Industry insights

The Rise of Sparkling Water

By Will Vickery |  Published

The rise of sparkling water over the last few years has seen the bottled water category of the beverage market now compete with the likes of fizzy bottled drinks. But what has made sparkling water so popular?   

What Is Sparkling Water?

Firstly what is sparkling water? Essentially, sparkling water (also called carbonated water) has had carbon dioxide dissolved into it. This process makes it fizzy, similar to a soda. The difference between the two being that sparkling water isn't mixed with various types of syrup for flavouring.

Sparkling water is different from both water and juice. Unlike water, it's carbonated. Unlike juice, it doesn't carry extra sugar or calories, which makes it a great choice for consumers looking for healthy option. Another major difference between sparkling water and regular water is its mixing properties.

A Quick Rise in Popularity

Believe it or not, the first recorded use of carbonated drinking water – AKA sparkling water – dates back to 1767, in the form of mineral water. While sparkling water was always popular among certain demographics, in recent years, it's become one of the most promising emerging markets. Sparkling water's evolution and innovation now appeals to nearly every sector of the market.

Sparkling water has started to become more popular among the general population as more people started to add more water to their diets. While sparkling water has the fizz and the characteristic of a soda, it doesn't have the same amount of calories or sugars. The rise in sparkling water's popularity means new variations and different flavours are being created – giving customers even more options than before.

What are the Benefits of Sparkling Water?

Sparkling water offers several health benefits to those who tend to be more health conscious. Some of these include:

Sparkling Water Keeps You Hydrated

Many people think that drinking carbonated or sparkling water can dehydrate you, but health experts say that this is just a myth. Drinking sparkling water offers the same thirst-quenching benefits of still water, and even more healthy advantages if the sparkling water is filtered.

Filtered water removes organic compounds, contaminants and harmful chemicals so you can ensure the water you’re drinking is clean and healthy. So, the next time you’re thirsty, try reaching for some filtered, carbonated water from a sparkling water cooler.

Drinking Carbonated Water May Aid Digestion

If you suffer from frequent indigestion or just have an upset stomach on occasion, drinking a tall glass of filtered, sparkling water could help you. According to a study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, patients who had a predisposition to gallstone formation, dyspepsia or constipation showed that their gallbladder issues, overall digestion and constipation problems all improved after drinking sparkling water for two weeks.

Sparkling Water Keeps You Feeling Full

Those tiny carbonated bubbles in a glass of sparkling water may offer a mighty punch when it comes to controlling your weight, or even losing some extra pounds. The carbon dioxide in sparkling water allows fizzy bubbles to fill your stomach and trick your brain into feeling full, which means you will probably eat less. To avoid overeating during meals, try drinking two glasses of filtered, sparkling water and this should help you to feel full and help control your weight.

Drinking Sparkling Water Can Increase Productivity 

Do you or your employees feel sluggish or tired every afternoon? Instead of grabbing your usual midday cup of coffee, you may want to think about installing a sparkling water cooler in the company breakroom. Scientists have long touted that even mild dehydration during the workday can have a significant impact on employee productivity. Therefore by having sparkling water available for employees, you will be able to ensure your staff are hydrated and able to work productively.

Therefore the benefits of sparkling water, has meant it’s become one the fastest growing emerging markets in the beverage sector, which is why Thirsty Work have added sparkling water coolers to its product range, to cater for your sparkling water requirements