Is water from a soda machine healthy?

Home sparkling water makers have become hugely popular. They allow you to turn plain water into sparkling water in a matter of moments, reduce your use of plastic bottles and always have a fresh drink to hand. However, many people wonder whether such water is just as healthy as shop-bought sparkling water and whether it hydrates the body properly. Is it worth investing in such a device, and can it replace mineral water?

1. How does a carbonator work?
2. Does sparkling water hydrate just as well?
3. Is water from a carbonator the same as mineral water?
4. Is it worth choosing high-mineral-content water?
5. Should physically active people choose mineral water?
6. What about the syrups added to carbonated drink makers?
7. Is it worth buying a carbonator?
8. Summary
9. FAQ – Home carbonator and sparkling water

How does a carbonator work?

A carbonator saturates water with carbon dioxide under pressure. The process itself does not alter the basic composition of the water – it merely increases the concentration of dissolved CO₂, which creates the characteristic bubbles. This means that the quality of the drink produced depends primarily on the water used to make it. If you use good-quality tap water, filtered water or bottled water, it retains its properties after carbonation. Carbon dioxide does not make the water any less effective for hydration.

Does sparkling water hydrate just as well?

Yes. Sparkling water hydrates the body just as effectively as still water. The body utilises it in the same way, and the presence of carbon dioxide does not reduce its ability to replenish fluids. For some people, the bubbles even make it easier to drink the right amount of water. If sparkling water encourages us to reach for a glass of water more often instead of sugary drinks, this can have a positive effect on our daily hydration. However, it is worth bearing in mind that some people experience a feeling of fullness, belching or bloating after consuming large amounts of sparkling water. In such cases, it may be better to choose still water or reduce the carbonation level.

Is water from a carbonator the same as mineral water?

It depends on the type of water used. A carbonator does not enrich the water with minerals. If you pour tap water or filtered water into the machine, once carbonated it will still contain the same amount of calcium, magnesium, sodium and other minerals as before carbon dioxide was added. Natural mineral water, on the other hand, contains minerals from the source from which it was drawn. The amount of these minerals can vary greatly depending on the producer and the type of water. Therefore, it cannot be said that all water from a carbonator can replace high-mineral-content water. They are simply two different products.

Is it worth choosing high-mineral-content water?

High-mineral-content waters provide greater amounts of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. They can be one source of these minerals in the daily diet, particularly for people who do not consume much of them through food. However, this does not mean that everyone should drink only this type of water. A well-balanced diet remains the primary source of minerals. Water can only supplement this intake. For most healthy people, good-quality tap water, spring water or mineral water will all be suitable choices for daily hydration.

Should physically active people choose mineral water?

After an intense workout, the body loses not only water but also electrolytes, primarily sodium. For short bursts of physical activity, replenishing fluids and eating a balanced meal is usually sufficient.

However, if a workout is prolonged, takes place in high temperatures or involves heavy sweating, it may be beneficial to opt for drinks containing electrolytes or water with a higher mineral content. This does not mean, however, that tap water is unsuitable for active people. If we drink water prepared at home on a daily basis and obtain our minerals from a well-balanced diet, it will effectively support proper hydration.

What about the syrups added to carbonated drink makers?

The machine itself is fine, but it’s worth paying attention to the additives. Many ready-made syrups contain significant amounts of sugar or sweeteners. Regular consumption of large quantities of sweetened drinks is not good for your health. A much better option is to prepare a drink with fresh fruit, slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, mint or other herbs, or to opt for zero-sugar syrups. This allows you to vary the flavour of your water without significantly increasing your sugar intake.

Is it worth buying a carbonator?

For many people, this will be a practical solution. A home carbonator encourages you to drink water more often, reduces plastic waste and allows you to prepare a drink with exactly the level of carbonation that best suits your household. The greatest benefit, however, is that easy access to tasty water can help you develop the healthy habit of staying properly hydrated.

"A carbonator does not transform water into a drink with new nutritional properties – it merely adds carbon dioxide. The quality of hydration is still determined primarily by how regularly you drink, the amount of fluid consumed, and the composition of the water used before carbonation." Łukasz Domeracki – Dietitian

Summary

Water produced in a carbonator is a healthy drink and hydrates the body just as effectively as still water. The carbonation process itself does not alter the water’s hydrating properties or compromise its quality. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that a carbonator does not increase the mineral content. If you are looking to increase your intake of calcium or magnesium, a better choice might be natural mineral water with a higher mineral content or a well-balanced diet. Above all, the most important thing is to drink an adequate amount of fluids regularly. For most healthy people, both water from a carbonator and good-quality still water will be an excellent part of a daily, healthy lifestyle.

FAQ – Home carbonator and sparkling water

Is water from a carbonator just as healthy as ordinary water?

Yes. The process of carbonating water does not, in itself, impair its quality or nutritional value. The nutritional value of the drink is determined primarily by the quality of the water used to make it.

Does sparkling water from a carbonator hydrate the body just as well as still water?

Yes. Current scientific evidence suggests that sparkling water hydrates the body just as effectively as still water. The choice depends mainly on individual preferences and tolerance.

Does a carbonator increase the mineral content of water?

No. A carbonator only adds carbon dioxide. It does not enrich the water with calcium, magnesium or other minerals. Their content depends solely on the type of water used before carbonation.

Can you drink water from a carbonator every day?

Yes. For most healthy people, drinking sparkling water every day is not a problem. However, if it causes bloating, a feeling of fullness or belching, it is worth limiting the amount you drink or opting for still water.

Are syrups for sparkling water makers a healthy addition?

It depends on their ingredients. Many ready-made syrups contain significant amounts of sugar or sweeteners. On a day-to-day basis, it’s better to choose natural additions, such as slices of lemon, lime, orange, cucumber, mint or fresh fruit. Alternatively, you could opt for delicious zero-sugar syrups.

Can water from a sparkling water maker replace mineral water?

In terms of hydration – yes. However, if you’re looking for a higher intake of calcium, magnesium or other minerals, natural mineral water with the right mineral content or a diet rich in these nutrients would be a better choice.

Is it worth buying a home carbonator?

If you drink a lot of sparkling water, a carbonator can be a practical solution. It helps reduce the use of plastic bottles, allows you to prepare water with your preferred level of carbonation, and for many people, makes it easier to develop the habit of staying regularly hydrated.

Sources:

• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/carbonated-water-good-or-bad
• https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/health-and-wellness-articles/is-carbonated-water-good-for-you
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23327968/