Are there any alternatives to club soda for those who don’t like the taste or want a healthier option?
The closest swaps for club soda are other plain carbonated waters, such as seltzer or sparkling bottled water. FDA treats club soda and seltzer as soft drinks and sparkling bottled water as bottled water, and we found no official source that rates one as healthier. Check the label for added ingredients.
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In this article
- What can I use instead of club soda?
- Is seltzer or sparkling water healthier?
- What is sparkling mineral water?
- What about tonic water?
- How to choose
- What is a club soda alternative or replacement that cuts sugar or calories?
- What is a simple substitute for club soda if I dislike the taste?
- Other substitutes for club soda in a drink
What can I use instead of club soda?
Other plain carbonated waters. FDA’s bottled water page says waters with added carbonation, soda water (or club soda), tonic water and seltzer have historically been regulated as soft drinks. It lists sparkling bottled water among the names of bottled water.
Is seltzer or sparkling water healthier?
We found no official source that ranks them. The label is the only way to compare. Look at the ingredient list and the Nutrition Facts panel for sodium, sugar and calories.
What is sparkling mineral water?
Under the FDA rule, mineral water contains not less than 250 parts per million total dissolved solids and has no minerals added. Sparkling bottled water keeps the same carbon dioxide it had at the source. Taste can differ because mineral content differs.
What about tonic water?
FDA names tonic water separately from soda water and seltzer. Check its label for sugar before swapping it in.
How to choose
- Read the ingredients: FDA says they must be listed by weight, and the first is usually carbonated water.
- Compare sodium on the Nutrition Facts panel.
- Ask a doctor or dietitian if you limit sodium or sugar for health reasons.
What is a club soda alternative or replacement that cuts sugar or calories?
The CDC says water has no calories, so replacing sugary drinks with plain water can help reduce caloric intake. It lists sparkling water, seltzers and flavored waters as low-calorie choices, along with plain coffee or tea.
What is a simple substitute for club soda if I dislike the taste?
If the taste of carbonated water is the problem, plain water is a calorie-free option in the CDC’s advice. The CDC also suggests adding a wedge of lime or lemon to water.
Other substitutes for club soda in a drink
- Choose water over sugary drinks.
- Carry a reusable bottle.
- Freeze water in freezer-safe bottles for cold water all day.
The CDC page does not say whether any one swap suits a specific recipe, so check each product’s label. Ask a doctor or dietitian if you have a health condition.
People also ask
What can I substitute for club soda?
Seltzer or sparkling bottled water. FDA classes seltzer and club soda as soft drinks and sparkling bottled water as bottled water.
Is seltzer the same as club soda?
FDA lists soda water (or club soda) and seltzer as separate names, both historically regulated as soft drinks. We found no official comparison of their contents.
Is there a healthier option than club soda?
We found no official source that ranks them. Compare sodium, sugar and calories on the Nutrition Facts panel.
What is a healthier substitute for club soda?
The CDC lists plain water, sparkling water, seltzers and flavored waters as low-calorie choices. We found no official source that ranks one above another.
What is a good club soda alternative or replacement?
The CDC lists plain water, sparkling water, seltzers and flavored waters as low-calorie choices, and suggests a wedge of lime or lemon in water. Check each product's label.
What can I sub for club soda if I dislike the taste?
Plain water is a calorie-free option in the CDC's advice, with a wedge of lime or lemon added if you like. The CDC page does not say whether a swap suits a specific recipe.
Sources
- FDA: FDA Regulates the Safety of Bottled Water Beverages Including Flavored Water and Nutrient-Added Water Beverages, read 5 Nov 2026
- Cornell Law School LII: 21 CFR 165.110 Bottled water, read 5 Nov 2026
- FDA: Carbonated Soft Drinks: What You Should Know, read 5 Nov 2026
- CDC: Water and Healthier Drinks, read 5 Nov 2026
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