Is SPARKLING ICE Good for You? Ingredients & Calories Review
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Sparkling ICE is a carbonated, flavored water that has grown in popularity and flavors over the last several years. We share our opinion on how healthy Sparkling Ice is and outline the ingredients. We’ll also share a few other drink options you’ll fall in love with below!
We started drinking Sparkling Ice about 6 years ago when a family member told us about them. At that time, my mom and I both were drinking about 2 16oz Diet Cokes or Diet Mt. Dew’s a day. It was such a bad habit, and we were pretty dependent on them if I’m being 100% honest.
I tell you this not just to tattle on myself or my mom.
But rather because some of the articles online about Sparkling Ice seem pretty cold and not relatable. I wanted to approach this as a real, 20-something that used to hate plain water but wanted off diet sodas.
What is the best Sparkling Ice Flavor?
Not only did I not get hooked on the carbonated drinks, but I also got my husband hooked on them at the beginning.
His favorite flavor was the Orange Mango. Mine? Coconut Pineapple or Peach Nectarine.
Sparkling Ice Flavors
- Orange Mango
- Peach Nectarine
- Black Cherry
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Grape Raspberry
- Black Raspberry
- Pomegranate Blueberry
- Cherry Limeade
- Strawberry Watermelon
- Kiwi Strawberry
- Pink Grapefruit
- Crisp Apple
- Ginger Lime
- Classic Lemonade
- Lemon Lime
Caffeine+ Flavors
- Triple Citrus
- Cherry Vanilla
- Black Raspberry
- Blue Raspberry
- Orange Passion Fruit
- Strawberry Citrus
Amazon has several variety packs to pick from, and if you are a prime member you get free shipping!
My mom, husband, and I all agree that they have a better flavor than other flavored waters like SoBe and Vitamin Water.
How much does Sparkling Ice cost?
- They are around $1 at our grocery stores.
- They sell them individually or in bundles
- Amazon has been the cheapest for us – you can usually get 12 for $7.75 (view the deal)
Is Sparkling Ice good for keto?
Yes, both Sparkling Ice and Sparkling Ice Caffeine are keto-friendly! They contain zero carbs per serving and are sweetened with artificial sugars versus normal sugar.
You may also like our Keto Guide for Beginners with tips & recipes!
Is Sparkling Ice an alcohol?
No, Sparkling Ice! is not alcoholic; however, they do make Sparkling Ice Spiked hard seltzer. Those spiked varieties are 80 calories, 1 carb and 0 sugars. They contain 4% alcohol made from cane sugar.
Sparkling ICE! Spiked Hard Seltzer Flavors
- Ruby Fizz
- Cherry Lime Chiller
- Strawberry Citrus Smash
- Lemonade Refresher
Using Sparkling ICE to Make Cocktails or Dessert Drinks
You can make KETO Sparkling ICE cocktails and dessert drinks really easily!
Grab our favorite Sparkling ICE Keto Cocktails!
What ingredients are in Sparkling Ice?
Some ingredients may vary depending on flavor, but here’s a look at the ingredients in Black Raspberry.
Carbonated Water, Natural Flavors, Blackberry Juice Concentrate, Malic Acid, Potassium Benzoate (To Ensure Freshness), Sucralose, Green Tea Extract, Red #40, Biotin 1% Trit (Maltodextrin), Niacinamide (B3), D-Calcium Pantothenate (B5), Vitamin B12 (Mannitol), Vitamin D3, Pyridoxine HCI (B6).
The ingredients that raise an eyebrow are typically Sucralose, Maltodextrin, and the food colorings.
What kind of sweetener is in Sparkling Ice?
The sweetener used in Sparkling Ice is sucralose. You may know it by the brandname, Splenda.
Is Sparkling Ice healthy for you?
While Sparkling Ice has 0 calories and 0 sugars in it, it’s sweetened with sucralose. Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that side effects may include bloating, gas and diarrhea. So you’re better off drinking water or a non-sweetened seltzer. (source)
What else do we know about sucralose?
This type of artificial sweetener has been criticized for years. With that said, if you look for a creditable site like the FDA or the Mayo Clinic, you’ll find that they don’t have a problem with artificial sugars in moderation.
The Mayo Clinic reported,
“According to the National Cancer Institute and other health agencies, there’s no sound scientific evidence that any of the artificial sweeteners approved for use in the United States cause cancer or other serious health problems.”
They also went on to say that several studies confirmed that these sweeteners are generally safe in moderation. (Read the full article here)
Mind you, you will find plenty of negative reviews on sucralose online as well. Some believe that the large establishments may be corrupt and paid by big brands using artificial sugars. Bottom line? We can ask our doctors if we’re nervous about it and then decide.
Read More About Natural & Artificial Sugars Here
Now is Sparkling Ice the healthiest choice for you?
Of course not! It’s processed compared to found in nature.
Your healthiest choices are going to be clean foods and beverages like good ol’ plain water, seltzer water with just carbon dioxide added, herbal or unsweet tea, and black coffee.
What should I know about Maltodextrin & food coloring?
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate. Every gram of it is about 4 calories, since Sparkling Ice is 0 calories we can assume the amount is pretty small.
Livestrong’s article goes into detail about the making and effects of Maltodextrin. They also mention that the FDA says it’s safe in moderation and that Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition acknowledge no direct link between maltodextrin consumption and negative health effects.
Food coloring also falls into the mix of being marked safe by the FDA but other organizations say stay away. (Learn more about coloring and dyes here)
Do Sparkling Ice drinks have caffeine?
None of the original flavors contain caffeine. They do have a Tea Line and a “Caffeine Plus” line that will though.
Do Sparkling Ice bottles expire?
Yes, they do expire. Check for a code near the top of the bottle. It should be 6 digits representing MMDDYY.
Is Sparkling Ice a soda?
Technically Sparkling Ice is a artificially sweetened carbonated drink. I wouldn’t put it under the soda category, but I also wouldn’t call if carbonated or seltzer water because of the other ingredients in it.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Moderation is the key for us. We drink more flat, filtered water more than any other drink. We get more healthy foods over processed, junk foods.
With that said, we’re not giving up our Sparkling ICE Water, Diet Coke or pizza nights all together. They are an occasional treat.
This is just my opinion and what has worked for us. If you’re on the fence, definitely ask your doctor. If nothing else, it will give you peace of mind with your decision.
Grab a Few Flavors of Sparkling Ice on Amazon Now
Other Alternatives to Sparkling Ice
The flavored water market is huge. Here are 5 of the brands we’ve also tried.
La Croix
This is the healthy version of ICE, but it tastes like the healthy version. We prefer the citrus flavors.
While they’ve recently come under attack for allegedly not listing all of their ingredients, it is suppose to be just water, flavor and carbon dioxide for the bubbles.
Soda Stream
This fancy little machine allows you to carbonate your own water to your preference and add in flavor.
We personally liked the energy flavor mixed with grapefruit, but the regular soda was like drinking a major generic brand. A lot of their mix-ins don’t contain artificial sweeteners, but it’s best to check each label.
Zevia
We really thought we were onto something with Zevia. Then, they updated their brand to not include coloring. Maybe it was mental, but when they upgraded we felt like the taste was different.
However, if you’re looking for all natural AND love a good soda versus carbonated water product, try these. You can get them in the grocery too in the health food section.
Vitamin Water
This is our least favorite. It still has those pesky sweeteners in it, but it lacks the bubbles.
Bonus: Bubly
Bubly is also another popular brand that is pretty new. We haven’t tried it yet, but its ingredients are just water, flavor and carbonated water like La Croix.
We also did a review on Crystal Light you might like!
You can also flavor your own water!
Here are two recipes we love!
Healthy Hawaiian Punch
Hawaiian Punch is packed with high fructose corn syrup which can also increase inflammation. This healthy option tastes similar and skips the added sweeteners.
Did our Sparkling ICE review help you?
Have you tried them before?
You can also order Sparkling ICE on Amazon which is pretty cool! Prime members even get free shipping!
Need some healthy options?
You may also like our How to Stop Drinking Soda Guide, 21 Day Challenge, or our comparison of Fit Tea vs Flat Tummy Tea. 
Recently I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and I wanted to break my 6 bottles of diet coke addition and get away from NutriSweet.
Long story short I love the sparkling ice – all flavors are great and I have about 3 of these a day.
They can be purchased 10/10 at Cub food and less at Costco
Thanks for the Costco tip!! :) I’m glad you are doing better since your diagnosis!! :)
This stuff has CHEMICALS IN IT. Splenda is NOT “Yummmm”. It is a reversed sugar = chemical. You’re better off with sparking water from Publix or Canada Dry which is flavored water with 0 chemicals and calories.
Yet, the air we breathe 24/7 has more chemicals. *insert eye roll emoji here*
Hi.. I’ve been diagnosed with diabetes since 2014. I used to be abusive with regular sodas and fruit juices but I guickly learned my lesson. Recently I took a drive to Target and found many flavors of this Sparkling Ice and it taste great especially the strawberry watermelon. So happy with this new find, giving another option other then water, coffee or tea. I do recommend this zero calorie drink and it comes in many flavors. 😊
You can also get them at Publix in the water section/isle!^^
Hello I would like to know, if this drink can be used during a diet? I am a diet coke hog and love diet coke but it’s been 3 days since I have had one and my body was a carb temple lol and now it’s going through with drawls , and I would like to know what is this drink versus diet coke? if anyone has any information thank you so much! kudos on a great beverage
Hey Azeneth! You can definitely have the drinks on a diet. What diet are you doing? The good thing about the Ice! drinks is that they don’t contain aspartame that most diet drinks have. Aspartame has been linked to all kinds of health problems through independent studies, and it is outlawed in some countries! It also doesn’t have caffeine which is also addictive. If you HAVE to have a diet coke, try Pepsi’s “One” because it has Splenda. No artificial sweetener is as good as water, but it is less dangerous. Good luck!
Hi… yes it’s good for diets due to having 0 carbohydrates, 0 calories and 0 suguars. It’s a known fact that high carbs and sugars are the main culprit in increase of elevated blood sugar in the body. Hope my opinion helps.
I’m a past diet coke hog. I still have a 24 can pack that i haven’t touched since my first taste of many ICE drinks. Now, that I’ve turned all famiy and friends onto ICE I have cokes I can’t unload. So, I’ll empty the cans and use the returns to get a couple of ICEs.
Lol. Had an eating disorder and I used to drink diet coke… like … a lot. I never realized how it made me sooooo hungry. I discovered cascade ice, then sparkling ice… i said Bye Felicia to diet coke. I had one after 6 years of not having diet coke… I still drink way too many sparkling ice tho lol. Honestly if you like them… try the blue pedialyte. Especially if you’re always thirsty
Hello Everyone, I just started drinking “Sparkling Ice” and I absolutely LOVE IT! The drink is so refreshing. I will continue to drink “Sparkling Ice” as it is better than all of the other junk filled soft drinks that are out there. Thanks, Enjoy Your Day!
Hi… Yes and agree. Sparkling Ice is so refreshing and low calorie too. 😊
Why would a company have all the vitamins and 0 calories and then add harmful food dyes! Black Raspberry has food dye red #40, Go ahead and read what that can do especially to kids!
I totally understand. I drink Sparkling ICE as a treat, and it was a great tool for me to limiting my consumption of aspartame.
Hi…Agree, mine too😊
Diet coke is okay to me. Sparkling ice is amazing. I am drinking the pink grapefruit one right now. I buy them from the Christmas tree shop for 98 cents a bottle! I have tried the raspberry one, pink grapefruit, and apple one! I like them so far, but the pink grapefruit is a little weird. It is not as good as the rest!
Hi…. Just purchased mine from Target for .88. Really enjoy must flavors especially the strawberry watermelon. 😊
I’ve been drinking Sparking Ice for several months now and I love them! I’ve been off of colas of any kind mainly because of the caffeine and the aspartame. I’ve been on a low carb diet along with my husband who is a Type 2 diabetic. I had mainly just been drinking regular water but it’s just so bland and I really, really miss a carbonated drink with meals. I saw one of my co-workers with a Sparkling Ice and just had to try it…I was hooked. I don’t drink them all day, maybe one per day, if that many. There are so many flavors out now but my faves are the Cherry Limeade and Coconut Pineapple. I’ve been able to buy them at our local Brookshires Grocery, Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club. They are usually around $1.00 each but if you buy at Sam’s Club, you get 18 bottles for $10.98.
Hi…. Oh that is great news. I just purchased a bunch from Target on sale for .88. I too am diabetic and so glad I found this low calorie drink. My favorite is the strawberry watermelon. 😊
Was so excited to find sparkling ice. Really like it and was trying to break a diet pepsi habit. Thought I had found the answer until I saw that it has sucralose in it. Looking for something with no artificial sweetners. So disappointed! Can’t something be made with just a little real sugar & limited calories?
I was drinking up to 3-2liter Diet Colas a day until I discovered Sparkling Ice. Coconut Pineapple and Strawberry Lemonade are my favorites! I love the carbonation and the fruit juicy flavor. It allowed me to quit the cola COLD TURKEY!!!!
I swear…Zevia is The Answer. It has stevia in it as a sugar substitute & if you research it….it is The safest sugar substitute going . Plant from South America.. not chemical..
Aspartame is horrible. But sucralose is also not good…
Also, Zevia uses NO food color. The root beer is clear colored…but so good.
This is my new healthy diet drink.
We are used to seeing colored drinks. But think about the fact that those colors are all fake…artificial….
Tips include getting the fake type of this from ALDI for about 49 or 59 cents – at the Coconut Pineapple flavor actually has more vitamins in it, amazing. Also my fav keto dirnk is ice in a mason jar with 1-2 tbsp of heavy whipping cream, then fill with that same flavor of Sparkling ICE, then cover tightly and gently shake. Open it up and sip then add more ICE to taste, insert straw (and rum or vodka for a bonus if you desire) and ENJOY! It’s a dessert drink I love so much I have to be careful about it! Lost 50 lbs on keto so far and this is something I’m in love with. Don’t fancy the other flavors much unless I zap in some vodka at a gathering or something. The Ginger Lime flavor is interesting.
This isn’t getting off diet soda, but switching brand/flavor of diet soda. It is an artificially sweetened and flavored carbonated drink, which by definition, is diet soda. It is the exact same thing, and is in no way healthier. None of these people have quit diet soda. They switched brands.
I, too, like ICE. As indicated would like a few of the ingredients removed; potassium benzoate and sucralose. I drink about two per day. I used to drink diet coke, but found at times it was not agreeable to me thus I switched. ICE has some benefits. It does not have caffeine and it has a number of vitamins; Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and Biotin. For someone who does not like the taste of water, but prefers carbonated drinks, it works for me.
I checked Bubly which was suggested as an alternate carbonated drink, but alas Bubly does not have too many choices. It is also in a can which I do not like to drink from. I feel there is a different taste drinking from a can.
Will continue drinking ICE. My favorite is ginger lime.
We’ve tried the Bubly too, and we prefer the taste of ICE too!
great drink but problems of the design tipping over. need to design bottle with a wider flat bottom.
dHave switched to clear American ice from diet o cokes. was just wondering how healthy it actually is. I see nothing bad in the ingredients, no sugar or artificial sweetner.
We haven’t seen that brand in stores here yet. That is great that it doesn’t have sugar or artificial sweeteners!! We’ll keep an eye out for it! Thanks for the tip!
So I just started drinking the black cherry and I really like it, however I’m confused if this has fake sugar in it? I am boarder line diabetic and need some info please
Yes, it does contain artificial sweeteners in it (all flavors as far as I know).
I have been drinking sparkling Ice i have noticed that some of the bottles goes soft without opening the bottle and the first one I opened and it was flat taste awful called the company they sent coupons well went to Kroger’s in Lexington KY no numbers on bottles expired dates one was soft again the weird thing is the plastic goes soft you open put plastic top back on it gets hard again what’s going on
Yikes!! That sounds awful!! I have no clue – maybe it was a bad batch or something?
Well it happen again found the dates up top not a date issue keeping the bottle hope I can get to the problem with this plastic going soft and flat looks like it’s to full but weird
Accidentally left a sippy cup with Sparkling ice in the car this past week. Plain old water bottle with water froze solid! Sippy cup with sparkling ice NEVER FROZE!!!! Does anyone know what in the heck is in this beverage that would keep it from freezing?
hmm! That is crazy!! I don’t know though.
Probably the carbonation would keep it from freezing.
So it is May 2019. Has any new research shown that Sparkling Ice is harmful for you? Have you lost weigh drinking it yourself?
Hey Steve! I haven’t kept up with the latest research, but I haven’t heard anything other than you may want to limit artificial sugars in your diet. (And always ask your doctor about anything new you’re eating or drinking). It’s 0 calories so it stands to reason if you’re watching what you eat and burning more calories than you consume you’d lose weight with them though.
After a trip to my Dentist and finding out that something is attacking my enamel and making it weak, we discussed changes in my eating and drinking habits over the past year…Turns out these drinks have a lot of ACID in them…While we think we are being healthy, it’s best to limit your consumption and do your research…
The major benefit of Ice drinks is NO SODIUM! It is so hard to get food or drink when running from work to work or errands and avoid salt. I’m one that would rather have flavor, doesn’t like seltzer and can’t get over paying for water, Ice is my answer. Would be great if they could use nature’s colourants.
Wonderful review, balanced, with multiple sources noted, lets everyone know what is out there on the subject, whether backed by science or just opinion, full disclosure, as they say. Well done.
Potassium Benzoate is a form of sodium.
I worked as a dishwasher in a college-town pizzeria for 3 years. Long story short, Sparkling Ice kept me alive during those three years. Working at a breakneck pace with heavy buckets in a hot dish room where the boss is too cheap to buy an air conditioner, I needed something refreshing, and this stuff did exactly what I needed it to. The fact that it was zero calories was just an added bonus.
Appreciate the info, great job.
I do not know if I should be worried…. I am a diabetic I drink ice everyday mixed with Appel Cider vinegar
It is the onlything that keeps my blood sugar in check. I do not like THE TASTE of ACV mixed with Ice it tastes really good.
Just keep checking in with your doctor :) He or she will be able to help you know the best choices :) It’s cool that you’re able to mix it with ACV; we had never thought of that before!
My blood sugar is super sensitive. I had an eating disorder and ever since I eat a bit of sugar It hits me like 5 espressos: blood sugar goes up quick and my heartrate too. I feel all jittery. I do not have diabetes although if something i eat or drink affects blood sugar, i know right away. I drink sparkling ICE… a lot. Way too many per day. Maybe 4 and sometimes more. I dont sip it, i pound them sometimes. Nada nada nada … it makes you burp tho. Blood sugar is safe… i mean if it was bad for your blood sugar i think you would know but everyone is different.
Sparkling Ice does freeze fairly easy. As a golfer, I’ll put one in the freezer the night before a golf game. Next morning it is frozen almost solid. However, it does melt as the gold game goes on which allows for a cold refreshing drink for the complete 18 holes of golf (for non golfers thats about 3-4 hours out in the heat)
Oh that’s a great idea!! Thanks, Robert!
Scientific research suggests that water is a benefit to persons trying to lose weight – that’s probably most of us in any January, by supplementing a diet program. The stomach too feels fuller with sparkling water and it is also well- known for allaying feeling of hunger.
I need to lose 30 pounds but I was drinking a lot of diet ruby red squirt, 2 to 4 cans a day. May 2, 2021 was my last day of multiple pops. Then I went 5 days without a pop but I drank a lot of sparkling ice. I didn’t realize that it had sucralose. I also want to decrease my flatulence and the carbonation is bad for you. I don’t like tear, coffee or plain water but I guess I am going to have to get used to plain water. UGH Thanks for the help.
It’s great that you’re working towards drinking more water! Maybe you could do a Sparkling ICE! once a day or try La Croix. We also like True Lemon mix-ins for water, and they have some sugar-free and artificial-sugar-free options in their line as well. That way you avoid some of those bubbles which lead to the flatulence.
I notice it contains green tea extract, which seems like caffeine. We were impressed by the refreshing taste, but discovering the splenda I can’t drink because I’ve had a reaction to it in the past. But will save for son and daughter-in-law who are diet coke addicts.
We found the drink 2 for a dollar at the Grocery Outlet stores.
I was addicted to regular coke drinks. I am now a regular user of ICE. I drink close to one a day. My favorite flavors are: Strawberry Kiwi, Dark cherry, & lemonade. I am not experiencing any side effects, having used the product for about 6 weeks. My primary reason for giving up coke’s was lowering my sugar intake.
I love Sparkling Ice especially since I do not enjoy drinking water. I love most of the flavors but because of my meds I cannot drink the grapefruit flavor but I have plenty others.
WHY DID HAVE RUIN SOMETHING THAT WOULD BEEN GOOD
LEAVE OUT ALL artificial sweeteners AN USE ONLY CANE SUGAR IN
ICE THINGS LIKE THAT BAD FOR HEALTH
BEEN IN HEALTH AND NUTRITION FOR 30 YRS