Difference Between Club Soda and Seltzer
Seltzer is just carbonated water with no additives. Club soda is carbonated water with added minerals (sodium bicarbonate, potassium sulfate) for a slightly salty, mineral taste. Both are zero-calorie and interchangeable in most drinks. Sparkling mineral water contains natural minerals; tonic water has quinine and sugar.
Key Takeaways
- Seltzer water is the simplest: plain water with carbon dioxide added for bubbles.
- Flavored seltzers are still zero-calorie; flavored 'sparkling water' varies by brand.
- Sodium content in club soda is small but may matter for very low-sodium diets.
Explanation
Seltzer water is the simplest: plain water with carbon dioxide added for bubbles. It has no added flavors, minerals, or sodium. The name comes from Selters, a German town known for naturally carbonated springs. Modern seltzer is artificially carbonated.
Club soda has minerals added to mimic natural mineral water. These typically include sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium citrate, potassium sulfate, and sometimes table salt. The minerals add a subtle salty, slightly bitter flavor that some prefer.
Sparkling mineral water comes from natural springs with dissolved minerals from the source. Brands like Perrier and San Pellegrino have distinct flavors based on their mineral content. Tonic water is different entirely - it contains quinine (for bitterness) and sugar, making it about 130 calories per can.
Things to Know
- Flavored seltzers are still zero-calorie; flavored 'sparkling water' varies by brand.
- Sodium content in club soda is small but may matter for very low-sodium diets.
- Hard seltzer contains alcohol despite the 'seltzer' name.