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Sparkling Water vs. Club Soda vs. Seltzer vs. Tonic Water: What are the Differences?Which is Best for You?

Sparkling Water vs. Club Soda vs. Seltzer vs. Tonic Water: What are the Differences?Which is Best for You?

    • In recent years, many people have become more mindful about their dietary choices, including what water they drink. If you are looking for a healthy alternative to soda or searching for the other mixer, you will likely come across sparkling water, club soda and tonic water on your quest. Though each of these 4 beverages appears identical, each contains different flavor profiles and is made using different processes. How do you know which one to drink when? And even which ones you want to drink? Which is best for you? Let’s dig deeper to see the differences between sparkling water, club soda, seltzer and tonic Water - once and for all!

 

Cover Photo:pixabay.com Steve Buissinne 
 

#Sparkling Water 

What Is Sparkling Water?

Sparkling water, or sparkling mineral water is rich in dissolved solids like potassium, sodium, and magnesium, hence the “mineral” in its name. Unlike club soda, these minerals occur naturally and are picked up as water filters through multiple layers of underground rock and sediment. The water’s bubbles, meanwhile, can be natural or artificially added.

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.

Sparkling Water Nutrition 

One 8-ounce serving of Aquafina Berry Burst sparkling water contains: 

  • Calories: 0 grams

  • Fat: 0 grams

  • Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

  • Sodium: 55 milligrams

  • Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  • Fiber: 0 grams

  • Sugar: 0 grams

  • Protein: 0 grams

Tips:If you struggle to drink regular water, sparkling water may be a good alternative. It provides more hydration and far fewer calories than soda.

Fast Facts

  • Ingredients: Natural spring or well water, sometimes bottled at the source, which contains minerals like salts and sulfur compounds

  • Carbonation: Naturally-occurring carbonation due to gases or carbonated by adding carbon dioxide

  • Flavor: Due to the the minerals and sodium, sparkling mineral water has a heavier mouthfeel and distinct taste that can vary depending on where the water came from

  • Uses: Everyday drinking; not recommended for use in cocktails since it has a distinct flavor and is the most expensive of the carbonated waters

Is Sparkling Water Good for You?

Benefits of Sparkling Water

  • Helps you hydrate:Sparkling water is just as hydrating as its bubble-free counterpart, so if you’re struggling to drink enough water during the day, there’s no harm in swapping a glass or two of still water for the fruity, fizzy stuff. Remember, though — no added sugars!

  • May relieve constipation:In one study, people experiencing constipation after a stroke reported significant relief after two weeks of drinking sparkling water. Another study found that sparkling water brought relief to people with indigestion.

  • Eases the transition from sugary drinks:If you’re trying to kick a soda addiction or scale down on daily lattes, sparkling water could be the ticket to tricking your brain out of bad habits. 

Risks of Sparkling Water

  • Gas and Bloating:The carbonation in sparkling water causes some people to experience gas and bloating. If you notice excessive gas while drinking sparkling water, your best bet is to switch to plain water. 

  • Teeth troubles:Sparkling waters that are high in sugar can cause tooth decay. But plain sparkling water has minimal effects on your teeth, especially compared to drinking soda. 

When to drink Sparkling Water?

Sparking water usually has a higher price point that other waters so you would likely just want to drink this stuff as-is.

The Best Sparkling Waters

Best Sparking Water Brands: Perrier, San Pellegrino, Voss Sparkling, Gerolsteiner...

Sparkling Waters Recommend:

10 Most Popular Sparkling Water Brands in the World, Ranked 2024

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#Club Soda 

What Is Club Soda?

Club soda is a form of artificially carbonated water with added mineral compounds, usually in the form of potassium or sodium.

Club soda was created to mimic natural mineral water. The minerals added give club soda a distinct taste, though this varies by brand. It is mainly used as a mixer for cocktails, including winter cocktails and fall cocktails. However, some people like to drink it on its own. You'll find club soda in various popular cocktail recipes and in many of the drinks every bartender should know. It can also complement other flavors and add-ons like bitters (see what are bitters?).

Since its creation, club soda has also become a go-to product for many household projects. The effervescent nature of club soda makes it ideal for cleaning jewelry, removing rust, protecting hair dye, or removing red wine stains.

Club Soda Nutrition 

1 can or bottle (16 fl oz) (474g) Club Soda contains: 

  • Calories: 0 grams

  • Fat: 0 grams

  • Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

  • Sodium: 99.5mg,4%

  • Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  • Fiber: 0 grams

  • Sugar: 0 grams

  • Protein: 0 grams

Tips:Club Soda is also similar to mineral-free carbonated water drinks like sparkling water, soda water, or seltzer water. Substituting any of these drinks for club soda will produce a similar final result, so many mixologists use them interchangeably.

Fast Facts

  • Ingredients: Plain water and mineral-like ingredients like sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, potassium sulfate, and disodium phosphate

  • Carbonation: Added carbon dioxide

  • Flavor: Slightly more mineral-y tasting than seltzer water, but still a relatively clean taste

  • Uses: Everyday drinking; cocktails; can be used interchangeably with seltzer water

Is Club Soda Good for You?

Benefits of Club Soda 

  • No Sugar, No Calories, No Guilt:One of the primary advantages of club soda is that it's calorie- and sugar-free. Liquid calories, such as those that come from soda and fruit-flavored drinks, can really add up if you're drinking two, three or more per day. Replacing these beverages with club soda is one way to reduce your total caloric intake.

  • It Quenches Your Thirst:If you're like many people and crave the bubbly sensation of a soda, club soda is a good alternative because it provides the same sensation and fluids, but in a healthier overall package.

  • Tiny Doses of Certain Nutrients:Though club soda shouldn't be included in your diet as a way to get any type of nutrients, you'll get negligible amounts of the minerals calcium, iron and zinc with each 12-ounce serving.

Risks of Club Soda 

Contain sodium:Club soda does contain sodium. If your doctor has recommended you limit sodium in your diet, you may want to consider seltzer water or check the label of the club soda of your choice to see how much sodium it contains.

When to Drink Club Soda?

Club soda has no flavor other than a slightly mineral-y essence, so it’s a great cocktail mixer. 

The Best Club Soda

Most famous club soda brands :Schweppes,Polar,Canada Dry,La Croix,Pellegrino,Fever Tree ...

Club Soda Recommend:

10 Most Popular Soda Brands in the World, Ranked 2024

#Seltzer Water

What Is Seltzer Water?

Traditionally, seltzer water is carbonated water that does not contain sodium. Carbonated water is water that contains carbon dioxide gas that gives seltzer water its distinct bubbly feature.

Seltzer water has gained popularity over the past few years as a refreshing and healthy alternative to soda. Also known as “sparkling water” or “carbonated water,” seltzer water is still water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas, causing it to bubble.

Seltzer water should not be confused with mineral water, which contains mineral and sulfur compounds from a mineral spring, or tonic water, which includes quinine (a common treatment for malaria) along with sugar or high - fructose corn syrup.

Seltzer Water Nutrition 

One cup of seltzer water contains: 

  • Calories: 0

  • Protein: 0 grams

  • Fat: 0 grams

  • Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  • Fiber: 0 grams

  • Sugar: 0 grams

Fast Facts

  • Ingredient: Plain water

  • Carbonation: Added carbon dioxide

  • Flavor: Very clean tasting, although this is the most common variety of carbonated water to be “flavored” with other ingredients like citrus

  • Uses: Everyday drinking; cocktails; can be used interchangeably with club soda

Is Seltzer Water Good for You?

Benefits of Seltzer Water

  • Improved Dental Health:Seltzer water is slightly more acidic than still water, but it won’t damage your tooth enamel. 

  • Hydration:Early studies indicate that seltzer water is just as hydrating as still water. Seltzer water is an excellent choice for staying hydrated.

  • Healthy Weight Management:The most prevalent health benefit of seltzer water is its lack of sugar and calories. Seltzer water serves as a refreshing replacement for soda and other sugary drinks that raise the risk of conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. 

  • Improved Digestive Health:Research indicates that consuming seltzer water may help soothe symptoms of constipation, such as stomach pain and irregular bowel movements. 

Risks of Seltzer Water

GERD Concerns:People who experience excessive gas or gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, should avoid seltzer water, as it may trigger symptoms including increased gas and acid reflux.

When to Drink Seltzer Water?

Because its basically a blank carbonated canvas, it’s great for mixing with flavors like fresh lemon, lime, or berries. It’s a cheaper alternative to sparkling water so sip away as part of an alcoholic concoction, mixed with fruit, or an artificially flavored product.

The Best Seltzer Water

Most famous Seltzer Water brands : La Croix, Schweppes seltzer, Vintage, Bubly..

 Seltzer Water Recommend:

#Tonic Water

What Is 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 this 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.

Tonic Water Nutrition

Tonic water isn't a particularly healthy drink with a much higher caloric impact than other water-based mixers. This all comes down to the addition of sweeteners, usually sugar.

With that in mind, here are the general nutritional facts of soda water:

  • Calories - 114

  • Fat - 0 grams

  • Sodium - 40 milligrams

  • Carbs - 30 grams

  • Fiber - 0 grams

  • Sugars - 30 grams

  • Protein - 0 grams

Tips:Though it's too sugary to be your go-to water, it's a great choice to be added to gluten free gift baskets along with some other mixers for the cocktail lover in your life. This is especially true if you’re giving them to someone with a wine allergy who's far more limited when it comes to gift baskets.

Fast Facts

  • Ingredients: quinine, botanicals, sugar, carbonated water

  • Calories per 12 ounces: 114

  • Taste: bitter, dry, sparkling

  • Uses:  on ice, cocktails, mixed drinks,great in the classic gin and tonic or vodka tonic.

Is Ttonic Water Good for You?

Unlike a few of the other types of carbonated waters, tonic water isn't particularly good for you. This is because tonic water has sugar added to counteract the bitterness of the quinine. If you're specifically looking for a water replacer, you're better off going with soda water or another type of carbonated water.

Benefits of Ttonic Water

There is only one primary benefit to drinking tonic water and that is hydration. Since it is still water, it will keep you hydrated and help you focus better than a soda or juice. However, it still has a sugar content comparable to those, so it's a bit of a double-edged sword.

Risks of Ttonic Water

Quinine is very diluted in tonic water. The likelihood of a person experiencing any side effects from drinking tonic water is slim. However, side effects of quinine can include:

  • ringing in the ears

  • vomiting

  • stomach cramps

  • nervousness

  • nausea

  • diarrhea

  • confusion

People who regularly drink tonic water may also want to consider the extra sugar and calories that they are consuming. Soft drinks, including tonic water, have little nutritional value but contribute to a person’s daily calorie intake.

When to Drink Ttonic Water?

It’s most commonly mixed with gin for everyone’s favorite summer drink G&T. Also, tonic is fluorescent, so the next time you find yourself under blacklight, order a gin and tonic and check out the fun blue glow.

The Best Ttonic Water

Most famous Ttonic Water brands: Q Tonic water, Zevia, Fever Tree tonic soda

Ttonic Water Recommend:

Sparkling Water vs. Club Soda vs. Seltzer vs. Tonic Water Comparison

Similarities between Sparkling Water,Club Soda,Seltzer and Tonic Water

Club soda, seltzer, sparkling, and tonic water all contain very few nutrients.The next  table compares the nutrients in 12 ounces (355 mL) of all four beverages:


Sparkling WaterClub SodaSeltzerTonic Water
Calories000120
Protein0000
Fat0000
Carbs00031 grams
Sugar00031 grams
Sodium2% of the DV3% of the daily value (DV)0% of the DV2% of the DV
Calcium9% of the DV1% of the DV0% of the DV0% of the DV
Zinc0% of the DV3% of the DV0% of the DV3% of the DV
Copper0% of the DV2% of the DV0% of the DV2% of the DV
Magnesium9% of the DV1% of the DV0% of the DV0% of the DV

Vedict:

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.

In a word,Club soda, seltzer, and sparkling and tonic waters contain very few nutrients. Tonic water is the only beverage that contains calories and sugar.

Differences between Sparkling Water,Club Soda,Seltzer and Tonic Water

1.Additives

  • Plain sparkling water generally contains just one ingredient – carbonated water.

  • Club soda manufacturers add minerals to the drink that mimic the natural minerals and slightly salty flavor of mineral water.

  • Seltzer requires only two ingredients: water and carbon dioxide.

  • While tonic water and club soda also feature dissolved carbon dioxide to create their characteristic fizz, manufacturers add other ingredients to the beverages to create their signature tastes. Tonic manufacturers add quinine to the drink and often use sugar to counteract the bitterness.

2.Flavor

The biggest difference between Sparkling Water,Club Soda,Seltzer and Tonic Water is the taste.

  • Sparkling water has a clean, neutral taste that makes it great for cooking – not to mention a refreshing alternative to plain old tap water. 

  • Tonic water has a strong bittersweet flavor, while club soda has a mild, faintly salty flavor.

  • Seltzer, on the other hand, tastes more similar to plain water.

3.Nutritional Content

  • Sparkling water is water containing dissolved carbon dioxide gas, either artificially injected under pressure or occurring due to natural geological processes.

  • Since tonic water contains added sweeteners (such as sugar or high-fructose corn syrup) and calories, it falls under the soft drink category. 

  • Plain club soda and seltzer have the same nutrient profile as plain water and usually contain zero calories and zero sugar.

  • Diet tonic waters may feature a diet sweetener like aspartame that contains no calories.

4.Carbonated Water

Here is a quick rundown of everything that falls under carbonated water: 

  • Sparkling water: carbon dioxide + water + natural flavor  

  • Club soda: carbon dioxide + water + sodium salts and/or potassium salts 

  • Seltzer: carbon dioxide + water

  • Tonic water: carbon dioxide + water + quinine 

5. Uses

  • Sparkling water can be used in Everyday drinking

  • On the other hand, club soda has a mild flavor and adds a unique mouthfeel to a drink with other flavorful ingredients.

  • Seltzer is typically enjoyed on its own and is rarely used in cocktail recipes. 

  • Tonic water can add strong bitterness and sweetness to liquor and isn’t usually accompanied by many other flavored ingredients. 

  • Tonic water and club soda are both ingredients that mixologists use to add a bubbly mouthfeel to a cocktail. Their vastly different flavor profiles contribute different tastes to a drink, which is why bartenders rarely substitute one for the other. 

Sparkling Water vs. Club Soda vs. Seltzer vs. Tonic Water: Which is Best for You?

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.

  • Sparkling Water ,which is sourced from a spring or well, is naturally carbonated water that includes minerals like magnesium and calcium.

  • Club soda is artificially carbonated and enhanced with added minerals like sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate.

  • Seltzer is artificially carbonated water, plain and simple, though some kinds include natural fruit flavors and/or sugar.

  • Tonic water is also artificially carbonated and enhanced with added minerals, including quinine, which provides that signature bitter taste. It also includes sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.

Which One is Healthiest? 

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 

Some people believe that tonic water is bad for you. That’s because neither plain sparkling water, mineral water or soda water have sugar in them. Meanwhile, traditional tonic water has, on average, 6.5 teaspoons of sugar per 300mL serve!

Conclusion

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. 

FAQs

1.Tonic Water vs. Club Soda

Club soda is unflavored, unsweetened carbonated water. Unlike seltzer (or plain soda water), it includes a sodium ingredient, such as salt, and sometimes other additives. While the two look the same and are equally refreshing, tonic water has a completely different taste. Its bitterness is immediately recognizable and, despite its dry palate, tonic contains a sweetener.

2.Club Soda vs Seltzer

While club soda is carbonated water with additional ingredients, like sodium chloride and potassium sulfate, seltzer water is simply artificially carbonated water. So, if you're looking for a slightly simpler taste, seltzer water is a good choice. However, they can be used interchangeably in recipes with little-to-no flavor difference.

3.Tonic Water vs Club Soda

Due to the slight bitter taste of tonic water, using it in place of club soda may change the taste of your drink. If replacing tonic water with club soda, it will have a neutral effect.

4.Tonic Water vs Seltzer

If replacing a drink with tonic water that usually calls for seltzer, your drink may have a slightly bitter taste to it. However, since seltzer water has a clean taste, replacing your drink with seltzer in place of tonic water will not drastically change your cocktail or mixed drink.

Related Articles

For more information, check out the following articles :

Perrier vs. La Croix vs. Spindrift vs. Bubly: Which Brand Wins the Sparkling Water Smackdown?

Perrier vs. San Pellegrino vs. Topo Chico: Which Makes the Best Sparkling Water Brand?

Spindrift vs. Bubly vs. La Croix vs. Waterloo vs. AHA: Which Makes the Best Sparkling Water?

Evian vs. Volvic vs. Smartwater vs. Poland Spring vs. Deer Park: Which Brand Wins the Spring Water Showdown?

Dasani vs. Aquafina vs. Nestle vs. Arrowhead vs. Fiji: Which Bottled Water Brand is the Best?

Acqua Panna vs. Mountain Valley vs. Evian vs. Icelandic Glacial: Which Make the Best Spring Water Brand?

Evian vs. Fiji vs. VOSS vs. Essentia vs. Acqua Panna: Which Wins the Bottled Water Showdown?

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