If you’ve ever asked yourself what’s so good about sparkling water and why people prefer it over still, then this blog is for you.

After all, they’re both water, so how much difference is there? Most of the time, it simply comes to preference. Some people prefer the sparkling effect simply because it feels like drinking a fizzy drink without sugar and calories.

But overall, the choice comes down to more than that. Stick with us as we dive into the differences between sparkling and still water and whether one is better than the other for everyday consumption.

Take a look at our water coolers today for fresh, instant, clean water for your office!

Key takeaways

• Both sparkling and still water can keep you hydrated, so the best choice often comes down to personal preference.
• Sparkling water contains dissolved carbon dioxide, which creates its bubbles, sharper taste, and slightly higher acidity.
• Sparkling water, soda water, and tonic water are different drinks and may contain different minerals, sugar, sweeteners, or flavourings.
• Still water is usually better for regular sipping, sensitive stomachs, and dental health because it’s less acidic and doesn’t cause bloating.
• Still water is generally the most practical and cost-effective workplace option, although sparkling water may encourage staff to choose fewer sugary drinks.

What actually is sparkling water?

Sparkling water contains dissolved carbon dioxide gas, which creates the bubbles and fizz that some people either love or hate.

The carbonated effect can occur naturally when water rises through mineral-rich rock, or it can be added during the production process. When the carbon dioxide dissolves in water, it forms a small amount of carbonic acid, which gives sparkling water its slightly sharp or tangy taste.

It also means that sparkling water is a little more acidic than still water, although plain varieties are generally far less acidic than sugary fizzy drinks, which is a plus. Most sparkling water contains only water and carbon dioxide, but some also contain naturally occurring minerals, added sodium, flavourings, fruit acids, sweeteners, or sugar.

Sparkling water, soda water, and tonic water are not the same

A lot of people tend to think that sparkling water, soda water, and tonic water are all one and the same.

We’re here to tell you that they’re, in fact, all separate things. Naturally sparkling mineral water is usually bottled at the source and comes from underground places where the water passes through layers of rock and absorbs carbon dioxide and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium.

On the other hand, you can also get sparkling water that’s been artificially carbonated and may also have other ingredients added to it, like flavourings or sugar.

Soda water, then, is completely different: it’s carbonated water that may contain added minerals such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, or potassium sulphate. These minerals can give soda water a slightly salty or more distinctive taste.

Tonic water is also different from both sparkling and soda water, as it’s a carbonated soft drink containing quinine, which gives it its characteristic bitter flavour and may contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

What’s the difference between sparkling and still water?

The main difference between sparkling and still water is the carbonation.

Both are forms of water, but still water contains no added carbon dioxide, while sparkling water contains dissolved carbon dioxide gas, which creates its bubbles and slightly sharp taste.

Both can help you stay hydrated, both are usually free from sugar and calories, and both can form part of your daily fluid intake, but there are a few differences to make note of:

• Taste and texture: Still water has a smooth, neutral taste, although its flavour can vary depending on its mineral content, while sparkling water has a crisp, bubbly texture and a slightly acidic taste caused by carbonation.
• Acidity: Sparkling water is slightly more acidic than still water as carbon dioxide combines with water to form a small amount of carbonic acid. It’s very different from fizzy drinks, but it exposes the teeth to more acid than plain water does.
• Digestion and comfort: Sparkling water is known to cause bloating, gas, or a feeling of fullness in many people, which can be off-putting. That’s why still water is often better for people who experience acid reflux or a sensitive stomach.
• Ingredients and mineral content: Plain still water usually contains water and naturally occurring minerals, while sparkling water contains added carbon dioxide. Some sparkling waters also contain sodium, flavourings, acids, sugar, or sweeteners

Is still water healthier than sparkling water?

One isn’t automatically healthier than the other; it’s a little more complicated than that.

Both still water and sparkling water can contribute to hydration; the better option just depends on what’s in the water, how often you drink it, and if you have any stomach issues.

Both can help you stay hydrated

Plain sparkling water still contributes towards daily fluid intake in much the same way as still water; the carbonation doesn’t prevent water from hydrating the body.

What really matters is which one you enjoy drinking. If drinking sparkling water makes you reach for your water bottle more, then drinking sparkling water will benefit you more overall if you tend to drink still water less.

Still water may be better for regular sipping

As still water doesn’t contain carbonation, it’s less acidic and is unlikely to cause gas or bloating, which means a lot of people will be able to drink it more often during the day and have no issues.

Still water is also the better choice for looking after your teeth, especially if you tend to sip drinks slowly over several hours.

Sparkling water can be a healthier alternative to soft drinks

Plain sparkling water can be a great alternative for people who enjoy fizzy drinks but want to reduce their intake of sugar or calories.

The bubbles can provide some of the same sensory experience as lemonade, cola or other carbonated drinks without the added sugar; just look for ones that don’t contain any sweeteners, fruit acids or sugar.

Sparkling or still water for the workplace?

If you’re thinking about installing a water cooler or fountain in your office, and you’re not sure whether to get one with just still water, or a still and sparkling water option, then it depends on which option is more practical for your staff.

Since still water is the most universally popular option, it’s probably wiser and more cost-effective to invest in a still-water bottled or mains-fed water cooler. It’s easy to drink throughout the day, suitable for filling reusable bottles and practical during physical work or warmer weather.

However, if your staff constantly drink fizzy drinks, introducing a carbonated water option may encourage them more to make healthier choices.

Bring better hydration to your workplace

Give your team easy access to refreshing still water with a dispenser from Drop Water Coolers.

Explore our range, including mains-fed water coolers, water boilers, and bottled water coolers, or speak to our friendly team to find the right solution for your workplace.