That was a battle for New York–based mother Heather McDowell, whose son, Jayger, constantly begged for a sip of her own sparkling water.

Her big push is getting kids to drink more water, and the best way to do that? By making it sparkling. McDowell is the founder and CEO of the recently launched Tickle Water, currently the only sparkling water brand for kids.

Even though she didn't have any previous background in the beverage biz, she knew she was onto something when Jayger always asked for her own sparkling beverage. He wanted to taste some of her drink, which she described would "tickle his tongue," and from then on the name stuck. And so did her now 4-year-old's newfound obsession with drinking "tickle water."

We know you're wondering what sets Tickle Water apart from other established sparkling water brands like La Croix and Perrier. It's all about the packaging -- and the fizz factor.

"We're the only beverage in America to come in a clear plastic can," she tells CafeMom. And for those of you asking if that plastic is BPA free and recyclable, the answers, happily, are yes and yes. There's also no sugar, calories, or artificial sweeteners.

But don't expect Tickle Water to be an imitation for other popular carbonated beverages -- it is specifically designed with less carbonation, making it easier to sip than, say, La Croix or Perrier (but still comes in fun flavors like apple, watermelon, cola, and plain, after those flavors beat out others like strawberry kiwi to mango pineapple on Jayger's playground).

Along with the cool packaging and the soft flavoring, McDowell also promises "pure hydration," so parents can substitute a can of Tickle Water for a glass of old-fashioned water.

Feeling jealous of your kids' newer, hipper drinking options? Don't worry, since there's no telltale branding that says this is just for kids. "It's in a cool can with a regular aluminum can lid," she says. "I think our packaging is kid-friendly, but it's still sophisticated."

McDowell has plans to expand Tickle Water's offerings in 2017 with the addition of white grape, and she's even looking into adding some flavors for the more discerning palette, like lavender-hibiscus.

While the drink is on the shelves at more than 200 stores in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut tristate area, you can snag a case of 12 cans for $15 on the company website.

So maybe it's time to think about replacing your La Croix addiction with Tickle Water instead.

Images via Heather McDowell

Dark Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Share this Story

Related

Trending