Is sparkling water better for you than still? What to know about new weight loss claims.

Sparkling water has been a popular beverage for years, often replacing soda as a go-to drink of choice. Market research shows that the global sparkling water industry is expected to reach almost $48 billion this year, with North Americans being the biggest consumers in the world. Basically, we love our fizzy water.

Many people view sparkling water as a better alternative to sugary sodas. But how does it compare to standard still water? Here's what doctors and nutritionists say.

What is sparkling water, exactly?

You probably have some level of familiarity with sparkling water, but it doesn’t hurt to review the basics. Sparkling water, also known as soda water, is water that’s been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure, says dietitian Scott Keatley, co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy. This process creates carbonation and is what gives sparkling water its sparkle.

Sparkling water is different from tonic water, which is also fizzy but contains quinine and has a bitter taste. Sparkling water also comes in many varieties, from standard Perrier to flavored options like La Croix (available in coconut, mojito, tangerine, etc.).

Is sparkling water better for you than still water?

Unflavored sparkling water and still water are pretty similar in terms of health benefits. “Noncaloric sparkling water is neither better nor worse for you than still water,” Jennifer Sacheck, chair of exercise and nutrition sciences at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, tells Yahoo Life. Sparkling water, she says is just an alternative to drinking tap water.

“The carbonation does not have any proven health benefits and the carbonation is not harmful — it quickly dissipates in the bloodstream,” Sacheck says. Keatley agrees. “Both sparkling water and tap water provide the essential hydration your body needs to function, as neither contains calories, sugar or other components that could harm your health,” he says.

But sparkling water can encourage people who don’t like still water to hydrate more, Keatley points out. “For those who struggle to drink enough plain water, sparkling water can be a helpful alternative to increase overall fluid intake,” he says. “Overall, the choice between sparkling and still water depends on personal preference and any underlying health concerns.”

It also matters what people are replacing sparkling water with, Keatley says. “Sparkling water can serve as a healthier alternative to sugary sodas and other sweetened beverages, which are linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and dental decay,” he says.

Will drinking sparkling water help you lose weight?

Probably not. A recent study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, suggested that sparkling water may help with weight loss, but Keatley says the findings have been largely misinterpreted. The study analyzed data on the impact of carbonated water on the body and found that the carbon dioxide in fizzy water goes through several processes in the bloodstream that ultimately speed up how red blood cells take in blood sugar. As a result, carbonated water may lower blood sugar levels in the body. (Having well-managed blood sugar is considered an important element in weight loss, causing your cells to be more effective at burning fat, Keatley explains.)

But while many people have interpreted the findings to suggest that a sparkling water habit will help you lose weight, that’s not what the study found. In fact, the study’s authors included this in the conclusion: “The amount is so small that it is difficult to expect weight loss effects solely from the carbon dioxide in carbonated water.”

What about sparkling water's effect on teeth?

One more thing to consider: There has been some online chatter claiming that sparkling water is bad for your teeth, but most dentists say those concerns are overblown. “Sparkling water is carbonated, which causes it to be slightly acidic. [But] unless the teeth are constantly bathed in sparkling water, it is not harmful,” Julie Cho, a dentist in New York City, tells Yahoo Life.

Mark Wolff, dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, tells Yahoo Life that the acid in sparkling water is “weak” and is “generally quickly neutralized by saliva.” If you’re concerned about the acid in carbonated water eroding your teeth, Cho suggests chasing your bubbly water with still water.

Overall, experts stress that sparkling water isn’t healthier or worse than still water — it’s just water in a different presentation.

Can you have as much sparkling water as you want?

In general, Keatley says you can imbibe as much sparkling water as you want. “However, regular water may have a slight advantage for individuals prone to acid reflux or bloating, as carbonation can exacerbate these conditions by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter and introducing gas into the gastrointestinal tract,” he says. In other words, sparkling water may make you gassy and bloated more than tap water.

Flavored options are also OK, but Sacheck recommends avoiding those with high sugar content and artificial sweeteners. “It’s important to examine the specific product,” Keatley says. “Some products include added sugars or artificial sweeteners, which can contribute to caloric intake or metabolic effects depending on the type and quantity consumed.”

Flavored sparkling waters also tend to contain citric acid, which can have a bigger impact on your teeth, Wolff says. “Any time carbonated beverages contain sugars, we must remember that this may create an environment that helps create decay,” he adds.

Does the container matter?

Experts generally agree that it’s best to avoid sparkling water in plastic containers when you can, citing a recent study that found that a liter of bottled water contains about 240,000 tiny pieces of plastic. “I like to avoid plastic and go with glass when possible,” Sacheck says.

But if you like to drink sparkling water regularly, there’s no need to stop. “Sparkling water is not inherently better or worse than regular drinking water for most people,” Keatley says.