Soda Water Made Simple

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 principal ingredient of most "soft drinks" and "pop.". The carbonation process forms carbonic acid, which is soda pop.

By using a seltzer bottle filled with water and then “charged” with carbon dioxide, soda water (also called club soda) can be produced right at home. Although it is possible for small amounts of table salts and sodium trace minerals to be present, club soda can be the same as plain carbonated water. Such additives make the taste of home made soda water slightly salty. Carbonated mineral water often results from the process, which occurs naturally in many areas.

A little dental decay may sometimes be caused by sparkling mineral water. The potential problem of sparkling water is slightly greater than "still" water, but the problem remains low. Tooth decay occurs at a much higher rate for users of regular soft drinks versus users of sparkling water. The rate is so low it suggests that carbonation may not be a factor in causing dental decay.

Artesian wells are often the source for water that filters among layers of minerals containing forms of carbonates, absorbing the carbon dioxide gas released by those carbonates. What's it called? Natural sparkling water. Sparkling mineral water results in cases where the filtered water picks up enough different minerals to add a flavor.

Soda water is not complicated; it's just water and carbon dioxide. Sparkling mineral water seems very special, but it is just a natural product of carbonation. A notable date in soda water history is 1794, when a jeweler made a device to produce artificial carbonated mineral water.

A taste test of several popular carbonated drinks determined that Perrier (a sparkling natural mineral water) kept its fizz the longest.

The gentle fizz of club soda may be a welcome alternative for consumers who feel seltzer to be a bit harsh. Club soda seemed to be milder, and a little sweeter, than the standard carbonated water during the taste test,.

Club soda, sparkling mineral water, seltzer, and carbonated water have a great advantage over soda pop and tonic water -- no calories.

If one mixes water, sugar, carbon dioxide and quinine, the carbonated result is called tonic water. Originally, to help cure or prevent malaria, quinine was added to tonic water. Today it is often used as a mixer with gin and lemon or lime for an alcoholic drink.

These basic facts and terms help us have a clearer understanding of soda water.