Does Sparkling Water Count as a Fizzy Drink?

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2024 study, sparkling water is just as hydrating as still water, despite public doubt. This leads many to wonder: does sparkling water count as a fizzy drink, or is it in a class of its own? The answer is a bit nuanced and depends on the specific product and context.

Quick Summary

The classification of sparkling water depends on its ingredients, differentiating it from sugary fizzy drinks like soda, though it is technically a carbonated beverage. While most people associate "fizzy drinks" with sugary soft drinks, plain sparkling water is simply water and carbon dioxide, without the added sugars or sweeteners.

Key Points

Literal Definition: By the sheer presence of carbonation, sparkling water is technically a fizzy drink.
Common Distinction: In common usage, 'fizzy drink' often implies sugary soda, which distinguishes it from plain sparkling water due to significant nutritional differences.
Nutritional Value: Plain sparkling water contains zero sugar, zero calories, and no artificial sweeteners, unlike most traditional sodas.
Healthier Hydration: Sparkling water hydrates just as effectively as still water and is a healthy alternative to sugary drinks for hydration and weight management.
Dental Impact: While sparkling water is slightly acidic, it poses a minimal risk to dental enamel compared to the severe erosion caused by sugary and acidic sodas.
Check the Label: To ensure you are drinking the healthiest option, always check the label of flavored sparkling waters for added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Digestive Benefits: Some studies suggest that sparkling water can aid digestion and increase feelings of fullness, helping with appetite control.

What Defines a 'Fizzy Drink'?

At its core, the term “fizzy drink” refers to any beverage that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas, which creates bubbles, or effervescence. By this literal definition, sparkling water is a fizzy drink. However, common usage often separates sparkling water from the category, primarily due to significant differences in ingredients and nutritional value.

For most consumers, “fizzy drinks” or “sodas” are sugary, flavored beverages like cola and lemonade. The carbonation is just one element of these drinks, which are predominantly defined by their high sugar content, artificial flavors, and empty calories. Plain sparkling water, on the other hand, is defined by its minimal ingredients: just water and carbon dioxide.

The Key Types of Carbonated Water

Understanding the different types of carbonated water is crucial for clarifying its status as a fizzy drink. While they all have bubbles, their composition varies significantly.

Sparkling Mineral Water

This water is naturally carbonated from a spring or well and contains naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can affect the taste. Brands like Perrier and San Pellegrino fall into this category. The carbonation is part of the natural process, sometimes with additional carbon dioxide added by the manufacturer.

Seltzer Water

Seltzer is plain water that has been artificially infused with carbon dioxide. It has no added minerals or salts, giving it a very clean, neutral taste. This is the base for most home carbonation systems, such as SodaStream, and a common ingredient in many cocktails and mocktails.

Club Soda

Similar to seltzer, club soda is also artificially carbonated water, but it has added minerals like sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate to enhance the flavor. These added salts give it a slightly different, more mineral-rich taste compared to seltzer.

Flavored Sparkling Water

This category includes products like La Croix, Bubly, and Waterloo. These are seltzer waters with natural fruit essences added for flavor, but typically without any sugar or artificial sweeteners. It’s important to read the labels, as some brands add sugar or artificial sweeteners, moving them closer to the nutritional profile of a traditional soda.

Comparing Sparkling Water and Sugary Sodas

To truly answer whether sparkling water counts as a fizzy drink in the popular sense, a comparison is necessary. The table below highlights the stark differences between pure sparkling water and typical sugary sodas.


Feature	Plain Sparkling Water	Sugary Soda (e.g., Cola)
Sugar	0 grams	Often 30+ grams per 12 oz can
Calories	0	Often 140+ per 12 oz can
Acidity	Mildly acidic (pH 5-6) due to carbonic acid	Highly acidic (pH 2-3) due to phosphoric and citric acid
Additives	Generally none (seltzer) or trace minerals (club soda)	Artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and phosphoric acid
Hydration	As hydrating as still water	Can lead to dehydration due to high sugar content
Dental Impact	Minimal risk to enamel, especially unsweetened	High risk of enamel erosion and tooth decay

Why Sparkling Water Is a Smart Choice for Health

For those seeking to reduce their intake of sugar and artificial additives, sparkling water is an excellent alternative to sugary fizzy drinks. Its effervescence satisfies the craving for a bubbly beverage without the empty calories and dental risks associated with soda. Many people find that swapping soda for sparkling water helps with weight management and overall hydration. It's a simple, effective change for adopting a healthier beverage routine.

Sparkling water can also aid digestion and increase feelings of fullness, which can be beneficial for managing appetite. Some studies even suggest benefits for heart health, though more research is needed. Overall, the health-conscious consumer can enjoy the fizzy sensation without the negative health consequences linked to traditional sodas.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

So, does sparkling water count as a fizzy drink? Technically, yes, because it contains carbonation. However, it is fundamentally different from the sugary, calorie-laden soft drinks most people associate with the term. From a health and nutritional perspective, plain sparkling water is a world apart from soda, making it a superior choice for staying hydrated and cutting down on sugar. To make the best choice for your health, read the label to ensure no sugar or artificial sweeteners have been added. Ultimately, plain sparkling water is the healthy, hydrating fizzy drink you can feel good about enjoying.(https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/health-and-wellness-articles/is-carbonated-water-good-for-you)

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain sparkling water has a minimal effect on tooth enamel, far less damaging than sugary soft drinks. The risk increases if the water contains added citric acid from flavorings, so choose unflavored or naturally flavored options and drink in moderation.

Yes, studies confirm that sparkling water hydrates the body just as effectively as still water. The carbonation does not interfere with the body's ability to absorb water.

Plain sparkling water or seltzer does not contain sugar. However, some flavored or sweetened sparkling waters and tonic waters can have added sugars or artificial sweeteners, so it's important to read the label.

Sparkling water is simply plain water carbonated with CO2. Club soda is also carbonated water but has added minerals like sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate to enhance the flavor.

Yes, sparkling water can support weight management. It's a calorie-free alternative to high-sugar sodas and can also increase feelings of fullness, helping to reduce overall calorie intake.

Yes, replacing high-sugar sodas with sparkling water is a healthier choice that provides a similar fizzy sensation without the negative health effects. Just be mindful of flavored varieties that might contain added sweeteners.

No, this is a myth. The fear of decreased bone density is associated with dark colas containing phosphoric acid, not the carbonation itself. Some sparkling mineral waters may even contain beneficial minerals for bone health.