Is LaCroix Safe?

The Short Answer

LaCroix is acceptable in moderation, but it comes with a few caveats. The viral claims that it contains cockroach insecticide are false, but testing has revealed trace amounts of forever chemicals [1, 5, 7].

A major Consumer Reports study found that LaCroix contains 1.16 parts per trillion (ppt) of PFAS [6, 10]. While this is drastically lower than competitors like Topo Chico, it still crosses the strict 1 ppt threshold recommended by independent environmental health experts [2].

Why This Matters

The sparkling water industry is booming, but canned convenience often hides chemical contamination. When you buy mass-produced carbonated water, you are fully trusting the brand's source water and their internal filtration methods. Is Canned Sparkling Water Safe

The biggest concern with any canned beverage right now is the presence of PFAS, or forever chemicals. These synthetic chemicals don't break down in the body or the environment, and they are linked to thyroid issues, elevated cholesterol, and immune suppression [5, 12]. Pfas In Water

Furthermore, the term "natural flavors" is a massive regulatory gray area. Beverage companies don't have to disclose exactly what makes up their flavor profiles, leaving consumers in the dark about the proprietary blends they are actually drinking. Are Sparkling Water Flavors Harmful

What's Actually In LaCroix

• Carbonated Water — The base is purified municipal water. It is injected with carbon dioxide to create the signature bubbles.
• Natural Flavors — LaCroix uses fruit essence oils extracted through heating. A 2018 lawsuit claimed these contained synthetic linalool (a compound used in insecticide), but the lawsuit was completely dropped after lab tests couldn't prove the compounds were synthetic [1, 7, 8].
• PFAS — Testing revealed 1.16 ppt of forever chemicals in LaCroix [6]. While technically compliant with outdated federal standards, it fails the strict 1 ppt safety limit set by independent health organizations [2, 10].

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• No Added Sugar — Unsweetened sparkling water won't spike your blood sugar or insulin.
• Real Fruit Juice — Brands that flavor with actual squeezed fruit are transparent, unlike those relying on proprietary "natural flavors."

Red Flags:

• High PFAS Levels — Any sparkling water testing above 1 ppt for forever chemicals should be consumed cautiously.
• Artificial Sweeteners — Aspartame and sucralose disrupt gut health and should be strictly avoided in any bubbly beverage. Is Diet Soda Bad

The Best Options

If you drink sparkling water daily, upgrading your brand or making it at home can dramatically reduce your chemical exposure. Cleanest Sparkling Water

The Bottom Line

1. Don't panic over the lawsuit. The viral claims about cockroach insecticide in LaCroix were officially retracted and completely unproven [7].

2. Limit your daily intake. Because it contains trace levels of PFAS, LaCroix shouldn't completely replace your daily intake of high-quality filtered tap water [10].

3. Upgrade to real ingredients. If you want flavor, look for brands using real fruit juice, or simply squeeze an organic lemon into plain carbonated water.

FAQ

Does LaCroix contain cockroach insecticide?

No. A 2018 lawsuit falsely claimed LaCroix contained synthetic linalool, a chemical used in pesticides [1]. Linalool naturally occurs in citrus and lavender, and the plaintiff dropped the lawsuit when they couldn't prove the ingredient was artificially created [4, 7].

Does LaCroix have PFAS?

Yes. LaCroix tested at 1.16 ppt for PFAS in a major Consumer Reports study [6, 10]. While significantly lower than many other canned waters, it still exceeds the strict 1 ppt safety threshold recommended by environmental scientists [2].

Is LaCroix bad for your teeth?

It can be. Carbonated water naturally creates carbonic acid, which slightly lowers the pH of your mouth and can soften tooth enamel if consumed constantly throughout the day. Is Sparkling Water Bad For Your Teeth