Is Soda from SodaStream Bad for You? A Health and Wellness Analysis

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 analysis, global sparkling water market sales continue to rise, fueling interest in home carbonation systems like SodaStream. This trend has many health-conscious consumers asking: 'Is soda from SodaStream bad for you?' The answer is not simple and depends largely on the choices you make.

Quick Summary

This article provides a detailed comparison between homemade SodaStream beverages and commercial sodas, examining the health implications of carbonation and various flavoring options. It explores potential risks like dental erosion and bloating, while highlighting the benefits of controlling ingredients and sugar content for a healthier drink.

Key Points

Control is Key: You have complete control over the amount of sugar, calories, and specific ingredients in your soda.
Generally Healthier: SodaStream beverages are a healthier alternative to commercial soft drinks, especially when using low-sugar or natural flavorings.
Dental Risk Exists: Even plain carbonated water contains carbonic acid, which can erode tooth enamel over time, though less severely than sugary sodas.
Syrups Vary Widely: Flavor options range from sugary to zero-calorie, meaning the health impact is directly tied to your choice of syrup.
Moderation is Prudent: To minimize potential risks like dental erosion or bloating, it is best to treat flavored SodaStream sodas as an occasional treat rather than an all-day hydration source.
DIY Options are Healthiest: Adding natural flavor from fresh fruit, herbs, or unsweetened drops is the healthiest way to use a SodaStream.
Reduce Environmental Impact: Using a SodaStream significantly reduces your household's single-use plastic waste from bottled drinks.

What Exactly is Soda from a SodaStream?

A SodaStream machine carbonates regular water by infusing it with carbon dioxide from a pressurized cylinder. The resulting fizzy water can be consumed plain, or you can add flavored syrups to create soda. The key distinction from store-bought soda lies in the user's control. You dictate the level of carbonation and, crucially, the type and amount of flavoring added.

The Health Impacts of Carbonated Water

When water is carbonated, it forms carbonic acid, which gives it that distinctive, slightly tangy flavor. Plain, unflavored sparkling water is calorie-free and sugar-free. For many, this makes it a great way to stay hydrated if they find plain water unappealing. However, the acidity can be a minor concern for dental health, as it may contribute to enamel erosion over time, though far less than sugary commercial sodas. Some people with sensitive stomachs may also experience bloating or gas due to the swallowed carbon dioxide bubbles.

The Syrup Factor: A Double-Edged Fizz

The health profile of your SodaStream drink changes dramatically once you add syrup. SodaStream offers a wide variety of flavoring options, including:

Classic Syrups: Replicating popular soda flavors, these contain a mix of real sugar and low-calorie sweeteners like sucralose. While they have significantly less sugar and fewer calories than their store-bought counterparts, they are not sugar-free and should be consumed in moderation.
Diet/Zero-Calorie Syrups: These options use artificial sweeteners exclusively and contain no sugar or calories. While useful for weight management, concerns have been raised about the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners.
Unsweetened Flavor Drops: For those seeking a healthier alternative, SodaStream offers flavor essences (like the bubly drops) that add flavor without any sugar, artificial sweeteners, or calories.
DIY Flavoring: Many users add their own ingredients, such as a splash of 100% fruit juice, muddled fresh berries, or citrus slices. This allows for total control over ingredients and sugar content.

Key Health Concerns and How to Mitigate Them

Dental Health and Acidity

Even plain carbonated water is slightly acidic and can potentially wear down tooth enamel over time, especially with frequent, all-day sipping.

Mitigation: Limit consumption of flavored sodas. When you do drink carbonated beverages, have them with a meal rather than sipping throughout the day. Using a straw can also help minimize contact with your teeth.

Digestive Issues

The gas from carbonation can cause discomfort for some individuals.

Mitigation: If you experience bloating, gas, or acid reflux symptoms, consider reducing your intake of carbonated drinks. You can also experiment with lower carbonation levels or switch back to still water when symptoms arise.

Artificial Additives

Some syrups, particularly older or off-brand options, may contain artificial colors or preservatives that some consumers prefer to avoid.

Mitigation: Read nutrition labels carefully. SodaStream provides full ingredient transparency. Opt for their unsweetened flavor drops or create your own flavors using natural ingredients.

SodaStream vs. Commercial Soda: A Comparison


Factor	Commercial Soda	SodaStream (DIY, unsweetened)	SodaStream (Classic Syrup)
Sugar	Very high, often with high-fructose corn syrup.	None.	Low-to-moderate, mixture of sugar and sweetener.
Calories	High, providing empty calories.	None.	Low-to-moderate, depending on usage.
Additives	May contain preservatives, phosphoric acid, and artificial colors.	No additives, just carbonated water and fresh ingredients.	May contain artificial sweeteners and coloring in some syrups.
Dental Impact	Highly acidic and high in sugar, a major contributor to decay and erosion.	Mildly acidic due to carbonation, but low risk without added sugar.	Less risky than commercial soda, but sugar and acid still pose a threat.
Cost	More expensive over the long run, especially for frequent drinkers.	Very cost-effective over time.	Cost-effective compared to commercial soda.
Environmental	Produces significant single-use plastic or aluminum waste.	Significantly reduces single-use plastic waste.	Significantly reduces single-use plastic waste.
Customization	Zero control over ingredients or fizz level.	Total control over fizz, flavor, and sweetness.	Can control fizz and sweetness level by adjusting syrup amount.

Making Healthier SodaStream Choices

The key to a healthy SodaStream experience lies in conscious choices. By opting for better-for-you flavor options and practicing moderation, you can enjoy carbonated beverages without the significant health drawbacks of commercial soft drinks.

Start with the basics: Plain, carbonated water is the healthiest option. Add a slice of lime, lemon, or cucumber for a refreshing twist. A great source for flavor inspiration is the official SodaStream flavor pages, which showcase healthy add-in ideas.
Go natural: Utilize the unsweetened flavor drops or fresh fruit and herbs for flavor. This provides taste without any sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Use juice sparingly: For a sweeter flavor, add a small splash of 100% fruit juice, but be mindful of the added sugar content.
Adjust sweetness: With syrups, you can add less than the recommended amount to cut down on sugar and calories.
Treat it like a treat: Reserve sweetened SodaStream soda for a special occasion rather than everyday hydration. Plain sparkling or still water should be your primary fluid source.

Conclusion: Is Soda from SodaStream Bad for You?

The overall healthiness of a SodaStream beverage depends entirely on the ingredients added after carbonating the water. Plain sparkling water is a healthy, calorie-free way to stay hydrated and can be a great alternative to sugary drinks. When flavored, especially with full-sugar syrups, the health value diminishes, though it still offers more control and fewer calories than most commercial sodas. Ultimately, for those looking to curb a commercial soda habit, SodaStream offers a customizable and healthier path forward. It is not inherently 'bad for you,' but like any sweetened drink, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. [Source: https://sodastream.com/blogs/wellness/is-carbonated-water-good-or-bad-for-you]

Note: If you have specific medical conditions, especially those related to digestion or bone health, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider about your beverage choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain carbonated water is mildly acidic due to carbonic acid, which can contribute to enamel erosion over long-term, frequent exposure. It is much less harmful than sugary sodas, but moderation is key. Adding sugary syrups increases the dental health risk.

This depends on the syrup you choose. Some classic syrups contain real sugar combined with artificial sweeteners, but with significantly less sugar than store-bought brands. Many zero-calorie options and unsweetened flavor drops contain no sugar at all.

Yes, some individuals may experience bloating, gas, or other digestive discomforts from the carbon dioxide bubbles. If this occurs, it's best to reduce your intake or drink still water instead.

No. The myth that carbonated water leaches calcium from bones has been debunked. The phosphoric acid found in some commercial colas is what has been linked to potential bone density issues, not the carbonation itself.

SodaStream's zero-calorie syrups use artificial sweeteners like sucralose. These are approved by regulatory bodies, including the FDA. The safety of long-term artificial sweetener consumption is a topic of ongoing research, so some choose to avoid them.

Yes. Plain carbonated water from a SodaStream is just as hydrating as still water. Sugary commercial sodas often contain diuretics like caffeine that can affect hydration, and their high sugar content makes them a poor choice for hydration.

Absolutely. You should always add flavorings after carbonating the water to prevent messy overflows. Many users create healthier drinks by adding natural fruit juice, fresh herbs, or citrus slices to their sparkling water.