Bubly Sparkling Water Fans: This Is the Worst Flavor
Battle of the Bubly
It very much feels like we all went to sleep one night, and when we woke up, every grocery store was stocked with Bubly sparkling water. The brand really came out of nowhere. Complete with commercials that feature Michael Bublé, Bubly is everywhere. I’ve yet to find a variety pack, so don’t worry, no need to spend money on the bad flavors. Instead, here are eight popular Bubly flavors, ranked from best to worst to answer your burning question: "Is Bubly good?"
Editor’s Note: This story was updated in April 2024. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Best: Blackberry
$4.39 for an eight-pack from Target
Here’s the deal. Overall, I am happy to report, Bubly does a pretty excellent job. So excellent, in fact, that it was pretty difficult to finalize this Bubly flavor ranking. Almost across the board, these seltzers have the exact right amount of flavoring and a ton of lovely carbonation. Something about the blackberry Bubly hits just right and gives it the slightest edge over the rest. Terrific showing, Bubly. Consider me officially brand-loyal.
2. Raspberry
$4.39 for an eight-pack from Target
This really doesn’t taste much different than blackberry; there’s a dash more red fruit flavor in there, but it’s subtle. I’m a big fan. Raspberry is highly crushable, too; I’ve been known to go for two cans back to back. This is definitely one of the best Bubly flavors.
3. Grapefruit
$4.39 for an eight-pack from Target
It’s rare when grapefruit-flavored drinks don’t land in the upper-tier slots for me. I may, in fact, love grapefruit flavor more than I love an actual grapefruit. Either way, third place for Grapefruit Bubly is nothing to scoff at here. This was insanely close.
4. Cherry
$4.39 for an eight-pack from Target
I was a little worried this would taste somewhat Robitussin-ish, but the Bubly folks, craftsmen that they are, avoided that. No cough syrup reminders over here — this is almost more like a black cherry flavor.
For more great taste tests, please sign up for our free newsletters.
5. Lime
$4.39 from Target
This is by far the most full-bodied (can we start using wine words for sparkling water?) lime seltzer I’ve had. There’s quite a bit of flavor in here, and while I like it, the other flavors seem to shine a little bit brighter. Lime Bubly makes for a terrific gin mixer.
6. Strawberry
$4.39 for an eight-pack from Target
Refreshing! Delicate! Fruity! Though every flavor’s ceiling begins to lower as it gets warmer, Strawberry Bubly might fall victim the most easily, which lands it down here in fifth place.
7. Mango Passion Fruit (Bubly Bounce)
$4.29 for an eight-pack from Target
Currently unavailable online
While this isn’t a bad drink, I think Bubly has sort of taken its eye off the ball here. The delightful thing about the abovementioned flavors is that they taste natural, like somebody took the essence of a lime or a grapefruit and mixed it with some bubbles. At this point, we’re drinking a carbonated mango drink that’s swirled with passion fruit and laced with 35mg of caffeine. Let’s maybe pump the breaks a bit and reconsider our goals.
8. Mango
$4.39 for an eight-pack from Target
Too much mango. That’s really the only culprit here. Mango is like black paint; a little bit goes a long way. If Bubly went with a full 33% less mango flavor on the next batch, I wouldn’t complain.
Other Bubly Flavors To Try
While I was able to get my hands on the most popular flavors, there are a more Bubly flavors out there that I have yet to try. Here are some additional cans to sip on the next time you're in the mood for sparkling water:
Peach
Mango Passion Fruit
Orange
Coconut Pineapple
Watermelon
Blueberry Pomegranate
Blood Orange Grapefruit
Triple Berry
Citrus Cherry
This article was originally published on Cheapism
