Sparkling water has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, there’s actually not just one type of sparkling water; there are several types, such as soda water, sparkling mineral water, and tonic water. These sparkling drinks may look very similar, but there are actually some differences. Let’s share what those differences are.

Soda water has a slight salty taste.

Soda water (also known as soda pop) is water with bubbles. These bubbles are carbon dioxide gas added during the soda water production process.

In addition to carbon dioxide, minerals are often added. Common minerals in soda water include potassium sulfate, sodium chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate, and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).

The amount of minerals added varies by manufacturer and brand, but all of these minerals contribute to the slightly salty taste of soda water.

Seltzer water is mineral-free.

Originating in Germany, seltzer water, like soda water, is made by adding carbon dioxide to pure water, making it a popular alternative to soda water.

However, seltzer water typically doesn’t contain the same minerals as soda water, resulting in a taste more similar to regular drinking water.

Seltzer water isn’t limited to being colorless and odorless; it’s also available in various flavors, including fruit flavors.

Sparkling mineral water has natural bubbles.

Both soda water and seltzer water require carbon dioxide to be added during the production process, resulting in carbon dioxide bubbles.

The carbon dioxide bubbles in natural sparkling mineral water are natural, however. These bubbles typically come from spring or well water, which is rich in minerals such as sodium, magnesium, and calcium.

The amount of minerals in the sparkling mineral water depends on its source and how it’s bottled at the factory. The type of minerals in the water also determines its taste.

This is why different brands of mineral water on the market often have unique flavors.

In addition, some brands add additional carbon dioxide to enhance the bubbles in their sparkling mineral water.

Tonic water has a bitter taste

Compared to the three types of sparkling water mentioned above, tonic water (also known as tonic soda) is the most unique.

Although, like soda water, it contains carbonated water and minerals, tonic water also contains quinine, an ingredient extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree. In fact, the slightly bitter taste in tonic water comes from quinine.

Historically, tonic water was used to prevent tropical infections like malaria, so its high quinine content made it taste quite bitter.

However, today, tonic water contains only small amounts of quinine, and to make the taste more palatable to more people, many brands add sugar or spices to their tonic water for flavoring.

Which type of sparkling water is the healthiest?

Doctors believe that the nutritional content of soda water, seltzer water, and sparkling mineral water is similar. Therefore, drinking any of these three types of sparkling water does not significantly improve thirst quenching.

Some patients also find that drinking these three types of sparkling water can provide relief when experiencing stomach discomfort. As for tonic water, which is often used to make drinks, it is generally high in sugar and calories. Therefore, doctors recommend that tonic water be consumed in small amounts to avoid consuming extra sugar and calories.