The still and sparkling water category remains stable, as consumers view hydration as essential to their wellbeing, with 85% saying it's an accessible way to support their health, and growing…
US
Bottled Water
simple
US Still and Sparkling Waters Market Report 2026
The still and sparkling water category remains stable, as consumers view hydration as essential to their wellbeing, with 85% saying it's an accessible way to support their health, and growing safety concerns drive many toward packaged options for purity and trust.
The still and sparkling water category remains stable, as consumers view hydration as essential to their wellbeing, with 85% saying it’s an accessible way to support their health, and growing safety concerns drive many toward packaged options for purity and trust.
Growth is strongest at the value and premium ends of the market, while mid-tier brands struggle to differentiate as private label expands and premium players win on experience, transparency, and elevated positioning.
At the same time, rising climate pressures, aging populations, Boomers’ growing hydration needs, and Millennials’ appetite for flavor and functional exploration create significant opportunities for brands to innovate simply – emphasizing clarity, safety, light-touch functionality, and culturally resonant flavors – while avoiding complexity that feels unnecessary or overpriced.
This Report Looks at the Following Areas:
Types of water consumers drink
Shifts in water-drinking habits and consumption patterns
Key factors influencing packaged water purchases
Consumer interest in functional bottled water benefits and claims
Consumer interest in flavored bottled water options
Perceived attributes of various beverage types
Consumer attitudes and behaviors toward bottled water
Report Scope
For this Report water is segmented as follows:
Nonflavored convenience still water: may be plain or enhanced with vitamins, minerals or other supplements (eg Essentia, Dasani, Pure Life)
Flavored convenience still water: may be plain or enhanced with vitamins, minerals or other supplements (eg Hint, Propel, Vitaminwater)
Nonflavored seltzer/sparkling/mineral water: may be plain or enhanced (eg Perrier, Topo Chico, unflavored Polar Seltzer)
Flavored seltzer/sparkling/mineral water: may be plain or enhanced (eg LaCroix, Bubly, AHA)
Jug/bulk still bottled water: plain water sold in multiserve containers; excludes jug/bulk containers that are filled by the consumer.
This Report excludes the following:
Water sold from bulk dispensers or coolers. This includes sales through vending machines, foodservice, and delivery services.
Coconut water and other plant-based waters.
Water filtration products.
This Report includes consumer data but not sales data on powdered/liquid water enhancement products (eg Mio, Liquid I.V., Crystal Light).
We utilize Mintel Reports, Trends and Comperemedia to mine for insights across the numerous business verticals that Epsilon serves, such as CPG, automotive, telecom, healthcare/pharma, retail and financial services.
By integrating Mintel insight into new business opportunities, we have been able to gain the competitive edge necessary to advance partnerships with global brands and key business players.
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