- Sparkling water is a healthier alternative to energy drinks, offering hydration and a mild pick-me-up without the added sugars, caffeine, and artificial ingredients.
- While energy drinks provide a rapid boost due to its sugar and caffeine content, this is often followed by a significant crash, which can leave you feeling more fatigued.
- For sustained, consistent energy, staying hydrated with sparkling water is a more effective and healthier strategy than relying on the rapid but temporary boost of energy drinks.
The midday slump can be a familiar but definitely unwanted feeling for most of us. It’s a dreadful experience where we’re working and then, all of a sudden, our energy fades, focus wanes, and we feel a need for something to keep us going. But while it can be tempting to reach for a sugary soda or an energy drink to get an energy boost and keep us going, consider choosing a healthier alternative like sparkling water.
This article provides a comparison of the key differences between sparkling water and a typical energy drink. We’ll examine the pros and cons of each, offer a detailed nutritional comparison, and explain why one is a better choice than the other for maintaining consistent energy levels.
Sparkling Water vs Energy Drink: Pros and Cons
Both drinks offer unique characteristics, but their effects on your body are vastly different.
Pros and Cons of Sparkling Water for Energy
Sparkling water provides hydration and a pleasant carbonated sensation without unhealthy additives, which can ramp up your energy sustainably. The table below summarizes the pros and cons of consuming sparkling water to get you through the day:
Pros |
Cons |
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Pros and Cons of Energy Drink for Energy
Energy drinks, while providing a fast-acting jolt, may come with a range of downsides. The table below shows the pros and cons of choosing an energy drink for your energy boost:
Pros |
Cons |
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Nutritional Comparison
The nutritional facts highlight the core difference between the two beverages. A typical energy drink is built around stimulants, sugars, and other additives. In contrast, healthy sparkling water is a simple, clean, and zero-calorie choice. The table below serves as a guide for fast nutritional facts for these two beverages:
Sparkling Water |
Energy Drink |
|
Calories |
0 (for plain sparkling water) to a few calories (for flavored sparkling water) |
160+ calories |
Sugar |
0 (for plain sparkling water) to a few grams, usually naturally occurring (for flavored sparkling water) |
40+ grams |
Caffeine |
0 mg |
75 to 300+ mg depending on the brand |
Additives |
Depends; usually natural flavors |
Artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, and other stimulants |
Sparkling Water Nutritional Profile
One of the benefits of drinking sparkling water for energy over energy drinks is that it’s generally a healthier choice compared to the latter.
- Calories: A standard serving of plain sparkling water contains zero calories. Meanwhile, flavored ones may have calories added from natural fruit extracts, added sugars, syrups, or artificial sweeteners.
- Sugar: Plain sparkling water doesn’t contain sugar. This makes it an ideal option for those watching their sugar intake. Meanwhile, flavored ones may have a few grams of sugar, with the healthiest and organic sparkling water brands containing naturally occurring sweeteners.
- Caffeine: Sparkling water is caffeine-free.
Energy Drink Nutritional Profile
Energy drinks provide a more immediate fix to fatigue, helping you do a quick power sprint to finish your tasks. But consider also its nutritional profile before relying on energy drinks to ramp up your energy:
- Calories: Energy drinks can contain a significant number of calories, often over 160 per serving. These are primarily from added sugars.
- Sugar: A single can of energy drink often contains 40 or more grams of sugar, equivalent to ten teaspoons.
- Caffeine: The caffeine content of energy drinks can range from 75 to over 300 milligrams per can, depending on the specific brand. This is a substantial amount, especially when compared to what the US FDA cited as the average amount of caffeine that most adults can safely consume per day, which is 400 milligrams.
- Other Additives: In addition to sugar and caffeine, energy drinks may contain other ingredients like taurine, guarana, and ginseng, which are often added to enhance the stimulant effect.
So Which One Should You Choose for Energy?
For sustained, healthful energy, the choice is clear. The quick lift from an energy drink is often followed by a noticeable crash, leaving you more tired than before. This cycle is a result of high sugar and caffeine content.
Sparkling water helps you fight the midday slump by keeping you properly hydrated, which is a key part of maintaining consistent energy throughout the day. Dehydration typically causes uncomfortable signs like dizziness and fatigue, so simply drinking more water can make a major difference.
Beat the Midday Slump With Sovány
The midday slump doesn’t require a complicated fix that pumps your body with unhealthy amounts of caffeine and other artificial additives. The next time you need a pick-me-up, reach for Sovány, one of the healthiest sparkling water with no added sugar or artificial flavors. It delivers a refreshing taste and gentle carbonation without any of the unhealthy side effects of energy drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Sparkling Water an Energy Drink?
No, sparkling water is not an energy drink. It doesn’t contain caffeine, sugar, or other stimulants. Its purpose is to provide hydration and a refreshing taste, not to provide an artificial energy boost.
Is it Okay to Drink Sparkling Water Daily?
Yes, it’s generally okay to drink sparkling water daily. It’s a healthy alternative to sugary sodas. For the healthiest sparkling water option, choose a brand with no added sugars or artificial sweeteners like Sovány.
Does Drinking Sparkling Water Count as Water?
Yes, sparkling water is a form of water, so it counts towards your daily fluid intake. It’s just as hydrating as regular still water, but with added fun and taste!