The Sparkling Water Flavours Revolution: Sodas Made Healthy

In case you didn’t know, bubbles are in — the kind you get from sparkling water. As the name suggests, ‘sparkling water’ adds a touch of fizz (carbon dioxide bubbles) to regular water. Today, there are a few types of sparkling water in the market — seltzer, soda water or club soda, tonic water, and sparkling mineral water. They’re similar, but each has its very own characteristics and mouthfeel depending on mineral and salt content:

Seltzer

It's regular carbonated water and does not contain any minerals. It tastes clean without any acidity or bitterness.

Soda water or club soda

Carbonated with CO2 bubbles and contains sodium salts that lean towards the taste of mineral water. A little salty and usually added to cocktails.

Tonic water

Usually known for its signature bitter taste, tonic water gets its flavour profile from a bitter compound called quinine. Suitable as cocktail mixers with added sugar to offset the bitterness.

Sparkling mineral water

This sparkling water comes from well-water or spring water, containing minerals and dissolved salts, giving it a tangy flavour. Suitable for drinking on its own.

Drinking fizzy water is a trend now, mainly because everyone’s upping their health game — ditching sugary sodas for flavoured soda water. And why not? Considering they’re calorie and sugar-free, unlike many other water flavourings or cordials that usually have concentrated or artificial sugars. But if you really want to know what’s in your bubbly beverage, check the nutritional labels before your guilt-free sips.

How to Choose the Healthiest Sparkling Water Flavours

Though most sparkling waters are healthy, they’re not all created equal. So, here’s what you need to avoid and look out for when picking the best-flavoured ones that are also good for your gut:

Take note of the sugar content

Although sparkling water is sugar-free, adding flavours may increase several grams of sugar. For instance, sparkling water flavours like fruit juice or tequila won’t have the same nutritional benefits as unflavoured and unsweetened ones. As mentioned, it’s best to read the labels to be extra sure.

Say no to artificial flavourings and sweeteners

The whole point of switching to sparkling water or sparkling water syrups is to prioritise health, so it’s essential to figure out which ones are less harmful and which ones are harmful. Let’s start with the less-harmful ones, and we say this with a caveat (because too much of a good thing can be a bad thing). There are five well-known artificial flavourings and sweeteners in the industry, namely, aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium or ace-K, and saccharin. Although some studies show that prolonged consumption could cause side effects like dizziness, weight gain, and gastrointestinal issues.

Now, these are the ones you should keep at bay. Brown rice syrup contains high levels of arsenic, which does not help one’s heavy metal intake. Next is Agave — 1.5 times sweeter than refined white sugar and 90% fructose, which increases the risk of abdominal fat. Others include high-fructose corn syrup, refined cane sugar, erythritol, and xylitol.

Say yes to natural flavourings and ingredients

The general rule of thumb is to choose sparkling waters with a short list of simple ingredients. For flavoured ones, it should include “flavoured with real fruit” — not to be confused with “natural flavours”. According to the FDA, the term natural flavour or natural flavourings refers to processes whereby the ingredient’s (eg: essential oils, fruit extract, etc.) primary function is for flavouring, not nutritional purposes.

Though we might say “yes” to natural flavourings, it would also depend on the other pairing ingredients in the sparkling water syrup. Ingredients-wise, experts recommend opting for fresh whole fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs; they typically make up the best-flavoured sparkling water. But if you’re keen on drinking ‘clean’, unflavoured and unsweetened would be the healthiest option, like the syrup selections you’ll find at SodaStream, which uses natural sweetener.

SodaStream Water Flavours offer a delightful refreshing way to enhance your sparkling water experience. One notable aspect of these syrups is their use of Stevia - a plant based sweeter that adds a burst of natural sweetness without the harmful consequences of sugar. Stevia’s unique properties make it a must-have ingredient for health-conscious individuals seeking a guilt-free alternative to traditional sweeteners. With SodaStream Water Syrups, you can indulge in deliciously sweetened beverages while staying mindful of your wellbeing.
Unlike store-bought ones, you know you’re getting unsweetened flavours instead of questionable ingredients. Plus, you can’t control how bubbly they are, and drinking from aluminium cans or plastic bottles wouldn’t be helping either.

Say yes to at-home sparkling water

Truthfully, carbonating your own water at home is extremely feasible these days. You can make them whenever you want, knowing there’s no compromise on your health and taste, that’s what we stand for at SodaStream because everyone deserves to live healthier and happier with the goodness of sparkling water right at home. To date, doctors and experts recognise SodaStream’s Sparkling Water Makers as one of the world’s best soda makers, producing the healthiest sparkling water possible. Getting yourself a glass only takes seconds, but if you’re in the mood for added taste, our sparkling water flavours will hit the spot.

Sparkling Water Flavours Worth Checking Out

Classics collection

Made with flavours you crave in mind, the Classics collection features Cola, Cream Soda, and Ginger Beer. Each flavour gives you a sugar shot without any harmful side effects. SodaStream’s flavoured soda water with ⅔ less sugar than store-bought sodas, promoting better sugar control. Plus, one container makes up to 9 litres — perfect for sharing and group parties.

Most importantly, each bottle only has 2 out of 5 FDA-sweeteners and is a healthy balance of 12.5ml of drink flavours vs 237.5ml of carbonated water in a 250ml serving size.

Fruity collection

If you’re a fan of juices, the Fruity collection is for you. With SodaStream Pink Grapefruit and Orange Mango as its vibrant line-up, each bottle contains citric acid that increases energy metabolism and is derived from ingredients like hibiscus, orange, mango, blackcurrant, and more.

All Fruity collection flavours also contain potassium sorbate which is a naturally-occurring unsaturated fatty acid that’s completely safe, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Zeros collection

Drinking clean doesn’t have to taste bad. Sample from sparkling water flavours like Zeros Orange Mango, Zeros Pink Grapefruit, Diet Cola. And if you’re thinking how many vitamins can one 440ml have? Vitamins B3, B6, D & E — impressive huh?

These flavoured soda water are the perfect excuse to get creative with party drinks for the people you love because it’s available from the tap. Plus, you’ll be kinder to the planet at the same time.

Be Responsible for Your own Bubbles

It’s 2023 and you’re living a more health-conscious life and we get that. Believe it or not, changing your life starts with changing your water — by adding fresh bubbles.

The reality is drinking soda doesn’t have to be a health hazard anymore. SodaStream has built a history of trust and longevity in offering sparkling water since 1903, it’s what we’re passionate about — helping people like you lead healthier lives and having fun doing so, one bubbly soda water at a time with our Soda Water Maker.

Think about it, it's a healthier alternative for you and your family and way more sustainable for Mother Nature. Alternatively, If you’re itching for bolder tastes, check out SodaStream’s collection of fruity, classic, and zeros sparkling water flavours that boost hydration, helping you live your best life.