Is the Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry worth it? If you’re trying to cut soda without drinking something that tastes like a wet napkin, yes. It’s sweet, bubbly, has a few vitamins, and the 17-ounce bottles actually feel like a treat. That Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry review you’ve been scrolling for? Here’s the real talk.
Offers a premium flavored sparkling water with added vitamins and antioxidants, justifying a higher price point compared to standard sparkling waters.
Price vs. rivals
Pricier
CheaperTypicalPricier
Priced slightly above typical sparkling water packs due to larger bottle size and added vitamins, but still within the mid-to-high range for premium flavored waters.
Ease of use
Excellent 100/100
The product is a ready-to-drink bottled beverage that requires no preparation, just opening and drinking, making it extremely easy for any average person to use.
Overview
This is a zero sugar, low-calorie flavored sparkling water from the brand Sparkling Ice. The Black Raspberry variety is one of their most popular flavors. Each 17 fl oz bottle packs a sharp berry taste that’s more “fruit punch” than “hint of something.”
It solves the problem of craving a sweet, carbonated drink without the sugar crash or artificial aftertaste that cheap diet sodas leave behind. It’s for people who like their water to taste like something — preferably something purple.
Key Features
Zero sugar, 5 calories per bottle — That’s about the same as a stick of gum. You can drink a whole 12-pack and barely dent your daily calorie budget.
Added vitamins (B3, B6, B12, B5, biotin, and antioxidants like vitamin E) — Not a multivitamin replacement, but nice to have. You’ll notice the B vitamins if you’re used to energy drinks that rely on them.
17 oz bottles, 12 per pack — Bigger than a standard 12 oz can. One bottle is enough to get through an afternoon without needing a refill.
Carbonation level closer to soda than seltzer — It’s fizzy enough to satisfy that Coke craving. Not as aggressive as LaCroix, but far from flat.
Sweetened with sucralose (Splenda) — Some people hate the taste of artificial sweeteners. This one is mild, but it’s there. If you’re strictly stevia-only, this might bug you.
Fit for You
You’re trying to lose weight and need a drink that won’t tempt you back to soda.
You get bored of plain water by 2 p.m. and want something with flavor that still counts as hydration.
You keep a stash of drinks in your car or desk and want something that doesn’t go flat by lunch.
You have kids who refuse tap water but you don’t want them drinking juice boxes all day.
You’re hosting a party and need a non-alcoholic option that doesn’t look sad next to the beer.
Uses
This is an afternoon pick-me-up when water feels like a chore. Chill one in the fridge for an hour, pour over ice, and it’s practically a mocktail. The black raspberry flavor pairs well with a splash of lime if you want it sharper.
It also works as a soda replacement during movie night. Pour it in a glass and nobody at the table notices it’s not Dr Pepper. The sweetness carries through even if you let it sit for a bit — stays fizzy longer than LaCroix, which dies fast once opened.
For anyone tracking their best zero sugar sparkling water for weight loss options, this is a solid contender. Five calories is negligible, and the sucralose doesn’t seem to trigger cravings the way aspartame does for some people.
Experience
First thing you’ll notice: the bottle cap is a standard twist-off, no struggle. The label is glossy and peels off clean if you want to reuse the bottle for water. The drink itself is deeply colored — almost like a dark juice. That threw me off at first, but it’s just the natural coloring (fruit and vegetable juice).
The flavor hits sweet upfront, then a mild tartness that fades. It’s not as sharp as actual raspberry juice. Think Raspberry Jolly Rancher dissolved in soda water. Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry vitamins include B12 and biotin, which might matter if you’re looking for a little energy boost — but don’t expect to feel any difference after one bottle.
Storage is easy: the 12-pack is a standard cardboard box, and the bottles fit in most fridge doors. One annoyance: because they’re plastic, they can get a bit warm in your hand after a few minutes. Not a dealbreaker, but a cold coozie helps.
Cleaning is just recycling. The bottles are #1 PET, which most curbside programs accept. If you’re into reusing them, they’re sturdy enough for a couple of refills, but the cap seal wears out after a few twists.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Strong flavor without sugar — Most zero-sugar drinks taste watered down. This one doesn’t. You actually feel like you’re drinking juice.
Good value per bottle — Roughly $1 each (the 12-pack is around $12.47). Cheaper than a can of LaCroix in some stores, and you get more volume.
Vitamins and antioxidants as a bonus — Not a health drink, but if you’re choosing between this and Diet Dr Pepper, the B vitamins are a small win.
Low calorie enough for weight loss plans — 5 calories is basically nothing. Fits into intermittent fasting windows if you’re strict about 0-calorie stuff? Maybe not. Check your rules.
Cons
Artificial sweetener aftertaste — Sucralose leaves a faint coating on the tongue. If you’re sensitive to it, you’ll notice after the second bottle.
Plastic bottles instead of cans — Cans chill faster and feel more premium. These plastic bottles can feel bulky and don’t have that satisfying “pop” when opened.
Not as subtle as sparkling water purists like — If you’re coming from plain seltzer, this will taste aggressively sweet. It’s closer to a soft drink than a water.
Bubbles fade faster than canned competitors — Once opened, you’ve got about 30 minutes before it starts going flat. Not a problem if you drink it fast, but don’t sip it over an hour.
Advantages
Compared to Sparkling Ice vs LaCroix Black Raspberry, Sparkling Ice wins on flavor intensity. LaCroix’s berry is a gentle suggestion; this one actually tastes like raspberry.
It’s a low calorie flavored water with antioxidants that actually tastes good enough to replace juice. Most antioxidant drinks taste like weak tea. This one doesn’t.
The 17 oz bottle is a smart size for lunchboxes or a long commute. One bottle handles the whole ride, whereas a 12 oz can leaves you wanting more.
Price per ounce beats many premium sparkling waters. At roughly $0.06 per ounce, it’s cheaper than Spindrift or bubly.
Who Should Buy
Buy it if you want a sweet, fizzy drink without sugar or calories that actually tastes like it has flavor.
Buy it if you’re on a best zero sugar sparkling water for weight loss hunt and need an alternative to plain water that won’t sabotage your diet.
Skip it if you hate artificial sweeteners. The sucralose is noticeable, and there’s no getting around it.
Skip it if you’re a LaCroix devotee who enjoys subtlety. This is a flavor punch, not a background note.
Consider it if you’re looking for a Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry 12 pack review because you’re ordering online — it’s worth the bulk buy if you drink one a day.
FAQ
Is the Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry worth it?
Yes, for the price and flavor. You get 12 bottles for around $12.50, each with a strong berry taste and zero sugar. It’s one of the better zero-calorie sparkling drinks for people who miss soda.
How long does a 12-pack last?
Depends on how often you drink it. One bottle per day means two weeks. They keep their carbonation unopened for months — check the best-by date on the box.
Is it safe for keto or low-carb diets?
Yes. Zero carbs, zero sugar. The sucralose is a keto-friendly sweetener. Just be aware that some people experience a mild insulin response to artificial sweeteners, but it’s generally considered safe.
Does Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry have caffeine?
No. This version is caffeine-free. (Sparkling Ice does make a “Sparkling Ice +Caffeine” line, but black raspberry isn’t part of it.) Good for an afternoon drink that won’t keep you up.
How does it compare to regular Sparkling Ice?
Black Raspberry is one of the sweetest flavors in the lineup. If you find other Sparkling Ice varieties too tart, this one will be right up your alley. It’s consistently a top seller.
Is it a good mixer for cocktails?
It works well with vodka or gin. The sweetness means you don’t need simple syrup. Just add a splash of lime or lemon to balance it. But be careful — the bubbles can make it foam if you shake it.
Final Verdict
If you want a low calorie flavored water with antioxidants that doesn’t taste like punishment, get a 12-pack of Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry. It’s sweet, fizzy, and cheap enough to keep in the fridge without guilt. The main trade-off is the artificial sweetener — if sucralose doesn’t bother you, this is as good as it gets in the zero-sugar aisle. Skip it if you’re a purist who only drinks plain seltzer, but for the rest of us, it’s a solid Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry review that ends with “buy one”.
Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry vs the Competition in 2026
Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry sits in a peculiar spot: it’s not quite a pure seltzer, not quite a diet soda. It’s a flavored sparkling water that leans hard on artificial sweeteners (sucralose) and a cocktail of added vitamins and antioxidants. That makes it a middle-ground option for people who want something sweet but can’t stand the “watery” taste of plain bubbly. At about $12 for a 12-pack of 17-ounce bottles, it’s mid-tier in price. The real fight is against LaCroix (budget-friendly, zero-everything), Bai Bubbles (which also packs antioxidants but uses erythritol and stevia), Hint (no sweeteners, just essence), and Spindrift (real fruit juice, a few calories).
Product
Price Range
Key Strength
Key Weakness
Best For
Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry
~$12 per 12-pack
Sweet taste without sugar; added vitamins (B3, B6, B12, biotin) and antioxidants
Uses sucralose – some dislike the aftertaste; only 12 17oz bottles per pack
People who crave a sweet, low-calorie drink and want a vitamin boost
LaCroix Black Raspberry
~$5–$7 per 12-pack (cans)
Pure, unsweetened seltzer with no artificial anything; cheapest per serving
Very subtle flavor; can taste “soapy” or flat without sweetener
Minimalists who want zero ingredients and a clean, dry carbonation
Bai Bubbles Black Raspberry
~$10–$13 per 12-pack
Lower glycemic sweeteners (erythritol, stevia); loaded with tea-extract antioxidants
Can have a lingering herbal aftertaste; fewer vitamin options than Sparkling Ice
Health-conscious drinkers who avoid sucralose but still want a sweet kick and antioxidants
Hint Black Raspberry
~$10–$12 per 12-pack
No sweeteners at all – just cold-pressed essence; very clean taste
Flavor is fleeting; people used to soda might find it unsatisfying
Purists who want unsweetened water with a whisper of fruit, not a punch
Spindrift Black Raspberry
~$9–$11 per 12-pack (cans)
Real fruit juice (not flavoring) gives a tart, convincing taste
Contains 12g of fruit sugar – not zero-calorie; carbonation is softer
Drinkers who prefer a tiny bit of real sugar and dislike artificial additives of any kind
Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry vs LaCroix Black Raspberry
This is the most common comparison, and it’s a clash of philosophy. LaCroix is a seltzer purist: carbonated water, natural flavors, nothing else. The Black Raspberry flavor is light, almost fragile – you really need to pay attention to taste it. That works if you’re drinking it alongside a meal or just want hydration with a hint. But if you’re the type who wants a soda alternative that actually tastes like something, LaCroix will disappoint. Sparkling Ice hits you with a sweet, syrupy black raspberry flavor immediately, thanks to sucralose. That’s a strength for cutting cravings, but the sweetness lingers on your tongue in a way that feels artificial after the third bottle. The other difference: Sparkling Ice packs vitamins B3, B6, B12, and biotin, plus an antioxidant blend (vitamin E, green tea extract). LaCroix has nothing health-wise beyond water. So if you want your drink to double as a mini multivitamin, Sparkling Ice wins. If you just want bubbles and no aftertaste, LaCroix is the smarter $5 choice.
Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry vs Bai Bubbles Black Raspberry
Bai Bubbles seems like the closer rival because it also markets antioxidants (from coffee fruit extract and tea) and uses low-calorie sweeteners – but not sucralose. Bai goes with erythritol plus stevia, which means zero net carbs and no effect on blood sugar. For anyone doing keto or just avoiding artificial sweeteners, Bai is the better pick. The trade-off is flavor density. Sparkling Ice’s sucralose delivers a heavier, more conventional candy-like sweetness; Bai’s stevia-erythritol combo tastes a bit thinner and sometimes has a cool, minty finish (erythritol’s thing). In a blind sip, Sparkling Ice tastes closer to a regular black raspberry soda. Bai tastes like a lighter, more herbal alternative. Also, Bai’s bottles are 16.9 oz versus Sparkling Ice’s 17 oz – negligible. Price is similar when Bai isn’t on sale. If you drink a lot of these and care about insulin response, go Bai. If you just want the sweetest bang for your buck with vitamin perks, stick with Sparkling Ice.
The vitamin factor: is Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry worth it for the antioxidants?
A lot of reviews for “best zero sugar sparkling water for weight loss” mention Sparkling Ice because it has a small boost of vitamins – something most competitors ignore. The label lists 10% DV of vitamins B3, B6, B12, biotin, and vitamin E as an antioxidant. That’s not a replacement for a multivitamin, but if you’re prone to skipping breakfast or just want trace nutrients in your afternoon beverage, it’s a nice addition. Neither LaCroix nor Hint nor Spindrift offer that. Bai Bubbles does, but from coffee fruit and tea – more caffeine-adjacent, less B-vitamin focused. So if you’re the person who buys those “energy sparkling waters,” but finds them too high-caffeine, Sparkling Ice give you a mild kick without jitters. Just know that the vitamin content is modest – you’ d need to drink six bottles to equal one good multivitamin.
Our pick
Choose Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry if you want a sweet, low-calorie drink that actually tastes like a soda you’d buy at a convenience store, and you appreciate getting a few extra vitamins and antioxidants for no extra effort. It’s ideal for meal replacement shakes or for curbing a sugar craving when Diet Coke doesn’t cut it. But if you are vigilant about avoiding artificial sweetener aftertastes, or you drink sparkling water by the gallon and want to save money, go with LaCroix Black Raspberry. And if you’re keto or just prefer stevia over sucralose, pick Bai Bubbles instead. That second bottle of Sparkling Ice in one sitting is where the sucralose starts to feel heavy – some people love that, some regret it. You now know which camp you’re in.
Ready to decide on the Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry?
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