Soda Water vs Sparkling Water: Key Differences and Benefits

If you've ever found yourself standing in the drinks aisle, puzzled by the array of carbonated options, you're not alone.

The difference between soda water and sparkling water can be as clear as mud, especially when terms like 'carbonated water' and 'seltzer water' are thrown into the mix. Are they different? Let's find out!

What is Soda Water?

Soda water, also known as club soda, is a carbonated beverage that has been enhanced with minerals, primarily bicarbonate of soda. This addition not only gives soda water a unique taste but also increases its fizziness, making it a popular choice for cocktails and other refreshing drinks.

The process of infusing bicarbonate of soda into water results in a reaction with carbon dioxide, producing carbonic acid and enhancing the carbonation level. This leads to a more effervescent and tangy experience compared to plain sparkling water. The slightly salty flavour of soda water, due to the added minerals, makes it a distinctive and enjoyable drink on its own or mixed with other beverages.

What is Sparkling Water?

Sparkling water, also known as carbonated water, is a refreshing beverage that's created by infusing water with carbon dioxide under pressure. This process results in the formation of tiny bubbles, giving the water its characteristic fizz. Unlike soda water, sparkling water typically doesn't contain any additional components, such as salts or other chemicals. This gives it a clean, fresh taste that's enjoyed by many.

It's important to note that not all carbonated waters are considered sparkling water. The key difference lies in the additives. If a carbonated drink contains added ingredients beyond simple CO2, it can no longer be classified as sparkling water. However, natural ingredients like calcium, sodium, and magnesium, which are commonly found in filtered water, don't change its classification.

Which Is Healthier: Soda Water or Sparking Water?

Soda water, with its zero-calorie and sugar-free profile, is indeed a healthy choice for those conscious about their diet. It's a great alternative to sugary fizzy drinks, especially for diabetics and children.

However, it's worth noting that while soda water is generally healthy, it may contain added minerals or bicarbonates. So, if you're watching your sodium intake or diet closely, you might want to consider this.

Sparkling water, particularly the plain variety, is a healthy beverage choice. It's not just a refreshing drink, but it also offers some health benefits. For starters, it aids in digestion and helps prevent dehydration.

The bubbles in sparkling water can also alleviate stomach discomfort. Plus, opting for sparkling water over sweetened sodas can help you stay active while cutting down on sugar and empty calories. So, if you're looking for good sparkling water, plain is the way to go.

Soda Water vs Sparkling Water: The Differences

Just like the proof of the pudding is in the eating, the main difference in drinks comes down to the taste.

Taste Difference Between Soda Water vs Sparkling Water

The taste distinction between soda water and sparkling water is a nuanced one, often overlooked by the casual consumer.

Soda water:

• Soda water, with its added sodium bicarbonate, presents a slightly sharper, more robust flavour profile. This subtle alkalinity can be a game-changer for those with a palate for the tangy.
• Soda water is often used in cocktails due to its slightly salty taste, enhancing the flavour of the drink.

 Sparkling water:

• Sparkling water, devoid of any additives, retains the neutral taste of its source water, even after carbonation. This results in a clear, refreshing flavour, making it a favourite for those seeking a pure, unadulterated carbonated experience.
• Sparkling water, with its clean and refreshing taste, is typically enjoyed on its own or with a slice of fruit for added flavour.

What About Soda Water and Carbonated Water: Are They the Same?

Carbonated water, often referred to as sparkling water, is a result of dissolving carbon dioxide gas under pressure in water. This process creates a fizzy sensation, with bubbles that many find appealing. Unlike soda water, which contains additional components like salt, sparkling water is typically pure, offering a fresh taste that is enjoyed both as a beverage and a food accompaniment.

Carbonated water is a broader term than soda water, encompassing any water infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. This includes sparkling water, seltzer water, and club soda.

Choosing Between Soda Water and Sparkling Water

Choosing between soda water and sparkling water can be a bit of a conundrum. Both offer a refreshing fizz, but each has its unique characteristics:

• Taste Preference: Soda water has a slightly sharper taste due to the presence of sodium bicarbonate. If you prefer a more robust flavour, soda water might be your go-to. On the other hand, if you enjoy a neutral, refreshing taste, sparkling water is the better choice.
• Usage: Consider how you plan to use the water. If you're mixing drinks, soda water can add an extra fizz and a hint of alkalinity. For simple hydration at the office or home, sparkling water is often preferred.
• For the Health Conscious: If you're watching your sugar intake, opt for fizzing your own water at home with a water carbonator. This way you can enjoy the refreshing taste without any added sugars or sweeteners.

The best sparkling water for you depends on your personal needs and preferences. Whether you're at the office or home, there's a sparkling water out there that's just right for you.

Make Your Own Sparkling Water

You use your carbonator to carbonate plain water with the CO2 from the canister. This creates the base of your drink - sparkling water. You can then:

• Enjoy it plain for a refreshing beverage.
• Add flavourings or syrups to create flavoured sparkling water.
• Even use it as a base for homemade soda (though without the high sugar content of commercially produced soda).

Carbonation does add the signature bitter taste of soda water to your ordinary water, but it may not have the same mineral content. 

How Do You Make Your Own Sparkling Water? 

You will need: 

• Carbonation machine 
• CO2 canister (full or refilled)
• Bottle filled with cold water (check the fill line on the bottle)

Instructions:

1. Make sure your CO2 canister is full and securely screwed into the back of your machine. You might hear a hiss as the canister connects.

2. Grab your chilled bottle filled with water to the recommended level. Overfilling can lead to a mess during carbonation.

3. Screw the bottle firmly into the designated spot on your machine.

4. Now comes the fun part: carbonation! Depending on the model, you might have a single button or multiple buttons for different fizz levels (light, medium, strong).

   • For a basic sparkling water: Press the carbonation button according to your preference (usually one press for light fizz, more presses for stronger).
   • Consult your manual: If you're unsure about the buttons or have a specific model, the manual will provide clear instructions.

5. Listen for the satisfying hiss! As the CO2 infuses the water, you'll hear a hissing sound. This indicates successful carbonation.

6. Once the carbonation process is complete (usually just a few seconds), release the button and unscrew the bottle from the machine.

Congratulations, you've just made fresh sparkling water at home! Enjoy it plain for a refreshing drink, or use it as a base for flavoured sparkling water or homemade soda with minimal added sugar.

CO2 YOU Sparkling Water At Home

Marcus, founder of C02 YOU, rediscovered his love for making sparkling water at home with a soda maker from their childhood during the pandemic. Disappointed by the difficulty of refilling CO2 canisters, he decided there must be a better way and founded CO2 YOU.

CO2 YOU offers a cylinder leasing service where empty canisters are swapped for full ones, ensuring a constant supply of CO2 for customers. The company aims to build a community of environmentally conscious people.

With CO2 YOU, you can enjoy sparkling water - flavoured or non-flavoured - whenever you want to. 

Final Thoughts on Soda Water vs Sparkling Water

The choice between soda water and sparkling water boils down to personal preference. If you're a fan of a slightly salty taste and use water for mixing, soda water is your best bet. However, if you prefer a clear, refreshing flavour, sparkling water should be your go-to.

With a water carbonator, you can enjoy delicious sparkling drinks at home, with or without syrups added. Thanks to CO2 YOU, you never have to worry about running out of gas. We'll keep the canisters coming so you can keep the drinks flowing!