Differences between seltzer, club soda, and tonic water
Mindfulness of your diet should include the drink choices you make. Carbonated water has become a popular option for many. It’s hydrating and has a light and satisfying taste. While carbonated soda and seltzer provide healthier alternatives to sweetened soft drinks, there are some major differences. Does seltzer water taste better than club soda? Which carbonated drink delivers the most health benefits?
With several types of carbonated water on the market, these are just some of the many questions you may be asking yourself. If you wonder about their similarities and differences, keep reading to find out whether you should add seltzer or carbonated soda to your cart next time you head to the grocery store.
There’s almost no visual difference between seltzer, club soda, and tonic water when poured in glasses side by side, but a few key differences set them apart. People seeking healthier lifestyles have turned to carbonated water for a few reasons. It’s an excellent substitute for soft or sweetened drinks. Club soda, seltzer, and tonic water are both hydrating and fizzy. The varying processes and methods that each beverage goes through and the added compounds often result in different flavors, which is why some people prefer one type of drink over another. If you want to learn the differences between carbonated waters, here’s a helpful guide that can assist you in telling the differences.
Club Soda
Club Soda is injected with carbon dioxide gas or CO2. It contains added minerals like potassium sulfate, sodium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate. Depending on the manufacturer, each club soda's mineral content may vary. This beverage tastes like seltzer water but is often slightly saltier. Despite this, club soda has a clean, fresh taste that mixes well with your favorite alcoholic beverage. Club soda can also be used in non-alcoholic lemonades and Italian sodas. The sodium content in club soda will also vary based on serving size and brand. If you are in good health and consume club soda in moderation, you shouldn’t worry about excessive sodium intake.
Seltzer
Carbonated artificially with carbon dioxide, seltzer water doesn’t contain added minerals and has a plainer taste than club soda. It has zero calories and no sugar making it an excellent substitute for soda and sweetened juices. Seltzer water is sold plain or infused with natural flavors like citrus. It is great when mixed with vodka or as a base for other beverages like sodas. Be careful: some manufacturers also add artificial sweeteners to their seltzers, trying to find a niche between seltzer waters and diet sodas. These sweeteners alter the flavor profile, the possible uses for the drink, and they add health considerations for some.
Tonic Water
Tonic water is the only carbonated water on this list that contains high-fructose corn syrup, and like club soda, tonic water contains added minerals. Unlike seltzer or club soda, this beverage is more soda than water. Because it’s sweetened with sugar, it is also the only carbonated water on this list that contains calories. Flavored with quinine, it has a bitter and somewhat sweet flavor that pairs well as a mixer for cocktails with gin or vodka. This drink is the least likely to be drunk alone, and most people opt for a bottle of club soda or sparkling mineral water instead.
Is seltzer or club soda healthier?
Both club soda and seltzer water provide great options for hydrating and boast similar nutritional health benefits. Additionally, these drinks can help you meet your daily water needs if you struggle to stay hydrated with just plain water. One key point stands out when comparing the nutritional value of seltzer water to club soda: sodium. If you’re a big fan of carbonated drinks but find yourself opting for club soda over seltzer, you may want to consider switching to reduce your sodium intake.
If you’re dealing with high blood pressure or cardiovascular health issues, seltzer water is an excellent option for drinking regularly. Enjoying a club soda from time to time won’t affect you tremendously, but if you drink upwards of three a day, it will significantly add to your sodium intake. Products that contain added sugar or carbohydrates can negatively impact your health, and you should do your best to stick to plain club soda or seltzer water. Some people find that the carbonation in both soothes upset stomachs. Choosing which one to drink is a matter of preference because both deliver similar benefits to your health.
You should be mindful of drinking seltzer water or other carbonated beverages when you exercise. While these drinks are just as hydrating as water, the added carbonation may cause bloating or cramps during vigorous activity. If you consume a lot of acidic fruit like pineapples, grapefruits, and pomegranate or have a highly acidic diet try to cut back on seltzer. The carbonation might cause issues for those who struggle with conditions like IBS or a sensitive gastrointestinal system. While carbonated drinks may help address symptoms of a temporarily upset stomach, people who suffer from chronic digestive issues might want to generally steer clear of carbonated drinks.
Enhance the flavor of your carbonated drink
Many prefer sweetened sodas and juices to plain water with meals or throughout the day. Drinking these beverages regularly can lead to tooth decay and health issues like kidney damage and elevated blood pressure. If you can’t seem to get enough water in during the day and carbonated water is not doing the trick, consider improving the flavor of seltzer water or club soda naturally. You can squeeze fresh lemon or orange into seltzer water or club soda and get a natural energy boost from the natural sugars.
Putting berries or citrus fruits into a glass water bottle infuses the water with delicious flavors and adds antioxidants that can give your immune system some extra support. Adding fresh mint leaves to a glass of ice water is refreshing on a hot summer’s day, and you can choose to enjoy it with plain or seltzer water. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help you reach your fitness goals and is ideal for optimal health. Before purchasing seltzer water or club soda from the grocery store, you’ll want to check the ingredients and make sure they don’t contain unwanted additives or calories. Plain carbonated drinks are a healthier alternative to sugary sodas and juices that can have a significant and long-lasting impact on your health.
SLIDESHOW
Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think See SlideshowCenters for Disease Control and Prevention: "Get the Facts: Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Consumption."
Cleveland Clinic: "How Healthy is Sparkling or Mineral Water?"
Cleveland Clinic: "Is Sparkling Water Good for You?"
The New York Times: "Is Carbonated Water Just as Healthy as Still Water?"
UChicago Medicine: "Are sparkling water and hard seltzer bad for you?"
UW Medicine: "Is Sparkling Water Bad For You?"
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