Is SPARKLING WATER Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a product fits a vegan lifestyle, we look for hidden animal derivatives in the processing or formulation. For Sparkling Water, the ingredient list is remarkably clean and transparent.

The primary component is Carbonated Water. This is simply water that has been infused with Carbon Dioxide under pressure. The water source is municipal or spring water, and the carbon dioxide is a byproduct of industrial fermentation or captured from natural sources—both entirely plant-friendly.

The second ingredient is Natural Flavors. This is often the most confusing term for consumers. However, in the context of plain or fruit-infused sparkling water, these flavors are almost exclusively derived from plant sources, such as essential oils or extracts from fruits, herbs, and spices. There is no evidence of animal-based fixatives (like castoreum) being used in mass-market sparkling waters due to cost and availability constraints.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Sparkling Water is essentially a zero-calorie beverage. It contains no sugar, no fat, and no protein. It is simply water and gas.

Because it lacks caloric content, it fits easily into strict dietary limits, including Keto, Paleo, and low-carb diets. While some people worry about the acidity of carbonated water affecting bone health or tooth enamel, current research suggests that plain sparkling water is significantly less damaging than sugary sodas or acidic fruit juices. It is a healthy hydration alternative for those looking to avoid sugary drinks.