How is sparkling spring water made?
Most sparkling spring water is spring water that is carbonated after it is sourced, by forcing carbon dioxide into it under pressure and sealing it tightly. A few are naturally carbonated, which tends to be less bubbly. Because it starts as spring water, its minerals come from the source, unlike club soda, which has salts added.
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In this article
How is sparkling spring water made?
It starts as spring water: water from an underground formation that flows to the surface naturally. Most sparkling spring waters are then carbonated after sourcing, by forcing carbon dioxide into the water under pressure, and the bottle is sealed tightly to keep the pressure. Some spring water is carbonated naturally, for example by volcanic gas, but the source says that water is often less bubbly.
What is the difference between sparkling spring water, seltzer and club soda?
| Drink | Starting water | Additives |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkling spring water | Spring water | None needed; minerals come from the source |
| Seltzer | Any still water | None; carbonation added |
| Club soda | Carbonated water | Added salts such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate |
One maker of sparkling spring water explains these differences on its own page, so treat the comparison as a producer view. The Healthline comparison of fizzy waters agrees that club soda has added minerals and that seltzer generally has none.
The basic steps
- Collect water at the spring or borehole.
- Treat it as the producer’s process requires (this varies by maker).
- Add carbon dioxide under pressure, or use water that is already naturally carbonated.
- Bottle and seal tightly so the gas stays in solution.
Is sparkling spring water good for you?
Plain sparkling spring water has no calories or sugar. Flavored versions can contain sweeteners, so read the label.
Tips
- Check the label for the word spring and for added flavors or sweeteners.
- Keep the bottle tightly closed after opening, since the gas stays dissolved under pressure and escapes when the pressure drops.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every sparkling water is spring water. The label should say so.
- Expecting naturally carbonated water to be very bubbly.
People also ask
Is sparkling spring water naturally carbonated?
Usually not. Most is carbonated after sourcing by adding carbon dioxide under pressure; some is naturally carbonated, but that water is often less bubbly.
What is the difference between sparkling spring water and seltzer?
Sparkling spring water starts with spring water; seltzer is any still water that has been carbonated.
Does sparkling spring water have calories?
Plain versions have none. Flavored ones can, so check the label.
Sources
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