Beverages, carbonated, tonic water
Whole food · Beverages
Photo: Wikipedia
Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink with a distinctively bitter-sweet flavor profile, derived from the addition of quinine. Its effervescent texture and unique taste make it a staple mixer, most famously in cocktails like the Gin and Tonic. Nutritionally, it is a source of simple carbohydrates, providing about 34 calories and 8.8 grams of sugar per 100ml, with no protein, fat, or fiber.
💚 Why it's loved
People love tonic water for its signature bitter-sweet taste and lively fizz, which cuts through the richness of spirits and adds complexity to drinks. Its versatility as a mixer and its iconic status in cocktail culture make it a beloved pantry staple.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downside is its high sugar content, which can contribute to empty calories and blood sugar spikes. The quinine, while providing its signature taste, can cause headaches or other side effects in sensitive individuals. To counteract sugar spikes, opt for diet or low-sugar tonic water versions, or dilute regular tonic with soda water. Use it in moderation, especially if monitoring calorie or sugar intake.
Key benefits
- Provides quick energy from carbohydrates.
- Classic mixer for cocktails and mocktails.
- Quinine content gives it a unique, complex bitterness.
- Can be used in cooking to add depth to sauces or marinades.
- The carbonation can aid in digestion for some individuals.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Tonic water was originally developed by the British in India as a malaria prophylactic, with the bitter quinine from cinchona bark mixed with sugar and water to make it palatable for troops.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 91.1 g |
| Energy | 34.0 kcal |
| Energy | 142 kj |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.00 g |
| Ash | 0.10 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 8.8 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 8.8 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 1.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.01 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 0.00 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 0.00 mg |
| Potassium, K | 0.00 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 12.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.10 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.00 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.00 ug |
| Fluoride, F | 82.5 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.00 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 0.00 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.00 g |
| Threonine | 0.00 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.00 g |
| Leucine | 0.00 g |
| Lysine | 0.00 g |
| Methionine | 0.00 g |
| Cystine | 0.00 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.00 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.00 g |
| Valine | 0.00 g |
| Arginine | 0.00 g |
| Histidine | 0.00 g |
| Alanine | 0.00 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glycine | 0.00 g |
| Proline | 0.00 g |
| Serine | 0.00 g |
FAQ
What is the main flavoring agent in tonic water?
The main flavoring agent is quinine, a compound extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree, which gives tonic water its characteristic bitter taste.
Is tonic water the same as soda water or club soda?
No. While all are carbonated, tonic water contains added quinine and sugar (or sweeteners), giving it a distinct bitter-sweet flavor. Soda water or club soda is simply carbonated water, sometimes with added minerals for taste.
Can tonic water be consumed straight?
Yes, it is often enjoyed on its own over ice, especially in hot climates or as a non-alcoholic beverage. Its unique flavor makes it a refreshing standalone drink.