Whats the difference between soda water and tonic water

When at a local restaurant or walking down the aisle of a grocery store, you’ll likely find various types of carbonated beverages, including:

  • Sparkling Water
  • Club Soda
  • Seltzer
  • Tonic

Many people assume these products are the same; however, this is not the case. These products are quite different from one another. Below, we’ve provided you with a breakdown of the various carbonated beverages so that you know which one to purchase when you want to quench your thirst.

Sparkling Water

Sparkling water, often sold as sparkling mineral water, is a product that comes naturally carbonated. The carbonation comes from a natural spring or well. Sparkling water also contains calcium, sodium, and magnesium. These minerals could be an excellent addition to your dietary plan.

When you buy sparkling mineral water, you need to pay extra-close attention to the label. Manufacturers source the water from different locations, so the number of minerals in each could be different. For instance, one manufacturer could offer water with more calcium, while another offers more sodium.

Due to the various minerals, you may find that the taste of sparkling water can also vary. You may need to sample different brands to find the one that you like best. You will probably also find out very quickly that this kind of carbonated water is more expensive than the other tasty varieties we are sharing with you.

Club Soda

Another product that you’ll find is club soda. Club soda is similar to sparkling water because it also has some minerals. However, the biggest difference between the two is that manufacturers add carbonation and minerals after the fact. They don't occur naturally in club soda like they do in sparkling water.

Each manufacturer adds the minerals they want so the flavor and nutritional profile of club soda can vary from one brand to the other just like with sparkling water. Many people find club soda to have a slightly salty taste too.

Seltzer

Another type of carbonated water that you’ll find is seltzer. Seltzer, like carbonated water, gets its carbonation later on. However, unlike club soda, seltzer does not contain any minerals. Many people find that seltzer tastes much more like “natural spring water” than sparkling mineral water or club soda.

You may also find that seltzers often come with natural flavors. This is not something that sparkling mineral water and club soda can do because the minerals take over the taste of the other waters. Since there are no flavors, the manufacturers can add them in. Like citrus? They can add citrus flavor for a boost of tasty excitement.

Tonic Water

Tonic water likely has the most exciting taste of the four different types of carbonated water on our list. However, it also is the least healthy. That’s because many manufacturers often add high-fructose corn syrup or natural sugar to the beverage to improve the taste. Because of the added sugary substances, it really is not much different than grabbing a soda.  

Tonic water contains something called quinine. This compound adds a bitter taste to the water. Because the flavor tends to be so bitter, many manufacturers don’t add more than trace amounts to the water. A good thing about the bitterness though is that it pairs pretty well with lime and gin, so it is a popular bar drink.

Of the four different carbonated waters on our list, tonic water is the one that you’re least likely to drink on its own. Many people drink seltzer straight-up. And, if you find one with a taste that you like, you can drink sparkling mineral water and club soda out of the bottle. However, you likely won’t do this with tonic water. Instead, you’ll find yourself using tonic water as a mixer for cocktails.

Which One Is Best?

If you’re trying to figure out which one of the four carbonated waters you should drink, you should identify your reasons for wanting to drink them in the first place. If you struggle with drinking enough water during the day, then you’ll likely want to drink seltzer. Seltzer comes in many natural flavors, making it easier to swallow than tap or spring water.

Carbonated water hydrates you just as well as regular water. So, if you find yourself struggling to drink the recommended 64-ounce water requirement, you’ll want to try seltzer water.

If you find minerals lacking in your diet, you’ll want to try either sparkling water or club soda. You’ll need to try various products to find one that you enjoy. 

All these bubbly waters are calorie free and are considered to be pretty healthy, so don't feel bad about trying a few until you find the one you like best. And hey, maybe you will even go as far as ditching the sugary soda while you're at it too!

We explain what these fizzy waters are all about

Whats the difference between soda water and tonic water

If you pour side-by-side glasses, there's virtually no difference between seltzer, club soda, mineral and tonic water. But one thing's for sure: Not all carbonated waters are created equal. If you've ever mistakenly received tonic water instead of club soda or seltzer in your cocktail, you know right away something doesn't taste right.

Seltzer: This one's simple. Seltzer is water that has been carbonated with carbon dioxide. It is available plain, as well as in a variety of citrus flavors. The crisp, clean taste is a great mixer with your favorite vodka.

Club Soda: Club soda is similar to seltzer in terms of added carbonation; however, it has a slightly saltier taste, which comes from additional ingredients like potassium bicarbonate or potassium sulfate. Club soda also mixes well with your favorite alcohol.

Tonic Water: The only thing tonic water and the other bubblies have in common is the bubbles themselves; tonic water is more like soda than it is water. It's the only one of the group that actually contains calories and is typically sweetened with sugar and quinine. Regarding pairing, this one you'll want to keep classic with a no-nonsense gin and tonic.

Mineral Water: This is one of those rare times when the product's name perfectly describes itself. Mineral water is usually sourced from springs or wells that contain natural minerals like salts and sulfur compounds. Enjoy it plain or with a fresh lemon or lime wedge.

Learn the difference between these other common ingredients:
- Gelato vs. Ice Cream
- Wet-Aged vs. Dry-Aged Steak

- Sourdough vs. White Bread

Which is better for you tonic or soda water?

And, based purely on sugar content, plain sparkling water, mineral water or soda water is certainly healthier than most tonic waters out there. That's because neither plain sparkling water, mineral water or soda water have sugar in them.

Can I substitute tonic water for soda water?

Club soda and seltzer water can be used interchangeably with little to no flavor change, but tonic water should not substitute club soda or seltzer. With its distinct bitter or citrus flavor, tonic water may drastically affect the flavor of the drink you are trying to make.

Is tonic water soda water?

Tonic water is seltzer water or soda water with the addition of quinine and sugar or other sweetener. For centuries, quinine powder has been used to prevent malaria. Its bitter flavor was so unpalatable to British officers based in 19th-century India, however, that they began mixing it with soda and sugar.