What is the Difference Between Soda Water and Sparkling Water

The main difference between soda water and sparkling water is that sparkling water is more natural and has a more distinctive flavour than soda water.

Both soda water and sparkling water are forms of carbonated water. However, there is a distinctive difference between soda water and sparkling water. Soda water is usually artificially carbonated while sparkling mineral water is naturally processed as it comes from mineral springs or wells. Therefore, they possess several different features and properties. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Soda Water 
     – Definition, Features, Use
2. What is Sparkling Water
     – Definition, Features, Use
3. Difference Between Soda Water and Sparkling Water
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Sparkling Water, Soda Water, Soda

What is Soda Water

The term soda water is an ambiguous one. This is because this term has been in usage for a long time, and people use it to refer to different beverages. Soda water was the name people first gave to commercially available artificially carbonated water; this was during the late 18^th century. At present, some people use it to refer to club soda while some use it to refer to seltzer.

Soda water is basically plain water containing some minerals and dissolved solids, including sodium bicarbonate, disodium phosphate, and sodium citrate. In soda water, carbonation is not usually naturally occurring, but we add it artificially. Moreover, you can consume soda water alone or with an alcoholic beverage. The taste of soda water can range from flavourless to slightly bitter or salty. Thus, this lack of strong flavour makes it a good choice as a mixer for cocktails or juice.

What is Sparkling Water

Sparkling water is basically carbonated water. This carbonation can occur naturally or can induce artificially. We can divide sparkling water into two main categories as sparkling mineral water and seltzer water.

Sparkling mineral water comes directly from a natural spring or well. Therefore, the effervescence of sparkling mineral water is a result of naturally-occurring gases. However, some companies also add carbon dioxide artificially to produce more bubbles. Moreover, as its name suggests, it can contain some amount of minerals. The type and amount of minerals depend on the brand and company. Sparkling mineral water has a slight taste of minerals and is best enjoyed on its own. This is because the flavour of minerals can be distracting in a cocktail. Seltzer water, on the other hand, is bubbly, pure and simple. It is basically a mix of still water and carbon dioxide.

Difference Between Soda Water and Sparkling Water

Definition

Soda water is water carbonated through artificial means and contain some minerals and dissolved solids while sparkling water is bubbly and pure water that comes directly from a natural spring or well.

Processing

Soda water involves artificial carbonation while sparkling mineral water comes from mineral springs or wells.

Flavour

Sparkling water has a more distinctive flavour than compared to soda water. This is because it has a slight flavour of minerals.

Use

Soda water can be consumed alone or with an alcoholic beverage, cocktail or mocktail while sparkling water is best enjoyed alone.

Conclusion

Soda water involves artificial carbonation while sparkling mineral water comes from mineral springs or wells. The main difference between soda water and sparkling water is that sparkling water is more natural and has a more distinctive flavour than soda water. You can consume soda water alone or with an alcoholic beverage, but sparkling water is best enjoyed alone. 

Reference:

1. Anderson, L.V. “A Taxonomy of Carbonated Waters.” Slate Magazine, Slate, 14 May 2014, Available here.

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