Students stocking a shared kitchen
If several flatmates will use the same supply, consider bottle size, cupboard space and how quickly an opened bottle will be finished.
Who is choosing?
Students taking water to campus
A 500ml bottle is easier to carry to lectures or on a commute than a 1.5L or 2L bottle. Check whether a multipack will fit where you plan to store it.
Students choosing between plain and flavoured fizz
Check the exact product label if you want to distinguish plain carbonated water from a flavoured drink containing ingredients such as acids, sweeteners or juice.
What should you check?
Decide where you will drink the water most often, then match the bottle size to your storage and carrying needs. Read the label separately if you are considering a flavoured option.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Shared-kitchen supply | Compare bottle and pack volumes, including 1L, 1.5L and 2L formats. Check cupboard and fridge space before choosing a case. | Several of us may drink it at home, but our shared kitchen has limited storage. |
| Portability | Check the individual bottle size, not just the total pack volume. A 500ml bottle is smaller to carry than a 1.5L or 2L bottle. | I want a bottle I can take to lectures or on the commute without carrying the household supply. |
| Ingredients | Read the ingredients list and sugars figure on the exact flavour. M&S lists citric acid and stevia in its Blood Orange Sparkling Water, while its Juicy Apple and Elderflower Sparkling Water lists 6.6g sugars per 100g. | If I choose a flavoured drink, I want to know whether it contains juice, sweeteners, acids or sugar rather than assuming it matches plain water. |
| After opening | Follow the instructions on the individual bottle. For example, M&S Collection Sparkling Natural Mineral Water says to refrigerate after opening and consume within three days. | We may open a bottle for the shared fridge and finish it over several days. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming flavoured sparkling water is plain water with bubbles
Ingredients vary between products. M&S Blood Orange Sparkling Water lists citric acid and stevia; its Juicy Apple and Elderflower Sparkling Water contains juice and lists 6.6g sugars per 100g.
Check the ingredients and nutrition panel for the exact flavour. If you want plain carbonated water, select a product labelled as such.
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Filling the shared kitchen with large bottles
A multipack needs somewhere to go, and an opened bottle needs to fit in the fridge if its label calls for refrigeration.
Check the space available before buying a case. A smaller first shop can help you judge how quickly the household uses it.
Brand and retailer ranges
These ranges illustrate the formats and ingredient differences worth checking; they are separate from the Joybuy products below.
Tesco
Tesco lists own-label plain sparkling mineral water in both 6x2L and 12x500ml packs.
- The larger pack is a format to consider for shared-kitchen storage; the 500ml bottles offer individual portions.
- Check the label of the exact product, particularly when switching between plain and flavoured varieties.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's lists own-label sparkling spring water in 4x2L and 12x500ml packs, alongside flavoured products.
- The listed bottle sizes cover both a shared-kitchen supply and drinks to carry individually.
- Check each flavoured product separately rather than assuming its ingredients match the plain water.
Highland Spring
Highland Spring lists sparkling spring water in 500ml and 1.5L bottles and a 6x1L multipack.
- Its listed formats allow a choice between a smaller bottle for carrying and larger bottles for home use.
- Check which bottle size fits your storage and daily routine.
S.Pellegrino
S.Pellegrino offers sparkling natural mineral water in PET plastic and glass bottle formats.
- The brand describes its PET bottles as suitable for home and on-the-go use.
- Check the bottle material and volume of the particular pack you choose.
Perrier
Perrier lists carbonated mineral water in glass bottles, slim cans and plastic bottles.
- The listed container formats offer different ways to store or serve the water.
- Select by the particular product and container format rather than assuming all Perrier varieties are identical.
M&S
M&S lists plain sparkling mineral waters as well as flavoured sparkling-water products.
- The range provides both plain and flavoured options to compare.
- Ingredients differ: its Blood Orange Sparkling Water lists citric acid and stevia, so read the label for the variety you choose.
Joybuy sparkling-water options
These packs include 500ml bottles to take out and 1L bottles to keep at home or share. Check the space needed for a multipack before ordering.
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Highland Spring Sparkling Spring Water 8x500ml
The eight individual 500ml bottles suit taking sparkling water to campus. Check where you can store the rest of the pack.
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Buxton Sparkling 8x500ml
This eight-pack provides individual 500ml bottles for days away from the shared kitchen. Check the product label for ingredients and storage instructions.
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San Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water 6x0.5L
The six 0.5L bottles provide individual servings to take out or keep at home. Check the label for instructions once a bottle is opened.
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Highland Spring Sparkling Spring Water 6x1L
Six 1L bottles provide a home-use option for a shared kitchen. Make sure the pack and an opened bottle will fit your available storage.
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SAN PELLEGRINO Sparkling Natural Mineral Water 6x1L
This six-bottle 1L pack is a format to consider for drinking at home or sharing. Check the packaging for storage and opened-bottle instructions.
Questions about choosing and storing sparkling water
Which bottle size works for a student in shared accommodation?
Choose a larger bottle or multipack if it fits your shared storage and will be used at home; choose 500ml bottles if carrying one to campus matters more. Check the space available before buying a case.
Are flavoured sparkling waters the same as plain sparkling water?
No. Ingredients and sugars differ between products: M&S Blood Orange Sparkling Water lists citric acid and stevia, while its Juicy Apple and Elderflower Sparkling Water lists 6.6g sugars per 100g. Read the label of the exact flavour you choose.
Can sparkling water be part of an everyday fluid routine?
Yes. The NHS suggests trying sparkling water if you do not like the taste of plain water. Its general guidance to aim for 6 to 8 cups or glasses a day concerns fluids overall, not sparkling water specifically.
How should an opened bottle be stored?
Follow the instructions on its label. For example, M&S Collection Sparkling Natural Mineral Water says to refrigerate after opening and consume within three days; instructions for another product may differ.