Once a drink favored by Midwestern moms, in recent years LaCroix has bubbled to the top of soda sales all over the United States. In the The low-calorie sparkling water beverage caught the eye of Americans, particularly Millennials, looking for a healthier alternative to regular sodas. Since the early 2000s, sales have exploded. And everyone seems to have a ranking on their favorite flavor.

Here are a few things you might not know about this new beverage icon in your grocery aisle:


1. It’s PRONOUNCED la-croy

The fizzy, flavored water has developed a seriously loyal following in recent years, yet many fans don’t pronounce the name correctly. If you’ve been faking some fancy French accent and saying “La-Kwah,” you should save yourself the embarrassment. The real name rhymes with “enjoy.” How can we be certain? It’s on the La Croix website.

2. What’s that mean?

Lacroix translates to “The Cross” in French.

3. easy going origins

LaCroix was invented in 1981 by G. Heinemann Brewing company in La Cross, Wisconsin. The brand was meant to appeal to sparkling water fans who were put off by the snobbishness associated with Perrier sparkling water brand.

4. now trading

Since 1996, LaCroix has belonged to parent company, National Beverage Corp. — the fourth largest soda supplier in the country. On the market, the company goes by the fun stock symbol “FIZZ.” Furthermore, old FIZZ hasn’t done too bad. It has jumped from just $12 a share in 2010 to $92 today.

5. Sparkling water skyrocketed

In 2004, Lacroix only offered six flavors, but driven by a disinterest in conventional sugary sodas, consumers turned to the low-calorie sparkling soft drink. These days, LC fans can enjoy 20 different flavors.

6. it’s inspirational

One guy, Rakeem, even wrote a rap song about the stuff.

Nope. Make that two guys who turned their obsession into a song.

7. It originally only came in glass

Lacroix drinkers know to look for the brightly-colored cans, but in 1981 when the drink was first established, it was only available in 12 oz. glass bottles. The glass bottles are still available for purchase throughout Illinois and Wisconsin.

8. Lacroix cocktails

LaCroix has no calories, sugars or artificial anything, so it makes for a great soda pop replacement — but have you considered a LaCroix cocktail? You can whip up lower-calories alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages by using it as a mixer, and what’s better, the website has a whole section dedicated to delicious recipes.


Also see, Vegan-friendly Starbucks beverages for summer.

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Author

Meghan is a full-time writer exploring the fun facts behind food. She lives a healthy lifestyle but lives for breakfast, dessert and anything with marinara. She’s thrown away just as many meals as she’s proud of.