Sparkling water vs Club Soda vs Seltzer vs Tonic

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. Similarities among all four are that they are types of carbonated water. However, they vary in processing methods and the added compounds which change mouthfeel and flavors. 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.

What is 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, making it a refreshing alternative to plain old tap water. Sparkling water has a clean, neutral taste that makes it great for cooking, and it can also be a tasty beverage on its own. Sparkling water also contains calcium, sodium, and magnesium, making it a unique addition to your dietary plan.

However, it's important to note that sparkling mineral water is different from regular sparkling water. Sparkling water is usually normal water or other beverages infused with carbon dioxide to create carbonation. In contrast, sparkling mineral water comes from underground water sources and gets its bubbles from natural gasses. This means that sparkling mineral water can have a slightly bitter, metallic, or salty taste due to minerals like magnesium, calcium, and sodium.

When purchasing sparkling mineral water, it's essential to pay close attention to the label since different manufacturers source the water from various locations, and the number of minerals in each could differ. For instance, one brand may offer water with more calcium, while another may offer 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. However, you will probably find out very quickly that this kind of carbonated water is more expensive than other tasty varieties.

What is Club Soda?

Club soda, also known as soda water, is a carbonated drink that typically gets used as a cocktail mixer, although it can also be enjoyed on its own. It was originally created as a cheaper alternative to sparkling mineral water. The minerals in club soda may vary from brand to brand, and they give it a distinct salty taste that makes it a great addition to cocktails.

Carbonated water, added salts, and minerals are the three main ingredients that make up soda water. Manufacturers add these ingredients after the fact, which is the main difference between club soda and sparkling water. Like sparkling water, the flavor and nutritional profile of club soda can vary depending on the manufacturer.

What is a Seltzer?

A seltzer is another type of carbonated water that is similar to club soda in terms of its carbonation process, but it does not contain any minerals. It is the simplest form of carbonation and has no taste, just like plain water without minerals. Its name was derived from the seltzer town in Germany, which is famous for the mineral springs it possesses. Many people find that seltzer tastes much more like “natural spring water” than sparkling mineral water or club soda.

Seltzers generally do not contain added minerals, which gives it a plain taste. However, you can enjoy it plain or consider flavored seltzer water in a variety of natural flavors. Since there are no minerals, the manufacturers can add flavors in seltzer. So, if you like citrus, they can add citrus flavor for a boost of tasty excitement. Seltzer can also be used as a substitute for club soda in cocktail mixers.

What is Tonic Water?

Tonic water stands out from the other types of carbonated water due to its distinctive taste, which is both bitter and sweet. However, it is also the least healthy option, as many manufacturers add high-fructose corn syrup or natural sugar to improve the taste. Tonic water contains quinine, a compound extracted from the bark of cinchona trees, which gives the drink its bitter taste. Historically, tonic water was used to prevent malaria in tropical regions where the disease was prevalent.

Today, tonic water is commonly used as a mixer for cocktails, especially when paired with lime and gin. It is made of carbonated water, sugar, quinine, and other flavors, along with preservatives. Tonic water is the only carbonated drink on this list that contains calories and is generally sweetened with sugar and quinine.

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 mineral 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!

Here is a table comparing the nutritional information of Club soda, Seltzer, Sparkling mineral water, and Tonic water:

Nutrient	Club soda	Seltzer	Sparkling mineral water	Tonic water
Calories	0	0	0	120
Protein	0	0	0	0
Fat	0	0	0	0
Carbs	0	0	0	31 grams
Sugar	0	0	0	31 grams
Sodium (% of daily value)	3%	0%	2%	2%
Calcium (% of daily value)	1%	0%	9%	0%
Zinc (% of daily value)	3%	0%	0%	3%
Copper (% of daily value)	2%	0%	0%	2%
Magnesium (% of daily value)	1%	0%	9%	0%

Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/club-soda-vs-seltzer#similarities

Conclusion

If you're looking for a refreshing and healthier alternative to sugary drinks, SodaStream's sparkling water makers are an excellent option. Not only are they calorie-free, but they also allow you to customize your drinks by infusing them with your favorite fruits. This adds a touch of artisanal flair to your drinks, making them not only healthier but also more aesthetically pleasing.

With a long history dating back to 1903 in the UK, SodaStream is a brand that you can trust to provide high-quality products that stand the test of time. Moreover, SodaStream is leading the way in using less plastic, which is a crucial step in reducing our environmental impact. So, if you want to make a positive impact on your health and the planet, check out SodaStream's sparkling water makers and CO2 cylinders now! Join millions of people who have already made the switch to SodaStream and enjoy the taste and benefits of sparkling water today!