Does Bubbly Count Towards Water Intake? The Definitive Guide

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, sparkling water is just as hydrating as regular still water. This is great news for those who find plain water unappealing, but it raises a question: does bubbly count towards water intake, and are there any downsides to relying on it exclusively?

Quick Summary

Sparkling water and other bubbly beverages without added sugars or caffeine are as hydrating as still water and count toward your daily fluid intake. Considerations include potential bloating or dental enamel erosion, making plain water and moderation key.

Key Points

Yes, it counts: Unsweetened bubbly water, like seltzer or mineral water, is just as hydrating as regular water and contributes to your daily fluid intake.
Read the label: Always check for added sugars, sodium, and sweeteners, which can negate the health benefits and hydrating effects.
Plain water is king: While a great alternative, most experts recommend plain still water as your primary source of hydration.
Know the downsides: For some, the carbonation can cause bloating, gas, or a false sense of fullness, potentially leading to less overall fluid intake.
Protect your teeth: The slight acidity in carbonated water can, over time, contribute to tooth enamel erosion. Rinsing with plain water afterwards can help.
Choose wisely during exercise: During intense physical activity, stick with plain, still water, as the carbonation in bubbly drinks can cause discomfort and slow absorption.
Variety can boost intake: If you find plain water boring, unsweetened sparkling water can make hydration more enjoyable and help you drink more throughout the day.

The Truth About Sparkling and Carbonated Water

The fundamental principle behind whether a drink hydrates you is its water content. Sparkling water is simply water infused with carbon dioxide gas, making it, for all intents and purposes, still water with bubbles. This process does not alter the hydrating properties of the water itself.

For many, sparkling water offers a welcome and flavorful alternative to plain water, which can encourage increased fluid consumption. This is especially beneficial for individuals who struggle to drink enough water throughout the day. By choosing unsweetened and unflavored options, you can enjoy the fizz without the added calories or health drawbacks of sugary sodas.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While hydrating, consuming too much bubbly can have some minor side effects for certain people. The carbonation can cause bloating and gas, leading to a feeling of fullness that might discourage further drinking. The slight acidity in carbonated beverages can also, over time, contribute to tooth enamel erosion, although the effect is minimal compared to sugary sodas.

Hydrating Effectively: A Comparison

To better understand the nuances, let's compare different types of "bubbly" beverages and their hydrating effects.


Beverage Type	Hydrating Effect	Key Considerations	Best For
Still Water	Excellent	No additives; zero calories.	Optimal everyday hydration; post-workout.
Sparkling Water/Seltzer	Excellent (comparable to still)	Unsweetened, no calories; can cause bloating for some.	Those who prefer fizz over flat water.
Flavored Seltzer (no sugar)	Excellent (comparable to still)	Unsweetened, zero calories; check ingredients for additives.	Breaking up hydration monotony; soda alternative.
Club Soda	Excellent (comparable to still)	Contains added minerals like sodium and potassium; check sodium levels.	Added electrolytes in moderation; cocktail mixers.
Tonic Water	Moderate to Poor	Contains quinine, sugar, and calories. Not a substitute for water.	Occasional mixers; not for daily hydration.
Soda	Poor	High in sugar, calories, and artificial ingredients. Dehydrating.	Avoid for hydration purposes.

Does Flavor Matter?

For plain seltzer and sparkling water, the addition of natural flavorings does not diminish its hydrating capabilities, as long as no sugars or sweeteners are added. These zero-calorie options can be an excellent tool for those seeking variety while staying on track with their water intake. However, always read the nutrition label carefully, as some flavored options contain hidden sugars that can counteract the hydrating benefits and lead to unwanted calorie consumption.

The Role of Moderation and Plain Water

Experts still recommend that plain water serve as your primary source of hydration. While bubbly beverages can help meet your daily fluid goals, it is unwise to rely on them completely. The fizziness can sometimes give a false sense of being quenched, leading you to drink less overall. Furthermore, during intense exercise, flat water is generally preferred as it is absorbed more quickly and won't cause gastrointestinal discomfort from the carbonation. A balanced approach that includes both still and sparkling water is often the best strategy for staying well-hydrated and healthy.

Conclusion: So, Is the Fizz Factor Favorable for Fluid Intake?

Yes, bubbly water absolutely counts towards your water intake, provided it doesn't contain added sugars, sodium, or caffeine. For many people, sparkling water can be a game-changer, making daily hydration goals easier to achieve. However, it's essential to be mindful of potential bloating and dental health concerns. Always check the label for added sugars, and remember that plain still water remains the gold standard for hydration, especially during and after exercise. A combination of both can offer the best of both worlds—effective hydration with a little extra sparkle.

Frequently Asked Questions

While sparkling water is hydrating, it's best to not replace still water entirely. The carbonation can cause bloating for some and a false sense of fullness. Still water is generally considered the optimal choice for regular, everyday hydration.

The mild acidity from carbonation can, over time, potentially weaken tooth enamel. However, this effect is far less damaging than sugary sodas. Drinking it in moderation and rinsing your mouth with plain water afterward can mitigate the risk.

As long as it is unsweetened and without added calories, flavored seltzer water is just as hydrating as plain sparkling water and counts toward your daily fluid intake.

No. While both are carbonated, club soda typically has added minerals like sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate, which give it a different flavor and a higher sodium content than plain sparkling water.

Plain, still water is more quickly absorbed by the body. The carbonation in sparkling water can cause bloating and gas, which is uncomfortable during a workout and might prevent you from drinking enough to stay properly hydrated.

No. Only carbonated beverages that are primarily water and have no added sugars or dehydrating agents (like excess caffeine or alcohol) count toward your daily fluid goals. Sugary sodas and alcoholic drinks are not hydrating.

Drinking unsweetened sparkling water can help with weight management by acting as a zero-calorie, sugar-free alternative to high-calorie soft drinks, potentially reducing overall calorie intake. It also promotes a feeling of fullness.