Is SodaStream Actually Better for You?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

According to research, many people who use SodaStream report drinking 63% more water on average, thanks to its customizable nature. But does increased hydration mean it is definitively healthier than traditional soda? The answer is nuanced, depending heavily on how the machine is used and what ingredients are added to your sparkling water.

Quick Summary

A home soda maker like SodaStream offers more control over sugar intake and ingredients than store-bought soda, promoting healthier hydration. However, the use of acidic flavorings can impact dental health, and some syrups contain artificial sweeteners. The overall health benefits depend on personal choices.

Key Points

Controlled Ingredients: A SodaStream allows you to manage or eliminate the amount of sugar and artificial additives in your beverages, unlike commercial sodas.
Reduced Sugar and Calories: The use of SodaStream's own syrups results in less sugar and fewer calories than standard soda, making it a step toward a healthier diet.
Dental Health Risk: The carbonation process creates carbonic acid, which can contribute to tooth enamel erosion over time, especially when combined with citrus flavors.
Healthier Hydration: For those who dislike plain water, a SodaStream can increase daily fluid intake by providing a more appealing, customizable beverage option.
DIY Flavoring: The healthiest option is to use plain carbonated water or natural infusions from fruits and herbs, bypassing both artificial and added sugars.
Potential for Digestive Relief: Carbonated water has been shown to improve digestion, ease swallowing, and reduce constipation for some individuals.

SodaStream vs. Traditional Soda: A Nutritional Showdown

Many consumers turn to SodaStream as an alternative to sugary, store-bought soda, but is the switch genuinely better for your health? The primary advantage lies in customization, giving you complete control over the ingredients in your drink. Traditional sodas are often loaded with high-fructose corn syrup, phosphoric acid, and high amounts of sugar—sometimes up to 15 teaspoons per can. These empty calories have been linked to weight gain, tooth decay, and other metabolic issues.

With a SodaStream, you begin with simple, carbonated water. You can then add flavors using the company's syrups, third-party options, or natural ingredients like fresh fruit and herbs. SodaStream's own classic syrups contain about 50% less sugar than comparable store-bought sodas and no high-fructose corn syrup, providing a step toward a healthier option. For the most health-conscious consumers, using zero-sugar flavor drops or fresh ingredients eliminates added sugars entirely.

The Health Pros of Using a SodaStream

Customized Sugar Intake: Unlike pre-packaged sodas with a fixed amount of sugar, you can reduce or eliminate sugar completely by using fewer syrup drops or natural flavorings.
Avoid Harmful Additives: Many mainstream sodas contain artificial colorings and preservatives. SodaStream's 'My Water' drops and other natural options allow you to avoid these entirely.
Improved Hydration: Many people struggle to drink plain water. The appeal of a customizable, fizzy drink can motivate them to increase their overall fluid intake.
Reduced Empty Calories: By choosing low-sugar or zero-calorie flavorings, you can significantly cut down on the empty calories found in regular soda, assisting with weight management.
Enhanced Digestion: Studies have shown that carbonated water can help improve swallowing ability and relieve constipation in some individuals.

Potential Health Drawbacks and Considerations

While offering significant health advantages, SodaStream is not a perfect solution. The carbonation process creates carbonic acid, which makes the water slightly acidic.

Dental Erosion: Frequent consumption of any acidic beverage can cause enamel erosion over time, making teeth more susceptible to decay. Adding citrus juices can further increase acidity. Dentists recommend moderation and drinking acidic beverages with meals to mitigate risk.
Artificial Sweeteners: Some SodaStream diet and zero-calorie syrups use artificial sweeteners like sucralose. For those with sensitivities, this can lead to uncomfortable side effects like bloating or joint pain.
Bloating and Gas: The carbon dioxide in sparkling water can cause bloating and gas for some individuals, though it typically does not pose a significant health risk.
Taste of Tap Water: The quality and taste of the carbonated water will depend entirely on your local tap water. Some users find they need a quality water filter to achieve a good-tasting result.

DIY Options vs. SodaStream Flavors

To maximize the health benefits, many users opt for DIY flavorings instead of the pre-packaged syrups. This gives even more control over ingredients and nutrients. For example, instead of a cola syrup with sweeteners, you could infuse your sparkling water with natural vanilla extract and a squeeze of lime.

Here are some healthy DIY infusion ideas:

Cucumber and mint slices for a refreshing, spa-like drink.
Pureed berries or a splash of 100% juice for natural sweetness and flavor.
Ginger slices and a twist of lemon for a homemade ginger ale.
Fresh herbs like basil or rosemary to create sophisticated, low-calorie beverages.

Comparison: SodaStream vs. Store-Bought Soda


Feature	SodaStream with Plain Water	SodaStream with Syrup	Canned Regular Soda
Calories	0	Can be significantly lower (e.g., ~35 per 8oz)	High (e.g., ~100 per 8oz)
Sugar	0	Controlled amount, typically 50% less	High amounts of high-fructose corn syrup
Artificial Additives	0	Varies by syrup; some contain sweeteners/dyes	Common, includes phosphoric acid and caramel coloring
Dental Impact	Slightly acidic; can cause erosion with frequent use	Acidity combined with sugar/sweeteners is higher risk	Very high acidity and sugar content, highest risk for erosion
Convenience	Moderate effort (carbonating, cleaning bottles)	Moderate effort (mixing syrup, cleaning)	Minimal effort (grab and open)
Environmental Impact	Very low (reusable bottles)	Very low (reduces single-use bottles)	High (single-use bottles/cans)

Making the Right Choice for Your Health

Ultimately, whether a SodaStream is better for you depends on how you choose to use it. If your goal is to transition from a daily sugary soda habit, moving to a SodaStream with even the standard syrups represents a significant health improvement due to reduced sugar and calories. For the best health outcome, using plain carbonated water or infusing with natural ingredients offers a path to staying hydrated without the downsides of added sugars or artificial additives. Consider your specific health priorities—reducing sugar, eliminating artificial ingredients, or simply increasing water intake—and use the machine to support those goals.

While the fizz itself carries a minor acidic risk to tooth enamel, proper dental hygiene and consuming in moderation can easily manage this. For serious soda drinkers, the path to healthier hydration starts with making the switch and adjusting the syrups to fit your needs.

Conclusion: A Tool for Healthier Habits

In the long run, a SodaStream is a powerful tool for a healthier lifestyle, but it is not a magic bullet. By giving users control over what they consume, it facilitates a reduction in sugar and calories from carbonated beverages. The greatest health benefits are unlocked by moving beyond the company's pre-made syrups and experimenting with natural flavorings. By doing so, you can enjoy a custom, refreshing, and genuinely healthier drink, while also benefiting the environment through reduced plastic waste. It is a smart investment for those committed to managing their beverage intake and improving their hydration habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

The carbonation process creates carbonic acid, which is slightly acidic and can potentially erode tooth enamel over time. However, this is less damaging than the high acidity and sugar content of traditional sodas, especially if you stick to plain sparkling water. Drinking with a straw and rinsing with plain water afterward can help reduce the risk.

SodaStream's branded syrups are generally healthier than store-bought soda, containing significantly less sugar and no high-fructose corn syrup. However, some regular and diet syrups use artificial sweeteners and flavorings. For the healthiest option, choose the zero-calorie 'My Water' drops or use natural fruit and herb infusions.

By allowing you to control or eliminate added sugars and calories from your fizzy drinks, SodaStream can be a valuable tool for weight management. Switching from high-calorie, sugary soda to homemade sparkling water is a simple way to reduce your daily empty calorie intake.

Yes, carbonated water is just as hydrating as still water. It is simply water with added carbon dioxide and fulfills your body's hydration needs effectively.

You should only carbonate plain water in your SodaStream machine to avoid damaging it and causing a mess. After carbonating, you can add small amounts of 100% juice, purees, or other flavorings to your sparkling water.

For some people, the carbon dioxide in sparkling water can cause minor bloating and gas. This is a common side effect of drinking carbonated beverages and is typically harmless.

After the initial purchase of the machine, making your own sparkling water is generally cheaper than buying bottled versions. The long-term cost-effectiveness depends on how often you drink carbonated beverages and your cylinder refill frequency.