What is the best carbonated water to drink?

December 11, 2025 •

4 min read

The sparkling water market is expected to grow significantly, according to market research. This growth reflects an increasing consumer preference for healthier alternatives. Deciding what is the best carbonated water to drink can be a challenge with so many options.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the differences between carbonated water types like seltzer, club soda, and mineral water. The article helps you to choose the right bubbly beverage. The best options are covered, for hydration or mixing drinks.

Key Points

Seltzer vs. Mineral: Seltzer is plain water artificially carbonated for a neutral taste, while mineral water is naturally carbonated with unique mineral profiles.
Choose by Preference: Opt for sparkling mineral water for a natural, complex taste. Choose seltzer for a clean, versatile mixer.
Read the Label: The healthiest options are plain and unsweetened. Always check for added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and sodium, which can negate health benefits.
Manage Your Intake: Moderation is key, though generally safe for daily consumption. Be aware of potential bloating or gas, and consider a straw to protect tooth enamel.
DIY Offers Control: Making your own carbonated water with a soda maker gives you complete control over flavorings and ingredients, ensuring no unwanted additives.
Best for Mixers: A neutral seltzer is often preferred for cocktails to avoid clashing flavors, though club soda adds a specific mineral-forward taste.
Brand Popularity: Brands like Topo Chico and Saratoga are favored for distinct flavors and bubble structures, while LaCroix and Polar are beloved for their variety of fruit essence options.

Understanding the Different Types of Carbonated Water

Before determining which is the best carbonated water to drink, it's essential to understand the differences between the main types. Each variety has a unique flavor profile, mineral content, and effervescence level. These differences influence the best way to enjoy each type.

Sparkling Mineral Water

Sparkling mineral water comes from a spring or well. It contains naturally occurring minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium. The minerals give the water its distinct taste and often smoother bubbles.

Seltzer Water

Seltzer is simply plain water artificially carbonated by injecting it with carbon dioxide. It is known for its pure and neutral taste because it contains no added minerals. This neutral base makes seltzer perfect for adding flavors. It is also suitable for use in cocktails where you don't want the water's taste to interfere.

Club Soda

Like seltzer, club soda is artificially carbonated, but it has added minerals. Sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate give it a slightly salty or mineral-heavy taste. This can enhance certain cocktails and is prized by many for its unique flavor.

Comparison: Choosing Your Ideal Fizz

Personal preference will ultimately determine the best carbonated water for you. Are you looking for aggressive, sharp bubbles, or a gentle, smooth fizz? Do you want a mineral-forward flavor or a completely neutral base? The following table can help you pinpoint the right option.


Feature	Sparkling Mineral Water	Seltzer Water	Club Soda
Source	Natural spring or well	Artificially carbonated plain water	Artificially carbonated with added minerals
Bubble Type	Often smaller, smoother, and more refined	Typically larger and more aggressive	Can vary, often sharp and bright
Taste Profile	Distinct mineral-forward flavor	Clean, crisp, and neutral	Slightly salty or mineral-heavy due to additives
Best For	Sipping on its own, palate cleanser	Mixing with juices or cocktails	Classic cocktails like highballs
Popular Brands	Topo Chico, Perrier, Gerolsteiner, San Pellegrino	LaCroix, Polar, Bubly	Canada Dry, Schweppes

Top Brands and Considerations

For the Flavor Connoisseur

If you enjoy complexity and natural flavor, Topo Chico is a favorite among aficionados. Sourced from Mexico, it has perfectly calibrated minerality and small, tight bubbles that create a pleasant, sharp effervescence. Similarly, Saratoga Sparkling Spring Water is prized for its large, sharp bubbles and distinct minerality.

For the Cocktail Enthusiast

Mixologists often reach for seltzer or club soda. Unflavored seltzer, like Polar Original, is a perfect neutral mixer. It offers crisp bubbles without altering the drink's taste. Canada Dry Club Soda is a classic choice for drinks where you want a hint of salinity to enhance the other flavors. Its subtle flavor has won over many tasters.

For the Health-Conscious Drinker

For those focused on health benefits, opt for unflavored, unsweetened versions. Plain sparkling mineral water provides beneficial electrolytes, while simple seltzer water has zero calories and sugar. The at-home soda maker, like a SodaStream, is a popular option. It gives you control over ingredients, ensuring no unwanted additives.

Understanding Potential Health Concerns

Plain carbonated water is generally healthy, but there are a few things to consider.

Dental Health: Plain sparkling water is not as damaging to enamel as sugary sodas. Its slight acidity means that it is best to consume it in moderation or use a straw. Flavored versions with citric acid can increase this risk.
Digestive Issues: For some, carbonation can cause bloating, gas, or worsen symptoms of acid reflux. If this occurs, it is best to reduce consumption or switch to still water.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Fizzy Match

The best carbonated water to drink depends on personal taste and intended use. The natural minerality of a Topo Chico or Gerolsteiner offers a complex flavor for sipping. The pure, neutral profile of a seltzer like Polar or LaCroix is perfect for mixers or infusing with your own fresh flavors. The added minerals in Canada Dry Club Soda are hard to beat for a classic cocktail base. Staying informed about the different types and brands will help you make the best choice. For more detailed nutritional information on beverages and their health effects, you can visit the Harvard Health website.

What is the best carbonated water to drink? Finding the right fit

How to Pick the Best Carbonated Water?

The best option depends on taste preference, bubble intensity, and whether it will be mixed. Consider mineral water for complex flavors, seltzer for a neutral base, or club soda for a slight salinity. Unflavored versions are the healthiest.

Is sparkling water healthier than regular water?

Sparkling water is just as hydrating and can help those who dislike plain water stay hydrated. Plain, unsweetened sparkling water is a much healthier alternative to sugary sodas.

Can I drink carbonated water every day?

You can generally drink plain, unsweetened carbonated water daily, but monitor for any side effects like bloating or gas. Using a straw can help mitigate enamel erosion over time if you have dental concerns.

What is the difference between seltzer, sparkling, and club soda?

The main differences are their source and mineral content. Seltzer is plain carbonated water with no minerals. Sparkling mineral water comes from a natural spring with naturally occurring minerals. Club soda is artificially carbonated water with added minerals.

What is the best carbonated water for mixing cocktails?

Seltzer is the most versatile mixer because its neutral flavor won't interfere with other ingredients. Club soda is a great choice when a slightly salty, mineral taste is desired.

Is Topo Chico good for you?

Plain Topo Chico is a healthy, naturally carbonated mineral water. However, like many bottled waters, it has faced concerns regarding PFAS chemicals in the past, though the brand has since lowered its levels. Check current reports for the most up-to-date information.

Does carbonated water damage teeth?

Plain carbonated water is slightly acidic but is not a significant risk to dental health, especially compared to sugary sodas. Flavored carbonated waters often contain citric acid and can be more corrosive to enamel. Drinking with meals or using a straw helps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sparkling water is naturally carbonated and contains naturally occurring minerals from its source. Seltzer water is plain water artificially carbonated with CO2 and has no minerals added, resulting in a cleaner, more neutral taste.

Flavored sparkling water can be a good choice, but it's important to read the ingredients list. Look for options with natural flavor essences and no added sugar or artificial sweeteners to keep it a healthy alternative to soda.

Plain carbonated water is not harmful to kidneys for healthy individuals. If you have underlying kidney issues, you might need to monitor your mineral intake, especially from sparkling mineral water, but there is no evidence it causes kidney stones.

Sparkling water can aid digestion by improving swallowing ability and increasing feelings of fullness. For some, it can relieve constipation, but for others, the carbonation might cause bloating and gas.

Some taste tests indicate that certain brands, like Topo Chico, have particularly tight and prickly bubbles, while others like Saratoga are known for their large, aggressive effervescence. Seltzers generally have larger, more forceful bubbles than mineral water.

Yes, using a home carbonation machine like a SodaStream is a safe and effective way to make your own sparkling water. This allows for customized carbonation levels and ensures you can control what, if anything, is added to the water.

To choose the healthiest option, avoid brands with high levels of added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or excessive sodium. Always check the nutrition facts on the label to be sure.