What's the Difference between Soda Water and Sparkling Water? 

When you're looking for a refreshing drink, there's a variety of options, including carbonated waters. Among the most popular are soda water and sparkling water. Whether you prefer to drink it as it is, with a squeeze of citrus, mixed with fruit juice, or as a base for a light mocktail, these bubbly choices are everywhere. 

But what's the actual difference between soda water and sparkling water, and which one is right for your next drink? 

What is Soda Water? 

Soda water, often known as club soda, is carbonated water that may have added minerals to give it a distinct, often slightly salty taste. 

Essentially, it's plain water that's been infused with carbon dioxide to create those familiar bubbles, but then it gets a special addition: minerals like sodium bicarbonate or potassium sulphate to give soda water its signature slightly salty or even subtly alkaline taste. 

Because of this distinct mineral profile, soda water is a long-standing staple in bars and kitchens. It's often chosen for mixed drinks, where its unique taste can complement or even enhance other flavours, rather than being the star of the show on its own. 

What is Sparkling Water? 

Sparkling water is essentially just water and bubbles, offering a clean, neutral taste  You might hear it called fizzy water, carbonated water, or even seltzer. While seltzer is a specific type of sparkling water (plain water with added carbonation and no minerals), the general idea is the same: it's all about the bubbles. 

Unlike soda water, sparkling water typically doesn't have deliberately added  minerals but may have minerals that are naturally present, which is why its flavour stays clean and neutral. This makes it a popular choice for those who prefer a pure, crisp fizz.  

Some sparkling waters, like our Buxton Sparkling Mineral Water come directly from natural springs. Here, the water filters through layers of rock, picking up naturally occurring minerals.  The bubbles are then added later using carbon dioxide, creating that refreshing fizzy experience. 

Soda Water vs Sparkling Water:  A Quick Comparison 

Now that we've explored what each type of water is, let's put them side-by-side. While they both offer that satisfying fizz, there are some key similarities and important differences that set them apart. This table summarises everything you need to know at a glance: 

Production Process: How Are They Made? 

While both soda water and sparkling water look pretty similar in your glass, the journey they take to get their bubbles is quite different. Let's explore how each one is made. 

Soda water – made with a mineral touch 

Soda water starts with plain water. Carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) is then added under pressure to create the fizz. But the key difference comes next: specific minerals, such as sodium bicarbonate or potassium sulphate, are carefully mixed in. This part of its production is crucial because these added minerals are what give soda water its characteristic slightly salty or alkaline profile. 

Sparkling water – from nature's source or gently carbonated 

Sparkling water has two main paths to its fizz: 

• Naturally Sourced Sparkling Mineral Water: This type comes from special underground springs. As the water travels through layers of rock, it naturally picks up minerals. In some unique places, the earth itself adds carbon dioxide gas to the water, making it naturally fizzy right from the source. This natural fizz is then kept in the bottle. 

• Artificially Carbonated Sparkling Water: For this kind, plain, purified water simply has carbon dioxide gas pumped into it. This creates all the familiar bubbles without changing the water's original, clean taste. The key here is that, unlike soda water, nothing else is added during this bubbling process – just water and the fizz. 

Buxton's sparkling water 

When it comes to refreshing fizz , Buxton Sparkling Water offers the best of both worlds - natural purity of mineral water with hydrating fizz. Filtered through Derbyshire’s ancient limestone, it’s naturally rich in minerals and lightly carbonated for a crisp, refreshing taste. 

FAQs 

Can I use soda water and sparkling water interchangeably in recipes? 

Yes, you can. But it depends on the drink you’re making. Both bring bubbles, but soda water has added minerals that can slightly change the taste. If you want a more  neutral fizz, choose sparkling water.