Blog Layout

What's the Difference? Carbonated Water and Sparkling Water
You may have heard that carbonated water and sparkling water are one in the same. While these two types of water are effervescent, and even taste similar, they are actually quite different. This is especially true when it comes to how these water types get their delightfully bubbly qualities.

As a business owner or manager, it’s important for you to understand the difference between carbonated water and sparkling water before you start buying into this fun and fizzy beverage trend.

What is Carbonated Water?

Carbonated water (also known as club soda or soda water) gets its carbonation artificially from the process of adding carbon dioxide gases to produce carbonic acid. In addition to its bubbles, you will also find salts in carbonated water which can come in the form of sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, potassium salts, plain table salt or a mixture of these elements. Salt that is added to soda water is meant to give it a better, lighter taste, all while neutralizing acidity.

What is Sparkling Water?

The “sparkle” in sparkling water can either occur naturally, or it can be made artificially using a sparkling water system. The sparkling water you buy at the store generally has no additives -- unless you buy flavored sparkling water. In this case, it may be flavored with fruit “essence” and oils. The two most common types of pure sparkling water are:


- Sparkling mineral water. This comes directly from the source of mineral springs, and its effervescence is a result of naturally-occurring gases. Some sparkling mineral water companies also add carbon dioxide artificially to produce even more bubbles. Sparkling mineral water typically has a slight, mineral-y taste.


- Seltzer water (sparkling water). This bubbly water is pure and simple. It’s basically made from still water and carbon dioxide -- nothing else. Filtered sparkling water systems and dispensers found in offices, restaurants, hotels, and resorts typically use this method to ensure the water they are offering to patrons, staff, and guests is clean and fresh.


Filtered Sparkling Water Systems Offer Better-Tasting, Healthier Water

Filtered sparkling water systems are a great, natural way to offer your patrons better-tasting and healthier drinking water. Commercial water filters are designed to work with treated water that comes out of your business’s taps. These water filters drastically reduce contaminants found in tap water such as heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemical impurities all while retaining good-for-you minerals. After just one taste, your customers will never ask for “soda water” again!


Need more information? Click here to download our case study or click here to schedule a meeting!

  • 1. What is sparkling water, and how is it produced?

    Sparkling water can either occur naturally or be made artificially using a sparkling water system. Natural sparkling water comes from mineral springs and gets its effervescence from naturally occurring gases. Artificially produced sparkling water, commonly found in stores, is made by adding carbon dioxide to still water.

  • 2. Are there any additives in store-bought sparkling water?

    Pure sparkling water typically contains no additives, unless it's flavored sparkling water. Flavored varieties may contain fruit essence and oils for flavoring.

  • 3. What are the two most common types of pure sparkling water?

    The two most common types of pure sparkling water are sparkling mineral water and seltzer water. Sparkling mineral water comes directly from mineral springs, while seltzer water is made by adding carbon dioxide to still water.

  • 4. What's the difference between sparkling mineral water and seltzer water?

    Sparkling mineral water has its effervescence from naturally occurring gases and typically has a slight mineral taste. Seltzer water, on the other hand, is pure and simple, made only from still water and carbon dioxide.

  • 5. How do filtered sparkling water systems work?

    Filtered sparkling water systems are designed to offer better-tasting and healthier drinking water. They use commercial water filters that work with treated water from taps, reducing contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides while retaining beneficial minerals.

  • 6. What are the benefits of using filtered sparkling water systems?

    Filtered sparkling water systems provide clean and fresh water, free from contaminants found in tap water. They offer better-tasting water without the need for additives, making them a natural and healthier option for patrons.

Recent Posts

Top 7 Facts About Dehydration
04 Mar, 2024
Dehydration is more common than you may think. This preventable and serious medical condition affects millions of people all around the world every day. Whether you run a restaurant, manage an office, or operate a hotel, it’s important to know the facts about dehydration to ensure that your patrons, staff, and clients stay adequately hydrated. 75% of Americans are dehydrated. Most Americans are considered chronically dehydrated. When this happens, we get used to the lack of water, so it can be difficult to tell when our bodies need to drink more. Adding more water-rich foods to your diet can also help with hydration, such as fruits and vegetables. The average American drinks just 2.5 cups of water daily. On average, adults in the U.S. drink well below the Institute of Medicine’s recommended intake of 10 cups of water per day. Encouraging water consumption by offering water with every meal or providing water stations throughout your establishment can help increase daily intake. Even mild dehydration can inhibit your ability to think clearly. Scientists say that when people drive dehydrated, they make the same number of mistakes that drivers make when under the influence of alcohol. This underscores the importance of staying hydrated throughout the day, especially during activities that require focus and attention. Feeling thirsty? You’re already dehydrated. When we are dehydrated, the body's thirst response gets triggered. So, whenever you get thirsty, dehydration is already occurring. Encouraging regular water breaks or setting reminders to drink water can help prevent dehydration before it becomes severe. Dehydration makes you sleepy. When we’re dehydrated, our energy levels diminish. Staying adequately hydrated will keep muscles energized and ward off fatigue, moodiness, and sleepiness throughout the day. Providing water as a beverage option alongside caffeinated drinks can also help maintain energy levels without the crash. You can’t survive more than a few days without water. Water is an essential nutrient for life. Science shows us that without consuming water, human beings can only survive for a matter of days. This underscores the critical importance of staying hydrated, especially in extreme conditions or during physical exertion. It can take just 45 minutes to rehydrate. A study by The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that after mildly dehydrated men consumed just 2 bottles of water, it took under one hour for their bodies to function in a perfectly healthy and hydrated state. This highlights how quickly the body can recover from dehydration with proper hydration practices. Filtered Water Dispensers Help Prevent Dehydration Installing a commercial filtered water dispenser in your restaurant, office, hotel, or college dining hall is an effective way to help everyone drink more water and prevent dehydration. With both still and sparkling water taps, and a high-tech water filtration process, they can provide staff, patrons, and students with a wide variety of healthy and delicious hydration options. Find the perfect commercial water filtration system to fit your needs. Need more information? Click here here to schedule a meeting!
29 Feb, 2024
Maximizing Profits: How Restaurants Can Monetize Water Service in 2024
27 Feb, 2024
Best Food and Water Pairings of 2024
13 Feb, 2024
Choosing Natura Water: Affordable Luxury
01 Feb, 2024
Conquest Pricing & Lease Buyouts
Show More

Share Link

Share by: