Mineral Water vs. Soda Water: What's the Difference?
There are countless health-conscious ways to stay hydrated in the modern-day, from low sugar sports drinks to vitamin-enriched water supplements. At the end of the day though, water will always be the king of healthy thirst quenchers. But there are many different types of water to choose from these days, being sold with added electrolytes, triple distilled, or as volcanic spring water only scratching the surface of what’s on offer.
Soda water and mineral water are both popular H2O choices, but what’s the difference between soda water and mineral water?
Soda Water / Sparkling Water
There is no difference between soda water and sparkling water, both are simply water that has been carbonated with added gas to become fizzy. Soda water has other names, including fizzy water, club soda, seltzer water, and water with gas. The bubbly concoction can be made with natural mineral water, however, it is often enriched with further minerals to help mimic a typical flavour profile, as well as offset the acidic taste of added carbon dioxide.
Soda water is a popular form of refreshment the world over, and its invention in the 1700s led to the creation of many commercial soft drinks, and more.
Uses and Benefits of Soda Water
Soda water is the basis of many soft drinks that we enjoy today, such as cola, lemon & lime drinks, and ginger beer. It is also a base ingredient for a number of alcoholic beverages and cocktails such as whiskey soda, vodka soda, and Campari fizz, but fizzy water also has many other applications. The carbonation of soda water can contribute to increasing good cholesterol and lowering the bad, which in turn supports good heart health. It is also shown to have qualities such as strengthening bones due to the added minerals and minerals that are often present prior to carbonation, while soda water also has some truly unique qualities.
Sparkling or seltzer water is commonly used as relief for an upset stomach, with studies showing it can be a great aid in reducing pain from indigestion. In the same vein, fizzy water has been shown to help with constipation, with studies indicating it offers more relief than still water. Soda water can also be used as a household tool, being useful for the cleaning of stained china, and even being a valuable ingredient in certain cooking and baking recipes. For many, perhaps those who find still water a little “boring”, soda water is simply the best way to stay hydrated as it provides them with a more enjoyable drinking experience.
Mineral Water
Mineral water, simply put, is water derived from a mineral spring in which various minerals remain, even after being purified for public consumption. The minerals you find in this water are generally salts, sulfurs, calcium, and magnesium, although others can be present. To be considered true mineral water by most food standard agencies the minerals must be naturally occurring, rather than added for commercial production.
Mineral water is generally served still, but in some parts of the world, mineral water is a colloquial term for carbonated water and soda water, to distinguish it from tap water, but this is not an accurate description.
Uses and Benefits of Mineral Water
Mineral water can be used for a variety of things, the most obvious being simple refreshment and hydration, however, some champion the benefits of drinking mineral water daily. Studies indicate that the natural carbonation of mineral water (not fizzy but still carbonated) mirrors the benefits of water carbonated in production. The calcium and magnesium in mineral water have also been shown to help lower blood pressure, which is beneficial for people suffering from hypertension.
Soda Water or Mineral Water?
When it comes to ascertaining the differences between mineral and soda water, the key defining factor is the bubbles. The waters themselves are largely made up of the same things, while the various brands of mineral and soda water will differ slightly in their compound makeups. The level of carbonation is what will truly distinguish mineral water from soda water, and which one you should choose truly just depends on your taste, or what you need from it at the time.
If you love the tingling bubbles of seltzer water but are concerned with getting enough minerals then there are plenty of sparkling spring waters on the market with plenty of sodium, calcium, and all the other good stuff you want from classic mineral water. If you’re just fond of fizzy water with any mineral makeup and would be happy with it straight out the tap, then SodaStream has got you covered!
With a SodaStream sparkling water maker you can enjoy the fizzy sensation of club soda whenever you want from the comfort of your own home! Our trademark design simply injects carbon dioxide into one of our reusable beverage bottles filled with tap water to create your own perfect sparkling water. This means you can feel the health benefits of extra carbonation in your water, while also getting the tingly bubbles that you love, without ever leaving the house. Check out our full range of sparkling water makers here and add a little fizz to your life today!
