Sparkling water has become one of the world’s favourite drinks. Whether you’re cutting back on sugary sodas, looking for a refreshing alternative to plain water or want something special to pair with dinner, there’s a fizzy option for every taste. From centuries-old natural mineral waters bottled at their source to modern flavoured seltzers, the choice has never been bigger. Here are 10 of the best sparkling water brands in the world for 2026, chosen for their taste, bubble quality, reputation and popularity.

How We Chose the Best Brands

The brands below were selected based on their taste, the quality and feel of their bubbles, their mineral character, their reputation and history, and how widely available they are. We’ve included a mix of classic natural mineral waters, which come from protected springs and contain naturally occurring minerals, and flavoured sparkling waters, which are popular as everyday soda alternatives.

San Pellegrino

Bottled in northern Italy since 1899, San Pellegrino is one of the most recognisable sparkling waters in the world. It has fine, delicate bubbles and a smooth, slightly mineral taste that makes it a favourite in restaurants and a classic pairing with food. Its iconic green bottle and red star are a common sight on dining tables around the globe.

Best for: Pairing with meals

Perrier

Sourced in Vergèze in the south of France, Perrier is known for its lively, bold bubbles and crisp, refreshing taste. Its distinctive green, teardrop-shaped bottle has made it a style icon. Perrier also offers flavoured versions, such as lemon and lime, for a light citrus twist.

Best for: Big, bold bubbles

Gerolsteiner

From Germany’s volcanic Eifel region, Gerolsteiner is prized for its naturally high mineral content, particularly calcium and magnesium. It has a full, slightly mineral flavour and a refreshing sparkle, making it a top choice for anyone who enjoys a mineral-rich water.

Best for: Mineral lovers

Topo Chico

Bottled in Monterrey, Mexico, since 1895, Topo Chico has a cult following for its intense carbonation and slightly salty, mineral taste. It’s a favourite among bartenders for mixing drinks and is now owned by Coca-Cola, which acquired the brand in 2017.

Best for: Extra-fizzy refreshment and cocktails

Badoit

Badoit is a naturally sparkling mineral water from Saint-Galmier in France. Its fine, gentle bubbles and smooth, slightly salty taste make it especially popular in French restaurants, where it’s often served with fine dining.

Best for: Gentle, elegant bubbles

Vichy Catalan

From a natural thermal spring in Catalonia, Spain, Vichy Catalan is a naturally carbonated mineral water with a distinctive, bold and salty flavour thanks to its high mineral content. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it choice, but fans adore its unique character, and it’s often enjoyed as a digestive after meals.

Best for: Bold, mineral-forward flavour

LaCroix

Born in Wisconsin in 1981, LaCroix became a cultural phenomenon in the US with its colourful cans and wide range of flavours, from lime and grapefruit to more playful options. It contains no sugar, sweeteners or calories, with flavour coming from natural fruit essences.

Best for: Flavoured, calorie-free sipping

Spindrift

Spindrift stands out by using real squeezed fruit and fruit juice for flavour, rather than essences alone. That gives it a fresher, more natural fruit taste than many other flavoured sparkling waters, with just a small number of calories from the fruit.

Best for: Real fruit flavour

Bubly

Launched by PepsiCo in 2018, Bubly quickly became one of the most popular flavoured sparkling waters in the US. Known for its bright cans and fun flavours like mango, cherry and lime, it has no sugar, sweeteners or calories.

Best for: Fun flavours on a budget

Mountain Valley Spring Water

Bottled in glass in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Mountain Valley Spring Water has been a premium American favourite for well over a century. Its sparkling version has crisp bubbles and a clean, slightly mineral taste, and its classic green glass bottles give it a timeless, upscale look.

Best for: Premium glass-bottled water

Best Sparkling Water Brands at a Glance

Sparkling Water vs Seltzer vs Club Soda vs Mineral Water

• Sparkling mineral water comes from a natural spring and contains naturally occurring minerals. It may be naturally carbonated or have carbonation added.
• Seltzer is plain water with added carbon dioxide and no added minerals, giving it a clean taste.
• Club soda is carbonated water with added minerals, such as sodium bicarbonate, for a slightly salty taste.
• Tonic water is carbonated water with quinine and usually added sugar, so it’s not a sugar-free alternative.

Tips for Choosing Sparkling Water

• Check for added sugar. Most sparkling waters are sugar-free, but some flavoured versions contain sweeteners or juice.
• Consider the minerals. If you prefer a clean taste, choose seltzer. If you like more character, go for a mineral water.
• Think about the bubbles. Choose fine bubbles for meals and bold fizz for refreshment and cocktails.
• Serve it cold. Sparkling water holds its bubbles better when well chilled.

The Bottom Line

The best sparkling water depends on your taste. For classic elegance, San Pellegrino and Badoit are hard to beat. If you love bold bubbles, try Perrier or Topo Chico. Mineral lovers will enjoy Gerolsteiner and Vichy Catalan, while LaCroix, Bubly and Spindrift are great flavoured options for everyday sipping. Whatever your preference, sparkling water is a refreshing, healthier alternative to sugary drinks.

FAQ

What is the best sparkling water brand in the world?
It depends on your taste. San Pellegrino and Perrier are among the most popular worldwide, while Gerolsteiner and Topo Chico are favourites for their mineral character and strong bubbles.

Is sparkling water healthy?
Plain sparkling water is a healthy, hydrating choice with no sugar or calories. Check flavoured versions for added sugar or sweeteners.

What is the difference between sparkling mineral water and seltzer?
Sparkling mineral water comes from a natural spring and contains naturally occurring minerals, while seltzer is plain water with added carbonation and no added minerals.

Which sparkling water has the most bubbles?
Topo Chico and Perrier are known for their strong, lively carbonation, while San Pellegrino and Badoit have finer, gentler bubbles.

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