Does sparkling water hydrate you the same as regular water

Q: Should sparkling water count as water intake?

It doesnt dehydrate you. From a mouth-feel standpoint, it may not seem as hydrating. But from a nutrition standpoint, they are equal.” So if youre obsessed with seltzer, theres good news: it counts towards your daily water intake totals.

The fruity, unique flavors and bright packaging of many seltzer and sparkling water brands have taken supermarkets by storm—and many people say these bubbly beverages get them to drink more water every day.

Table of Contents Show

And how does it compare to still water?
What Is Sparkling Water, Exactly?
Does Sparkling Water Hydrate You?
Sparkling Water vs. Regular Water
Does sparkling water hydrate you as well as regular water?
Should sparkling water count as water intake?
Is it OK to drink sparkling water instead of water?

But is this the same as drinking plain water?

We asked Mark Zeidel, MD, Chair of the Department of Medicine, to weigh in with some facts.

There are so many different brands of seltzer and sparkling water. What’s the difference?

Dr. Zeidel: The main difference between seltzer and sparkling water comes down to where the carbonation comes from. If the carbonation is artificial, it's a seltzer or club soda that is regulated by the FDA like a soda. If the bubbles are naturally occurring, straight from the source, it's considered sparkling water, and regulated like bottled water.

Whether it’s a seltzer or a sparkling water, it’s important to read the nutrition label because many brands are not just carbonation and water. Avoid beverages with added flavorings, sugars and citric acid.

What about sparkling mineral water?

Dr. Zeidel: Just like plain mineral water, sparkling mineral water comes from an underground source and naturally contains minerals like calcium, sodium, magnesium or manganese. The amount of minerals can differ from drink to drink but these are natural and not added.

Because sodium is an electrolyte you lose through sweating, mineral water can help quicken hydration if you've lost a lot of fluids through exercise. Usually the amounts of minerals in the water are very low, and they will not really alter your salt or mineral balance. However, if you're watching your sodium intake, still water may be a better option because it doesn't contain any sodium.

Do these drinks hydrate you as much as regular water?

Dr. Zeidel: Yes, carbonated water will hydrate just as well as still water. Fruit-flavored sparkling water offers a no-calorie, no-sugar alternative to soda. Again, just watch for added sugar.

We’ve heard that sparkling water can be harmful to your teeth. Is this true?

Dr. Zeidel: The carbonation in sparkling water comes from carbon dioxide that is forced to dissolve using low temperatures and high pressure. This process creates carbonic acid, giving sparkling water an acidity level lower on the pH scale than normal tap water. This isn’t nearly as acidic or corrosive as soda, but some flavors may be more corrosive than others. It depends on the acidity.

What do you recommend for people with sensitive stomachs?

Dr. Zeidel: Some people report bloating, burping, gas or stomach discomfort with sparkling water, so if you have sensitive digestion issues, you may do better with still water.

If you’re at a restaurant, and the waiter asks if you want regular, mineral or sparkling, what do you choose?

Dr. Zeidel: It’s personal preference. The water might be spring water, purified water or bubbly with carbonation. All are good choices for your overall health.

And how does it compare to still water?

Published on April 8, 2021

I'll be the first to admit it — I'm a big fan of sparkling water. It helped me kick my soda cravings to the curb, and I'd almost always prefer it to still water. And the rise in popularity of soda makers like SodaStream proves I'm not the only one.

But doesn't it all seem too good to be true? Can sparkling water really be delicious, calorie-free, and hydrating all at the same time? Does carbonation affect hydration? Can you even count sparkling water towards your recommended eight cups a day? Here's what you need to know.

What Is Sparkling Water, Exactly?

Meredith

Sparkling water, sometimes referred to as carbonated water or seltzer, simply refers to water that has been injected with carbon dioxide. It's often infused with flavorings. Popular sparkling water brands include LaCroix, Waterloo, and Bubly.

But sparkling water/seltzer is not the only bubbly water out there. Here are some other popular iterations:

Club soda: Club soda is simply seltzer water that has been injected with both carbon dioxide and added minerals that give it a bit of a salty flavor.
Sparkling mineral water: Sparkling water mineral water is made from natural spring water, which has naturally occurring minerals like magnesium, calcium, and sodium. These minerals bring a natural effervescence, but most commercial sparkling mineral water has added carbon dioxide.
Tonic water: Most commonly used in Gin and Tonics, tonic water is water that has been injected with carbon dioxide, added minerals, and one very important ingredient: quinine. Quinine, which comes from the bark of cinchona trees, gives tonic water its distinctive, bitter taste.

Read More: Club Soda vs. Seltzer: What's the Difference?

Does Sparkling Water Hydrate You?

Good news sparkling water fans: Sparkling water is just as hydrating as regular water.

Sparkling Water vs. Regular Water

In a 2016 study, 13 different hydrating drinks (including still and sparkling water) were evaluated for their hydration using what's known as the beverage hydration index (BHI). The BHI looks at the volume of urine produced by a drink compared with that of still water. The study concluded that sparkling is indeed as hydrating as still water.

Although sparkling water hydrates you just as well as regular water, it's important to keep in mind that if you're prone to bloating, carbonated water might not be the best choice as it can worsen these symptoms.

So, should you drink regular water or sparkling water? The best water to drink is whichever type encourages you to drink more, as both are equally hydrating.

Related:

The 8 Best Soda Makers, Tested by Allrecipes
16 Easy Ways to Drink More Water Without Thinking About It
How Much Water Do You Really Have to Drink Every Day?

Does sparkling water hydrate you as well as regular water?

Absolutely! Sparkling water is a great addition to any beverage lineup. Free from calories and sugar and as hydrating as still water, seltzer, sparkling water, club soda, and sparkling mineral water are all excellent choices for staying hydrated.

Should sparkling water count as water intake?

“It doesn't dehydrate you. From a mouth-feel standpoint, it may not seem as hydrating. But from a nutrition standpoint, they are equal.” So if you're obsessed with seltzer, there's good news: it counts towards your daily water intake totals.

Is it OK to drink sparkling water instead of water?

Carbonated water is just like regular water; only it offers a fun and more exciting way to drink your daily allotment of water. Fruit flavored sparkling (carbonated) water also makes a great and healthy alternative to soda because it has zero calories and no added sugar.