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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. Sparkling water is for fancy peopleLaCroix, 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 is for cocktailsClub 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 for everythingSeltzer 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 LIKE Both sparkling water and soda water are characterised by bubbles that come from carbon dioxide gas but notably, they are also comprised of other additives that make them different. Also known as carbonated water, sparkling and soda waters are clear and they have carbon dioxide dissolved and the term is often used interchangeably. However, in their liquid state, it can be seen that there are certain differences between sparkling water and soda water. Key among the differences between sparkling water and soda water pertain to their source as well as processing. As such, the major differences between sparkling water and soda water are outlined in detail below. Key Features of Soda WaterThe major feature of soda water is that it is made from plain water that is sourced from anywhere. This can be piped and treated water that is specifically meant for domestic purposes. Plain water that can also be used to make soda water can be sourced from other open sources like wells or even boreholes. As illustrated below, this type of plain water is then processed to form soda water. The other key aspect of soda water is that it is artificially processed. In other words, it is manufactured by human beings for a specific purpose just like any other product meant for marketing purpose. Soda water can be processed at home since it does not require sophisticated equipment in performing the process. What is only required is a mechanism that enables carbon dioxide to pass through it thereby carbonating it. The other notable feature of soda water is that it is comprised of a variety of additives. These include table salt, dissolved solids like sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate as well as potassium bicarbonate and disodium phosphate among others to give it different flavors. On top of this, carbon dioxide is then artificially pressurized through it to give the desired outcome. The taste of soda water usually varies as a result of different additives that are added to the source of plain water. In some instances, soda water can be flavorless, at times bitter or slightly salty as a result of the carbonation that is artificially added. In some cases, soda water may not taste so good when consumed naturally for purposes of quenching thirst. To this effect, it can be observed that soda water is ideal for diluting cocktails or other juices to neutralize its taste that varies depending on the ingredients used in its actual processing. It can also be used as an alternative to dilute spirits. Soda water can also be used to make a good soft drink with added juice fruit and ice. Key Features of Sparkling Mineral WaterIn contrast to soda water, sparkling mineral water as the name suggests comes from natural well or spring. The source of mineral water is natural and it is directly obtained from it and packed for consumption. In other words, sparkling mineral water obtained from natural springs is ready for consumption in its natural state direct from its source. The source is unspoiled by any form of human interference therefore it is naturally the best for human consumption. The other aspect about sparkling mineral water is that it is naturally processed and it draws its unique flavor from the minerals that are dissolved in it naturally. The whole process in the creation of sparkling mineral water is natural. Natural minerals that are found in sparkling mineral water include calcium, potassium and magnesium. Others minerals can also be dissolved but it is the natural substances obtained from the ground that give sparkling mineral water a unique and distinct taste that makes it different from soda water. However, it can also be observed that additional carbonation can be added if needed. It can be seen that sparkling mineral water is naturally processed and it contains a combination of minerals. It is more delicate compared to soda water and its taste is naturally good. Sparkling mineral water can be consumed alone without any need for adding something to it to improve its taste since it is naturally good. Diluting cocktails with mineral water can be a bad idea since the taste can be distracted by the natural minerals contained in it. The other notable aspect about sparkling mineral water is that it is expensive compared to soda water by virtue of the fact that it is natural and it is bottled directly from the natural source where it is obtained. Its natural state implies that it is healthier compared to soda water that contains some substances that may not be good to other people. This is the ultimate option for people who really enjoy the great taste of natural water. Its freshness is just as good as other soft drinks hence it can be served alone as a substitute to a drink. No enhancement is required since sparkling mineral water is great in its original state. Summary of major differences between sparkling water and soda waterAs discussed above, there are quite a number of characteristics that differentiate sparkling water from soda water. These features make the two distinct besides the fact that they are both carbonated forms of water and they include the following: Source
Processing
Components
Taste and use
Price
Table showing the differences between sparkling mineral water and soda water
ConclusionBoth soda water and sparkling mineral water are similar in that they are carbonated and are found in liquid form. However, a closer analysis between these two types of water is that they significantly differ as a result of many factors. The major differences between the two as noted above pertain to aspects such as source and processing. Soda water is created from any plain water while sparkling mineral water as the name implies is naturally sourced. It is also naturally processed compared to soda water that is artificially processed through adding a variety of additives and carbon dioxide to give it taste. On the other hand, it has also been observed that sparkling mineral water has this natural taste which makes it great compared to soda water. Soda water is characterised by a salty taste which makes it ideal for diluting cocktails and other related spirits. Sparkling mineral water can be consumed as it is as a result of its unique and great taste. The key features of sparkling mineral water make it expensive compared to soda water that is artificially processed.
Loading... Cite 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. Apart from seltzer water, carbonated waters usually have salt added to improve their taste.
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.
What is the difference between carbonation and sparkling?What is this? Sparkling water, aka seltzer water, soda water, or carbonated water is water with no additives, carbonated by injecting carbon dioxide (CO2). It's the base for brands like La Croix, or what comes out of a SodaStream. Sparkling mineral water is water from a natural mineral spring that's been carbonated.
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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Difference between sparkling water and carbonated water
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