Trader Joe’s Just Launched a Spindrift Copycat

When my eighth-grade math teacher told me I’d use algebra every day in my adult life, she was right. I just never realized how much of my daily brainpower would be devoted to calculating and managing the cost of an early-onset seltzer habit. Do you go with store-brand, or LaCroix? Is there a better deal online, or in stores? And what do you do if you get a taste for Spindrift, the Champagne of flavored seltzers, and ordinary bubbly water won’t cut it anymore?

Fortunately, Trader Joe’s has a habit of making tasty copycats of cult-favorite products, and this week they just released a fancy new seltzer of their own.

Seltzers with a Splash is Trader Joe’s “elevated” new seltzer line made with carbonated water and a light splash of organic fruit juice for a light, refreshing flavor. Trader Joe’s calls it “the new standard for effervescent excellence.”

So far Seltzers with a Splash are available in three flavors: Blood Orange and Orange, Lemon and Ginger, and Cranberry and Lime. It sounds very similar to Spindrift, which describes itself as “America’s first sparkling water made with just real squeezed fruit,” and which Elle‘s Estelle Tang described as, “the Pinterest of fancy waters.”

Because it’s made with real fruit, Spindrift is definitely pricier than LaCroix and most other flavored seltzers on the market. But its fans say it’s worth it, because it’s made with real fruit and the grapefruit flavor tastes like actual grapefruit, with no odd aftertaste.

Trader Joe’s version promises to be just as delightful (and probably great mixed with vodka): “Thirsty after a long day of work? Make like the hip kids and crack open a can, right out of the refrigerator,” the Trader Joe’s announcement reads. “Need a non-alcoholic, but still-fancy-feeling drink to serve at a gathering? This is it. A-OK with alcohol? Try adding a bit of TJ’s Art of the Still Organic Vodka for a quick-and-easy all-organic cocktail.”

A four-pack of Seltzers with a Splash sells for $2.99 at Trader Joe’s, which works out to 75 cents per can. That’s still more expensive than most conventional seltzers, but not bad for one made with just sparkling water and organic fruit juice.

What do you think of Trader Joe’s new seltzer?