Why I Embarked on a Quest to Find the Ultimate Sparkling Water
The popping and crackling of a freshly opened bottle of sparkling water brings me pure joy. As soon as I hear those effervescent bubbles, I’m immediately transported to sitting on a dock by the lake, toes in the water, with not a care in the world. Sparkling water just has a way of making every day feel a bit more special.
I’ve been a sparkling water enthusiast for as long as I can remember—I even begged my mom to buy me cases of LaCroix when I first discovered it back in middle school. Since then, I’ve tried just about every brand and flavor imaginable in my pursuit of the perfect sparkling water. While I enjoy everything from fruity Hint to the crispness of Perrier, I had yet to discover my absolute favorite sparkling water that I could drink all day, every day.
So I embarked on a mission: I set out to sample every single sparkling water I could get my hands on and keep a detailed flavor profile of each to determine once and for all which one truly deserves the coveted title of “best sparkling water.” And that’s how I ended up falling in love with Good & Gather Sparkling Water.
Keep reading to learn all about my sparkling water tasting adventure and why Good And Gather came out on top!
An Overview of Good & Gather Sparkling Water
For those not familiar with the brand, Good & Gather is Target’s incredible line of grocery products made without artificial flavors and sweeteners. The Good & Gather Sparkling Water comes in sleek, colorful cans in a variety of enticing flavors like Peach, Cucumber Lime, and Strawberry Lemonade.
I was immediately drawn to the fun, eye-catching packaging of Good & Gather Sparkling Water every time I perused the sparkling water section at Target. The branding just screams summertime refreshment. Finally, my curiosity got the better of me and I had to buy one of each flavor to taste for myself. Little did I know this would spark a new sparkling water obsession!
One of the things that makes Good & Gather stand out is that it’s calorie-free and sodium-free. With no artificial sweeteners or preservatives, it’s sparkling water in its purest form. The ingredients are simply carbonated water and natural flavors – nothing more. This minimal approach really lets the flavors shine.
Good & Gather Sparkling Water is also very affordable at only $4.99 for an eight pack. This makes it a budget-friendly choice when searching for a delicious flavored sparkling water.
My Methodology for The Ultimate Taste Test
Now let’s get into the good stuff: how I hosted the ultimate sparkling water sampling to determine if Good & Gather really stands up to its competition!
I picked up a variety pack of Good & Gather along with several other leading brands of sparkling water. I chose flavors that were available across most of the brands, like lemon, lime, grapefruit, etc. This would allow me to properly compare the flavors.
Once I had my sparkling water arsenal assembled, I recruited some friends and family to ensure I had diverse palates sampling each drink. I set up a blind taste test by pouring each brand of sparkling water into identical glasses labeled only with numbers. I had each taster sample from each glass and record their notes on flavor, carbonation, and overall enjoyment.
We tasted through each sparkling water one by one, cleansing our palates in between with plain crackers and water. For scoring, I had my testers rate each on a scale of 1 to 10. I compiled their ratings and noted any common feedback about specific flavors.
How Good & Gather Compares to Other Popular Brands
Now for the head-to-head comparisons! Here’s a quick rundown of how Good & Gather scored against several popular sparkling water competitors:
LaCroix: LaCroix has long been the OG sparkling water. With familiar flavors like grapefruit, lemon, and lime, it’s a solid classic choice. In my taste test, LaCroix received average scores around 7/10. Tasters enjoyed the carbonation and subtle fruit essence. However, some found LaCroix less flavorful than other options.
Bubly: PepsiCo’s entry into the sparkling water space, Bubly, offers fun, fruity flavors like mango, cherry, and strawberry. It was moderately well-liked by my testers, earning average ratings around 6 or 7/10. They appreciated the bold, saturated flavors but some thought it had an artificial aftertaste.
Hint: Hint differentiates itself with juice-infused sparkling waters like pineapple, blueberry, and blood orange. Reviewers gave Hint an 8/10 on average. They raved about the fresh fruit taste but some thought the flavors were slightly too intense.
Spindrift: This brand uses just sparkling water and real squeezed fruit – no natural flavors. Grapefruit, lemon, and cucumber are popular choices. Spindrift scored around 7.5/10 in my testing. Tasters loved the extremely natural, nuanced flavors but weren’t fans of the light pulp.
Good & Gather: And the winner of the taste test with an average rating of 9/10 was Good & Gather! My team of tasters consistently ranked Good & Gather among the top sparkling waters across all factors – deliciousness of flavors, balance, and carbonation.
What Makes Good & Gather My Top Choice for Sparkling Water
After tallying the ratings and reviews from my thorough sparkling water taste test, there was no question that Good & Gather came out on top as my new go-to brand. Here’s why it earned the winning spot:
The Flavors Pop: Good & Gather has an incredible variety of flavors including Peach, Coconut Pineapple, Strawberry Lemonade, and more. These flavors perfectly encapsulate the essence of each fruit, like juicy fuzzy peaches or tart strawberry lemonade on a hot day. The flavors taste natural yet satisfyingly sweet and vibrant.
Perfect Carbonation: None of my testers experienced any issues with the carbonation level in Good & Gather. It has just the right amount of bubbly fizziness without being aggressive on your tongue. Each thirst-quenching sip ends in the perfect amount of effervescence.
No Artificial Aftertaste: A common complaint with some other mainstream sparkling water brands is an unpleasant artificial sweetener aftertaste. Good & Gather avoids this issue by skipping artificial sweeteners and flavors altogether. The pure flavors leave your palate feeling clean and refreshed.
Very Refreshing: When I sip on Good & Gather sparkling water, it feels like an instant energy boost. The lively carbonation and zesty flavors are incredibly refreshing and rejuvenating. It’s the perfect beverage for cooling off on hot summer days.
Budget-Friendly: At just $4.99 for an eight pack, Good & Gather is very wallet-friendly. Other competitors sometimes charge $5 or more for a four pack. With Good & Gather, I can afford to stock up on a variety of flavors to always have on hand.
Convenient Packaging: The slim, colorful canned packaging fits easily into lunchboxes, purses, and market totes without weighing you down. Unlike glass bottles, the cans are shatterproof and ideal for on-the-go sipping.
For all these reasons and more, Good & Gather Sparkling Water has secured the top spot in sparkling waters for me. I simply can’t get enough of the mouthwatering flavors that liven up my day without artificial additives. It’s my go-to treat to enjoy anytime I need a little pick-me-up refreshment.
Putting Good & Gather to The Test in Refreshing Mocktail Recipes
My newfound obsession with Good & Gather Sparkling Water got me thinking of all the ways I could incorporate it into fun drink recipes. I decided to test out mixing up a few bubbly mocktail recipes using different flavors of Good & Gather as the base. These would be the perfect non-alcoholic drinks to liven up everything from patio parties to weeknight dinners!
First, I concocted an elegant and effervescent Honeydew Mint Mocktail using Good & Gather’s Honeydew flavor. I added freshly minced mint, a touch of lime, and a drizzle of honey simple syrup to round out the melon notes. The sweet honeydew blended beautifully with the minty oasis I had created. It was like sipping on summer in a glass!
Next, I decided to highlight the Coconut Pineapple flavor in a Tropical Faux-Jito Mocktail. I muddled some fresh lime and mint leaves with Good & Gather Coconut Pineapple and poured it over ice. Topping it off with a splash of pineapple juice and some toasted coconut gave it the most vibrant, island-inspired flavors. The lime and mint paired perfectly with the coconut and pineapple for a fruity mocktail that whisked me straight to the tropics.
Finally, I created a fun and flirty “Rosé” Spritzer Mocktail using the Strawberry Lemonade Good & Gather. I mixed it with a few ounces of cranberry juice, fresh strawberries, and a splash of lemonade. For a gorgeous ombré effect, I carefully poured the blush-colored cranberry juice over the translucent sparkling water. This mimicked the effect of a real rosé wine spritzer! It was wonderfully fizzy and fruity, ideal for picnic lunches and baby showers.
I was thoroughly impressed with how each unique flavor of Good & Gather Sparkling Water lent itself to crafting these refreshing mocktails. They perfectly captured the essence of each recipe I was aiming for. I can’t wait to continue dreaming up new flavor combinations and drink recipes featuring my new favorite sparkling water brand!
Savoring Good & Gather By Itself for Pure Refreshment
While I loved using Good & Gather as a base for mocktails, I quickly realized that it also shines beautifully all on its own. Its pure, crisp flavor doesn’t need anything added or taken away.
I’ve been drinking at least one chilled can or bottle of Good & Gather Sparkling Water every day lately. It’s become part of my daily ritual and a treat I look forward to. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy each tasty flavor:
- Coconut Pineapple – This transports me to the tropics with its blend of creamy coconut and zesty pineapple. I love sipping it slowly, ideally with my toes in the sand.
- Black Raspberry – The rich sweetness of juicy black raspberry quenches my thirst and satisfies my sweet tooth. It’s especially delicious chilled on a hot day.
- Grapefruit Grove – This is my go-to morning flavor because the bright, tart grapefruit is so uplifting and energizing first thing. It really wakes up my senses.
- Peach – Each sip of this feels like biting into a ripe, fuzzy peach on a summer picnic. It’s sweet and nostalgic. I adore sipping it outside to fully immerse myself in the peach orchard essence.
- Strawberry Lemonade – This is my special treat for relaxing evenings when I want to feel pampered. It’s sweet and tart, reminding me of leisurely front porch swings at sunset.
I encourage everyone to pick up a variety pack of Good & Gather and sample all the flavors to find your favorites. There’s really no wrong way to enjoy this effervescent elixir.
Satisfying Sparkling Water Cravings Any Time and Place
One of the best things about Good & Gather Sparkling Water is that I can enjoy it at home or on the go. It satisfies my fizzy water fix whenever and wherever I get a craving.
At home, I always make sure my fridge is stocked with chilled cans and bottles ready to grab. The slim cans are so easy to stash wherever you need them – in the car cupholder, workout bag, picnic basket, you name it.
I also appreciate that Good & Gather comes in both cans and bottles so I can choose the most convenient packaging for each situation. The bottles are ideal for keeping on my nightstand or desk for frequent sipping. And the cans are perfectly portable and packable.
I’ve even started stashing cans in secret mini “fridges” (aka coolers with ice packs) in places like my car, my office desk drawer, and my nightstand for emergency sparkling water needs! I love knowing I have effervescent refreshment within arm’s reach no matter where the day takes me.
Having this abundance of options for enjoying Good & Gather makes it effortless to integrate the perfect amount of bubbly joy into every moment.
Becoming a True Sparkling Water Aficionado
My deep dive into sampling all the leading sparkling water brands has essentially turned me into a sparkling water sommelier! I feel like I could teach a master class at this point on the nuances between brands.
Here are just a few of the interesting things I’ve picked up during my sparkling water tasting adventures:
- Pay attention to the level of carbonation – some brands like Perrier have more aggressive bubbles than milder varieties like LaCroix. Figure out your personal preference!
- Citrus flavors like lemon, lime, and grapefruit tend to have more tart, acidic notes while berries and tropical fruits taste sweeter and juicier. Pick flavors based on your palette!
- Higher sodium content enhances flavor but isn’t ideal for low-sodium diets. Check sodium levels if limiting salt intake.
- Glass bottles keep carbonation longer but cans are more convenient and portable if drinking on-the-go. Choose your vessel!
- Flavor essences tend to be less artificial tasting than natural flavors. Check the label for which is used.
By paying attention to all the nuances that set each brand of sparkling water apart, you can figure out which ones align best with your preferences. It’s worth tasting a wide variety to determine your fizz factor!
Satisfying My Thirst in an Eco-Friendly Way
In the past, I’ll admit my sparkling water addiction hasn’t always been the best for the environment. Between all those plastic bottles and aluminum cans, my recycling bin was overflowing on a regular basis.
That’s why I was thrilled to discover that the Good & Gather Sparkling Water bottles and cans are recyclable! Finally I could quench my thirst and reduce waste at the same time.
The packaging is also free of potentially harmful BPAs, making it a safe and eco-friendly choice. This allows me to stock up on cases of Good & Gather without guilt.
Here are some other tips I’ve implemented for making my fizzy water habit more sustainable:
- Recycle: Always toss cans/bottles in the proper recycling bin after use.
- Reuse: Save and wash out any cute bottles or cans for storage or decoration crafts.
- Avoid variety packs: Buying single flavors reduces packaging waste since I finish each quicker.
- Buy in bulk: Purchasing cases or multi-packs reduces the impact per can/bottle.
- Chill in pitchers: Pouring into reusable pitchers lets me recycle packing right away.
With Good & Gather making it easy to choose sustainable sparkling water, I can bubbly bliss knowing I’m helping the planet one sip at a time!
Why Good & Gather Earns My Highest Recommendation
After all of my extensive sparkling water sampling, countless cans tasted, and flavor notes compiled, I can wholeheartedly declare Good & Gather as my #1 pick. The flavors delight my tastebuds, the fizz factor is perfect, and the price just can’t be beaten.
If you also consider yourself a sparkling water fanatic, do yourself a favor and pick up a pack (or five!) of Good & Gather. I’m positive you’ll get just as obsessed with it as I am. It’s the ideal way to treat yourself whenever you need a little splash of joy!
So next time you see those cheerful rows of Good & Gather Sparkling Water while perusing the grocery aisles, don’t hesitate to grab a few. Let the symphony of bubbly bliss transport you to a happy place. I’ll raise a can to you, my fellow sparkling water lover! Here’s to keeping our thirst delightfully quenched.