Seltzer vs. Sparkling Water For Your Workplace — What’s the Difference?

Finding ways to encourage hydration in your workplace can be difficult, but it’s important for keeping your customers and guests happy while ensuring your employees maintain peak performance. Offering regular water might not be enticing enough to promote proper water intake throughout the day. That’s why many businesses are considering carbonated beverage options to support hydration levels and help employees ditch the midday soda.

In this article, you’ll find out more about your carbonated water options and why offering them in your workplace might be worth considering.

Do you know the difference between seltzer and sparkling water? Take our quiz to find out! 

Comparing carbonated water options

If your organization has been considering offering carbonated water, you’re not alone. In fact, the global sparkling water market size is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6% until 2028, per a report from Grand View Research. Choosing carbonated beverages for your workplace not only puts you in good company but also gives you plenty of options to choose from. When upgrading your plain water supply for something a bit more exciting, you might consider:

• Sparkling water
• Seltzer water
• Club soda
• Tonic water
• Mineral water

But what’s the difference between these options?

When it comes to choosing the right fizzy water for your employees, guests and consumers, you might be wondering what makes the options different. But while each type of carbonated water is unique, the differences are generally inconsequential. Here’s a look at the specifics for each:

• What is seltzer water? Seltzer water is carbonated with carbon dioxide that is artificially added to the beverage. It can come plain or in a variety of natural flavors.

• What is sparkling water? In sparkling water, the carbonation can be naturally occurring or from pressurized carbon dioxide that’s added later, just like with seltzer carbonated water. If sparkling water is naturally sourced, it may also contain certain minerals. If it’s created from pressurized carbon dioxide by a workplace water dispenser like those from Culligan Quench, it undergoes a multi-step filtration process that reduces contaminants while promoting mineral content and softness to give it an ideal taste and carbonation level. Sparkling water can also be available plain or in delicious flavors.

• What is tonic water? Tonic water is typically considered the most unique out of all the options as it’s more like soda than water. It’s the only carbonated drink of the group that contains calories and is generally sweetened with sugar and quinine.

• What is club soda? This fizzy water option also involves added carbonation. Club soda has a slightly saltier taste that comes from ingredients such as potassium bicarbonate or potassium sulfate.

• What is mineral water? Mineral water is distinct because it can be both sparkling and non-sparkling. This drinking water is usually sourced from springs or wells that contain natural minerals including salts and sulfur compounds — which give the water its natural flavor.

Is seltzer the same as soda water?

The short answer is no. One common misconception is that seltzer water is the same as soda water – also known as club soda. While they are both carbonated, club soda has a saltier taste due to added minerals including potassium bicarbonate and sodium chloride.

How sparkling water can impact workplace culture

Not only is the market for sparkling water growing, but it’s also an increasing interest for employees. In fact, millennials, specifically, are extremely interested in carbonated water options at work, per statistics from Social. This is typically associated with the growing trend of leading a healthier lifestyle among all age groups. As people around the world gradually shift to healthier, more innovative drinks, sparkling water will continue to be a top contender.

Is seltzer water good for you?

A key benefit of carbonated water is that it’s typically healthier than other drink options, especially when compared to soda. Soda, with its high amounts of added sugar, is associated with several health impacts including tooth decay, diabetes, an increased risk of heart disease and more, according to a report from Healthline. A sparkling water machine can help your employees avoid the afternoon soft drink and instead reach for a carbonated beverage that’s significantly healthier and tastes just as good.

Delicious fizzy water can even provide your organization with a host of benefits along the way. These advantages include:

• Increased hydration: One of the most essential benefits of sparkling water is the opportunity to improve hydration throughout your workplace. Often a step up from plain water in terms of appeal, carbonated water options can quickly bring your workplace hydration to the next level — helping improve employee performance.
• Weight management: Carbonated beverages are generally associated with weight loss because they drive hydration while simultaneously keeping people away from drinks with added sugar or artificial sweeteners. As water intake increases, weight loss can follow.
• Improved digestion: Sparkling water has also been found to relieve indigestion and constipation, per a report from Healthline. This is an effective way to help your employees feel their best.
• Greater productivity: As a result of greater water intake at work, your organization is likely to see higher levels of productivity. Employees that hydrate properly are generally more productive and engaged throughout the workday.
• Higher satisfaction: Hydrated employees and customers are happy employees and customers. Proper hydration, and the benefits it provides, can significantly boost the morale of your team.

What to consider when choosing a carbonated beverage solution

Given its health and hydration benefits along with options for variety, sparkling water is a great option for your workplace. However, there are a variety of machines in different sizes with unique offerings to consider. When it comes to finding the machine that’s right for your business or industry, there are a few questions to ask yourself that might make the decision a bit easier:

• Will your workplace prefer plain sparkling water or flavored options?
• How many daily users do you expect?
• How much space do you have available for a machine?
• Does your space lend itself better to a countertop or freestanding water cooler model?

Choosing the best sparkling water option for your workplace

If your business currently offers tap water or bottled water options, it might be time for an upgrade. And with Culligan Quench, it’s easy to elevate your drinking water supply with delicious, carbonated beverages made from fresh, filtered water. You can even choose from low-profile freestanding units or countertop units to fit your space.

Best of all, working with Culligan Quench means all-inclusive service to ensure your system is working properly year-round. So your sparkling water machine will be serviced twice a year including a CO2 cylinder replacement with each visit.

If you’re ready to bring great taste and delicious flavor to your workplace, try our product finder to determine the machine that’s the right fit for your business or get a free quote now.

Take our sparkling water quiz!

Do you know the difference between seltzer and sparkling water?

Offering different beverage options in the workplace helps keep employees hydrated and feeling refreshed during work hours. While some prefer a classic glass of water, others might want something bubbly. Test your knowledge about the various trending fizzy water types with this quick quiz.

Take our sparkling water quiz!