12 Flavored Waters That Tried to Replace Soda

As more people started watching their sugar intake, flavored waters began popping up as the healthier alternative to soda. Many of these drinks promised the fizz, flavor, and satisfaction of soda without the guilt. Some came close to delivering on that promise, while others fell flat in taste or popularity. Whether sparkling, still, sweetened, or not, each one had its moment in the spotlight as the next big soda substitute.

1. LaCroix

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LaCroix became a household name almost overnight, thanks to its colorful cans and subtle fruit flavors. It offered carbonation without any sugar or sweeteners, making it feel light and refreshing. While some praised its natural taste, others joked it tasted like “fruit whispered over water.” Still, it became a favorite for soda quitters.

2. Vitaminwater

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Originally marketed as a health drink, Vitaminwater offered bold flavors with added vitamins. While it wasn’t carbonated, its sweet taste made it feel closer to soda than plain water. Some varieties did contain sugar, which made health claims questionable. Still, it positioned itself as a better choice for energy and hydration. Many grabbed it over a can of cola during the early 2000s.

3. Hint Water

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Hint Water took a minimalist approach, offering still water with just a touch of fruit essence. It had zero sugar, zero calories, and no artificial ingredients. Some loved its clean, barely-there flavor, while others found it too subtle. The brand leaned into a premium, wellness-forward image. It was more spa day than soda, but it found its loyal audience.

4. Sparkling Ice

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Sparkling Ice delivered a sweeter, more vibrant flavor profile than most of its competition. With bold colors and fruity fizz, it looked and felt more like soda. Despite being zero-calorie, it used artificial sweeteners to boost flavor. It became popular among those looking for taste without the sugar crash. The range of tropical and classic flavors kept it exciting.

5. bubly

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Backed by PepsiCo, bubly entered the scene with a playful brand and bright packaging. It offered sparkling water with zero calories and no sweeteners, focusing on natural flavor. The personality-packed cans featured cheeky messages that made them fun to open. Its flavor strength sat between LaCroix and more intense brands. For many, it was a gentle transition away from soda.

6. Perrier Flavored Sparkling Water

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Perrier added flavors to its classic sparkling water, bringing elegance to the flavored water market. Known for its fine bubbles and glass bottle, it appealed to those with more refined tastes. The added citrus and berry options brought new life to the brand. It lacked sweetness but had a crisp, refreshing feel. It served as a grown-up soda alternative.

7. AHA Sparkling Water

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Coca-Cola launched AHA to keep up with the booming flavored water trend. The brand experimented with unique flavor combos like blueberry-pomegranate and lime-watermelon. Its bolder taste made it stand out among other unsweetened options. AHA’s sleek design and caffeine-infused options added extra appeal. It was clearly crafted with soda drinkers in mind.

8. Sobe Lifewater

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Sobe Lifewater mixed vitamins, sweeteners, and exotic flavors into an eye-catching package. While it claimed to be a better-for-you drink, it was often quite sweet. Some varieties were zero-calorie, while others had sugar or stevia. It landed somewhere between soda and water, offering a compromise. Its colorful bottles made it a popular grab-and-go option for years.

9. Nestlé Pure Life Splash

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This flavored water offered mild sweetness and came in kid-friendly flavors. It was lightly flavored and sweetened, meant to ease families away from sugary drinks. The still water base gave it a smoother mouthfeel than soda. For those seeking just a hint of flavor, it worked well. However, it never gained a massive fan base like other brands.

10. Poland Spring Sparkling

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Known for its bottled spring water, Poland Spring added fizz and flavor to enter the soda alternative market. The flavors were mild but refreshing, staying close to a natural taste. It kept ingredients simple and avoided artificial additives. The brand built trust on its clean water reputation. It was a familiar name for those making the switch.

11. Dasani Flavors

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Dasani introduced a line of flavored waters to appeal to the health-conscious crowd. They featured light fruit notes without overwhelming sweetness. Available in both still and sparkling versions, the brand kept things flexible. Some found the flavors too light compared to soda, while others appreciated the simplicity. It provided a gentle introduction to flavored water.

12. Clearly Canadian

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This ’90s classic made a comeback with its unique glass bottle and fruit-forward flavors. It walked the line between soda and sparkling water with a slightly sweet, crisp profile. Fans loved the nostalgic feel and balanced taste. While not as health-focused as newer brands, it offered a satisfying alternative to sugary sodas. Its return proved there was still love for old-school flavored water.

• Tags:
• soda replacement
• flavored water
• flavored drinks
• fizzy drinks