CountrySoda Water vs Sparkling Water: 5 Key Differences Explained
17 Apr 2025
Soda water and sparkling water. Two names you’ve probably used interchangeably – but are they really the same thing? Not quite. And the differences, while subtle, can change the way you use and enjoy them.
In this quick guide, we’ll cover:
- Soda water vs sparkling water
- Which is healthier – soda or sparkling?
- Best uses
- How to choose between the two
- And some helpful FAQ
Soda water vs sparkling water
At first glance, soda water and sparkling water seem pretty similar. Both are fizzy. Both are refreshing. But they’re not the same, and once you’ve tasted the difference, you’ll notice it every time.
Sparkling water is water that’s been carbonated, and depending on the source, it may contain natural minerals like calcium and magnesium. The carbonation either happens naturally in a mineral spring, or it’s added using a system like the Zip HydroTap system. Sparkling water fresh from your Zip tap is filtered, bubbly, and clean-tasting.
Soda water is also known as club soda, and is made by carbonating water and adding salts like sodium bicarbonate or potassium sulfate. That’s what gives it a slightly salty or chalky taste and a punchier fizz.
Here’s a quick breakdown.
Sparkling Water vs Soda Water: Key Differences
| Feature | Sparkling Water | Soda Water |
|---|---|---|
| Carbonation | Can be naturally occurring or added | Artificially carbonated |
| Minerals | Magnesium and calcium if naturally present (or none in purified options) | Added salts and minerals (like sodium bicarbonate or potassium sulfate) |
| Taste | Clean, crisp, sometimes slightly sweet | Sharp, salty, mineral-like |
| Texture | Soft fizz | Bigger bubbles, more bite |
| Common use | Everyday hydration, with meals, mocktails | Cocktail mixer, tempura batter, cleaning agent |
| Also known as | Seltzer | Club Soda |
Clearly, sparkling water is not the same as soda water and is used differently. But which is healthier? And how do you know which is the best choice for you? Let’s look a little deeper.
Which is healthier – soda or sparkling?
If you’re trying to up your water intake and cut back on sugar or soft drinks, both soda and sparkling water are solid choices. But one stands out.
Sparkling water is generally the healthier option, especially when it’s purified and contains no added sodium. It’s just as hydrating as still water, and the light fizz can actually help you drink more throughout the day. It’s just carbonated water.
Soda water, on the other hand, can contain added salts. While not harmful in small amounts, be mindful of your sodium intake if you drink it often.
There’s also the feel-good factor. Sparkling water is smooth and uplifting. It feels like a treat without any guilt. And when it comes straight from your tap, filtered and chilled, it’s easy to make it part of your daily routine.
Are they interchangeable?
You can swap one for the other. But that doesn’t mean you always should.
Soda water has more bite and a slightly salty edge, which makes it ideal in cocktails – especially when you want something to stand up to spirits like whisky, vodka or gin. It’s functional. And sometimes that’s exactly what you want.
Sparkling water is a little different. It’s more of a standalone drink that you can enjoy every day. Lighter. Smoother. A bit more elegant, especially when served with meals or used in fruit infusions and mocktails.
So, yes, sometimes they can be interchangeable, but most of the time you shouldn’t just replace one for the other. So how do you best use them?
Best uses for soda water vs sparkling water
There’s a place for both in your kitchen. It just depends on what you’re after.
Soda water shines in cocktails and the occasional kitchen hack (like fluffing up pancake batter or cleaning a wine stain from your shirt – yes, really).
Sparkling water is perfect for sipping on its own, with food, or as a crisp base for homemade drinks. It’s the kind of thing you’ll reach for more often and enjoy more, too.
Sparkling Water vs Soda Water: Best Uses
| Uses | Sparkling Water | Soda Water |
|---|---|---|
| Cocktails | Lovely in light spritzers or non-alcoholic drinks | Great in whisky highballs, spritzes |
| Hydration | Excellent – no added sodium, refreshing | OK, but not ideal due to added sodium |
| Cooking | Rarely used in cooking | Fluffy batters, cleaning produce |
| With meals | Smooth bubbles complement food beautifully | Less common |
Which is best for you?
It depends on how you drink your water (and what you want from it).
If you love cocktails or only drink fizzy water occasionally, keep some soda water in the fridge. But if you're looking for something to enjoy every day, sparkling water is your better fit. It’s refreshing, clean, and gentle enough to sip all day. Add a slice of citrus, and it feels light yet indulgent.
Imagine: chilled, pure sparkling water on demand – right from your tap. We make it easy. No more added sodium or plastic bottles.
Sparkling water from the tap? Meet the Zip HydroTap.
By now, you know that sparkling water is a healthy swap – it’s hydrating, easy to enjoy, and better than sugary drinks. But here’s something you might not know: you can get it straight from your tap.
A Zip HydroTap gives you chilled, filtered, and perfectly sparkling water at home. No bottles; no fuss. And because it’s filtered down to 0.2 microns, what you’re drinking is clean, crisp, and great tasting.
What does that really mean?
It means fewer appliances and less clutter on your bench. You’ll spend less time at the shops and reduce single-use plastic in your fridge. It means every glass of water tastes clean and crisp – thanks to Zip’s MicroPurity filtration system, which removes particles, microplastics and other nasties, filtering down to 0.2 microns.
And because it comes in seven designer tap styles and finishes, there’s a setup to suit every kitchen. It’s built for everyday use but feels anything but ordinary.
So if you’re after something that tastes better, works harder, and fits seamlessly into your space – Zip makes the switch easy.
Still curious? Discover what’s so special about sparkling water, or learn more with our guide: Is sparkling water good for you?
FAQ: Carbonated water vs soda water
Which is healthier, sparkling water or soda water?
Sparkling water is generally considered healthier because it contains no added sodium. Soda water (or Club Soda) is fine in moderation, especially as a mixer, but sparkling water is better for everyday hydration.
How much sugar is in soda water vs sparkling water?
Neither soda water nor sparkling water contains sugar – at least not in their plain forms. Just be sure to check the label on flavoured varieties. Flavoured varieties tend to contain added sweeteners or artificial flavours.