Beverages, carbonated, low calorie, other than cola or pepper, without caffeine
Whole food · Beverages
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a broad category of zero-calorie, non-cola, non-pepper flavored sparkling waters, including lemon-lime, orange, grape, and ginger ale varieties. The taste is crisp and effervescent, ranging from subtly tart to fruity, with a clean, bubbly mouthfeel. Nutritionally, it is essentially a zero-calorie, zero-nutrient beverage, providing hydration without sugars, fats, or proteins.
Calorie split: 100% protein · 0% carbs · 0% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for the satisfying fizz and variety of flavors that make staying hydrated more enjoyable, especially for those avoiding sugar. It's a versatile mixer for cocktails and mocktails, and a cultural staple at fast-food meals, movie theaters, and casual gatherings.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The carbonation can cause bloating or discomfort for some individuals, particularly those with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs. Some artificial sweeteners (like aspartame) may trigger headaches in sensitive people. To mitigate, choose smaller portions, sip slowly, or opt for naturally flavored sparkling water. If concerned about specific additives, check the ingredient list for sweeteners like sucralose or acesulfame potassium.
Key benefits
- Provides hydration with zero calories, sugar, or carbohydrates.
- Offers a flavorful alternative to plain water or sugary sodas.
- The carbonation can aid in feeling full, potentially reducing snack intake.
- A suitable beverage choice for strict low-carb or ketogenic diets.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The first commercially successful artificial sweetener, saccharin, was discovered in 1879 and was widely used in early diet sodas, which were initially marketed as diabetic-friendly drinks long before the modern diet craze.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 99.8 g |
| Energy | 0.00 kcal |
| Energy | 0.00 kj |
| Protein | 0.10 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.00 g |
| Ash | 0.10 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.00 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 4.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.04 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 1.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 0.00 mg |
| Potassium, K | 2.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 6.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.00 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.03 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.02 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.00 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)
Estimated from Beverages, carbonated, tonic water — USDA does not publish this profile for Beverages.
| 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
Is this the same as diet soda?
Not exactly. 'Diet soda' typically refers to diet cola or diet pepper-type drinks. This category is for other diet-flavored carbonated beverages like lemon-lime, orange, or ginger ale, all with zero calories and sugar.
Does the carbonation damage tooth enamel?
The carbonation itself is not highly erosive. The primary risk to enamel comes from added acids like citric or phosphoric acid, which are common in many flavored varieties. Drinking in moderation and using a straw can help minimize contact.
Can I drink this while fasting?
Generally, yes. Plain, zero-calorie, non-nutritive beverages are typically allowed during most intermittent fasting protocols as they do not trigger a significant insulin response. Always check the specific ingredients for any caloric additives.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 3.00 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.