The Great Sparkling Water Showdown: LaCroix vs Bubly
Bubbles divide people. But sparkling water fans? They pick sides. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and la croix vs bubly.
Two brands dominate grocery store shelves. You grab one without thinking. Then you wonder if you should have picked the other.
This is the breakdown you actually need.
A Quick History of the Feud
LaCroix started in 1981. It was local. Niche. A slightly strange choice for people who missed soda but wanted something "healthier."
Bubly launched in 2004. Its early marketing leaned on a clean, modern vibe with high-profile celebrity endorsements. PepsiCo owned both brands for a stretch, adding a corporate layer to the rivalry.
Both promised zero sugar. Zero sweeteners. Just bubbles and flavor.
So what is the real difference?
Taste Test: What Do the Flavors Actually Taste Like?
This matters most. The can looks cool. But does it hit your tongue right?
LaCroix delivers a subtler, almost tea-like fruit essence. The original flavors — Pure, Lemon, Lime — taste like mineral water with a whisper of fruit. Some find this refreshing. Others call it "water with a attitude problem."
The flavored varieties, like Pamplemousse or Coconut, land as more abstract impressions. You taste a concept of grapefruit. Not a full punch of it.
Bubly goes louder. The flavors are immediate, almost candy-adjacent without the sugar. Bubly Strawberry or Bubly Mango taste recognizably like those fruits.
Packaging and Branding: Which Can Sits Better on Your Desk?
Bubly won this round on pure aesthetics. The minimalist, bright can designs feel like a lifestyle brand. The logo is clean and modern.
LaCroix leans retro. The logo looks like it belongs on a 1970s Parisian café wall. Some love this old-school charm. Others find it visually boring.
Both are available in standard 12 oz cans and variety packs.
Ingredient Check: What Are You Actually Drinking?
Both drinks are mostly water and carbon dioxide.
LaCroix lists "natural flavor" on its cans. The FDA defines this broadly. LaCroix has never confirmed or denied the use of propylene glycol or other processing agents in some of its early formulations. The company now states its products are vegan and free of sweeteners, sugars, and sodium.
Bubly keeps its ingredient list similarly bare. Carbonated water, natural flavor. That is it. PepsiCo, which owns Bubly, publishes detailed information on its ingredients and manufacturing processes.
Price and Availability: Which One Wins at the Store?
Pricing fluctuates by region and retailer. Bubly variety packs often land around $4 to $5 for a 12-pack. LaCroix competes in a similar price band, though multi-packs sometimes run slightly cheaper at warehouse stores.
Both brands are practically everywhere. Grocery stores, convenience shops, big-box retailers — you will find them side by side.
Brand Loyalty: Who Stays Quietly Committed?
LaCroix cultists are passionate. They defend the brand like it owes them money. The brand has built a massive Reddit following, a dedicated subreddit, and a cultural identity beyond just sparkling water.
Bubly enjoys broader mainstream appeal. It feels like a safe, universally liked choice. Fewer people argue about it online, but it sells consistently well.
The Bottom Line: Which Should You Buy?
Pick Bubly if you want bold, recognizable fruit flavor and sleek packaging. Choose LaCroix if you prefer a lighter, more understated taste experience with a retro aesthetic.
There is no objectively superior drink here. The right choice depends on your personal palate, your mood, and what is chilling in your fridge right now.
Related reading on sparkling beverages: The Spruce Eats – How Sparkling Water Is Made