Soda Water vs Seltzer Water: What's the Difference?

Choosing between soda water and seltzer water often comes down to personal preference and health considerations. Both types of carbonated water can serve as refreshing alternatives to sugary beverages and offer various health benefits, including improved hydration and aiding digestion.

As both options are generally calorie-free, they make excellent choices for those looking to maintain or improve their overall health.

What is seltzer water?

Seltzer water is a type of carbonated water that is created by dissolving carbon dioxide gas in filtered water under pressure. Unlike soda water, seltzer water does not contain any added minerals or salts, which makes its composition purely water and carbon dioxide.

Ingredients

Seltzer water is pretty simple in terms of ingredients. It typically consists of just two components:

• Water
• Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Due to its simplicity, seltzer water typically contains 0 calories as long as it is unflavored and free of additives. Many seltzer waters contain PFAS if they are packaged in plastic bottles or cans, which are not healthy for consumption.

It's highly recommended to make seltzer water at home using a sparkling water maker to ensure the safety of the beverage.

One of the notable benefits of seltzer water is its role in improving hydration. According to a study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, individuals who consumed carbonated water exhibited a 30% increase in water intake compared to those who drank still water.

This can be particularly beneficial for those who find plain water unappealing, as the carbonation adds a refreshing texture without adding calories or sugar. Besides hydration, seltzer water can aid digestion and contribute to a feeling of fullness, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

How it's made

The production of seltzer water begins with purified water. This water is then subjected to carbonation, where carbon dioxide gas is dissolved in the water under high pressure. This is typically done using specialized machinery in a controlled environment to ensure consistency and quality.

Once carbonated, the seltzer water is bottled or canned, maintaining the pressurization to keep the water fizzy until it is opened and enjoyed.

The simplicity of its ingredients and production process ensures that seltzer water remains a crisp and refreshing beverage choice for many.

Related read: The Difference Between Sparkling Water and Seltzer Water

What is soda water?

Soda water is a type of carbonated water that has added minerals. These additions can subtly affect the taste and mouthfeel of the water compared to seltzer water.

According to a survey by Beverage Digest, around 33% of American households consume soda water regularly as part of their beverage choices. This highlights the growing preference for carbonated mineral water over other sugary drinks, aligning with the ongoing trend towards healthier lifestyle choices.

Related read: Is Soda Water Bad for You?

Ingredients

The typical ingredients in soda water include:

• Water
• Carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Sodium bicarbonate

While the mineral content can sometimes vary depending on the brand, the primary components remain consistent.

Importantly, soda water generally contains 0 calories and no sugar, making it a calorie-free beverage option.

How it's made

The production process of soda water starts with purified water. Minerals and salts are added to the water to achieve the desired taste and composition.

Following this, the water undergoes carbonation, where carbon dioxide gas is dissolved in the water under high pressure. This is carried out using specialized machinery, ensuring consistent quality and carbonation levels.

Once fully carbonated, the soda water is bottled or canned, with the pressurization maintained to ensure the water remains fizzy until it is opened.

Learn more about the difference between soda water vs seltzer water!

Key takeaways

• Seltzer water consists solely of water and carbon dioxide, while soda water includes added minerals such as sodium bicarbonate.
• The added minerals in soda water can result in a different taste and mouthfeel compared to purely carbonated seltzer water.
• Both seltzer and soda water are calorie-free if unflavored and without additives or sugar.
• Seltzer water can sometimes contain PFAS when packaged in plastic or cans, so making it at home is a safer option.
• Seltzer water is made by carbonating purified water, whereas soda water involves adding minerals to purified water before carbonation.
• Both beverages serve as refreshing, low-calorie drink options and can be used as mixers in various drinks or enjoyed on their own.