Ever since 2015, La Croix has exploded onto the beverage scene. In just a few years, the sparkling water has been elevated from a relatively unknown and ugly can on the supermarket shelf to the “Drink of the Millennials” thanks to its health-conscious nature and clever marketing (in that it basically does no marketing). Until recently, the Wisconsin-made drink was one of the fastest growing companies in the beverage industry.
Part of the sparkling water’s success comes down to the fact that La Croix is completely free from sugar, calories and preservatives. It’s also mild on the taste buds. Yet, the overtly colorful cans seem like they were designed for Instagram and other photo-based social media platforms. Thanks to the collision of color, taste and healthfulness, this pragmatic Midwestern beverage with a hint of European charm has quickly become the “it” drink.
But with 21 flavors, it can be hard to decide which La Croix to buy. That’s where this list comes in. Below we’ve ranked 11 of the most popular flavors from worst to best. It might be controversial, so you might just have to try them all for yourself.
11. Pure
WORST OVERALL
Here’s the thing. Drinking LaCroix is all about the flavors, so cracking open a can of the Pure flavor is extraordinarily disappointing. It doesn’t taste of anything, because it’s simply sparkling water. Furthermore, if plain sparkling water is what you’re after, you’re better off purchasing a cheaper version for pure functionality.
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10. Berry
MOST CONFUSED
This might be a controversial ranking, but the berry flavor just doesn’t taste right. It has a weird, artificial flavor that just leaves a bad feeling in its wake. And the fact that it simply won’t commit to one berry is problematic. Is it strawberry? Is it raspberry? Is it blackberry? The world may never know!
9. Coconut
MOST POLARIZING
Just about every article ever written about LaCroix flavors calls the coconut flavor “polarizing.” That’s because this is a flavor you either love or hate. Some people think it tastes like a tropical vacation, while others say it’s akin to drinking sunscreen. From our research, it seems that more people fall into the latter category. Thus, it falls to number 9 on our list.
8. Peach Pear
BEST SPRING FLAVOR
As previously mentioned, LaCroix should really stop making cross over flavors (unless they’re of the Cúrate variety — see below). In the Peach Pear flavor, the pear simply never shows up and the peach leaves a bit of a funky aftertaste. Other than that, this flavor is pleasant if not outstanding.
7. Cran-Raspberry
BEST LATE SUMMER FLAVOR
Again, a mix of two different flavors almost doesn’t work in the Cran-Raspberry flavor. However, cranberries and raspberries both share a tartness that compliments sparkling water well, so this flavor sits distinctly in the middle of our list of the best LaCroix flavors. This version of the popular drink matches a late summer mood when you’re looking for just one more day of sun before settling into cozy sweater season.
6. Orange
MOST FAMILIAR
If you really like orange soda, La Croix Orange will clearly be your favorite. It’s kind of like drinking the healthier, more grown-up version of Fanta, yet it won’t kill your waistline. The tangy orange also makes a great mixer for vodka-based drinks.
5. Blackberry Cucumber
MOST INNOVATIVE
This is the first Cúrate flavor on our list. These special flavors are inspired by French and Spanish culinary traditions and tend to have a much stronger profile than the original La Croix. For that reason, Cúrate flavors tend to be popular among fans. Rather than making a purely cucumber LaCroix, which we think would be extremely refreshing, the beverage company decided to ease fans into the idea by adding the more familiar blackberry element. Together, this is definitely a winning combination.
4. Pineapple Strawberry
BEST POOLSIDE FLAVOR
With a slight advantage over the Blackberry Cucumber flavor, La Croix Cúrate Pineapple Strawberry seems to be a fan favorite. After all, these are two flavors everyone likes independently. Put them together, and you’ve got a beverage to keep you happy all summer long.
3. Passion Fruit
HARDEST TO FIND
Thanks to its popularity, it’s relatively hard to find the Passion Fruit flavor on store shelves. However, you can usually order it online. This exotic fruit flavored sparkling water is sure to take you back to the week you spent lounging around the Caribbean. Mix it with Malibu for a fun, summery drink or simply sip on it all winter long to remember that the sun does actually exist.
2. Lime
BEST MIXER
Lime and soda go together like peanut butter and jelly. So, it’s no surprise that La Croix Lime just works. It’s perfectly citrusy and delightful on the senses. And, as an added bonus, the lime flavor mixes well with a wide range of alcohols.
1. Pamplemousse Pink Grapefruit
BEST OVERALL
And everyone’s #1 favorite is…Pamplemousse!
If you studied French in high school, you already know that Pamplemousse is the French word for grapefruit and that it sounds a lot more romantic than grapefruit. Regardless of which name you prefer, it’s hard to deny that La Croix Pamplemousse Pink Grapefruit is anything short of extraordinary. This drink doesn’t go over the top with bitterness, striking just the right blend of citrus and sparkle, and making it our number one La Croix flavor.
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