Here’s where it gets tricky. Plain soda water? Yes, 100% counts. But if you’re sipping on flavored seltzer with citric acid or artificial sweeteners—well, you’re still hydrating. It’s still water, just with a party hat on.
Now, if you’re chugging tonic water (which has sugar or high-fructose corn syrup), that’s a different story. Tonic is basically soda pop in disguise. That’s not “water.” That’s a liquid candy bar with bubbles.
Benefits Of Water Vs Soda 12 Surprising Natural Health Benefits Of
A little science, a lot of sass
Your body absorbs carbonated water exactly the same as still water. Your cells don’t have taste buds. They don’t go, “Ew, this water is bougie—reject it!” They just slurp it up and thank you.
One study even found that carbonated water might make you feel more full than still water. So you might drink less, but that’s a you problem, not a hydration problem.
