I spent three weeks drinking nothing but Waterloo sparkling water. My refrigerator looked like a rainbow exploded inside it. Purple cans of Black Cherry fought for space with sunshine-yellow Lemon-Lime and the deep burgundy of Summer Berry. My coworkers started asking questions. My dentist raised an eyebrow at my six-month checkup.
But I needed to answer one burning question: which Waterloo flavor actually deserves your money?
The sparkling water wars have gotten intense. La Croix dominates grocery store shelves. Bubly floods the market with celebrity endorsements. Polar Seltzer has cult-like devotion in the Northeast. Waterloo entered the ring in 2017 with bold claims about “flavor artists” and “sessionability” – their term for how drinkable a flavor remains over time.
I’ve ranked every core Waterloo flavor from worst to best. I also tracked down their elusive seasonal releases (Cranberry and Spiced Apple) to give you the complete picture. No cherry-picking. No sponsored opinions. Just 14 flavors consumed at different temperatures, in different moods, sometimes straight from the can and sometimes poured over ice with a proper tasting glass.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: The Top 5 Waterloo Flavors (2026)
If you’re standing in the grocery aisle right now and need instant guidance, here are the five Waterloo flavors that consistently deliver:
- Black Cherry – The undisputed champion. Bold, authentic, and dangerously sessionable. This is Waterloo’s signature flavor for good reason.
- Blackberry Lemonade – Tart, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. The lemonade twist elevates this above standard berry offerings.
- Lemon-Lime – The Sprite alternative you’ve been searching for. Clean, crisp, and universally appealing.
- Raspberry Nectarine – Sophisticated and fruit-forward. The nectarine adds depth that single-note flavors lack.
- Summer Berry – A crowd-pleasing blend that tastes like a farmers market in July. Great for those who find single-berry flavors too intense.
About Waterloo: The Austin Seltzer Upstart
Before we get to the rankings, let’s talk about what makes Waterloo different. The brand launched in 2017 from Austin, Texas with a clear mission: create sparkling water that actually tastes like something. They weren’t content with the “hint of flavor” approach that dominated the market.
Waterloo employs actual “flavor artists” – yes, that’s their real job title – who develop each profile using natural essences derived from real fruit. The company is Non-GMO Project Verified and Whole30 Approved, which matters to health-conscious consumers watching ingredient lists. Their cans contain 70% recycled aluminum, and their production facilities operate as zero-waste plants.
The water itself gets purified through reverse osmosis before carbonation and flavoring. This creates a consistent base that doesn’t compete with the added essences. You’ll notice Waterloo has a more pronounced flavor than La Croix or some competitors. Some drinkers love this boldness. Others find certain flavors overwhelming. Your preference will likely depend on whether you want your seltzer to be a background beverage or the main event.
Our Testing Methodology
I tested each flavor under controlled conditions to ensure fair comparison. Every can was chilled to 38 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 4 hours before initial tasting. I evaluated each flavor using four criteria:
- Aroma: The scent upon opening the can. Waterloo tends to have stronger aromatics than competitors. Some smell like fresh fruit. Others veer toward candy territory.
- First Sip: The initial taste impact. This is where bold flavors either shine or overwhelm.
- Sessionability: How the flavor holds up over an entire can and multiple cans. Waterloo specifically designs for this, so I tested whether you could happily drink three in an afternoon.
- Aftertaste: What lingers after swallowing. Clean finishes score higher. Syrupy or artificial lingering flavors score lower.
I also tested each flavor at room temperature to check for stability. Good seltzer should remain drinkable even as it warms at your desk or by the pool. Finally, I mixed each flavor in mocktails and actual cocktails to test versatility.
Full disclosure: I purchased all cans myself. Waterloo has no idea I’m writing this. These opinions represent my honest reactions after drinking approximately 60 cans over three weeks.
Waterloo Flavors Ranked: Worst to Best
14. Original
Ranking an unflavored seltzer last feels almost unfair. Original isn’t bad. It’s just… there. The carbonation is crisp and the water tastes clean. But in a ranking of flavored sparkling waters, a flavorless option naturally occupies the bottom spot.
Original works as a mixer where you don’t want competing flavors. It would shine in a vodka soda or as the base for fresh-fruit infusions. On its own, it lacks personality. If you want plain seltzer, many cheaper options exist. Waterloo’s strength lies in their flavored offerings. Skip this unless you specifically need a blank canvas.
13. Grape
The Grape flavor demonstrates Waterloo’s “bold” approach better than any other can. Open this and you’re immediately hit with an aroma reminiscent of Welch’s grape juice or purple Bubble Yum. The flavor follows through on that promise. This is grape candy in liquid form, carbonated and sugar-free.
Some people absolutely love this. Reddit discussions about Waterloo frequently mention Grape as a divisive flavor – you either adore it or find it completely off-putting. I fall into the second camp. The intensity feels artificial despite the natural essence claims. After one can, I couldn’t face another for several days.
That said, if you grew up loving grape soda and want that experience without the sugar, this delivers exactly what you’re craving. For everyone else, approach with caution.
12. Peach
Waterloo sources their peach essence from Texas Hill Country orchards. I wanted to love this flavor. The story behind it feels authentic and the aroma genuinely evokes fresh peaches. The problem comes in the execution.
The peach flavor carries a slight perfume quality that becomes more pronounced as the can warms. At proper serving temperature, it’s pleasant and refreshing. Left on my desk for 30 minutes, it became cloying. The “fuzzy” aspect of peach – that skin-like tannic quality – comes through too strongly for my taste.
This flavor works beautifully in cocktails. A splash of Peach Waterloo in prosecco creates an instant bellini approximation. On its own, it’s too temperamental about temperature to rank higher.
11. Watermelon
Watermelon is the quintessential summer fruit. Capturing that freshness in a can proves surprisingly difficult. Waterloo’s attempt lands in the middle of the pack – neither offensive nor exceptional.
The flavor accurately mimics watermelon Jolly Ranchers more than actual watermelon. There’s a candy sweetness that overwhelms the subtle, watery freshness of real melon. The carbonation helps cut through this, but the aftertaste lingers with artificial notes.
I found this most enjoyable when extremely cold and consumed quickly. As a poolside refresher on a 95-degree day, it hits the spot. For thoughtful sipping or extended sessions, the sweetness becomes tiring.
10. Cherry Limeade
This flavor concept sounds amazing on paper. The soda fountain classic, reimagined as sugar-free seltzer. The reality falls slightly short of the promise.
Cherry Limeade opens with a medicinal cherry note that reminds me of cough syrup. The lime saves it – bright, authentic citrus that cuts through the darker cherry flavors. Together they create something interesting but not entirely cohesive.
Where this shines is as a mixer. Combined with bourbon and a squeeze of fresh lime, it creates a serviceable whiskey sour variation. The cherry and lime work better with alcohol than alone. Solo, I found myself wishing for more balance between the two competing elements.
9. Orange Vanilla
The creamsicle flavor holds nostalgic power for many of us. Waterloo’s Orange Vanilla attempts to capture that childhood treat in carbonated form. They mostly succeed, though with some compromises.
The orange presents as authentic juice rather than artificial candy. The vanilla adds smoothness but also creates a slightly heavier mouthfeel than other flavors. This is less “sessionable” – Waterloo’s gold standard – because the richness fills you up faster.
I enjoyed this more than expected, but in small doses. One can satisfies. Two feels excessive. The carbonation level seems slightly lower here, which may be intentional to support the creamier profile. If you love dessert-flavored seltzers, this might rank higher on your personal list. For all-day drinking, it demands too much attention.
8. Strawberry
Simple. Clean. Honest. Waterloo’s Strawberry doesn’t try to reinvent anything. It delivers straightforward strawberry flavor with impressive authenticity.
The aroma hits you with fresh-picked berry notes. The taste follows without surprise – sweet strawberry that manages to avoid the artificial tang plaguing so many fruit-flavored seltzers. This is the flavor I reach for when I want something uncomplicated.
Strawberry excels in the sessionability department. I consumed an entire 12-pack over two days without fatigue. The flavor remains consistent from first sip to warm dregs. It won’t blow your mind with complexity, but it delivers exactly what you expect. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
7. Ginger Citrus
This flavor occupies unique territory. The ginger brings spice and heat that no other Waterloo offers. The citrus component – primarily lemon with orange undertones – provides balance and brightness.
Ginger Citrus drinks like a non-alcoholic Moscow Mule base. The peppery ginger bite increases as you drink, creating an evolving experience rather than a static flavor. I found this incredibly refreshing on hot afternoons when other flavors felt too sweet.
The ranking reflects personal preference more than quality. If you love ginger, this jumps several spots. If ginger beer has ever seemed too intense, this stays right here at number seven. The flavor delivers exactly what it promises with impressive precision.
6. Tropical Fruit
Waterloo’s Tropical Fruit attempts to bottle vacation vibes. Pineapple, mango, and passionfruit notes blend into something that genuinely evokes a beach umbrella drink without the rum.
The pineapple dominates initially, tart and golden. Mango sweetness follows, rounding out the sharper edges. Passionfruit adds complexity in the background that most generic “tropical” flavors completely miss.
This flavor improves significantly when mixed with actual spirits. Vodka or white rum transform it into an instant cocktail base. On its own, it’s slightly too assertive for extended drinking. The tropical intensity demands attention. That’s perfect for special occasions but tiring for daily hydration.
5. Summer Berry
Here’s where Waterloo’s “flavor artist” approach really shows. Summer Berry blends multiple berry varieties into a harmonious whole that exceeds any single-berry offering in their lineup.
The profile shifts as you drink. Initial strawberry sweetness gives way to raspberry tartness, finishing with subtle blackberry depth. It’s like a berry cobbler in liquid form, minus the sugar and crust.
I found myself reaching for this repeatedly during testing. It never disappointed. The complexity keeps your interest without demanding analysis. You can mindlessly enjoy this while working, reading, or relaxing. That’s the definition of sessionability that Waterloo promotes.
4. Raspberry Nectarine
The most sophisticated flavor in Waterloo’s core lineup. Raspberry Nectarine feels designed for adults who want their seltzer to taste like something a sommelier might approve.
The raspberry brings sharp, bright acidity. The nectarine contributes stone-fruit depth and subtle floral notes. Together they create a profile that genuinely develops as the liquid moves across your palate. First tart, then sweet, then mellow with a clean finish.
This is the flavor I serve when friends visit. It impresses without trying too hard. The nectarine element elevates it above standard berry seltzers that dominate the market. Waterloo should be proud of this achievement.
3. Lemon-Lime
Sometimes perfection comes from simplicity. Waterloo’s Lemon-Lime nails the classic combination that every seltzer brand attempts. Most fail. Waterloo succeeds.
The lemon presents first – authentic, like fresh zest rather than concentrate. Lime follows with green, slightly bitter notes that prevent the sweetness from becoming cloying. The balance between the two citrus fruits shows real craft. Neither dominates. Both contribute.
This is my go-to for everyday drinking. It satisfies soda cravings without the guilt. It mixes with everything. It pleases everyone from kids to grandparents. Lemon-Lime won’t surprise you, but it will never let you down. That’s worth a podium position.
2. Blackberry Lemonade
Waterloo took their excellent blackberry base and added lemonade brightness. The result nearly claimed the top spot. This flavor demonstrates what happens when Waterloo’s flavor artists fully commit to a concept.
Dark berry richness anchors the experience. The lemonade component cuts through with tart, sunny acidity that keeps everything lively. The combination feels inspired – like something you’d pay $8 for at a fancy juice bar.
I drank this steadily for three days straight during testing. Never once did I tire of it. The flavor profile somehow manages to be both comforting and exciting simultaneously. If Black Cherry didn’t exist, this would be the flavor Waterloo built their reputation on.
1. Black Cherry
The king. The champion. The flavor that justifies Waterloo’s entire existence. Black Cherry represents everything this brand does right.
Open a can and you’re greeted with an aroma that transports you to a summer orchard. The first sip delivers bold, authentic black cherry that somehow avoids the medicinal quality plaguing nearly every other cherry-flavored beverage. The carbonation level feels perfectly calibrated – enough fizz to feel festive, not so much that it stings.
The sessionability here is unmatched. I have consumed four Black Cherry Waterloos in a single afternoon without regret. The flavor maintains its appeal from ice-cold opening to the final lukewarm swallow. It mixes beautifully with bourbon for an instant old fashioned variation. It stands alone with complete confidence.
If you try only one Waterloo flavor, make it Black Cherry. If you hate it, Waterloo probably isn’t your brand. This is their signature, their masterpiece, their reason for being. It earns the number one position without debate.
Seasonal Flavors Worth Hunting For
Waterloo releases limited seasonal flavors that rarely appear in standard rankings. I tracked down two recent offerings:
- Cranberry (Winter): Tart, festive, and genuinely impressive. This tastes like actual cranberries rather than cranberry cocktail. The dry, tannic quality of real berries comes through clearly. If this returned to stores, I’d stockpile cases.
- Spiced Apple (Fall): Cinnamon and apple combine in a profile that evokes cider without the sweetness. The spice level stays restrained – present but not aggressive. Perfect for autumn sipping.
Both seasonal releases suggest Waterloo saves their most adventurous work for these limited windows. If you spot them, grab them immediately.
Best Cocktail Pairings for Top Waterloo Flavors
Sparkling water elevates cocktails beyond basic mixer duty. After extensive testing, here are my favorite combinations:
- Black Cherry + Bourbon: Two ounces of your favorite bourbon over ice, topped with Black Cherry Waterloo and a Luxardo cherry. Instant old fashioned vibes without the sugar.
- Lemon-Lime + Gin: Classic gin rickey reimagined. The botanicals in gin love citrus companions. Add a squeeze of fresh lime if you’re feeling fancy.
- Blackberry Lemonade + Vodka: Refreshing summer porch sipper. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon wheel.
- Ginger Citrus + Rum: Dark or white rum both work here. The ginger spice complements rum’s natural sweetness beautifully.
- Peach + Prosecco: Equal parts Peach Waterloo and prosecco creates a lighter bellini-style drink. Perfect for brunch without the heavy sweetness of traditional recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Waterloo flavor?
Is it okay to drink Waterloo every day?
Which tastes better, Waterloo or La Croix?
Is Waterloo as healthy as water?
What are the seasonal Waterloo flavors?
Where can I buy Waterloo sparkling water?
Final Verdict: Should You Switch to Waterloo?
Waterloo carved out a distinct position in the crowded sparkling water market. They prioritize bold flavor over subtlety. Their “flavor artist” approach creates profiles that genuinely taste like their namesakes rather than vague suggestions.
If you currently drink La Croix and love its delicate nature, Waterloo might overwhelm you. The intensity jump requires adjustment. But if you’ve ever wished your seltzer tasted more like actual fruit, Waterloo answers that complaint directly.
Start with Black Cherry. It’s the flavor that converted me from skeptical sampler to repeat buyer. If that works for your palate, explore Lemon-Lime for everyday drinking and Blackberry Lemonade when you want something special. Avoid Grape unless you genuinely love candy flavors.
Waterloo won’t dethrone plain water as the healthiest choice. But when you want carbonated refreshment with genuine taste, this Austin upstart delivers. My refrigerator remains stocked. My dentist has accepted my choices. And I finally know which Waterloo flavors deserve my money.
Have a favorite Waterloo flavor that differs from my ranking? Drop your thoughts below. The sparkling water debate continues.