The main difference between seltzer and club soda is the presence or absence of added minerals. Seltzer is carbonated water with no added ingredients in it while club soda is artificially carbonated water that has been infused with minerals.
There are many types of carbonated water available in the market. Some of these include sparkling water, tonic water, seltzer and club soda. However, these differ in their ingredients, processing methods and flavour.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Seltzer
– Definition, Features
2. What is Club Soda
– Definition, Features
3. What are the Similarities Between Seltzer and Club Soda
– Outline of Common Features
3. What is the Difference Between Seltzer and Club Soda
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Carbonated Water, Club Soda, Seltzer
What is Seltzer
Seltzer, aka seltzer water, is carbonated water with no added ingredients in it. It only contains plain water and carbon dioxide. Unlike other types of carbonated beverages like club soda or sparkling water, Seltzer does not contain any added minerals. If there is a home carbonation system at your home and you don’t add any other additives to water, then you are making Seltzer.
Seltzer was first developed in Germany. It was European immigrants who brought it to the United States. In fact, the name seltzer comes from Selters, a German mineral spring that produces naturally carbonated water. However, note that unlike this mineral spring, Seltzer doesn’t use any added minerals (in contemporary English usage). Since it does not contain minerals, Seltzer has a ‘true’ water taste, but this may depend on the brand.
What is Club Soda
Club soda is artificially carbonated water that has been infused with minerals. The artificial carbonation process involves injecting carbon dioxide gas. Moreover, the minerals in club soda include sodium bicarbonate, potassium sulfate, sodium chloride, and disodium phosphate. Addition of alkaline substances to carbonated water helps to neutralize its acidity. These substances also help to imitate the flavours of naturally occurring mineral water.
Furthermore, the amount of minerals added actually depend on the brand and manufacturer. When compared to Seltzer, club soda has a slightly salty flavour. However, you can use Seltzer as a substitute for club soda in a cocktail mixer.
Similarities Between Seltzer and Club Soda
- Seltzer and club soda are two types of carbonated drinks.
- Moreover, both are artificially carbonated water.
- They involve an artificial carbonation process.
- They are used as seltzer and club soda, i.e., you can use Seltzer as a substitute for club soda in a cocktail mixer.
- Both are good alternatives to plain water when it comes to staying hydrated.
Difference Between Seltzer and Club Soda
Definition
Seltzer is carbonated water with no added ingredients in it while club soda is artificially carbonated water that has been infused with minerals.
Minerals
Seltzer does not have any added minerals while club soda has minerals like sodium bicarbonate, potassium sulfate, sodium chloride, and disodium phosphate.
Flavour
Club soda has a slightly salty flavour than Seltzer, which usually has a more natural water-like flavour.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the main difference between seltzer and club soda is the presence or absence of added minerals. Seltzer does not have any added minerals while club soda has minerals like sodium bicarbonate, potassium sulfate, sodium chloride, and disodium phosphate. Moreover, club soda has a slightly salty flavour than Seltzer.
Reference:
1. Anderson, L.V. “A Taxonomy of Carbonated Waters.” Slate Magazine, Slate, 14 May 2014, Available here.
2. Warshaw, Brette. “What’s the Difference Between Seltzer, Club Soda, and Sparkling Mineral Water?” Eater, also, 13 Sept. 2019, Available here.
3. Krstic, Zee. “Why Seltzer Is Better for You Than Club Soda.” Martha Stewart, 2 May 2019, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “President’s Choice Club Soda” By Diclements – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “1457961” (CC0) via Pxhere
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