For a beverage that’s been around since the 1700s, it really seems like seltzer water hit peak popularity in the last ten years. Polar Seltzer has been making sparkling water since 1882, so it’s fair to say that it’s a staple in the bubbly category. Believe it or not, there are over 20 Polar Seltzer flavors, so where does one start? I hit my local grocery store, grabbed a variety pack, and got to work on my investigation. Here are eight Polar sparkling water flavors, ranked from best to worst.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
Related: Here Are the Best Flavored Sparkling Water Brands To Drink
Best: Lime
$3.68 for an 8-pack from Walmart
Look, does it taste like every other lime-flavored sparkling water in the world? Pretty much. Is that a good thing? Yes, to me, it is. Use it in a drink, enjoy one on its own, or just dump the whole thing over your head. No wrong answers here.
Related: I Tried 9 Spindrift Sparkling Water Flavors, and These Were the Best (And Worst)
2. Original
$3.79 for an 8-pack from Target
I know, I know, I know, call the Boring Police. What do you want me to say? Sometimes you don’t need fancy bells and whistles. Sometimes things are great on their own, and carbonated water is one of those things. While it’s nice to simulate a soda with a flavored sparkling water, if you’re going for pure refreshment, this is a winner.
For more great taste tests, please sign up for our free newsletters.
3. Ruby Red Grapefruit
$3.28 for an 8-pack from Walmart
Polar’s grapefruit flavor is pretty understated, but I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I’m going to pour this into a glass of crushed ice with some mezcal immediately.
4. Cranberry Lime
$3.68 for an 8-pack from Walmart
Flavor fusions are supposed to be unpretentious and refreshing, and that’s just what cranberry lime is. Though I can’t really hone in on either cranberry or lime anywhere when I’m drinking it, I’d crack one of these open on a hot day in a heartbeat.
5. Orange Vanilla
$22.27 for a 12-pack from Amazon
This is quite strange, but I’m here for it. The classic creamsicle flavor is alive and well in seltzer form, and somehow still at zero sugar. There’s a very heavily pronounced vanilla situation happening here; even the aroma is pungent. Not sure I’ve ever been able to smell sparkling water before. I like this.
Trending on Cheapism
6. Black Cherry
$3.68 for an 8-pack from Walmart
This is a nice one. There’s plenty of clear black cherry flavor, but it doesn’t feel overpowering in the slightest. I’ve got a theory that black cherry-flavored seltzies usually don’t miss.
7. Lemon
$5.79 for a 12-pack from Instacart
Polar is overall a lot more mild than a lot of sparkling waters out there, and that really works for its lemon flavor. Thanks to the strong carbonation and balanced flavor, lemon might make a wonderful drink mixer.
8. Pomegranate
$9.60 for a 12-pack from Walmart
It’s worth noting that (like just about every drink) this is significantly better the colder it is, but Pomegranate didn’t quite hit the highs that the others did. There’s definitely pomegranate flavors going on inside this can, but they might be a little much. This has a powerful presence, and Polar would do well to tone it back a bit.
