What the research found
The Beverage Hydration Index study included sparkling water alongside still water. People kept the same amount of fluid in their bodies after both.
Some people find bubbles filling, so they drink a little less in one go. That changes how much you drink, not how well the water hydrates you.
What about your teeth?
Carbonation makes water slightly acidic. In a lab study on teeth, sparkling mineral water dissolved slightly more enamel than still water, but around a hundred times less than the soft drinks it was compared with. Flavoured sparkling waters are a different matter: another study found many of them were as erosive as orange juice, or more.
Mineral water, soda water and tonic
Sparkling mineral water hydrates like any water, and some brands add a little sodium or calcium. Soda water is plain water with added carbonation. Tonic water is sweetened and closer to a soft drink, and flavoured sparkling waters range from unsweetened to as sweet as soda.
How Waterie counts it
These are the values the app uses. Sparkling, mineral and flavoured water count the same as still water.
| Drink | Hydration value | 250 ml counts as |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 100% | 250 ml |
| Sparkling Water | 100% | 250 ml |
| Mineral Water | 100% | 250 ml |
| Flavored Water | 100% | 250 ml |
| Soda | 90% | 225 ml |
More questions
Does flavoured sparkling water count as water?
Yes, if it is unsweetened. Waterie counts flavoured water at 100%. Sweetened versions are closer to soda, which Waterie counts at 90%.
Is soda water the same as sparkling water?
For hydration, yes. Soda water is plain carbonated water and hydrates like still water. Log it as sparkling water in Waterie.
Can sparkling water replace all my water?
Yes, if you enjoy it. Plain sparkling water is still water. If you notice your teeth getting sensitive, mix in still water and drink it with meals rather than sipping all day.
Sources
- Maughan RJ, Watson P, Cordery PA, et al. A randomized trial to assess the potential of different beverages to affect hydration status: development of a beverage hydration index. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2016. Funded by the European Hydration Institute.
- Parry J, Shaw L, Arnaud MJ, Smith AJ. Investigation of mineral waters and soft drinks in relation to dental erosion. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 2001.
- Brown CJ, Smith G, Shaw L, Parry J, Smith AJ. The erosive potential of flavoured sparkling water drinks. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 2007.
Last reviewed 4 October 2026
General information for healthy adults, not medical advice. If you are pregnant or have a condition that affects your fluid balance, follow your doctor's advice.