What are the differences between sparkling and still mineral water?
Still mineral water has no bubbles, and sparkling mineral water is carbonated, either naturally from the source or by added carbon dioxide. Under FDA rules mineral water has at least 250 ppm total dissolved solids, with minerals coming from the source. Plain sparkling products like seltzer and club soda are classed as soft drinks, not bottled water.
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In this article
What is the difference?
The only built-in difference between still and sparkling mineral water is carbonation. Still water has no added gas. Sparkling water contains dissolved carbon dioxide, which gives bubbles.
What counts as mineral water?
The FDA describes mineral water as water from an underground source that contains at least 250 ppm total dissolved solids, with minerals that come from the source and cannot be added later. Mineral content is therefore a feature of the water source, not the bubbles.
Where do the bubbles come from?
- Natural: some waters are carbonated at the source.
- Added: others have carbon dioxide added at bottling.
The label tells you which. Look for wording like naturally sparkling or carbonated.
Seltzer and club soda
Under FDA rules, sparkling water, seltzer, soda water, tonic water and club soda are classified as soft drinks, not as bottled water, so they follow different rules from mineral water.
Still vs sparkling compared
| Still mineral | Sparkling mineral | |
|---|---|---|
| Bubbles | No | Yes |
| Minerals | Come from the source | Come from the source |
| Calories and sugar | None added | None added |
| Taste | Smooth | Sharper, with a bite from the carbonation |
How to choose
- Check the sodium and mineral content on the label if you are limiting sodium.
- Pick by taste: sparkling is refreshing with meals; still is easier to drink in large amounts.
- Flavored versions may contain additives, so read the label.
Storage
Keep bottles cool and out of direct sunlight. Once opened, a sparkling bottle goes flat over time.
General information. Mineral levels vary by brand, so check the label.
If you drink mineral water daily for its minerals, compare the printed mineral analysis on a few labels, because totals differ widely between sources.
People also ask
Is sparkling water mineral water?
Not necessarily. Mineral water has at least 250 ppm total dissolved solids from its source. Seltzer and club soda are classed as soft drinks.
Is still or sparkling water healthier?
Neither adds calories or sugar. Mineral content depends on the brand, so check the label.
How do I know if sparkling water is naturally carbonated?
Read the label for naturally sparkling or carbonated wording.
Sources
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