LaCroix, Spindrift, Schweppes, Canada Dry, Polarthe list of goes on and on.
What do they all have in common?
Each brand makesbeveragesthat are bubbly and contain water.
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So then why are some calledsparkling waterand others called seltzer orclub soda?
So what exactly is the difference between seltzer, club soda, and sparkling water?
Well, let’s first start with their common base: carbonated water.
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(If you’re looking for soda check outThe Best & Worst Sodas in AmericaRanked!)
Carbonated Water
Carbonated water is the common ingredient in each of these beverages.
Almost all manufacturers now force carbonate water by dissolving carbon dioxide gas into cold water.
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This carbonated water with natural bubbles is called mineral water.
Seltzer
Seltzer has roots in Germany.
The naturally carbonated mineral water was “named for the town of Selters, Germany.”
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That’spretty muchthe case, but there is a fair amount of variance in the seltzer category.
(LaCroix, by the way, calls their drink sparkling water.)
Polar Seltzer contains carbonated water and natural flavors.
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And while LaCroix noted that seltzers can contain sodium, sparkling waters can too.
All of Dasani’s sparkling waters contain 35 milligrams of sodium.
Ultimately, you’ll find that many seltzers and sparkling waters have the exact same ingredients.
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Look at a label for Polar Seltzer and LaCroix Sparkling Water.
You’ll see the same two ingredients: carbonated water, natural flavors.
The main difference now seems to depend on a brand’s marketing strategy.
A lot of older companies use the term “seltzer” while newer companies use “sparkling water.”
Club Soda
Finallya beverage with a clear difference!
This makes club soda taste similar to the original mineral water.
As a result, club sodas will always have some amount of sodium on their nutrition label.
Schweppes, for example, adds sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, and potassium sulfate to their club soda.
Club sodasgenerallyhave sodium while seltzer and sparkling watersgenerallydon’t.
