LaCroix vs Bubly: Sparkling Water Comparison 2026
Bubly
Budget-friendly sparkling water brand by PepsiCo with 20+ flavor options launched in 2018.
Budget-conscious consumers wanting bold flavors, wider variety, and occasional higher-calorie options
Quick Answer
AI SummaryBoth LaCroix and Bubly are zero-sugar sparkling water brands with only carbonated water and natural flavors. The main differences lie in flavor intensity, brand positioning, and product line variations, with Bubly offering more aggressive marketing and broader flavor options.
Read full verdictBoth LaCroix and Bubly deliver zero-sugar sparkling water with clean ingredient lists, making them healthier alternatives to traditional soda. LaCroix appeals to consumers seeking premium, subtle flavors and lifestyle branding, while Bubly attracts mainstream buyers with bolder flavors, lower prices, and diverse product lines including the higher-calorie POP variant.
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Best pickHealth-conscious consumers seeking premium, subtle sparkling water with lifestyle appeal
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Budget-conscious consumers wanting bold flavors, wider variety, and occasional higher-calorie options
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Brand Origin:French-inspired, established 2001 vs PepsiCo subsidiary, launched 2016
- Sugar Content:0g per serving vs 0g per serving (standard) / 3g or less (POP line)
- Flavor Intensity:✓ Bubly wins(Bold, pronounced flavors vs Subtle, delicate flavors)
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Key Facts & Figures
21 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | LaCroix | Bubly | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar Content(g per serving) | 0g | 0g | |
| Average Retail Price(USD per can) | $1.75 | $0.60 | |
| Flavor Intensity Level(scale 1-10) | Subtle (4/10) | Bold (8/10) | |
| Number of Flavors Available(count) | 12 core flavors | 15+ standard + POP variants | |
| Ingredient Simplicity(number of ingredients) | 2 (carbonated water, natural flavors) | 2-4 (standard) / 4-6 (POP with fruit juice) | |
| Market Launch Year(year) | 2001 | 2016 | |
| Brand Recognition (US Market)(percentage awareness) | High (market leader) | Very High (aggressive expansion) | |
| Average Retail Price per Can(USD) | $1.49 | — | — |
| Market Share 2026(percent) | 32.0% | — | — |
| Distribution Countries(count) | 50+ | — | — |
| Price per 12-Pack (USD)(USD) | $5.99 | $4.99 | |
| U.S. Market Share(percent) | 22% | 18% | |
| Availability in Major U.S. Supermarkets(percent) | 98% | 95% | |
| Consumer Taste Preference (Blind Taste Test 2024)(score out of 10) | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | |
| Calories per Serving(kcal) | 0 calories | — | — |
| Flavor Variety(flavors) | 40+ flavors | — | — |
| Market Share (US Sparkling Water)(percent) | 40% market share | — | — |
| Social Media Following(millions) | 1.2M followers | — | — |
| Calories per 12oz Serving(calories) | 0 kcal | — | — |
| Total sugars per 12oz(grams) | 0g | — | — |
| Caffeine Content Per 12oz(mg) | 0mg | — | — |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
8 attributes compared head-to-head
- French-inspired, established 2001Brand OriginPepsiCo subsidiary, launched 2016
- 0g per servingSugar Content0g per serving (standard) / 3g or less (POP line)
- Subtle, delicate flavorsFlavor IntensityBold, pronounced flavors(winner)
- Classic flavors onlyProduct Line DiversityClassic + POP (fruit juice) + collaborations(winner)
- Premium, lifestyle-focused(winner)Market PositionMainstream, value-oriented
- $1.50-1.99 per canPrice Point$0.99-1.49 per can(winner)
- 0 caloriesCalorie Count (Standard)0 calories (standard) / 20 cal max (POP)
- Minimalist, aspirationalMarketing ApproachAggressive, pop culture collaborations(winner)
- Brand Origin
LaCroix
French-inspired, established 2001
Bubly
PepsiCo subsidiary, launched 2016
- Sugar Content
LaCroix
0g per serving
Bubly
0g per serving (standard) / 3g or less (POP line)
- Flavor Intensity
LaCroix
Subtle, delicate flavors
Bubly
Bold, pronounced flavors(winner)
- Product Line Diversity
LaCroix
Classic flavors only
Bubly
Classic + POP (fruit juice) + collaborations(winner)
- Market Position
LaCroix
Premium, lifestyle-focused(winner)
Bubly
Mainstream, value-oriented
Full Comparison
| Attribute | LaCroix | Bubly |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar Content(g per serving) | 0g | — |
| Calories per Serving(kcal) | 0 calories | — |
| Calories per 12oz Serving(calories) | 0 kcal | — |
| Total sugars per 12oz(grams) | 0g | — |
| Caffeine Content Per 12oz(mg) | 0mg | — |
| Average Retail Price(USD per can) | $1.75 | $0.60(winner) |
| Flavor Intensity Level(scale 1-10) | Subtle (4/10) | Bold (8/10) |
| Carbonation Level(rating) | High | — |
| Number of Flavors Available(count) | 12 core flavors | 15+ standard + POP variants(winner) |
| Ingredient Simplicity(number of ingredients) | 2 (carbonated water, natural flavors)(winner) | 2-4 (standard) / 4-6 (POP with fruit juice) |
| Market Launch Year(year) | 2001(winner) | 2016 |
| Brand Recognition (US Market)(percentage awareness) | High (market leader) | Very High (aggressive expansion)(winner) |
| Brand Recognition(index) | 9.5/10 | — |
| Average Retail Price per Can(USD) | $1.49 | — |
| Price per 12-Pack (USD)(USD) | $5.99 | $4.99(winner) |
| Product Categories(count) | 1 | — |
| Market Share 2026(percent) | 32.0% | — |
| U.S. Market Share(percent) | 22%(winner) | 18% |
| Market Share (US Sparkling Water)(percent) | 40% market share | — |
| Environmental Certification(level) | Standard packaging | — |
| Distribution Countries(count) | 50+ | — |
| Availability in Major U.S. Supermarkets(percent) | 98%(winner) | 95% |
| Consumer Taste Preference (Blind Taste Test 2024)(score out of 10) | 7.4/10(winner) | 7.2/10 |
| Flavor Variety(flavors) | 40+ flavors | — |
| Social Media Following(millions) | 1.2M followers | — |
BublyPros & Cons
8 pros·8 cons across both
LaCroix
Pros
Cons
Bubly
Pros
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions
Bubly is generally considered to have slightly more pronounced flavor intensity than LaCroix. LaCroix is known for its very subtle, almost whisper-light flavor profile — the natural flavors barely exceed lightly scented carbonated water. Bubly's flavors are a bit bolder and more identifiable, which many consumers prefer, especially those transitioning from sweetened sodas. That said, individual flavors vary significantly between both brands — some LaCroix flavors (Pamplemousse, Passionfruit) are notably more distinct than others. If flavor intensity matters to you, try Bubly Mango or Bubly Lime against LaCroix equivalents to compare directly.
Both are identically healthy — carbonated water plus natural flavors, zero calories, zero sugar, zero sodium, zero sweeteners of any kind. The carbonation is slightly acidic (lower pH than still water), which has generated some concern about tooth enamel, but the American Dental Association notes that carbonated water without added sweeteners or citric acid poses minimal enamel risk compared to soda or diet soda. Neither LaCroix nor Bubly is "better for you" — they are functionally equivalent zero-calorie hydration options. The only differentiation is if you consider the very minor flavor compound differences between natural flavor sources.
LaCroix's national explosion around 2014-2016 was driven by a convergence of factors: growing consumer interest in healthier beverages (particularly among Millennials), social media virality of its colorful retro-aesthetic cans and the invented pronunciation debate ("la-CROY"), grocery store placement expansion, and the absence of sweeteners at a time when consumers were increasingly skeptical of artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose. LaCroix offered the carbonation of soda with the "cleanliness" of water, and its branding resonated visually on Instagram. National Beverage Corp also provided consistent wholesale pricing that kept LaCroix accessible.
Yes. Bubly is a brand owned and produced by PepsiCo. It was launched in 2018 as PepsiCo's strategic response to the sparkling water category growth, which was largely dominated by LaCroix and also included Spindrift (fruit-juice-based), Perrier, and San Pellegrino. PepsiCo's massive distribution network, grocery relationships, and marketing budget have made Bubly one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in the U.S. since its launch. Bubly sits in PepsiCo's portfolio alongside Pepsi, Gatorade, Lipton Tea, and Tropicana.
Pamplemousse (grapefruit) is consistently ranked as LaCroix's most popular and iconic flavor — it is largely responsible for LaCroix's viral rise and remains the brand's best-seller. Passionfruit, Peach-Pear, Coconut, and Sparkling Water (unflavored) round out the most popular options. LaCroix's Tangerine and Key Lime are also strong performers. Seasonal flavors (like Strawberry-Basil and Watermelon) are sold in limited quantities. Among Bubly's best-sellers, Mango, Lime, and Cherry are the most frequently cited by consumers as flavor favorites.
Bubly is generally considered to have a stronger, sweeter flavor profile. Bubly uses brighter, more distinct fruit essences that are easily noticeable. LaCroix's flavors are more subtle and natural-tasting. Most taste comparisons find Bubly's flavors more prominent, though some prefer LaCroix's understated approach. Both are unsweetened with no sugar.
Both are nearly identical nutritionally: zero calories, zero sugar, zero artificial sweeteners, and no sodium. The only real difference is carbonation level — Bubly tends to have lighter, smaller bubbles while LaCroix has more intense carbonation. Neither is healthier than the other. Both are excellent zero-calorie alternatives to soda.
LaCroix is generally slightly cheaper. A 12-pack of LaCroix typically costs $5-7 at major retailers, while Bubly runs $6-8. Both are significantly cheaper than premium imported sparkling waters like Perrier or San Pellegrino. Costco and warehouse clubs often have the best prices on both brands.
LaCroix offers 20+ flavors including lemon, lime, grapefruit, passionfruit, and seasonal Cúrate blends. Bubly offers 18+ flavors including cherry, mango, strawberry, watermelon, and peach. LaCroix has a slight edge in variety, but both cover the most popular sparkling water flavors. Both also release limited seasonal varieties.
LaCroix pioneered flavored sparkling water in the US and dominated the market through the 2010s. Bubly launched in 2018 backed by PepsiCo's marketing power and celebrity endorsements, quickly gaining significant market share. As of 2026, LaCroix retains the highest overall sparkling water sales volume, but Bubly is the fastest-growing competitor in the premium segment.
Analysis: LaCroix vs Bubly
LaCroix and Bubly are the two dominant brands in the U.S. flavored sparkling water market, competing for share in a category that has grown substantially as consumers move away from soda and seek zero-calorie, zero-sugar hydration alternatives. Both are carbonated water with natural flavors and no sweeteners — the competitive difference is in branding, flavor range, and corporate backing rather than meaningful product differentiation.
LaCroix (pronounced "la-CROY") is the original American sparkling water phenomenon. Founded in La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1981, LaCroix spent decades as a regional brand before its national explosion beginning around 2015 — driven by social media virality, Millennial consumer interest in "clean" beverages, and the brand's colorful, retro-aesthetic cans. LaCroix is owned by National Beverage Corp (FIZZ on Nasdaq) and has maintained its market leadership through its flavor portfolio (over 25 flavors including Pamplemousse, Peach-Pear, Coconut, Passionfruit, and seasonal varieties) and its strong retail presence across grocery and club stores. LaCroix's ingredient list is minimal: carbonated water, natural flavor. Flavor intensity is notably subtle — LaCroix's flavor profile is light, which some consumers love (it tastes "water-adjacent") and others find underwhelming.
Bubly is a newer entrant: launched by PepsiCo in 2018 as a direct competitive response to LaCroix's growth. PepsiCo's scale and distribution muscle quickly made Bubly one of the top sparkling water brands in the country. Bubly differentiates through branding (its cans feature tab messages in a similar playful-social-media-friendly style), a broader flavor portfolio (over 15 flavors plus seasonal varieties), and slightly bolder flavor intensity than LaCroix. In 2021, Bubly introduced Bubly Burst (lightly sweetened sparkling water) and has experimented with caffeinated and energy versions. PepsiCo's distribution network ensures Bubly is available wherever PepsiCo products are sold, including restaurants and smaller retail locations.
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Head-to-head taste comparisons consistently show consumer preference variance by flavor: LaCroix's Pamplemousse (grapefruit) and Passionfruit are fan favorites with distinctive flavor identities; Bubly's Mango and Lime are frequently ranked as bolder and more approachable. Blind taste tests often show no consistent winner — both are subtly flavored carbonated waters that rely on fizz level and flavor nuance. Prices are similar: typically $5-7 for a 12-pack in most grocery stores, though Costco and Sam's Club pricing can be significantly lower for both brands.
The summary: LaCroix is the category-creating brand with the strongest loyal following and widest flavor portfolio; Bubly is the PepsiCo-backed challenger with broader distribution, slightly bolder flavors, and marketing muscle. Neither is objectively superior — the choice is primarily flavor preference and where you shop. Many consumers buy both, rotating by flavor.
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