If you open most fridges belonging to Team Delish, you'll likely see a smorgasbord of canned sparkling waters (the dream). And while we all have our various brand loyalties, one thing is for sure: Not all sparkling waters are worth swimming in, if you catch our drift.
The reports of popular seltzer brands with high levels of PFAS chemicals have us more than a little concerned over our bubbly water habits. Called "forever chemicals" because they bioaccumulate in the environment and don't break down in the body once consumed, PFAS (which stands for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been linked to fertility and thyroid issues, cancer, and liver damage, and can be found in many common products, like waterproof clothing, non-stick cookware, food packaging, and even floss.
While the first distressing reports surfaced in 2021, it's been infuriatingly sloth-like crawl toward any sort of regulation of PFAS chemicals, whether it be in municipal water sources or the popular sparkling water brands previously reported to have high levels of the chemicals. It was only this past March that the EPA began requiring utility companies to filter out PFAS chemicals, but the limits are still not regulated in sparkling water brands.
Even Mark Ruffalo, our water king (basically the Poseidon of bubbly water), recently lobbied Congress for stricter regulations, telling the New York Times that much of the slow progress comes down to, no surprise, financial gain: “It’s a coziness that the industry has to power," Ruffalo said. "They all game the system in order to make money over people’s health." It's enough to make you want to Hulk smash something, TBH.
And that's not to mention the environmental concerns of our over-flowing recycling bins, what's really hiding in all those "natural" flavorings and metal cans, or how sparkling water companies go about filtering out other unsavory things in their waters. If we are what we eat, we certainly are what we drink. So why not pick the healthiest water for you? Since the sparkling water section is quite literally awash with options, some better-for-you than others, we decided to break down all the brands that are doing things right.
Spindrift
Flavor-wise and chemical-wise, Spindrift gets some of the highest marks, with 0.19 ppt PFAS, or parts per trillion ("safe" PFAS levels are seen as being below 1 ppt). Each can even shows you just how much actual fruit is flavoring your water, ranging from grapefruit and mango to my new favorite, their mocktail-inspired Nojito flavor, which stars mint and lime.
Sound
Along with Mountain Valley Sparkling Water, Sound is one of the only brands that actually reports zero levels of PFAS chemicals in its water. Plus, they save us from seltzer-flavor fatigue with fun offerings like lemon with thyme and white tea and rose with lime and hibiscus tea.
Waterloo
Full disclosure, I am sipping a chilled can of Waterloo's Blackberry Lemonade as I type this! I'm a shameless, diehard fan. And for good reason. Their cans are BPA-free and contain ultra-filtered water that is sourced regionally, so that each can is never sold more than 500 miles away from its original source. Hydrating and eco-conscious? We love to see it.
Mountain Valley
It's rare that a water brand can detect non-detectable levels of PFAS, but Mountain Valley's has done just that. With a commitment to consistently testing and monitoring their water sources, Mountain Valley's sparkling water really walks the walk. Best of all, if you love an ultra-crisp bubble, just crack open a bottle of Mountain Valley. It makes the most satisfying pop of carbonation upon opening and goes down smooth.
Proud Source
Proud Source really earns its name, with a commitment to publishing annual reports on their high water quality and mineral-rich water packaged in infinitely recyclable bottles. Plus. they've somehow managed to create a an aluminum bottle that actively keeps your water cooler longer? We have no notes. Keep doing what you're doing, Proud Source!
Nixie
Unlike many other popular brands, Nixie does something very different by only flavoring with all USDA organic ingredients and no added artificial solvents or preservatives. You can truly taste it, too, with their unique flavors (like peach and black tea and strawberry hibiscus) all made with water filtered with reverse osmosis (which helps to filter out PFAS chemicals).
San Pellegrino
This classic fave makes us feel like a fancy extra in White Lotus. San Pellegrino's sparkling water is solidly in the safe zone when it comes to PFAS levels at .31 ppt ("safe" PFAS levels are seen as being below 1 ppt). If you've yet to try their Essenza cans, don't sleep on them. They come in a three Mediterranean flavors (like dark morello cherry and pomegranate) and really perk up a mocktail.
Aura Bora
The sparkling water-heads that we are, new brands are always making it into our rotation, and Aura Bora is a stand-out. Their sparkling waters are filtered with reverse-osmosis (key to weeding out PFAS chemicals), contain no citric acid (which can often upset stomachs and cause headaches), and are packaged in infinitely-recyclable aluminum cans. Beyond the science, their flavors are just down-right good and include mango chili and tangerine blossom.
DIY Sparkling Water
When in doubt, do it yourself! It will guarantee a glass of low-to-no-PFAS water, especially if you're using charcoal filtered and reverse-osmosis filtered water. Plus, at-home sparkling water makers like Sodastream and the new Ninja Thirsti make a damn fine sparkling water that's up to your own specific standards (like with extra-quadruple bubbles or with a splash of your favorite ready-made or homemade flavoring).
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