How can a company beat out soda giants like Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) and Pepsi (NYSE: PEP)? Become sparkling water. LaCroix, a sparkling water brand owned by National Beverage, is making a splash in the beverage world, with sales up more than 45% year-over-year. According to Bloomberg, the sparkling water sections of both Coke and Pepsi have dropped collectively more than 5%. Originally marketed as a drink for women in the boom in energy drinks largely consumed by a male audience, La Croix was an instant hit, according to Bloomberg. Because consumers, particularly millennials, are looking for healthy alternatives to soda, it’s really not a surprising that a drink of this nature would do well. Known to some as the PBR of water, the beverage has somewhat of a hipster audience. According to Bloomberg, part of the target audience for the beverage is young, educated men and women. “It’s less about the taste or whatever,” one blogger said of the product, Bloomberg reported. “It’s more about how it’s an interesting fizzy thing and it can replace soda.” Soda sales in the United States are generally down, with former soda drinkers seeking out alternatives. Because of this, there is room for a brand like LaCroix to sweep in as a carbonation substitute. Personally, I've never been a Coke or Pepsi drinker, typically opting for either seltzer or simply water. LaCroix offers enough flavors to keep the customer interested, however, doesn't come with the health risks or potential for developing diabetes, like regular and diet soda does. People are looking for beverages other than soda, and the numbers are showing it. For more business and financial news, click here. *This is editorial content and expresses the opinion of the reader.