Water is crucial for life to exist. No matter if you are an athlete, the head of the debate team, or a writer on The Foreword, it is incredibly important to hydrate constantly. However, if you are anything like me, drinking water is not something that you particularly enjoy. Although you should be drinking about half your weight in water to stay healthy, it can be challenging to drink that much of something you do not enjoy. That is why my absolute favorite thing to drink is carbonated water. Carbonated water is water containing dissolved carbon dioxide gas, which is artificially injected under pressure. I have tried almost every type of carbonated water brand out there, and after much consideration, I have narrowed down my top five favorites.

4. LaCroix

LaCroix might be one of the most well-known carbonated water brands. Without being overly sweet, or overpowering with fruity flavors, LaCroix manages to balance health and deliciousness. On top of that, every flavor is gluten-free, vegetarian, and kosher. Despite the subtle taste of the fruit that is incorporated into the drink, it still comes in several flavors that are each extremely tasty. My personal favorite is the peach flavor.

4. Bubly

Bubly is not one of the most delicious carbonated water brands, however, they have by far the cutest packaging. With different-styled cans for every flavor, you get something new with every new pack you get. With 12 flavors varying from grapefruit to raspberry, there is something for every type of seltzer water lover. In addition to the drinks, there are also Bubly drops that you can add to plain carbonated water. Not only is this delicious, but it also helps the environment: purchasing the drops can help minimize single-use plastic pollution.

3. San Pellegrino

San Pellegrinos, best known for their large green bottles that contain carbonated water with no flavor, come in my top three. Founded in the late 19th century, this brand still is a cult classic. Not only is their nonflavored seltzer water delicious, but so are their flavored ones. My personal favorite is the lemon-flavored drink.

2. Izzie

Izzie drinks have by far the best flavors in their drinks. My personal favorite is mango. It balances the delicious bubbly taste with the natural fruity taste. Although the fruity taste is a bit stronger than most, it tastes natural and will keep you reaching for another one. Izzie has great packaging, as well.

1. Spindrift

Coming in the first place, without a doubt, my all-time favorite, are Spindrifts. Although Spindrifts are only (as it says on the bottle) Sparkling Water & Real Squeezed Fruit, the delicious balance of bubbliness and the hint of freshly squeezed fruit pulls the drink together. Ranging from the classics like lemon, lime, and grapefruit, to pink lemonade and cranberry raspberry, every flavor is unique, yet incredibly enjoyable. 

Now that you know the best seltzer drinks that are out there, go out and try them!