Sparkling water seems to be having its moment in the spotlight. New brands and flavors are springing up on a daily basis, as an increasing number of companies try to capitalize on the fact that so many consumers want a beverage option that’s not as boring as plain water but not as unhealthy (or chemical-laden) as soda and other alternatives.
Newcomers to the sparkling water space face a formidable obstacle in the form of a brand that has established itself as a strong leader in the industry. LaCroix Sparkling Water is carbonated magic, at least according to its legions of loyal fans.
LaCroix boasts that the water is “naturally essenced”—the phrase appears at the top of every can. While they don’t clarify exactly what that means, many assume it translates to few artificial ingredients, and the subtle flavor you often find in drinks without a long list of added chemicals. The company notes that its water is “free of sugars, calories, sodium, and artificial ingredients.”
The brand generates strong feelings on both sides—for every hardcore devotee, there’s a critic who turns their nose up at the mere mention of the name. But among those who love LaCroix, a big draw is the wide range of interesting and unusual flavors, along with some core tried-and-true staples.
We’ve ranked all of the LaCroix flavors, from worst to best.
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Best LaCroix Flavors
Pure
LaCroix Pure
The problem with Pure isn’t that the flavor is bad—it’s that there is literally no flavor at all. This is just unaltered 100% water (hence the name). And while we’re big proponents of staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water in all its various forms, you have plenty of other, more affordable options for plain water.
Related: The Difference Between Seltzer, Club Soda, Tonic Water and Sparkling Water
Coconut
LaCroix Coconut
Granted, we know that coconut is one of those flavors that people tend to have strong feelings about. But even some reviewers who normally love coconut said they just didn’t like the taste of this LaCroix Coconut variety. One commenter noted that it tastes like sunscreen.
Passionfruit
LaCroix Passionfruit
This Passionfruit variety has a strong aroma and a not-very-subtle flavor that often prompts criticism mentioning an artificial/chemical taste or something that conjures up images of soap or overly sweet candy.
Apricot
LaCroix Apricot
A common complaint about “natural” flavored waters is that the taste is so subtle it can almost seem nonexistent. That’s not a problem with this Apricot variety. Just the opposite—many online commenters said the flavor is so strong it’s overwhelming. If you’re a huge fan of apricot this might not bother you so much, but it might be too much for those who don’t enjoy extreme levels of apricot.
Coffea Exotica
LaCroix Coffea Exotica
The Coffea Exotica flavor—part of LaCroix’s NiCola group—is a bit of an odd duck. It blends coffee and cola flavors, but without any of the caffeine you usually find with both. It definitely won’t appeal to everyone, especially given its lack of caffeine, but the unique flavor is worth trying if you like coffee and/or soda.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About the Connection Between Coffee and Weight Loss
Beach Plum
LaCroix Beach Plum
The name of this variety will probably get your attention—Beach Plum sounds like the perfect drink to enjoy by the water on a warm summer day. Alas, the taste doesn’t quite deliver on the name’s promise. Plum is one of those flavors that can easily become overpowering, and this plum component is on the strong side—especially in the aftertaste—so would probably most appeal to those who really love that robust fruit.
Limoncello
LaCroix Limoncello
A common complaint about the Limoncello flavor is that it is much too sweet, while the word “chemical” is also frequently mentioned. Still, a few commenters noted that it is more tolerable when mixed with vodka or incorporated into some other type of mixed drink.
Coconut Cola
LaCroix Coconut Cola
Part of the NiCola line, Coconut Cola is exactly what you would imagine: a blend of coconut and cola flavorings. The flavors are slight, which you may see as a good thing if you’re not a huge fan of overpowering tastes. But if you are really into coconut and/or cola, you might find this a bit too bland.
Hi-Biscus!
LaCroix Hi-Biscus!
If the name of this Hi-Biscus! variety makes you envision a leisure stroll in a fragrant garden, you’re on the right track. Many commenters weren’t fans of the floral scent/flavor—and yet that distinctive flavor is precisely what some fans love about it, with one online commenter noting it has the soothing familiarity of their beloved Hibiscus tea.
Pastéque
LaCroix Pasteque
Pastéque is the French word for watermelon, which gives you a clue about the flavor of this variety. However, it makes a misstep that’s common with watermelon-flavored foods, veering too far towards an artificial, candy-like flavor as opposed to tasting like an actual watermelon. But if you like watermelon candy, you’ll probably want to try this one.
Melón Pomelo (Melon Grapefruit)
LaCroix Melón Pomelo
LaCroix says the waters in their Cúrate varieties have stronger, bolder taste profiles and unique flavor combinations. The Melón Pomelo variety combines the flavors of cantaloupe and pink grapefruit. The melon component seems to be the more dominant element, which those who aren’t fans of strong citrus flavors will like.
Key Lime
LaCroix Key Lime
Some online commenters compared the taste of the Key Lime variety to soap or cleaner—and yet many others named this as their favorite of all the LaCroix flavors. Obviously, if you enjoy key lime pie you are probably more likely to find this flavor appealing.
La Cola
LaCroix LaCola
La Cola is the core offering from LaCroix’s NiCola line, which features four cola-related flavors available on a limited, regional basis. It is water flavored with “cola essence,” which means it gives a hint of cola flavor without all the added chemicals and sweeteners. People have strong feelings about this flavor. Many find it too subtle—and also don’t like the lack of a sugar rush you get from a regular soda. Others like that it gives you just enough flavor to make you feel like you’re enjoying a soft drink, but without all the guilt.
Muré Pepino (Blackberry Cucumber)
LaCroix Muré Pepino
Muré Pepino certainly lives up to the Cúrate theme of “unique flavor combinations,” as it’s likely you’ve never tried a blackberry-cucumber combination before. You will probably be skeptical, but it might be worth trying at least once, because some online commenters say the taste is a refreshing surprise.
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Related: Is Sparkling Water Good for You? Here’s What Experts Want You to Know
Cubana
LaCroix Cubana
Another offering from the NiCola line, the Cubana flavor features mint and lime and is intended to replicate the flavor of a mojito (without the alcohol, of course), so if that’s one of your favorite cocktails, you’ll probably like this fresh, tart flavor.
Cherry Blossom
LaCroix Cherry Blossom
Some online commenters noted this Cherry Blossom variety tastes vaguely like chocolate—kind of like a stale Tootsie Roll—and while you would think chocolate references are always a good sign, it somehow just doesn’t work for sparkling water. Meanwhile, other reviewers felt the flavor veered more toward cough medicine territory.
Lime
LaCroix Lime
Its broader appeal gives this version of Lime a slight edge over the Key Lime variety. And while this is perfectly enjoyable and adequately refreshing—and unlike some flavors, actually tastes like its natural form—it doesn’t stand out from the crowd and is too similar to other lime beverages you can get from a number of brands.
Lemon
LaCroix Lemon
It seems fitting that the Lemon flavor is in the middle of our list because you might say the flavor sticks with a safe “middle ground” approach. Just a bit tart, but not to the point where it’s overwhelming. And while many people find this flavor enjoyable, few people would single it out as their first choice, when LaCroix offers so many other more exciting options.
Guava Sao Paulo
LaCroix Guava Sao Paulo
While many people like the taste of Guava Sao Paulo, some felt it left them wanting more. The flavor is subtle and kicking it up a notch would help boost this variety higher up in the rankings.
Pomme Bayá (Apple Cranberry)
LaCroix Pomme Bayá
Considering the main ingredients, it is no surprise that this Pomme Bayá variety has a tart, naturally sweet flavor. That might be too much for some but will be perfectly tangy enough for others.
Pina Fraise (Strawberry Pineapple)
LaCroix Piña Fraise
The Pina Fraise variety seems designed to conjure up visions of a tropical getaway. One online commenter noted that the taste is very similar to strawberry PEZ candies. You can decide for yourself if that’s a pro or a con.
Peach-Pear
LaCroix Peach Pear
Combing two delicious popular fruits would seem to be surefire winning formula, but this Peach-Pear variety doesn’t quite hit a home run. Some commenters suggested the ratio of this blend should be tweaked, with the peach component toned down so as to let the pear flavor have more of the spotlight—while others had the opposite complaint and felt the peach wasn’t dominant enough.
Cerise Limón (Cherry Lime)
LaCroix Cerise Limón
Online commenters who gave the Cerise Limón variety positive reviews praised it as a refreshing, effervescent treat that might remind you of your favorite cocktail (without the alcohol). Like many of the Cúrate varieties, it can be tough to find—and may be pricier than more common LaCroix flavors.
Mango
LaCroix Mango
There’s just a hint of flavor in this Mango variety—and it turns out, that’s the perfect amount. It’s tasty without being too much.
Kiwi Sandía (Kiwi Watermelon)
LaCroix Kiwi Sandía
Fans of the Kiwi Sandía variety say it is light and sweet—a great option if you are looking for a refreshing thirst quencher that doesn’t have a bunch of artificial ingredients.
Berry
LaCroix Berry
This flavor is a bit of a mystery—the Berry name isn’t exactly super specific—but whatever it is, it seems to be a hit with many LaCroix connoisseurs. While many like the hearty fruit taste, the appreciation isn’t fully universal, as some commenters noted a harsh aftertaste.
Razz-Cranberry
LaCroix Razz-Cranberry
The flavor of this Razz-Cranberry variety is tart without being too much. It has just enough of a kick to let you know it doesn’t skimp on the cranberry content. While it’s a refreshing delight all on its own, it would also be great in mixed drinks or mocktails.
Orange
LaCroix Orange
If you’re craving a refreshing burst of citrus, you will probably love this Orange variety. The flavor is on the strong side compared to some of the subtler varieties—and some commenters noted an aftertaste—but if you love oranges, this is one you should try.
Pamplemousse (Grapefruit)
LaCroix Pamplemousse
Many fans feel this Pamplemousse variety achieves that often-elusive “Goldilocks” balance—not too strong and not too subtle, but just right. This flavor has earned legions of passionately devoted fans, with good reason.
Black Razzberry
LaCroix Black Razzberry
The flavor of this Black Razzberry variety definitely isn’t delicate, so this is one for those who like drinks with strong personalities. It features a unique blend of bold flavors, which gives a distinctive taste you won’t find anywhere else.
Tangerine
LaCroix Tangerine
Many online commenters rave about the fresh, sweet citrus goodness of this Tangerine variety, which tastes like it was made from fruit canned immediately after being plucked from a tree. One downside: it has developed such a cult following that it can be hard to find—so if you spot it in the store, we recommend stocking up.
Next up, check out these 8 water filters that will purify your water and make it taste great.
