Simple Truth is Kroger’s own brand, and its sparkling water shelf is bigger and more mixed up than most people realize. There isn’t just one Simple Truth sparkling water. There are four separate products wearing the same label: a flagship zero-calorie sparkling water and seltzer line, an organic seltzer line, an imported Italian sparkling mineral water, and an organic sparkling coconut water that actually does have calories and sugar in it from real fruit juice.
Simple Truth itself launched in September 2012 as Kroger’s answer to the growing demand for natural and organic groceries. It grew fast, crossing two billion dollars in annual sales within a few years, and it now sits well past three billion.
The Four Simple Truth Sparkling Water Lines
- Simple Truth Sparkling Water and Seltzer: The main line, sold in 12-ounce cans. Ingredients: purified carbonated water and natural flavors (lime varieties also list real lime juice). Zero calories, zero sugar, zero sodium.
- Simple Truth Organic Seltzer: Follows the same basic formula, but the flavor essences used are organic.
- Simple Truth Italian Sparkling Mineral Water: Imported, bottled at a mineral source in Apecchio, Italy. A true mineral water carrying a small amount of naturally occurring minerals, yet sodium free.
- Simple Truth Organic Sparkling Coconut Water: The outlier. Made with real organic coconut water and real fruit juice, meaning it carries calories and natural sugar (around 80 calories and 20 grams of sugar per bottle).
Simple Truth Sparkling Water Flavors at a Glance
| Product Line | Calories | Main Flavor Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sparkling Water (Cans) | 0 | Mango Grapefruit, Blood Orange, Cranberry | Everyday zero-calorie seltzer replacement |
| Italian Mineral Water (Glass) | 0 | Imported plain mineral, Blood Orange, Lime | Elegant dining, European mineral water taste |
| Sparkling Coconut Water (Bottles) | ~80 | Watermelon, Mango juice blends | Post-workout hydration with natural electrolytes |
Simple Truth Flagship Canned Flavors
The flagship line covers a wide range, and flavors rotate somewhat by region and season, but the ones that show up most consistently include:
- Mango Grapefruit: Pairs a sweeter tropical note against grapefruit’s natural tartness. It’s one of the better sellers in the lineup based on how often it shows up front and center on the Kroger site.
- Strawberry Watermelon: Leans light and summery, closer to fruit punch than to a single, sharp fruit flavor. Excellent served over ice.
- Blood Orange: A genuine favorite, described as fizzy and tangy without tasting overly sweet or artificial.
- Orange Vanilla: The closest thing in the lineup to a dessert flavor, with vanilla adding a creamier note against the citrus.
Simple Truth Organic Sparkling Coconut Water
There are two confirmed flavors in this line: Mango and Watermelon.
Watermelon Organic Sparkling Coconut Water is built from carbonated organic coconut water blended with real organic watermelon juice, citric acid, vitamin C, and natural flavor. It smells remarkably like watermelon pop rocks! It’s fizzy, pops in your mouth, and complements the thickness of the coconut water.
Because this line is made with real juice, it has about 80 calories and 20g of sugar per bottle. While it brings real electrolytes, it is not a zero-calorie seltzer, so keep that in mind if you are monitoring sugar intake.
Simple Truth Italian Sparkling Mineral Water
Imported from Apecchio, Italy, this line comes plain or in naturally flavored varieties including Lemon, Lime, Mango, and Blood Orange.
Sold in elegant glass bottles (individual or six-packs), the mineral content gives it a heavier, rounder mouthfeel than domestic purified seltzers. It is a fantastic dining table accompaniment.
Simple Truth vs LaCroix vs Bubly
| Brand | Calories | Sweetener | Sodium | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Truth Sparkling Water | 0 | None | 0mg | Kroger exclusive, purified water and natural flavor |
| Simple Truth Italian Mineral Water | 0 | None | 0mg | Imported, true mineral water |
| Simple Truth Organic Sparkling Coconut Water | About 80 | None added (natural fruit sugar) | Varies | Real coconut water and fruit juice, not zero calorie |
| LaCroix | 0 | None | 0mg | Natural essence, subtle flavor |
| Bubly | 0 | None | 0mg | Natural flavor, light |
Price is where Simple Truth wins. As a store brand, it is regularly priced below LaCroix and Bubly at Kroger banner stores, saving you a couple of dollars per pack.
Is Simple Truth Sparkling Water Good for You?
For the sparkling water, seltzer, and Italian mineral water lines, yes. They are zero calorie, zero sugar, and zero sodium. Kroger formulates Simple Truth products without more than 101 unwanted artificial ingredients and preservatives.
The Organic Sparkling Coconut Water has real sugar and calories from fruit juice. It is great for a post-workout recovery due to coconut water’s natural hydration profile, but it is not a zero-calorie drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simple Truth sparkling water good for you?
The sparkling water, seltzer, and Italian mineral water lines are zero calorie, zero sugar, and zero sodium, making them a reasonable soda swap for most people. The Organic Sparkling Coconut Water is different. It has real calories and sugar from actual fruit juice, so check which product you're holding before assuming it's calorie free.
What are the ingredients in Simple Truth sparkling water?
The flagship line is purified carbonated water and natural flavors, with lime varieties also including real lime juice. The Italian mineral water is mineral water, carbon dioxide, and natural flavor. The coconut water line includes carbonated organic coconut water, real fruit juice, citric acid, vitamin C, and natural flavor.
Does Simple Truth Italian sparkling mineral water have sodium?
No. It's sodium free, though it does carry a small amount of naturally occurring minerals, since it's a true mineral water rather than plain carbonated purified water.
Is Simple Truth organic sparkling coconut water the same as the regular sparkling water?
No, and this is the one mix up worth avoiding. The coconut water line has real calories and sugar from actual fruit juice. The regular Simple Truth sparkling water, seltzer, and Italian mineral water lines are all zero calorie and zero sugar.
Where can I buy Simple Truth sparkling water?
Only at Kroger and its family of stores, including Ralphs, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Smith's, Fry's, QFC, and City Market, along with Kroger's delivery and pickup services and Instacart. It's not sold at Target, Walmart, or Whole Foods.
Is Simple Truth sparkling water discontinued?
No. It's an active, current Kroger private label line, and it's regularly expanded with new flavors rather than being phased out. If a specific flavor is missing from your local store, that's more likely a regional stocking choice than a discontinuation.
Who makes Simple Truth sparkling water?
Kroger owns and sells Simple Truth as its private natural and organic brand. It launched in September 2012 and has grown into one of Kroger's biggest brands, now generating more than three billion dollars a year across its full product range, sparkling water included.