*Seltzer water has become a favorite beverage for many, offering a fizzy and flavorful alternative to soda. Its rise in popularity stems from its refreshing bubbles and wide variety of flavors and seasonal options. People even enjoy it mixed into cocktails.
But is seltzer water as healthy as it seems? As USA Today reports, according to Amy Goodson, a Texas-based nutritionist and registered dietitian at The Sports Nutrition Playbook, it can be a good choice “so long as you’re mindful of added sugars or sodium, potential bloating and dental sensitivity.”
Seltzer water is simply carbonated water—“carbon dioxide gas has been infused under pressure to create bubbles,” explains Lisa Young, a registered dietitian nutritionist and author of “Finally Full, Finally Slim.” Unlike club soda, which contains added minerals like sodium bicarbonate or potassium sulfate, seltzer is usually free of additives. Sparkling mineral water, on the other hand, is naturally carbonated and “contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can influence both taste and nutritional content,” says Goodson.
Both seltzer and sparkling water can support hydration “without the sugar, artificial sweeteners or calories,” Goodson notes, with Young adding that several plain seltzer water options are “free of sodium and other additives.”
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Still, experts recommend moderation. “The bubbles may cause bloating, burping or gas in some people,” says Young, particularly those with gastrointestinal conditions. Goodson warns that the mild acidity can “erode enamel slightly over time if consumed excessively.”
Ultimately, “whether you prefer seltzer or sparkling water, both can be a healthy addition to your diet – especially if they help you cut back on sugary beverages,” says Young.
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