bhofack2/iStock/GettyImages Drinking water is obviously important, and it should be a simple task. But then you go to the water aisle in the
grocery store and there are about 97 different types of water staring back at you. If you’re trying to be a lil’ fancier than usual, you might decide to spring for a nice bottle of bubbly water, but again—so many different types. It can be confusing. So, time to sort this out once and for all. Another name for bubbly water is carbonated water, and there are four main types: sparkling water, club soda, seltzer, and tonic
water. They are each unique, and they each have their own purpose. Once you get the hang of this, you will never again have to aimlessly browse the water aisle for 10 solid minutes. LaCroix, Topo Chico, and S. Pellegrino are three common examples of sparkling water. Sparkling water is also known as sparkling mineral water, because it’s naturally carbonated and contains a
variety of minerals from the spring or well from which it’s sourced. That’s why different brands of sparkling water each have their own taste, and LaCroix fans battle with Topo Chico fans like they’re on Game of Thrones. If your goal is to hydrate, sparkling water is a great choice. Sparkling water hydrates just as well as non-carbonated water, but it tastes fancier, because it’s
often flavored (and also more expensive). It has a more delicate taste than other carbonated waters, so it’s best enjoyed alone rather than as a mixer. Club soda’s name is a bit deceptive, because it’s not sweetened and it doesn’t taste at all like soda. Like sparkling water, club soda (also known as “soda water”) is basically just water full of bubbles and minerals. The main difference between sparkling water and soda is
that sparkling water is naturally carbonated and mineral-rich, while club soda is not. Club soda’s bubbles come from an injection of carbon dioxide, and the minerals are added by the manufacturer. Again, the exact minerals depend on the brand, and they affect the flavor, so each brand of club soda has a slightly different taste. You could drink club soda on its own, but it’s more commonly used as a cocktail mixer, like the vodka soda that somebody somewhere is ordering
right now from a bar. Seltzer is quite similar to club soda. It’s water that has been injected with CO2 to create carbonation. But there's one key difference between seltzer and both sparkling water and club soda: seltzer does not contain any added minerals, so it has a much plainer and milder taste. Thanks to its bland flavor profile, seltzer is the perfect canvas for added flavors like citrus. It’s good to sip for hydration or to enjoy the flavor. People often use it to soothe an upset stomach, though that particular benefit is likely just an old wive’s tale. Because seltzer and club soda are similar to each other, seltzer is also a common substitute for club soda in cocktails. Tonic water is also for cocktailsThere’s one last type of carbonated water, and it’s quite a lot different from the others. Tonic water is like club soda—carbonated water with added minerals in it—but it also contains a small amount of quinine, which gives it its signature bitter taste. Unlike other carbonated waters, tonic water is typically sweetened with sugar or high fructose corn syrup to improve its taste. It’s almost exclusively used for cocktails, like gin and tonics. Whew! So many carbonated waters to choose from. Did all this knowledge make grocery shopping any easier? Hopefully. Good luck out there. References Writer Bio Kim Wong-Shing is a writer, lipstick junkie, and plant mama in New Orleans. She grew up in Philadelphia and went to Brown University. She's previously written about wellness, beauty, pop culture and other topics for LittleThings, NaturallyCurly, Lifehacker, HelloGiggles, Wear Your Voice Magazine, and other publications. YOU MAY ALSO LIKEMany people seeking a healthier lifestyle have become more mindful about their dietary choices, including what they drink. Carbonated water has become a great substitute for soda and other sweetened soft drinks, which explains its steady growth in popularity. Plus, it appeals to many people because it’s both hydrating and fizzy (1). However, since many types of carbonated water exist, you may wonder what sets each kind apart. This article explains the differences between club soda, seltzer, and sparkling and tonic waters.
Simply put, club soda, seltzer, and sparkling and tonic waters are types of carbonated water. However, they vary in processing methods and added compounds. This results in different mouthfeels or flavors, which is why some people prefer one type over another. Here are basic definitions of each (2). Club sodaClub soda is water that’s carbonated by injecting it with carbon dioxide gas, or CO2, then infused with added minerals. Minerals commonly added to club soda include:
The amounts of minerals depend on the manufacturer. These minerals may enhance the flavor of club soda by giving it a slightly salty taste. SeltzerLike club soda, seltzer is water that has been carbonated. Given the similarities between them, you can use seltzer as a substitute for club soda in cocktail mixers. However, seltzer generally doesn’t contain added minerals, which gives it a plainer taste — although this may depend on the brand. Seltzer originated in Germany, where naturally occurring carbonated water was bottled and sold, before taking off in the United States. Sparkling mineral waterUnlike club soda or seltzer, sparkling mineral water is naturally carbonated. Its bubbles come from a spring or well with naturally occurring carbonation. Spring water contains a variety of minerals, such as sodium, magnesium, and calcium. However, the amounts vary based on the source from which the spring water was bottled. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mineral water must contain at least 250 parts per million (ppm) of dissolved solids — which include minerals and trace elements — from the bottling source (3). The mineral content of water may change the taste significantly. That’s why each brand of sparkling mineral water typically has a unique taste. Some producers further carbonate their products by adding carbon dioxide, making them even bubblier. Tonic waterTonic water has the most unique taste of all four beverages. Like club soda, it is carbonated water with added minerals. However, tonic water also contains quinine, a compound isolated from the bark of cinchona trees that gives this drink its bitter taste (4). Tonic water was historically used to prevent malaria in tropical areas where the disease was prevalent. As such, it used to contain significantly higher amounts of quinine (4). Today, quinine is only present in small amounts to give tonic water its bitter taste, which is commonly masked by sweetening it with either high fructose corn syrup or sugar (4). This beverage is often used as a mixer for cocktails, especially those including gin or vodka. Summary Club soda, seltzer, sparkling, and tonic water all contain very few nutrients. This table compares the nutrients in 12 ounces (355 mL) of all four beverages (5, 6, 7, 8): As you can see, tonic water is the only beverage that contains calories, all of which come from added sugar. Although club soda, sparkling mineral water, and tonic water contain some nutrients, the amounts are very low. By and large, their minerals are added for taste and are unlikely to offer health benefits in such small amounts. Summary Club soda, sparkling, and tonic water contain different minerals to achieve different tastes. Club soda is infused with mineral salts to enhance its taste and fizz. These include potassium sulfate, sodium chloride, disodium phosphate, and sodium bicarbonate. Seltzer is made similarly to club soda but generally doesn’t contain added minerals, giving it a plainer taste. As for sparkling mineral water, its mineral content depends on the spring or well from which it came. Each spring or well contains different amounts of minerals and trace elements. Lastly, tonic water offers similar types and amounts of minerals as club soda but also contains quinine and sweeteners. Summary Club soda, seltzer, and sparkling mineral water have similar nutritional profiles. All three beverages are a great choice to quench your thirst and keep you hydrated. If you struggle to meet your daily water needs through plain water alone, any of these drinks would make a suitable alternative. Additionally, you may find that these beverages soothe an upset stomach due to their carbonation (9, 10). However, tonic water contains a high amount of sugar and calories. So, you should limit your intake of it, given the link between sugar-sweetened beverages, obesity, and type 2 diabetes (11, 12). Summary Club soda, seltzer, and sparkling and tonic waters are different types of carbonated water. Club soda is infused with carbon dioxide and mineral salts. Similarly, seltzer is artificially carbonated but generally doesn’t contain added minerals. Tonic water is also carbonated but contains added quinine and sugar, which means it provides calories. In comparison, sparkling mineral water is naturally carbonated from a spring or well. Among the four, club soda, seltzer, and sparkling water are all good choices that may benefit your health. Which one you choose to drink is simply a matter of preference. However, you may want to limit your intake of tonic water due to its sugar content. Is carbonated water the same as sparkling water?Carbonated water is water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. This produces a bubbly drink that's also known as sparkling water, club soda, soda water, seltzer water, and fizzy water.
Which is better carbonated water or sparkling water?For people watching their weight, hydration is key. Sparkling water provides true hydration, and it's a much better option than drinking regular soda or even diet soda, which doesn't provide adequate hydration.
Is Sparkling same as carbonated?Tap water can be carbonated and then called sparkling water. Well water can also be carbonated — and then called sparkling water. If it's water, and it has added bubbles and nothing else, that's sparkling water. The difference between sparkling waters and club soda is simple: additives.
Is sparkling water a carbonated drink?Sparkling water is from springs and is naturally carbonated. It includes minerals, such as sodium, magnesium, and calcium. Seltzer water is just plain water infused with CO2. Club soda is like seltzer water but has added minerals, such as potassium sulfate and sodium bicarbonate, among others.
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Whats the difference between sparkling water and carbonated water
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