One of the things we love most about The Lausanne Guide is that our team is constantly introducing each other to things we might never have discovered on our own.
Last summer, that thing was Flip.
It first came onto our radar thanks to fellow team member Clara. If you've ever met her, you'll understand why we paid attention. As deputy editor-in-chief of a design magazine, she has an eye for brands, products and ideas that feel fresh, thoughtful and just a little ahead of the curve. She's often the first person in the room to discover something new (and the rest of us tend to take notes).
So when she started talking about a local flavoured water company based in Renens, we were curious. What had caught her attention wasn't just the branding (though it's admittedly hard to miss), but the taste. That recommendation was all it took.
At the time, we were already fans of flavoured sparkling water. But the discovery of Flip sparked a simple question: why were we drinking water imported from abroad when there was a local alternative being produced right here in our region?
A few cans quickly turned into regular orders, and before long, Flip had earned a permanent spot in the fridge.
What we appreciated most was its simplicity. No sugar. No sweeteners. No ingredient list that requires a magnifying glass and a degree in chemistry to decipher. Just Swiss water infused with natural flavours that somehow manage to be present without being overpowering.
Refreshing enough to crack open after a run. Interesting enough to serve at an apéro. The kind of drink that quietly becomes a habit.
Nearly a year after first discovering Flip, we had the opportunity to sit down with founder Jonathan. And within minutes, it became clear that the brand reflects the person behind it.
Warm, humble and refreshingly unpretentious, Jonathan isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. His story begins much like that of many consumers. Growing up, he loved soft drinks. As he got older, however, he became increasingly frustrated by the amount of sugar they contained and disappointed by the alternatives on offer.
Many were packed with artificial ingredients. Others relied heavily on sweeteners. Plenty promised a healthier option but left behind the lingering aftertaste that makes you wish you'd just ordered the soda in the first place.
So Jonathan decided to create the drink he couldn't find. Partnering with the team behind Urban Kombucha, another local success story, he set out to develop something different.
The idea was simple: take great Swiss water, add natural flavours, skip the sugar and sweeteners entirely, and create something that felt as enjoyable as a soft drink without pretending to be one.
The result is Flip.
In a region filled with talented winemakers, craft brewers, coffee roasters and food producers, we love seeing local entrepreneurs bring the same level of care and creativity to everyday products. Especially when they're products we genuinely use ourselves.
While this article may have started with a conversation, our relationship with Flip started long before that. It started with a recommendation from Clara, a bit of curiosity, and a local drink that quietly became part of our daily routine.
TLG Tip: Keep a few cans chilled in the fridge for your next apéro. They're excellent on their own, surprisingly versatile as a mixer, and a welcome option for anyone looking for something alcohol-free that still feels a little special.
Discover Flip for yourself - we highly recommend starting with the 'Tasting Box' so you can try all 4 flavours. They also offer a subscription service for homes and workplaces, ensuring you're never far from a cold can when the craving strikes.
