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

Whether you're making a drink, at the grocery store, or simply looking for something bubbly to drink instead of plain water, it can feel confusing differentiating between soda water and sparkling water.

If you've ever wondered which carbonated beverage to buy then you've come to the right place as the difference between soda water and sparkling water is quite simple.

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The best way to determine if your bubbly beverage is considered to be a part of the sparkling water family simply comes down to one thing: additives. If your drink is carbonated but contains added ingredients, then it is no longer just sparkling water.

Additives do not include natural flavorings though, such as many popular seltzer brands and flavors available at the store.

So for example, tonic water and club soda can no longer be considered sparkling water due to containing a variety of minerals and additives.

This is not to be mistaken with natural ingredients though as even filtered water contains common ingredients like calcium, sodium, and magnesium.

What is in soda water?

Soda water is essentially carbonated water that has been infused with added minerals, primarily bicarbonate of soda (baking soda).

This inclusion not only imparts a slight taste difference when compared to plain sparkling water but also makes soda water especially useful in various culinary and beverage applications.

The infusion of bicarbonate of soda into soda water doesn't just contribute to its unique taste; it also enhances its fizziness. This is because when bicarbonate of soda dissolves in water, it interacts with carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce carbonic acid.

This reaction slightly increases the carbonation level, leading to a more effervescent and tangy experience compared to plain sparkling water. This extra fizz makes soda water a preferred choice for many cocktail recipes and beverages seeking a vibrant, refreshing quality.

Related read: What's the Difference Between Soda Water and Club Soda?

What is sparkling water?

Sparkling water is created by infusing water with carbon dioxide, giving it its characteristic fizzy texture through a process known as carbonation. This can occur naturally in certain water sources or be artificially induced. When you open a bottle, carbon dioxide is released, producing the bubbles and fizz that define sparkling water.

Which is healthier: soda water or sparkling water?

When it comes to health, both soda water and sparkling water are generally considered healthy options, especially compared to sugary soft drinks.

• Sparkling water: Sparkling water is simply carbonated water without any added sweeteners or flavors. It is often likened to regular still water and is available in both naturally and artificially carbonated forms. Some varieties may include added minerals for flavor, but they typically contain low calories and no sugar.
• Soda water: Soda water is also carbonated but includes sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) for a slightly salty taste. It may also contain other additives like potassium sulfate or disodium phosphate. Commonly used as a mixer for cocktails, soda water is often viewed as a healthier alternative to sugary sodas.

Related read: Is Soda Water Bad for You?

Health benefits of sparkling water and soda water

• Hydration: Both sparkling water and soda water keep you well-hydrated, acting as refreshing alternatives to plain water that encourage increased water intake.
• Calorie-free: Unlike sugary beverages, both options are free of calories, making them ideal for those looking to manage their weight or choose healthier drink options.
• Digestive aid: The carbonation in both sparkling and soda water can help ease digestion and alleviate indigestion or bloating for some individuals.
• Calcium source: Certain brands of mineral-rich sparkling water contain calcium, which is good for bone health.
• No added sugar: These waters do not contain the added sugars or sweeteners found in many soft drinks, making them gentler on teeth and less likely to contribute to weight gain or diabetes.
• Versatility: Soda water, with its slightly salty taste, can be a great mixer for healthier cocktails, while sparkling water can be enjoyed plain or with a splash of fruit juice for flavor.

Common uses for soda water

Beyond drinking soda water for hydration purposes, there are a few interesting uses for soda water that you may not be familiar with:

• Cocktail mixers
• Cooking
• Removing stains
• Cleaning jewelry
• Watering plants
• Aiding digestion

Related read: 5 Surprising uses for sparkling water

Difference between soda water vs. carbonated water

Carbonated water is a broad term that includes any water into which carbon dioxide gas has been dissolved under pressure, giving it fizz and bubbles. This category encompasses sparkling water, seltzer water, club soda, etc.

Given this definition, soda water is really a subset of carbonated water as there is a forced carbonation even though it's also infused with bicarbonate soda alongside carbon dioxide. So is there a difference? No, not exactly because one cannot exist without the other.

Learn more about the differences between each carbonated beverage.

If you are concerned that consuming carbonated water regularly could be harmful to your health, rest assured this fear has been debunked by many health specialists including Healthline who have actually found potential health benefits to consuming carbonated water.

Related read: Who Invented Sparkling Water? A Comprehensive History Guide

Read more about the differences between Soda Water vs. Club Soda vs. Sparkling Water vs. Tonic Water.

Common FAQs about soda water vs sparkling water

Is there baking soda in sparkling water?

No, there is no baking soda in sparkling water. Sparkling water is simply water that has been carbonated to give it its fizzy texture. While soda water, a type of carbonated water, does contain sodium bicarbonate (commonly known as baking soda).

Does soda water and sparkling water taste the same?

While both soda water and sparkling water share the common trait of being carbonated, their taste profiles can differ due to the presence of additives in soda water.

The addition of bicarbonate of soda in soda water not only amplifies its fizziness but can also introduce a subtle alkaline taste.

This makes soda water slightly more robust in flavor compared to sparkling water, which tends to have a more neutral taste, mirroring that of its source water before carbonation.

Can I only buy sparkling water and soda water at the store?

Classic soda water cannot be replicated at home due to many home soda makers only being able to infused water with carbon dioxide and not bicarbonate soda.

But the great news about sparkling water is it can be produced just about anywhere! Due to its simplicity in ingredients, all you'll need to have endless bubbles right at your fingertips are a soda machine and CO2 canisters.

Many brands have great soda machines at an affordable price if you are looking to purchase soda machines nearby. With so many affordable prices, the long winded debate of which is more expensive, canned seltzers or soda makers, is an easy one to answer with confidence.

If you already have a soda machine but are running into issues with keeping full CO2 canisters in the home, join the Soda Sense CO2 refill club to ship and receive canisters right from your home!

Key takeaways

• Soda water and sparkling water are virtually the same things in terms of both beverages are filtered water that have been artificially carbonated with CO2, however, soda water is also infused with bicarbonate soda.
• Soda water and sparkling water are both healthy alternatives to sugary sodas and only subtly taste different when compared back to back.
• You can purchase sparkling spring water, club soda, and sparkling water at the store. However, you can only make sparkling water or carbonated water at home. To do so, all you'll need are a soda machine and CO2 canisters.