Based on their bubbly appearance, you’d think seltzer and sparkling water are the same. But they’re not. Seltzer water is created by adding carbonation to plain water. Sparkling water, on the other hand, is spring water that occurs naturally. Its carbonation is natural, and it holds onto its minerals, including sodium. Seltzer is devoid of any minerals. Let’s look at the seltzer vs. sparkling water differences in more detail!
Seltzer vs. Sparkling Water: 5 Key Differences
| Seltzer Water | Sparkling Water | |
|---|---|---|
| Carbonation | Carbon dioxide added to plain water | Occurs naturally |
| Flavor | Neutral flavor profile, may be artificially flavored | Slightly tart and effervescent, may be artificially flavored |
| Minerals | None | Various based on source but may include sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulfate, and bicarbonate |
| Products | Typically marketed as unflavored | Typically marketed as flavored |
| Uses | Common in cocktails to add bubbles yet keep the flavor integrity of the original mix | Often enjoyed alone, but can also be mixed with cocktails, particularly when flavored |
Seltzer vs. Sparkling Water: Carbonation
Though both seltzer and sparkling water are carbonated beverages, seltzer is carbonated artificially. Sparkling water is naturally carbonated. Seltzer starts as plain, still water. There’s nothing fancy in it, be it bubbles or minerals. Carbon dioxide is added to the seltzer to spruce it up with bubbles. Sparkling water is obtained from naturally occurring underground springs. The bubbles and minerals are part of the package though the exact types of minerals contained within differ, depending on the water source.
Seltzer vs. Sparkling Water: Flavor
Considering it starts as plain, still water, you can imagine how seltzer tastes. It’s bubbly plain water, which means you’re not going to experience much by way of flavor. The effervescence takes center stage with seltzer. Without any minerals, you’re not going to experience even subtle flavors. With sparkling water, you experience effervescence, but the minerals alter the taste slightly. What your taste buds pick up on can be described as mildly acidic or tart. However, both seltzer and sparkling water may be flavored, which then shifts the flavor profile for both. Some common flavors include lemon, lime, and grapefruit.
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Seltzer vs. Sparkling Water: Minerals
With seltzer, there are no added minerals. It’s just carbon dioxide and plain water. With sparkling water, there can be several minerals included — but again, this depends on the natural water source. Some of the minerals in sparkling water may include:
- Sodium: assists with the maintenance of fluids in your body and promotes the optimal function of your nerves and muscles.
- Calcium: assists with the building and maintenance of your bone health and promotes optimal function of your nerves, heart, and muscles.
- Magnesium: assists with the maintenance of bone health as well as muscle and nerve health. Additionally, this mineral helps with the maintenance of healthy blood sugar levels.
- Potassium: assists with various functions, including moving nutrients into cells and allowing nerves and muscles to function appropriately.
- Sulfate: ensures the proper maintenance of cell membranes and is required for a range of complex biological processes.
Seltzer vs. Sparkling Water: Products
Perhaps one of the most recognizable seltzer waters is produced by Canady Dry, which offers a zero-calorie, zero-sodium, and zero-added-sugar option for those who enjoy carbonated plain water. However, this isn’t the only brand that offers seltzer — some keep it simple with just carbonated plain water and others offer a creative twist, with a multitude of flavored options.
Some of the most popular sparkling waters include S. Pellegrino and Perrier, though sparkling waters have grown in popularity and now you have a wider range to choose from. Some popular brands include Topo Chico, LaCroix, and Spindrift to name a few. Each brand has its own flavor offerings, with some including a combination of fruit flavors to provide you with a unique flavor experience.
Seltzer vs. Sparkling Water: Uses
You can certainly drink unflavored seltzer or sparkling water on their own, but they are typically used differently. Seltzer, for example, is often used in cocktails as a mixer. Heard of a vodka seltzer? It’s like a vodka soda but with seltzer instead of club soda. (If you’re wondering about the differences between these two, head over to this link: Club Soda vs. Seltzer Water: Key Differences You Need to Know).
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Sparkling waters are typically enjoyed alone, whether they’re flavored or unflavored. Even unflavored, they have a distinct acidity that many find pleasing. However, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to enjoying either seltzer or sparkling water. Many find sparkling water a suitable substitute for seltzer and use it to create their own cocktails. You can go the non-alcoholic route as well, mixing a bit of sparkling water with a natural fruit juice to create your own soda-like concoction.
Seltzer vs. Sparkling Water: Is One Healthier?
If you’re looking for a beverage option that offers zero calories and zero sugar, you’re wise to select either of these two options. A bit of fizz in a drink can elevate your experience, particularly if you’re not fond of still water. If you’re looking to avoid any artificial additives, be sure to double-check the ingredients whether you’re selecting a seltzer or sparkling water option. To make the most out of your water consumption, opt for sparkling water, as it delights with effervescence and offers trace minerals your body needs.
Can You Substitute Seltzer for Sparkling Water?
Yes, and vice versa. In fact, you may notice that many people use these terms interchangeably. Ultimately, you’re getting carbonated water with either option. The more acquainted you get with either option, the more you notice subtle differences. Some options may have more carbonation than others — if too much carbonation is an issue for you, you may find yourself gravitating to less fizzy options.
The flavor profile of sparkling water offers a bit more than seltzer due to the mineral content, but if it’s flavor you’re looking for, you have plenty of varieties on either side. Create your own soda-like beverages at home or use either option to mix up your cocktails. You may even decide to go the hard seltzer route, which is seltzer and alcohol already mixed in to make it convenient for you. And you can find hard sparkling water options, too!
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Seltzer and Sparkling Water Recipes
Below are some non-alcoholic and alcoholic recipes for your seltzer water. You can keep it simple and still enjoy a refreshing beverage or you can get more involved, playing around with bolder flavor shifts.
Non-Alcoholic Drink Recipes
Try a fizzy berry lemonade by combining 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice with 1 cup of seltzer water or sparkling water. Add two tablespoons of honey and 1 cup of berries (your choice). Combine the ingredients in a blender and pour the fizzy berry lemonade over ice. Use lemon wedges as a garnish and serve!
Try a mojito mocktail by first muddling some fresh mint leaves at the bottom of your glass. Then, combine 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice with 1 cup of seltzer water or sparkling water. Use a tablespoon of simple syrup to sweeten it up. Add crushed ice to cool your beverage and garnish it with a leftover mint leaf. It’s refreshing, delicious, and non-alcoholic!
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- Incredible variety with 10+ weekly meal options, delivered directly to you.
- Easy to prepare meals ready in 30-minutes or less.
Alcoholic Seltzer Drink Recipes
Keep it classic with a vodka soda, using either seltzer water or sparkling water. Use 1 part vodka to 3 parts of seltzer or sparkling water and pour it into a glass over ice. Add the juice of a fresh lime wedge and drop it into the glass before taking your first sip.
Try a sparkling berry sangria by combining a whole bottle of red wine with two cups of seltzer or sparkling water. Add in 2 cups of mixed berries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/4 cup of brandy. Pour it all into a pitcher with ice and let it cool. Wait until you serve to top each drink off with a little extra fizz and an orange slice as the garnish!
Remember — you can get as creative as you want, especially when you start dabbling with flavored seltzer and sparkling waters!