9 Things You Need To Know Before Drinking Seltzer
Before you pop open a La Croix, read this.
Whether you find yourself reaching for a can of seltzer instead of another cup of coffee throughout the workday or have a friend who's a self-proclaimed "La Croix head," you shouldn't be too surprised to hear that seltzer is trending. In fact, the bubbly beverage's sales are up 42 percent over the past 5 years, thanks largely to people who are trying to kick their sugary soda habit for good, according to Beverage Marketing Corp.
But before you jump on the seltzer train (hurry, it's amazing!), here's what you need to know.
Seltzer Is Not Club Soda, Which Is Not Tonic Water
Seltzer is simply carbonated water: Flat water that get an addictive effervescence from carbon dioxide. Club soda, typically used in cocktails, has a more mineral-y flavor from chemical compounds, like sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate. And tonic water's in an entirely different category. It's sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup and flavored with quinine, which gives it a little bitterness (and makes it glow under a blacklight).
Not All Carbonated Waters Are Healthy
Some bottles have artificial sweeteners and flavors and added calories. Make sure your nutrition label has only two things: carbonated water and natural flavor.
It's As Hydrating As Water (We Think)
As someone who nervously clutches can after can of plain seltzer throughout the workday, I was terrified to look into this one, but experts of all kinds claim the bubbly stuff is just as hydrating as still water. While some studies suggest that drinking seltzer might mean you drink less water in one sitting (come on, you know chugging can burn your throat), another study shows that people who have seltzer-making contraptions like SodaStream might actually be better hydrated than those who don't.
People Are Obsessed — Like Really Obsessed — With La Croix
There's one brand that's totally dominating the seltzer market: La Croix. Back in the day it used to be the lame household of your friend group that stocked 12 packs of flavored water over Coke, but not anymore. If you have hot pink cans of pampelmousse (French for grapefruit), you're the hip one now. La Croix has earned its cool factor after social media influencers snapped pics of themselves sipping the brightly colored cans of fun flavors like passion fruit and coconut. The brand strategy is working: Sales of La Croix's parent company skyrocketed from $646M to $827M over the last few years.
Spiking It Is The Latest Trend
Booze companies are taking note of the soaring seltzer sales and are starting to spike it. Rosé seltzer EXISTS — plus brands like White Claw Hard Seltzer, Truly Spiked & Sparkling, and SpikedSeltzer, which are all aimed at the health-conscious crowd, with beverages that weigh in around only 100 calories per can.
It's Not (That) Bad For Your Teeth
No, seltzer isn't as damaging as regular soda, but the carbonic acid that gives seltzer its carbonation can wear away tooth enamel over time. Dentists claim that for the average healthy adult your afternoon bubbles will not be the source of cavities, but proceed accordingly.
You Shouldn't Drink It If You Have IBS.
The carbonation can irritate your system and cause bloating. Stay away.
It Can Come In Handy When Traveling
In areas where you can't trust the local water supply, the New York Times advises brushing your teeth with seltzer, as it's more effective at killing bacteria than still water.
It Can Make You Gassy
All that carbonation can take its toll on your stomach: Seltzer increases gas in your GI tract, which can cause stomach cramps and discomfort.
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