In early 2025, fitness influencer Ashton Hall’s morning routine went viral on social media. In the clip, he is seen cracking open a cobalt blue bottle of Saratoga sparkling water at 4am as part of an absurdly elaborate start to his day. The brand’s CMO told Business Insider they were “loving the memes.”
That is a pretty good summary of where Saratoga sits in the bottled water market. It has been around since 1872. It has graced White House tables, Michelin-starred restaurants, and fine dining rooms across the country for generations. And yet, somehow, it still manages to feel fresh enough to trend on social media over 150 years later.
This review covers where Saratoga comes from, what it actually tastes like, the full lineup of still and sparkling options, and whether it is genuinely worth the price premium over brands that cost half as much.
Saratoga Water at a Glance
| Product | Type / Size | Key Notes | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saratoga Sparkling Spring Water ⭐ | Glass Bottles / 28oz & 12oz | Bold carbonation, clean low-mineral base, iconic blue glass | Buy |
| Saratoga Still Spring Water | Glass Bottles / 28oz & 12oz | Smooth, clean spring water with a slightly sweet finish | Buy |
| Saratoga Collection Flavored | Glass Bottles / 12oz | Subtle fruit essences (Wild Berry, Blackberry, Lemon-Lime) | Buy |
Where Saratoga Water Comes From
Saratoga Water was founded in 1872 in Saratoga Springs, New York, a city that was already famous for its natural mineral springs long before bottled water was a mainstream concept. The Iroquois people discovered the springs in the 14th century. European settlers found them in the 1700s. By the 19th century, Saratoga Springs was one of America’s most celebrated spa towns, drawing wealthy families and health seekers who came specifically to “take the waters.”
The region’s springs form along a geological fault line, filtering through shale and limestone before emerging with a naturally clean mineral profile. The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in Saratoga water runs under 150 mg/L in some varieties, which is on the lower side for mineral waters (Gerolsteiner, for comparison, sits at 2,527 mg/L). That low TDS is part of why Saratoga tastes clean and light rather than minerally complex.
Today Saratoga Water is owned by BlueTriton Brands, one of the largest bottled water companies in North America. Per their official FAQ, sourcing includes springs in the Northeast, which may include Vermont and other locations depending on production needs. The brand’s primary production facility remains in Saratoga Springs, operating with a 98% waste diversion rate.
In 2024, Saratoga also launched an aluminum bottle line alongside the iconic glass. The glass bottle (available in 12oz and 28oz) remains the preferred format for taste, since glass does not interact with the water the way plastic can.
What Saratoga Sparkling Water Tastes Like
FineWaters, a platform focused on premium bottled water, describes Saratoga Sparkling as having “bold carbonation with a lot of fizz, perfect for food with a strong mouthfeel.” The bubbles are present and assertive without reaching the Velcro-on-the-tongue intensity of Topo Chico.
The taste is slightly sweet with uplifting bubbles. The mineral character is gentle rather than forward, which makes it an excellent food pairing water that does not compete with what you are eating. It works especially well with rich foods, bold flavors, and wine-adjacent occasions.
The glass bottle contributes to the taste experience. The cobalt blue color blocks light oxidation. The glass itself does not absorb or release any compounds into the water the way that plastic does over time.
The Saratoga Sparkling Water Lineup
Saratoga keeps its product range relatively focused. There is no sprawling flavor lineup with dozens of varieties. The brand leans into simplicity and quality over volume.
Saratoga Sparkling Spring Water (Plain) The core product. Naturally sourced spring water with carbonation added during bottling. Zero calories, zero sugar, zero sweeteners. Available in the signature 28oz cobalt blue glass bottle (the most recognizable format), a 12oz glass bottle, a 16oz recycled PET plastic bottle, and a 16oz aluminum bottle (introduced in 2024 for pool, beach, and outdoor use).
The 28oz glass bottle is the one to buy if you want the full experience. It pours cleanly, the carbonation is consistent and assertive, and it holds bubbles well throughout the drink.
Saratoga Still Spring Water The same source, without carbonation. Available in the 28oz glass bottle and 16oz plastic. The still version has a notably smooth, clean character that the brand describes as “slightly sweet,” which comes from the natural mineral profile rather than any added ingredient.
The Saratoga Collection (Flavored Sparkling) Saratoga launched a line of flavored sparkling spring waters called The Saratoga Collection. These add natural fruit essences to the sparkling spring water base with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. The flavored line is designed to offer more variety while keeping the premium spring water character of the original.
Exact current flavor availability varies by market, but the Collection continues the brand’s approach of using subtle fruit essences rather than assertive juice-based flavor, keeping the water character primary.
Is Saratoga Water Worth the Price?
Saratoga sparkling water runs roughly $2 to $5 per bottle depending on size and retail location. That is significantly more per ounce than LaCroix, Bubly, or even most mineral waters in bulk.
What you are paying for is:
- The glass bottle: It is genuinely functional (better taste preservation than plastic), genuinely beautiful (the cobalt blue is recognizable), and genuinely more sustainable (fully recyclable glass versus single-use plastic).
- The natural spring source: Unlike most seltzer brands that start with municipal water run through reverse osmosis, Saratoga uses naturally sourced spring water from the Northeast. That is a real difference in origin and mineral profile, even if the TDS is not dramatically high.
- The occasion: FineWaters calls it “a nice epicurean alternative to imported, high-end, glass-bottled mineral water,” which positions it well. You are not paying for a massive mineral profile like Gerolsteiner. You are paying for a clean, well-carbonated American spring water in a beautiful bottle that belongs on a dining table.
If you drink sparkling water every day by the case, Saratoga is not the economical choice. If you want something worth pouring at dinner, worth presenting at a gathering, or worth giving as a gift alongside food, it belongs in a different conversation from a 35-pack of store-brand seltzer.
How Saratoga Compares to Other Premium Waters
| Feature | Saratoga | San Pellegrino | Topo Chico | Mountain Valley |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | New York spring | Italian Alps | Monterrey, Mexico | Arkansas Ouachita Mountains |
| TDS | Under 150 mg/L | 1,109 mg/L | Not published (~400) | 220 mg/L |
| Bottle | Cobalt blue glass | Green glass | Glass/can | Green glass |
| Carbonation | Bold | Medium | Very intense | Medium-bold |
| Calories | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Origin since | 1872 | 1899 | 1895 | 1871 |
| Average Price | $2 to $5 | $1.50 to $3 | $1.50 to $2.50 | $2 to $4 |
Where Saratoga stands out is its American origin, its distinctive bottle, and the lighter mineral profile that makes it more food-flexible than something with heavy minerality like Gerolsteiner. Where it yields ground to European imports is in the actual mineral density, which is a real attribute for people seeking mineral support from their water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saratoga sparkling water?
Saratoga Sparkling Spring Water is a naturally sourced American spring water bottled in the iconic cobalt blue glass bottle. Founded in Saratoga Springs, New York in 1872, it is now owned by BlueTriton Brands and uses spring sources in the Northeast.
What does Saratoga sparkling water taste like?
Clean, crisp, and slightly sweet with bold, assertive carbonation. The mineral character is gentle rather than forward, making it a versatile food and drink pairing water. FineWaters describes it as 'perfect for food with a strong mouthfeel.'
Is Saratoga a good sparkling water?
Yes, particularly for occasions where presentation matters. The glass bottle, natural spring source, and quality carbonation place it above most standard seltzer brands. It is not a high-mineral water like Gerolsteiner, but it is a premium American spring water with a strong track record.
Where does Saratoga water come from?
The brand was founded in Saratoga Springs, New York, and sources water from springs in the Northeast. Sourcing may include Vermont and other regional springs depending on production. The water filters naturally through shale and limestone.
Is Saratoga sparkling water glass?
The original and most recognizable format is the 28oz cobalt blue glass bottle. A 12oz glass bottle was also added. A 16oz recycled plastic bottle and a 16oz aluminum bottle (launched in 2024) are available for more portable use.
How much does Saratoga sparkling water cost?
Prices typically range from $2 to $5 per bottle depending on size and retailer. It is a premium-priced product compared to mainstream seltzer brands.
Who owns Saratoga water?
BlueTriton Brands, one of the largest bottled water companies in North America, owns Saratoga Water.
Does Saratoga sparkling water have minerals?
It contains naturally occurring minerals from the spring source. The TDS is relatively low (under 150 mg/L in some varieties), giving it a clean taste without heavy minerality. Not in the same mineral density category as Gerolsteiner or San Pellegrino.
Where can I buy Saratoga sparkling water?
Available in stores throughout the contiguous U.S. and Washington D.C., via ReadyRefresh home delivery, and online through major retailers including Amazon.
Is Saratoga the same as Saratoga Springs?
The brand was founded in and is deeply tied to Saratoga Springs, New York. However, current sourcing includes multiple spring locations in the Northeast. The production facility remains in Saratoga Springs.
References
- Wikipedia. “Saratoga Water.” en.wikipedia.org. Updated 2024.
- Saratoga Water. “Frequently Asked Questions.” saratogawater.com.
- Business Insider. “Fitness influencer Ashton Hall’s morning routine went viral. Saratoga water’s CMO is loving the memes.” businessinsider.com. March 2025.
- FineWaters. “Saratoga Spring Water Review.” finewaters.com.
- NYCNotes. “Saratoga Sparkling Water: Why New York’s Iconic Blue Bottle Is So Popular.” nycnotes.com. 2026.
- H2GO Water Bottle. “What Makes Saratoga Spring Water Unique.” h2gowaterbottle.com. 2025.
- Saratoga Water official website. saratogawater.com.