The average U.S. adult swills almost 57.5 ounces of water a day, according to a 2024 poll conducted by CivicScience. To put this in perspective, Newsweek has reported that our transatlantic pals in Europe consume just 33.8 ounces daily. This love for water in the U.S is evidenced by the substantial profits reaped by the Stanley Cup.

Despite this, not everyone opts for the straight-from-the-tap hydration route. Freshly released figures from YouGov highlight that bottled water is the go-to choice for 52% of Americans on a weekly basis. Furthermore, American consumers do have a clear favorite when it comes to bottled water brands.

YouGov's annual soft drink rankings were disclosed on Tuesday, showcasing the popularity rankings of brands across soda, carbonated waters, and still waters.

"In a sector influenced by brand allegiance, lifestyle choices, and quick evolution, understanding which beverage brands are favored by consumers is critical," stated Kenton Barello, Vice President at YouGov America. He went on to explain that the report looks into the brands that are attracting the most attention across the U.S in the realm of carbonated and still water, soft drinks, and energy beverages.

Despite soda's diminished demand, Coca-Cola maintains its crown, with 35% of Americans still having a fondness for it. Instead, consumers are reaching more and more for both sparkling and still water. The report indicated that Aquafina is the preferred choice for most respondents, albeit by a slight lead.

Delving deeper into the report, Aquafina by PepsiCo topped the charts as the "most considered" still and sparkling water brands. It clinched 21% of the votes, trailed by Coca-Cola’s Smartwater and VitaminWater at 19% and 16% respectively. Dasani, Pure Life, Fiji, LaCroix, Poland Spring, Deer Park, and Perrier completed the top ten list.

Gender and age-related preferences were also noted. Smartwater was the most favored water brand among women, securing 21% of the votes, while Aquafina was the most popular with Gen Z Americans, 31% of whom preferred it. Millennials demonstrated a 27% higher likelihood than other generations to consider drinking LaCroix.

Some intriguing revelations were outlined in the report as well. For instance, those drinking sparkling water weekly are most likely to be undergrad or postgrad degree holders and to earn an income over $100,000 annually. So, if you're aiming to feel successful and affluent, go ahead and order up a glass of "sparkling" the next time you're out.