Explaining Soda Water

Soda water is water that has been carbonated — that is, carbon dioxide gas has been added to it; sometimes it is referred to as sparkling water. It is the primary component of most “soft drinks.”. Carbonation produces carbonic acid, which produces soda pop.

Soda water, which is also referred to as club soda, was produced in the past in the home by using a seltzer bottle filled with water and “charged” with carbon dioxide. Club soda is often just the same as plain carbonated water; however, in some instances, it can have a small amount of table salts, as well as sodium trace minerals. These additives could possibly make the taste of home made soda water a bit salty. The process also occurs naturally in some areas and produce carbonate mineral water.

Sparkling mineral water may sometimes cause a little dental decay. Sparkling water’s potential affects on dental problems are somewhat greater than with non-sparkling water, but the difference is not drastic. Higher rates of tooth decay are caused by regular soft drinks, not by sparkling water. The rate is so low it suggests that carbonation may not be a factor in causing dental decay.

Water that comes from the ground - usually from artesian wells - and filtered among layers of minerals containing some form of carbonates may absorb the carbon dioxide gas released by the carbonates. This water is known as natural sparkling water. In cases of the water picking up enough different minerals to add a flavor to the water, it becomes sparkling mineral water.

Basically, soda water equals water plus carbon dioxide. Are you familiar with sparkling mineral water? It’s a naturally-occuring product of carbonation. A device to produce an artificial carbonated mineral water was made in 1794 by a jeweler.

A taste test was conducted involving several carbonated drinks; Perrier, a sparkling natural mineral water, was deemed to keep its fizz the longest.

Consumers who believe seltzer to be a bit harsh may find club soda to have a more gentle fizz. During the taste test, club soda seemed to be milder, and a little sweeter, than the standard carbonated water.

Club soda, sparkling mineral water, seltzer, and carbonated water are non-caloric, making them a dieter’s choice over soda pop and tonic water.

A type of carbonated drink that contains water, sugar, carbon dioxide and quinine is called tonic water. Originally, quinine was added to tonic water to help cure or prevent malaria. Today it is often used as a mixer with gin and lemon or lime for an alcoholic drink.

This is just a few facts and names used for soda water.

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