Diet Soda vs Sparkling Water

  • By: Jan Helge
  • Date: July 18, 2023
  • Time to read: 5 min.

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Diet sodas have long been advocated for when it comes to health concerns. However, some studies indicate that diet soda may not be as effective as previously stated. Sparkling water is a possible alternative to diet soda and may offer more benefits than the former.

In this article, we will discuss in depth the perks and differences between diet soda and sparkling water.

What is a diet soda

Diet sodas were introduced in the 1950s as a possible solution for diabetic patients. They were soon marketed to those simply trying to lead healthier lifestyles by cutting back on sugary drinks.

Diet sodas are chemically and nutritionally similar to regular sodas, with the main differences being in the sweeteners and preservatives used. Many people prefer diet sodas because of their lower calorie counts. Companies typically use low or no-calorie sweeteners to maintain a reasonable calorie count.

What is Sparkling Water

Any type of water with carbon dioxide gas bubbled into it can be called “sparkling water” or “carbonated water.” It can be very lightly carbonated or have significant, bold bubbles. The mineral content of sparkling waters, especially naturally carbonated ones, is typically higher than that of still waters.

Common Ingredients: Diet Soda vs. Sparkling water

Diet Soda

  1. Carbonated water

Even though naturally occurring carbonated water does exist, most sodas are manufactured by forcing carbon dioxide gas into water. Regular tap water is put through a carbon dioxide-removing filtration process.

  1. Sweeteners

Aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and herbal sweeteners like stevia are all artificial. These substances are 200-13,000 times as sweet as table sugar.

  1. Acids.

Phosphoric acid, a phosphorus-based mineral acid, is found in many types of soda, including diet soda. Soda’s characteristic acidity and sour, snappy flavor come from phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid accounts for nearly all of the soda’s acidity.

  1. Colors

Caramels, carotenoids, and anthocyanins are the most widely used pigments.

  1. Flavors

Diet sodas use various natural juices and artificial flavors, including those derived from fruits, herbs, berries, and even cola.

The ingredients of Coca-natural Cola’s flavors are one of the best-kept secrets in the business. Some of the common soft drink flavors include:

  • Coca-Cola popularized Cola-Caramel flavoring. Originally made up of caffeine, coca leaf extract, and vanilla flavorings. However, modern caramel soda recipes vary.
  • Lemon – Popular flavor in lemonades and carbonated soft drinks.
  • Orange – This is used in fanta’s most common orange soft drink; there are plenty of others.
  1. Preservatives

These extend the shelf life of diet sodas in the grocery store. Potassium benzoate is a common preservative.

  1. Vitamins and minerals

Manufacturers of “diet” soft drinks sometimes include vitamins and minerals to promote their products as “healthier” than traditional “no-calorie.

  1. Caffeine

Many diet sodas, like regular sodas, have caffeine. The 46 mg of caffeine in a can of Diet Coke is more than double the amount in a can of Diet Pepsi, which is only 35 mg. Cola bottle contains 57mg of caffeine or slightly more than half the amount in a cup of coffee. While caffeine was initially used to boost the effects of sodas, today, caffeine is used as a stimulant in popular sodas like Coca-Cola.

Sparkling Water

  1. Carbonated Water

Some sparkling water brands may boast a unique mineral composition due to their particular water source. Indeed, they are. However, if the label doesn’t specify where it comes from, how much of each mineral it contains, and what the pH of the water is, it’s probably just filtered tap water. Reverse osmosis or steam distillation are two standard methods of purifying city water, so it should be safe to drink afterward. If you care about the quality of the water you drink, you should always look for independent confirmation of the water’s purity.

  1. Natural Flavors

Once again, the meaning of “natural flavors” is not entirely clear. A good rule of thumb is to assume that natural flavors are not natural if they do not have a “Certified Organic” or “GMO Project Verified” icon on the label. However, due to its negligible contribution to the diet, it barely registers on the radar. However, if you are, you should know that natural and artificial flavoring can contain anywhere from 50 to 100 ingredients, including some solvent and preservatives—these make up between 80% and 90% of the flavor’s total volume.

Have you read the article about the difference between seltzer and sparkling water? No? Read it here!

Why sparkling water is better than diet soda

Benefits of drinking carbonated water include aided digestion, reduced appetite, and easier swallowing. Drinking too much-carbonated water, like that found in sparkling water, can lead to bloating, gas, and even tooth decay. There is anecdotal evidence linking it to calcium loss, but no complex data support these claims.

There are some benefits to carbonated water that make it a better choice than soda. First of all, sparkling water has zero calories and zero sugar. Carbonated water is an excellent alternative to soda for those who enjoy a fizzy beverage without the extra calories.

If you only consider the components of each, you can immediately eliminate at least four potential health risks from opting for sparkling water over diet soda. Consider replacing one sugary soda daily with a sparkling water beverage; your body will thank you.

Because of its less-abrasive effect on tooth enamel, carbonated water is preferable to diet soda. Tooth enamel is not weakened by carbonation, contrary to popular belief. Research has shown that soft drinks are 100 times more detrimental to tooth enamel than carbonated water. Soda contains phosphoric acid, a corrosive substance, which may result in your tooth decaying. Regular consumption of soda has long been associated with an increased risk of dental erosion.

Final Thoughts

Diet sodas are commonly marketed to people with diabetes who want to cut back on sugar and reduce their calories to lose weight. The effects of artificial sweeteners and diet drinks on one’s health are up for debate, even though they do not contain any sugar or calories. However, to maintain a completely healthy diet, you should consider sparkling water which has the same fizz as a typical soda.

Related Topics:
What Is Sparkling Water And What Does it Do?
What Does Sparkling Water Taste Like?
Can You Drink Sparkling Water with Invisalign?

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