Soda Water Explained

Soda water is water that has been carbonated -- that is, carbon dioxide gas has been added to it; sometimes it is referred to as . It is the main ingredient of most "soft drinks.". The product of carbonation is carbonic acid -- familiar to us a soda pop.

Soda water, also called 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 may be the same as plain carbonate water but it can have a small amount of table salts, and sodium trace minerals. These additives could make the taste of home made soda water slightly salty. This process also occurs naturally in some areas, and produces carbonated mineral water.

Some believe that sparkling mineral water may sometimes cause a little dental decay. The potential problem with sparkling water is greater than "still" water, but the problem is minor. 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 can be the source for waters that filter among layers of minerals in the ground; the layers contain forms of carbonates, and the waters absorb the carbon dioxide gases produced by those carbonates. This kind of water is known as natural sparkling water. If the water also picks up enough different minerals to add a flavor to the water it becomes sparkling mineral water.

In its basic construction, soda water is just water and carbon dioxide. Sparkling mineral water is just one form of carbonation that occurs naturally. In 1794, a device to produce an artificial carbonated mineral water was made by a jeweler.

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

The gentle fizz of club soda may be preferred by 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,.

Having zero calories, club soda, sparkling mineral water, seltzer, and carbonated water are a dieter’s choice over soda pop and tonic water.

Tonic water is a type of carbonate drink; it contains water, sugar, carbon dioxide and quinine. Quinine's first use in tonic water was medicinal -- as an additive to help cure or prevent malaria. Today it is often used in combination with gin and lemon or lime to make an alcoholic drink.

These are but a few of the interesting facts about soda water.