Difference Between Seltzer and Sparkling Water

By: Jan Helge
Date: July 18, 2023
Time to read: 9 min.

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Introduction

You’ve probably heard the terms club soda seltzer and sparkling water used interchangeably, but are they really the same thing? Is there a difference at all?

The answer is– sort of. But it’s not quite as simple as that. Seltzer is lightly carbonated water, usually with no added flavors. It can be flavored or unflavored and can be either natural or artificial. Sparkling water, on the other hand, is just like regular water, but it has carbonation. It can be flavored and/or have “natural” ingredients like fruit juice, vitamins, or minerals added to it.

Seltzer and sparkling water are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we’ll explore what sets seltzer and sparkling water apart, and help you decide which is right for you.

Table Of Contents

Introduction
A Brief History: Seltzer and Sparkling Mineral Water
How it’s Made: Seltzer Club Soda vs Sparkling Water
The Difference Between Seltzer and Sparkling Carbonated Water
Similarities Between Seltzer and Sparkling Water
Which is More Beneficial?
Which One Is Better for You?
Final Thoughts

A Brief History: Seltzer and Sparkling Mineral Water

So what’s the difference between seltzer and sparkling mineral water? Let’s start with a brief history of seltzer. You might think of club soda seltzer as just a bubbly drink that’s great for quenching your thirst on a hot day. But seltzer is so much more than that.

Seltzer has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 1700s. It all started when a German priest named Johann Jacob Schweppe invented a process for making carbonated water. Schweppe’s drink became popular among the aristocracy, and soon people were clamoring for it all over Europe. Back then, seltzer was considered a luxury item, and only the wealthy could afford it.

In America, seltzer really took off in the late 1800s and early 1900s. People loved its refreshing taste, and it soon became a staple of American culture. These days, seltzer is more popular than ever, and there are all sorts of different flavors to choose from. It is also a lot more affordable, but it’s still considered a premium drink. Why? Because it’s made with high-quality ingredients and it’s naturally carbonated.

Carbonated beverages are not a modern invention. Fermentation results in fizzy drinks such as beer and champagne. An English scientist first created sparkling wine in 1662 by adding sugar and molasses during fermentation. This discovery has led other scientists to wonder what happens to water when it is carbonated.

An English Scientist by the name of Joseph Priestly formulated a method to infuse water with carbon dioxide by the year 1772. Sulphuric acid was dripped onto chalk over a suspended beer vat full of water by dripping the acid onto the chalk. Using fixed air to impregnate water, he described the procedure as “impregnating water with air”. While sparkling water might seem artificial, it’s not the only way it’s made.

As some people may be surprised to learn, sparkling water isn’t just made artificially. The phenomenon occurs naturally as well. During a volcanic activity, minerals are enriched in the water, and hot magma generates gases, which dissolve in natural waters and form carbonated water. There is a high demand for naturally carbonated waters due to their supposed healing properties.

How it’s Made: Seltzer Club Soda vs Sparkling Water

There’s a big difference between seltzer and sparkling mineral water. So what’s the difference, you ask? Well, seltzer is made by adding carbon dioxide to still water, while sparkling water is made by adding carbon dioxide to already-carbonated water.

Seltzer is simply carbonated water, and it can be made at home with a SodaStream machine or store-bought seltzers like LaCroix and Topo Chico. The difference in taste can be attributed to the pH levels of both drinks. Seltzer has a pH level of 5.6, while sparkling water has a pH level of 6.5. This higher pH level makes sparkling water taste slightly sweeter than seltzer.

Seltzer is also generally cheaper than sparkling water, which is why it’s a popular choice for home brewers. To make carbonated water at home, you just need to add carbon dioxide (CO2) to regular tap water. This can be done with a SodaStream machine, which will inject CO2 into the water to create carbonated water or seltzer.

If you don’t have a SodaStream machine, you can also add CO2 to water by using a seltzer bottle. Just fill up a seltzer bottle with regular tap water, screw on the cap with the included CO2 cartridge, and shake it up. The CO2 will dissolve into the water and create carbonated water or seltzer.

Now, you might be wondering how sparkling water is made. And the answer is, it’s a lot like seltzer.

The phenomenon occurs naturally as well. During a volcanic activity, minerals are enriched in the water, and hot magma generates gases, which dissolve in natural waters and form carbonated water. There is a high demand for naturally carbonated waters due to their supposed healing properties. It is now possible to mass-produce sparkling water using modern methods, which makes it easier to create. As with other manufactured carbonated drinks, the process of making artificially carbonated water involves injecting pressurized carbon dioxide into the water to form bubbles. Water now contains supersaturated carbon dioxide, causing it to be pressurized, causing the gas to try to escape. During bottling, more CO2 is added to the extra space above the drink with a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. Because of this, the previously infused CO2 in the water stays in the fluid.

The Difference Between Seltzer and Sparkling Carbonated Water

There’s a big difference between seltzer and sparkling mineral water. And it’s not just that one is fizzy and one isn’t. Seltzer is water that has been carbonated by adding carbon dioxide. Sparkling water, on the other hand, is water that has been carbonated AND has added minerals.

For starters, seltzer water is made with carbonated water and flavoring, while sparkling water is made with carbonated water and natural flavors. This means that seltzer will generally have more of an artificial taste to it, while sparkling water will have more of a natural taste https://waterexotic.com/can-you-drink-sparkling-water-with-retainers/.

Secondly, seltzer is made by adding carbon dioxide to still water, while sparkling water is made by injecting carbon dioxide into already-carbonated water. This difference in the production process means that sparkling water will be slightly sweeter than seltzer.

Lastly, both seltzer and sparkling water are great alternatives to sugary drinks, but seltzer has fewer calories than sparkling water. So if you’re watching your weight, seltzer is the better choice for you.

However, the main difference is that seltzer doesn’t have any added minerals, while sparkling water has them. This means that seltzer is a great choice if you’re watching your calorie intake because it doesn’t have any extra added sugars or calories. But sparkling water is a better choice if you’re looking for some added nutrients.

So which one should you choose? It all depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a healthy drink with some added nutrients, go for sparkling water. If you’re just looking for something refreshing and fizzy with a slightly salty taste (potassium sulfate), go for a seltzer.

Similarities Between Seltzer and Sparkling Water

Now that you know the difference, let’s talk about some of its similarities. Seltzer and sparkling water have a lot in common. They are both water that has been carbonated, and they often have a similar taste.

One of the key similarities between seltzer and sparkling water is that they are both carbonated. Carbonation is what gives these drinks their fizz and their distinctive taste. Carbonation is created when water is combined with carbon dioxide gas. This gas dissolves in the water and creates bubbles for tonic water. When you drink carbonated water, these bubbles release the carbon dioxide gas into your mouth, giving the water a slightly acidic taste.

Which is More Beneficial?

Sure, sparkling water and sodium chloride seltzer might seem like they’re one and the same, but there are actually some key differences between the two. For starters, seltzer is made with carbonated water, while sparkling water can be made with still or carbonated water.

Seltzer is also often times less sweet than sparkling water, and it has a slightly more mineral-rich taste with a naturally occurring carbonation. That’s because seltzer is made with added minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. And these minerals can help boost your overall health and well-being.

On the other hand, here are a few reasons why sparkling water and water with naturally occurring minerals is a great choice.

It’s calorie-free. If you’re trying to watch your weight, sparkling water from a natural spring is a great choice because it has no calories and goes great with lime juice. It’s also very refreshing. Sparkling water is a great way to stay hydrated, especially on a hot day. Sparkling water is versatile because you can drink it any time of day—with breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack. You can even mix it with other drinks.

Lastly, sparkling water is a great value because you can buy it in bulk or in small packs.

Seltzer is often fortified with minerals and has a more neutral pH than sparkling water. This can make it a better choice for people who are sensitive to acidity. Additionally, seltzer is usually lower in calories than sparkling water. On the other hand, sparkling water is a natural source of minerals, and it often contains more antioxidants than seltzer. Additionally, sparkling water can help you stay hydrated and can even promote weight loss.

So, which is the better choice for you? It ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a low-calorie option, seltzer may be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a naturally-occurring source of minerals, sparkling water may be a better choice.

Which One Is Better for You?

So, let’s settle this debate once and for all: which one is better for you, seltzer or sparkling water? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want something that’s calorie-free and carbonated, then sparkling water is your best bet. But if you’re looking for something with a bit of flavor, seltzer is the way to go.

Seltzer is also a good choice if you’re trying to cut down on sugar, as it doesn’t have any added sweeteners. However, sparkling water does have a touch of sweetness to it, thanks to the natural sugars in fruit extracts or added sweeteners.

So, what’s the verdict? It really comes down to what you’re looking for in a drink. If you want something refreshing and light, go for sparkling water. If you’re looking for something flavorful and slightly sweet, go for a seltzer.

As for its price point, technically, seltzer is cheaper, but the two terms are often used interchangeably. Sparkling water is more expensive because it contains added minerals and sometimes carbonation.

But there’s one thing to keep in mind: not all sparkling waters are created equal. Some brands add a lot of sugar, which can quickly offset any savings you might see. So if the price is a factor for you, be sure to read the nutrition label before you buy.

Final Thoughts

While seltzer and sparkling water are both the water that has been carbonated, the main difference between the two is that seltzer is plain water that has been carbonated, while sparkling water starts as mineral water, which has natural minerals in it. Seltzer is created when plain water is infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. The carbon dioxide gas dissolves into the water, creating bubbles that give the seltzer its characteristic fizz. Sparkling water, on the other hand, starts as mineral water, which contains natural minerals like magnesium and calcium. The carbonation process for sparkling water also infuses the water with carbon dioxide gas, but the minerals give sparkling water a slightly different taste than seltzer.

So, which is right for you? If you’re looking for a refreshing, crisp beverage with no added flavor, seltzer is a great choice. If you prefer a little flavor in your water, or want the added benefits of minerals, sparkling water is a great option.

At the end of the day, the difference between seltzer and sparkling water is mainly preference. If you want something with a little bit more flavor, go for sparkling water. If you want something a little more subtle, seltzer is the way to go.