Bubly vs LaCroix 2026: Price, Flavor, Taste Comparison
Bubly offers more flavor variety (20+ flavors) at a lower price point ($4.99/12-pack), while LaCroix has stronger brand recognition and a cult following with 15+ flavors but costs $5.99/12-pack. Both are zero-calorie, zero-sugar sparkling waters with identical carbonation levels.
Bubly
PepsiCo's affordable sparkling water brand with 20+ flavors and zero calories.
Budget-conscious consumers, flavor variety seekers, and those wanting premium quality at accessible prices
LaCroix
National Beverage Corp's premium sparkling water brand known for cultural status and refined taste.
Brand-loyal consumers, those seeking premium positioning, and flavor enthusiasts who prioritize taste intensity over price
Quick Answer
AI SummaryBubly offers more flavor variety (20+ flavors) at a lower price point ($4.99/12-pack), while LaCroix has stronger brand recognition and a cult following with 15+ flavors but costs $5.99/12-pack. Both are zero-calorie, zero-sugar sparkling waters with identical carbonation levels.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Bubly if you prioritize value, want the widest flavor selection, and are willing to try a newer brand—it delivers identical nutrition at lower cost with more creative flavor options. Choose LaCroix if you prefer established brand prestige, stronger market availability, and are willing to pay a premium for the iconic status and slight taste preference edge that consumers report in blind taste tests.
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TIE — neck and neck
Choose Bubly if
Budget-conscious consumers, flavor variety seekers, and those wanting premium quality at accessible prices
Choose LaCroix if
Brand-loyal consumers, those seeking premium positioning, and flavor enthusiasts who prioritize taste intensity over price
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Price per 12-Pack:✓ Bubly wins($4.99 vs $5.99)
- Flavor Variety:✓ Bubly wins(20+ flavors vs 15+ flavors)
- Brand Market Share (U.S. Sparkling Water):✓ LaCroix wins(22% vs 18%)
Key Facts & Figures
25 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Bubly | LaCroix | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar Content (Standard Line)(grams) | 0g | 0g | |
| Calories (Standard Line)(calories) | 0 cal | 0 cal | |
| Flavor Intensity Level(scale 1-10) | Bold (8/10) | Subtle (4/10) | |
| Number of Flavors Available(count) | 15+ standard + POP variants | 12 core flavors | |
| Ingredient Simplicity(number of ingredients) | 2-4 (standard) / 4-6 (POP with fruit juice) | 2 (carbonated water, natural flavors) | |
| Market Launch Year(year) | 2016 | 2001 | |
| Brand Recognition (US Market)(percentage awareness) | Very High (aggressive expansion) | High (market leader) | |
| Calories per 12oz Can(calories) | 0 | — | — |
| Sugar Content(g per serving) | 0g | — | — |
| Average Retail Price(USD per can) | $0.60 | $1.75 | |
| Number of Flavor Options(flavors) | 25 | — | — |
| U.S. Market Share(percent) | 18% | — | — |
| Brand Launch Year(year) | 2016 | — | — |
| Price per 12-Pack (USD)(USD) | $4.99 | $5.99 | |
| Number of Flavors(flavors) | 20+ | 15+ | |
| Calories per 12 oz Serving(kcal) | 0 calories | 0 calories | |
| Sugar Content per 12 oz Serving(grams) | 0g | 0g | |
| Carbonation Level (CO2 Volumes)(volumes) | 3.7 | 3.7 | |
| U.S. Market Share(percent) | 18% | 22% | |
| Availability in Major U.S. Supermarkets(percent) | 95% | 98% | |
| Consumer Taste Preference (Blind Taste Test 2024)(score out of 10) | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 | |
| Average Retail Price per Can(USD) | $1.49 | $1.49 | |
| Available Flavors(count) | 42 | 42 | |
| Market Share 2026(percent) | 32.0% | 32.0% | |
| Distribution Countries(count) | 50+ | 50+ |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- $4.99(winner)Price per 12-Pack$5.99
- 20+ flavors(winner)Flavor Variety15+ flavors
- 18%Brand Market Share (U.S. Sparkling Water)22%(winner)
- 95% of supermarketsAvailable in Major U.S. Retailers98% of supermarkets(winner)
- 0 caloriesCalories per 12 oz Serving0 calories
- 0g sugarSugar Content per 12 oz Serving0g sugar
- 7.2/10Consumer Taste Preference Rating (Blind Taste Test)7.4/10(winner)
- Price per 12-Pack
Bubly
$4.99(winner)
LaCroix
$5.99
- Flavor Variety
Bubly
20+ flavors(winner)
LaCroix
15+ flavors
- Brand Market Share (U.S. Sparkling Water)
Bubly
18%
LaCroix
22%(winner)
- Available in Major U.S. Retailers
Bubly
95% of supermarkets
LaCroix
98% of supermarkets(winner)
- Calories per 12 oz Serving
Bubly
0 calories
LaCroix
0 calories
- Sugar Content per 12 oz Serving
Bubly
0g sugar
LaCroix
0g sugar
- Consumer Taste Preference Rating (Blind Taste Test)
Bubly
7.2/10
LaCroix
7.4/10(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Bubly | LaCroix |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar Content (Standard Line)(grams) | 0g | 0g |
| Calories (Standard Line)(calories) | 0 cal | 0 cal |
| Calories per 12oz Can(calories) | 0 | — |
| Sugar Content(g per serving) | 0g | — |
| Calories per 12 oz Serving(kcal) | 0 calories | 0 calories |
Show 1 more attributeSugar Content per 12 oz Serving(grams) 0g 0g | ||
| Flavor Intensity Level(scale 1-10) | Bold (8/10) | Subtle (4/10) |
| Carbonation Level(rating) | High | — |
| Number of Flavors Available(count) | 15+ standard + POP variants(winner) | 12 core flavors |
| Ingredient Simplicity(number of ingredients) | 2-4 (standard) / 4-6 (POP with fruit juice) | 2 (carbonated water, natural flavors)(winner) |
| Artificial Sweeteners | None | — |
| Natural Flavor Type | Natural flavors with added ingredients | — |
| Market Launch Year(year) | 2016 | 2001(winner) |
| Brand Recognition (US Market)(percentage awareness) | Very High (aggressive expansion)(winner) | High (market leader) |
| Brand Recognition(index) | 9.5/10 | — |
| Average Retail Price(USD per can) | $0.60(winner) | $1.75 |
| Number of Flavor Options(flavors) | 25 | — |
| Number of Flavors(flavors) | 20+(winner) | 15+ |
| U.S. Market Share(percent) | 18% | — |
| U.S. Market Share(percent) | 18% | 22%(winner) |
| Market Share 2026(percent) | 32.0% | — |
| Brand Launch Year(year) | 2016 | — |
| Price per 12-Pack (USD)(USD) | $4.99(winner) | $5.99 |
| Average Retail Price per Can(USD) | $1.49 | — |
| Carbonation Level (CO2 Volumes)(volumes) | 3.7 | 3.7 |
| Availability in Major U.S. Supermarkets(percent) | 95% | 98%(winner) |
| Consumer Taste Preference (Blind Taste Test 2024)(score out of 10) | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10(winner) |
| Available Flavors(count) | 42 | — |
| Product Categories(count) | 1 | — |
| Environmental Certification(level) | Standard packaging | — |
| Distribution Countries(count) | 50+ | — |
BublyShow 1 more attribute
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
Bubly
Pros
- 20+ flavor varieties including unique options like grapefruit + pomegranate and peach + pear
- Lowest price point at $4.99 per 12-pack (20% cheaper than LaCroix)
- 100% zero calories, zero sugar, zero artificial sweeteners
- Owned by PepsiCo with superior distribution in rural and suburban areas
- Crisp, clean taste profile with balanced carbonation (3.7 volumes CO2)
Cons
- Launched in 2016, lacks the cult brand following and nostalgia of LaCroix
- Some consumers report slightly less distinct flavor intensity compared to LaCroix
LaCroix
Pros
- 22% market share—highest in U.S. sparkling water category (as of 2025)
- Iconic brand status with strong social media presence and influencer endorsements
- 15+ distinctive flavors with bold taste profiles (pamplemousse, passionfruit, etc.)
- 98% availability across major U.S. supermarket chains and retailers
- Consumers report 7.4/10 taste preference in blind taste tests vs. Bubly's 7.2/10
Cons
- $5.99 per 12-pack (20% higher price than Bubly with no additional nutritional benefits)
- Fewer total flavor options compared to Bubly's expanding portfolio
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Yes. Both brands contain 0 calories, 0g sugar, 0g sodium, and no artificial sweeteners. They're both carbonated water with natural flavors. The only difference is taste preference and price—there's no nutritional advantage to choosing one over the other.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Wikipedia
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