One of the biggest trends in the beverage market right now is flavored sparkling water. According to Grand View Research “The global sparkling water market size was valued at USD 29.71 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6% from 2021 to 2028.”

The origins of sparkling water begin in 1767, when Joseph Priestly decided that it would be a good idea to add carbon dioxide to water, carbonating it, and creating what we now know as sparkling water. Sparkling water is considered by many people to be the healthier alternative to drinking soda.

“I like how sparkling water tastes,” junior Jackson Jotch said. “And at the same time it doesn’t have the high sugar content that normal sodas do.”

Some well known brands of sparkling water are Bubly, La Croix, and Perrier. It started being popularized in the 1800s, but its popularity really skyrocketed in the past couple of years. In the United States, the sparkling water market was valued at USD 32.3 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 93.8 billion by 2030.

Many people do not understand the popularity of sparkling water.

“It leaves a weird feeling in my mouth [and] it doesn’t have much flavor,” senior Nyla Wolfrom said.

Although many people have mixed feelings about sparkling water, in today’s youth, the overwhelming majority seem to have decided that it is flavorless and gross. Health is not being taken into account as much as peoples’ want to have a flavorful drink, and it definitely shows in their opinions on sparkling water.

“I’d rather have a drink that melts my insides but tastes good, than a drink that is healthy but tastes nasty and leaves my mouth feeling super gross,” sophomore Sabrina Heldman says.