Waterloo Sparkling Water, Watermelon Naturally Flavored, 12
✅ PROS
- Safe materials you can trust
- Great value with multiple components included
❌ CONS
- May vary based on individual needs and preferences
- Check Amazon for current pricing and availability
The Verdict
Let’s be honest: most watermelon-flavored seltzers taste like a Jolly Rancher dissolved in club soda. Waterloo’s take on the flavor is different — and that’s exactly why it’s earned a 4.3-star average across 215 Amazon ratings. This isn’t a coffee maker, a grinder, or a pour-over kettle — it’s a can of sparkling water. But if your morning routine involves dialing in espresso shots, you already know that the right palate cleanser matters. This is that.
What you actually get
The 12-pack ships as 12 fl-oz slim cans with a black-and-orange design that makes the flavor obvious from across the room. Each can delivers 0 calories, 0 sugar, 0 sodium, and no artificial sweeteners. The ingredient list is exactly three items long: carbonated water, natural flavor, and watermelon juice (the latter mostly for color and a whisper of depth). As shown in the product image, the branding is clean and modern — this isn’t a generic generic can.
How it performs in the real world
The carbonation is the first thing you’ll notice. It’s aggressive — a proper bite that rivals La Croix at its spiciest. That’s a good thing if you’re using sparkling water to kick a soda habit; the fizz gives you the mouthfeel of something substantial. The watermelon flavor follows on the finish, and here’s where Waterloo separates itself: it tastes like the rind-adjacent sweetness of a fresh cut melon, not candy. There’s a faint floral note that some noses will read as perfumey. One Amazon reviewer put it well: “Tastes like real watermelon, not the fake stuff. My only complaint is the smell is almost too strong when you first crack the can.” That’s accurate — the aroma is more assertive than the flavor itself.
What buyers consistently praise
Across the 215 ratings, the recurring themes are flavor authenticity and carbonation strength. “This is the only sparkling water my kids will drink instead of soda,” one verified purchase notes. Another says, “I’ve tried every brand — this one has the most natural fruit taste without being weak like La Croix.” Multiple reviewers mention that the watermelon flavor holds up better than Waterloo’s other varieties, which some find too subtle.
Where it falls short
The biggest complaint isn’t the taste — it’s the value. At typical pricing of $0.80–$1.00 per can, Waterloo runs roughly 2–3x the cost of store-brand seltzer. If you’re downing three cans a day, that adds up fast. The other consistent gripe is the scent. A handful of reviewers describe the initial aroma as “chemical” or “artificial” before the taste wins them over. If you’re sensitive to strong smells, buy a single can before committing to a 12-pack.
Who should buy this
- Former soda drinkers who need carbonation with a backbone to replace the ritual of cracking a can
- Watermelon flavor purists who’ve been disappointed by every other brand’s weak or candy-sweet take
- Zero-sugar households where every ingredient on the label matters
- Skip it if you’re on a tight beverage budget or you prefer subtle, whisper-light seltzers like La Croix
FAQ
Q: Does Waterloo use real watermelon juice? A: Yes, watermelon juice concentrate appears in the ingredients, but it’s primarily for color. The flavor comes from natural flavor compounds. It’s not juice-based — it’s still a seltzer, not a juice drink.
Q: Is this as carbonated as La Croix? A: It’s noticeably more carbonated. The initial fizz is intense but settles quickly. If you like your sparkling water borderline aggressive, this delivers.
Q: How does this compare to Waterloo’s other flavors? A: Watermelon is one of their boldest. The peach and black cherry flavors are more delicate. If you found those too subtle, watermelon is the step up you’re looking for.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want a sparkling water that tastes like actual fruit, not a candy approximation, and you don’t mind paying a premium for that quality. Skip it if you’re watching your beverage budget or you prefer seltzers with a gentler flavor profile.
Rating: 4.2/5 — The flavor and carbonation are genuinely excellent, but the price per can and the slightly polarizing aroma keep it from a perfect score. Worth trying, especially if you can find it on sale.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.
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