What makes it so appealing? Simple:
- Zero sugar
- Zero calories
- Zero carbs
- Gluten-free
- Available in dozens of flavors
It’s marketed as a guilt-free soda replacement. But many people still ask: “Is Clear American Sparkling Water good for you?”
This article will explore the ingredients, nutrition facts, flavors, potential health risks, and benefits. We’ll also look at how it compares with other sparkling water brands and answer the most frequently asked questions.
What Exactly Is Clear American Sparkling Water?
Clear American is Walmart’s private-label sparkling water brand. It’s available nationwide in bottles and cans and has built a cult following for its affordability and flavor variety.
Unlike many sparkling waters that taste slightly bitter, Clear American uses artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium to make the taste more soda-like. That’s why many consumers say it tastes closer to soft drinks than to LaCroix or Bubly, which use no sweeteners at all.
Clear American Sparkling Water Ingredients
Here are the standard ingredients in most Clear American varieties:
- Carbonated Water – The base of the drink.
- Natural Flavor – Adds fruit taste (though the term is broad).
- Potassium Benzoate – A preservative that prevents spoilage.
- Citric Acid – Enhances tartness.
- Potassium Citrate – Balances acidity.
- Aspartame – Artificial sweetener.
- Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) – A zero-calorie sweetener often paired with aspartame.
Nutrition Facts of Clear American Sparkling Water
For a serving size of 8 fl oz, here’s what you’ll get:
| Nutrient | Amount | Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 0 | 0% |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Sodium | 0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbs | 0g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 0g | 0% |
It’s marketed as 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 fat, and 0 sugar.
Is Clear American Sparkling Water Healthy?
This is the most debated question.
The Pros:
- No sugar or calories → Doesn’t add to daily calorie or sugar intake.
- No caffeine → Can be consumed anytime.
- Hydrating → Counts toward fluid intake, just like plain water.
- Soda replacement → Removes the sugar load of a regular soda habit.
- Variety of flavors → Makes hydration more enjoyable for people who dislike plain water.
The Cons:
- Aspartame & Acesulfame K → FDA- and EFSA-approved within set daily limits, but some people prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners on principle or due to personal sensitivity.
- Potassium Benzoate → Generally recognized as safe; in combination with vitamin C and heat/light exposure it can, in rare cases, form trace benzene — a known issue across the beverage industry, not unique to this brand.
- Acidity → Like all carbonated drinks, it may contribute to enamel erosion over time with frequent consumption.
- Not “clean label” → Unlike LaCroix or Spindrift, it relies on artificial sweeteners and a preservative rather than being unsweetened or juice-flavored.
Bottom Line:
Clear American Sparkling Water is a reasonable soda substitute for most adults. It isn’t a “clean label” product, and people who prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners altogether should look at unsweetened options like LaCroix or Bubly instead.
Clear American Sparkling Water Flavors
This is where the brand shines. Unlike most sparkling water brands that stick to 5–10 flavors, Clear American offers dozens. Some fan favorites include:
- Fuji Apple
- Orange & Cream
- Peach
- Mandarin Orange
- Ice Black Raspberry
- Pineapple Coconut
- Cherry Limeade
- White Grape
- Strawberry
- Watermelon
Because of the sweetener blend, many people say these flavors taste like diet sodas without the calories.
Clear American Pineapple Coconut Nutrition Facts
One of the best-selling flavors is Pineapple Coconut. Here’s the breakdown for 12 fl oz (355ml):
| Nutrient | Amount | Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 0 | 0% |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Sodium | 5mg | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbs | 0g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 0g | 0% |
| Potassium | 170mg | 4% |
This makes it a refreshing, tropical soda alternative.
Clear American vs. Other Sparkling Waters
| Brand | Calories | Sweetener | Flavor Profile | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear American | 0 | Aspartame, Ace-K | Sweet, soda-like | Budget-friendly (Walmart) |
| LaCroix | 0 | None | Subtle, natural | Mid-range |
| Bubly | 0 | None | Bold, fruity | Mid-range |
| Spindrift | 5–15 | None (uses real fruit juice) | Fresh, authentic | Premium |
Clear American is the sweetest-tasting option here because it’s the only one using artificial sweeteners rather than natural flavoring alone.
Who Sells Clear American Sparkling Water?
- Walmart – Primary retailer (in-store & online).
- Amazon – Limited selection, usually in multipacks.
- Sam’s Club – Occasionally in bulk packs.
Although it’s not as widely distributed as LaCroix or Bubly, Walmart ensures nationwide access.
Health Concerns & Safety of Clear American
Some people worry about long-term consumption. Here’s what the safety reviews actually say:
- Aspartame: Approved by the FDA and reviewed by the WHO/IARC in 2023 (classified as “possibly carcinogenic,” a low-confidence hazard category, while WHO’s joint expert committee reaffirmed the existing acceptable daily intake). People with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid it entirely.
- Acesulfame Potassium: Considered safe by EFSA and FDA within acceptable daily intake limits.
- Potassium Benzoate: Generally recognized as safe in the amounts used in beverages.
- Dental Health: Like other carbonated beverages, acidity may weaken enamel if consumed excessively and frequently.
Best practice: enjoy Clear American in moderation, and balance with plain water.
Benefits of Choosing Clear American Over Soda
- Weight Management – Zero calories means it doesn’t add to daily intake.
- No Added Sugar – No sugar spikes like regular soda.
- Hydration – Still counts toward daily fluid intake.
- Affordable – One of the cheapest sparkling waters on the market.
- Variety – Keeps you from getting bored with plain water.
Clear American Sparkling Water Review – Walmart’s Zero-Calorie Drink
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It contains carbonated water, natural flavors, potassium benzoate, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, citric acid, and potassium citrate.
No, it’s non-alcoholic.
It has no sugar or carbs, making it a better option than regular soda for blood sugar. People sensitive to artificial sweeteners, or managing diabetes closely, should still check with their doctor about their specific situation.
Zero. All flavors are calorie-free.
No. Sparkling water itself has no calories. Weight gain depends on total diet, not on drinking carbonated water.
Like other carbonated drinks, its acidity can weaken enamel if consumed excessively and frequently. Drink in moderation, and consider using a straw.
For calorie and sugar content, yes — it has neither. It isn’t automatically “healthier” in every sense, since it relies on artificial sweeteners rather than being unsweetened.
Occasionally, yes, though plain water or milk are better everyday defaults for kids. Regulatory bodies set acceptable daily intake limits for aspartame and Ace-K that account for children’s smaller body weight.
Fan favorites include Fuji Apple, Ice Black Raspberry, and Orange & Cream, though taste is subjective and varies by person.
It’s Walmart’s private-label product, distributed across U.S. stores.
Conclusion: Should You Drink Clear American Sparkling Water?
Clear American Sparkling Water is a reasonable soda alternative — zero calories, zero sugar, and packed with flavors. It isn’t as unsweetened as LaCroix or Spindrift, but it’s budget-friendly and satisfies cravings for fizzy, sweet drinks without soda’s sugar and calories.
As with any beverage containing artificial sweeteners, the key is moderation. If you balance it with plain water and a healthy diet, Clear American fits reasonably into most people’s routines.
Sources
- FDA — Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food
- Healthline on Sparkling Water Benefits & Risks
- Walmart – Clear American Sparkling Water
Written and fact-checked by the HealthCoachJP editorial team. No clinician has reviewed this article. Last updated: August 2026.
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