Should We Consume Carbonated Water Daily?

carbonated water brands

What is carbonated water?

The carbonated water market has been increasing, at about 47.75 billion USD in 2025, and forecasts expect about a 12.5% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2025 to 2032 as consumers move away from sugary beverages in an effort to improve health (3).

The Codex Standard for Natural Mineral Waters outlines a few differences between carbonated waters; however, the basic process of producing carbonated water involves infusing water with carbon dioxide gas under pressure (1).  Carbonated water is also known as sparkling water, club soda, seltzer water, and soda water.

Carbonated water typically has a pH between 3 and 4.9, while pure water has a neutral pH of about 7.0, which makes carbonated water a more acidic beverage choice (1) (2).

Many carbonated water manufacturers add flavors, such as LaCroix’s tangerine, Perrier’s pineapple, and Topo Chico’s twist of lime.  Some brands, like Spindrift, use only whole fruit to flavor their sparkling water, while others may use artificial flavors (4).

As more people choose to drink carbonated water over plain water each day, it would be helpful to understand whether this choice benefits or harms a healthy body.

Is carbonated water healthy?

As carbonated water consumption increases, research is expanding to determine the pros and cons of carbonated water in the diet.

One systematic review examined the impact of carbonated beverages on teeth.  Focusing on enamel and dentin, researchers found that daily consumption of carbonated drinks increased the risk of tooth erosion, leading to permanent loss of enamel and dentin (5).  This study found that, although not the only cause, the acidic pH of carbonation was a main reason for dental erosion (5).

A 2025 report published in the journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health explored the impact of carbonated water on glucose metabolism to determine its effect on weight management.  This report found that CO2 stimulated glycolysis, as well as glucose utilization, which can indirectly promote weight loss (6).  This study also highlights the negative impact of carbonated water intake for those with gastrointestinal conditions, as it can exacerbate symptoms like bloating and gas in disorders such as IBS and GERD (6).

A 2024 cross-sectional study of older adults found that habitual consumption of carbonated drinks may lead to difficulty in swallowing (7).  This study hypothesized that swallowing difficulty was due to muscle impairment; however, it was unclear whether carbonated drinks alone impacted swallowing function (7).

A 2022 study published in Physiology & Behavior found that consumption of sugar-free carbonated water increased cerebral blood flow in hot environments, which improved mood and motivation and decreased sleepiness; however, these effects were short-lived (8).

Many bottled water products have been tested for contaminants, substances like per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS).  Consumer Reports, an independent nonprofit member organization, found that certain carbonated bottled water products, like Topo Chico Mineral Water (Coca-Cola Co.), contain high levels of PFAS, which have been linked to conditions like learning delays, kidney and liver disease, altered immune function, and cancer as they affect body organs and systems (9) (10).

Should we limit the amount of carbonated water that we drink?

We need to consume water daily for a healthy body, and clean, regular water intake is the best choice; however, carbonated water appears to be just as hydrating as regular water and can provide variety that keeps us drinking throughout the day.

Although carbonated water can be just as hydrating as regular water, we see in the research above that carbonated water can negatively impact the body through tooth erosion and exacerbation of symptoms such as gas and bloating in conditions like IBS or GERD.  Many carbonated water products also contain substances, like PFAS, that can negatively affect body function.  Therefore, it may be best to limit carbonated water intake to protect health or if you struggle with IBS or GERD symptoms.

It’s also important to keep in mind that many carbonated water drinks on the market today contain added sugars, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners, so be sure to check the ingredients and choose a brand that does not contain these additives.