contain sodium. This seltzer pick is both sugar- and sodium-free and matches up to its club soda counterparts. Along with its big bubbles, the combination of distinctive fruit was adored by tasters who liked their seltzers on the tart side. If you're looking for a bold-flavored can that can take the place of sugar-packed juices, try this all-natural pick.

Lemon's bright flavor isn't the easiest to get right, but Poland Spring's Lively Lemon bottle brings an authentic flavor. Instead of the artificial taste that many of the other lemon sparkling waters we tasted had, this buy tastes like it's been seasoned with the real deal (a big squeeze of citrus juice!). Made from natural spring water in Maine, Poland Spring pairs its refreshing lemon flavor with plenty of satisfying carbonation. Plus it's mellow enough to pair with your food. Pour a glass with dinner tonight!