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La Croix

LaCroix is an American brand of sparkling water, originally developed in La Crosse, Wisconsin, by G.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

LaCroix is an American brand of sparkling water, originally developed in La Crosse, Wisconsin, by G. Heileman Brewing Company and later distributed by National Beverage Corporation. It is sold as a flavoured, carbonated beverage and is known for its zero-calorie, unsweetened positioning. LaCroix is also sold in Canada, contributing to the North American sparkling water market.

History

LaCroix was introduced in the early 1980s by G. Heileman Brewing Company in La Crosse, Wisconsin. It was later acquired by National Beverage, which expanded the brand nationally.

Product characteristics

LaCroix is a sparkling water product sold in flavoured varieties. National Beverage describes it as having zero calories, zero sweeteners, and zero sodium.

Brand identity

The brand’s name reflects its Wisconsin origins and is often pronounced “La-CROY.” Its colourful packaging and flavour variety helped make it a prominent brand in the U.S. sparkling water market.

Key facts

  • LaCroix is an American sparkling water brand.
  • The brand originated in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and its name is associated with the city and nearby St. Croix River.
  • It was first launched in the early 1980s by G. Heileman Brewing Company.
  • National Beverage later acquired the brand and now distributes it.
  • LaCroix is marketed as a zero-calorie beverage with no sweeteners or sodium.
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Canadian context

LaCroix is sold in Canada and is part of the broader North American sparkling water market, which has grown alongside Canadian consumer demand for flavoured carbonated beverages.

Frequently asked questions

What is LaCroix?
LaCroix is an American brand of sparkling water sold in flavoured varieties.
Who owns LaCroix?
LaCroix is part of the National Beverage family of brands.
Where did LaCroix originate?
LaCroix originated in La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States.
When was LaCroix introduced?
Sources place its launch in 1980 or 1981.
What makes LaCroix notable as a beverage?
It is marketed as a zero-calorie, zero-sweetener, zero-sodium sparkling water.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Croix_Sparkling_Water
    Supports: Brand identity, origin, type, manufacturer, introduced date
  2. National Beverage Corp. — https://www.nationalbeverage.com/
    Supports: Corporate ownership and product positioning
  3. LaCroix — https://www.lacroixwater.com/corporate
    Supports: Brand is part of the National Beverage family
  4. Bon Appétit — https://www.bonappetit.com/story/the-secret-history-of-the-lacroix-label
    Supports: Early history and acquisition context
  5. VinePair — https://www.vinepair.com/articles/lacroix-brewery-controversy/
    Supports: Origin story, naming context, early history
  6. Harvard Business School — https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=56442
    Supports: Launch as sparkling water brand and repositioning after acquisition