If you’re on the hunt for the most carbonated sparkling water that money can buy, you’re in the right place. Some people just can’t get enough carbonation, and we’re here to help you get your fix without breaking the bank.
Below, we’ve listed some affordable and commonly available options for exceptionally bubbly sparkling water. You should be able to find all of them in your local grocery store, or from online retailers like Amazon.
We’ll only be taking a look at sparkling water brands that do not contain any artificial sweeteners. However, we’ll still be considering beverages that have been carbonated artificially. Added minerals, sodium, and even ambiguously described “natural flavors” are welcome.
Topo Chico
When it comes to highly carbonated sparkling water, Topo Chico is one of the most common recommendations. The effervescence is far from subtle. If you pour it into a glass, you’ll see hundreds of tiny bubbles leaping out and spattering everywhere. In fact, it makes some other brands of sparkling water seem flat by comparison.
Topo Chico’s intense carbonation gives it an even stronger “bite” or “burning” feeling that many people love about sparkling water. This pleasant sensation is triggered by the carbon dioxide interacting with a specific type of protein in the cells on your tongue.
The mineral water brand is rapidly growing in the United States. The beverage giant Coca-Cola acquired it in 2017. Topo Chico is sourced from a single location in northern Mexico – Cerro del Topo Chico. Drinkers should note that the brand contains greater PFAS levels than many other options.
The drink is offered in a traditional, old fashioned looking glass bottle featuring an Aztec princess whose illness, according to company lore, was cured by drinking and bathing in the water.
Key Qualities
- Small, fizzy bubbles
- Pleasant mineral content
- Satisfying glass bottle
Flavors
Topo Chico offers a small selection of flavors which is currently entirely composed of citrus fruit. The brand’s flavored varieties are so tasty that we’ve ranked Topo Chico among the most flavorful sparkling waters.
- Mineral Water (original, unflavored)
- Lime
- Grapefruit
- Tangerine
Gerolsteiner Mineral Water
Another contender for the most carbonated sparkling water is Gerolsteiner. It’s a German brand of natural sparkling mineral water that packs a one-two punch of carbonation and exceptionally high minerality. Geological circumstances at its source in Gerolstein, Germany give the mineral water a balance of calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate that lends a unique flavor.
If you’re used to the likes of LaCroix, you might be thrown off by the uncommon minerality of this water. You’ll have to try it yourself and see.
The beverage is sourced from the Volcanic Eifel in Germany, a region in the Eifel Mountains characterized by its volcanic history. In fact, the Volcanic Eifel is still active today.
Because it comes from Europe, this natural sparkling water is significantly more expensive than some of the other options listed above. For a single 25.3 ounce glass bottle, you’re looking at about $3.50. However, it is worth a try if you find yourself perusing the sparkling water section at Whole Foods.
Key Qualities
- Great carbonation
- Extreme minerality
- Higher priced
Flavors
Gerolsteiner does not come in any flavored varieties. The minerality offers a unique flavor that is the reason some people are willing to pay more for it. We recommend enjoying it chilled, paired with a dish of seafood, herbaceous pasta, or sushi.
Homemade Sparkling Water with SodaStream
Why not create your own homemade sparkling water elixir that’s carbonated enough to pressure wash your tastebuds off? Sure, the manufacturer might suggest a meager 2-3 pumps of carbon dioxide per 1liter bottle – but bubble fiends will prefer more.
With the caveat that you should be mindful of the manufacturer’s instructions for safety reasons, you can experiment with a bit more CO2. 5-6 pumps from the device will produce a club soda that is quite bubbly. 7-8 pumps of CO2 will blast your ordinary water into the stratosphere of effervescence.
After pouring your supercharged sparkling water into a cup, you’ll notice it might spew over the sides of the glass like a refreshing volcano. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to the beverage and you’re in for a treat.
The SodaStream brand has become synonymous with homemade sparkling water in the United States. Founded in England and based in Israel, the company offers soda machines that add carbon dioxide to water using a pressurized cylinder of the gas.
Key Qualities
- Requires the machine and gas cylinders
- Infinitely customizable in bubbles and flavor
- Flavor dependent on local water quality
Flavors
SodaStream offers dozens of syrups, natural flavors, and even a concentrate to make some kind of kombucha concoction. Try them and make your own judgements, but at SipTrend, we prefer a bit of fresh fruit juice instead.
Polar Seltzer
You’re likely to see Polar Seltzer on the shelves of any supermarket near you. This canned seltzer packs an intense bubbly punch when first opened. However, the carbonation seems to fade quickly, so it’s best to drink it fast.
Polar is a great option for the price, considering it’s only about $4.50 for a 12 pack. Like LaCroix and many other common American sparkling water brands, it contains no sweeteners, added sugars or salt. The company flavors its seltzer naturally using “natural fruit essences.”
Polar Seltzer bottles their product in three locations: Worcester, Massachusetts; Albany, New York; and Fitzgerald, Georgia. The specific sources of the water are not made apparent, but given the various bottling plants, we would describe the origin as “various.”
Key Qualities
- Big bubbles upon opening that fade quickly
- No discernable minerality
- Highly affordable
Flavors
Polar Seltzer offers a ton of variety in flavors. On an annual basis, Polar also creates 5 limited edition varieties to be released at two separate times each year.
- Cranberry Clementine
- Pineapple Pomelo
- Toasted Coconut
- Cranberry Lime
- Ruby Red Grapefruit
- Vanilla
- Raspberry Lime
- Orange Vanilla
- Strawberry Watermelon
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Georgia Peach
- Mandarin
- Triple Berry
- Original
- Lemon
- Lime
- Black Cherry
- Pomegranate
Jarritos Mineragua
Jarritos is a Mexican soft drink brand, well-known for its intensely bright colored fruit flavors. But the brand also offers a mineral water – Jarritos Mineragua. The beverage provides tiny bubbles that dance on your tongue and a super bright flavor with minimal aftertaste. While not explosive with bubbles, it features a good bit of fizz.
The most distinguishing feature of Jarritos Mineragua is the sodium content. It’s pretty high for a sparkling water, coming in at a whopping 35mg per 12 ounce glass bottle. It doesn’t taste salty, but it may feel less hydrating than other options on a hot summer day.
The brand was founded in 1950 by an accomplished chemist and is now owned by Novamex, a large independent bottler in Guadalajara. You can get it in almost any Mexican grocery store in the US, though Mineragua may be more difficult to find than the soda.
Key Qualities
- Clean, satisfying flavor
- Higher sodium content
- Contains added minerals for flavor
Flavors
Jarritos Mineragua comes in a single flavor – and that is unflavored. Try it with a bit of lime to add a touch more intrigue to the mineral water. The brand does offer an extensive line of sodas in a variety of flavors.
The Most Carbonated Sparkling Water Brands Are Available Near You
The good news is that sparkling water has seen a massive growth in popularity in recent years. That means grocery stores, restaurants, and even gas stations are stocking these healthy, bubbly beverages.
If you can’t find the one you’re looking for nearby, you can always order it online. But, beware when opening – bubbles can become a lot more bubbly immediately after transit.