✦ Hydrating with no calories ✦ Natural mineral sparkling has calcium and magnesium ✦ Carbonation: minimal dental concern ✦ Plain variety is tooth-safe

Sparkling water is still water that has been carbonated with dissolved CO₂ under pressure. Naturally sparkling mineral water contains minerals (calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate) from its source; artificially carbonated water is nutritionally identical to still water unless minerals are added. Carbonation does not meaningfully affect tooth enamel at the low acidity of plain sparkling water, though flavoured varieties are more acidic.

🍳
Preparation note

An excellent calorie-free alternative to sugary soft drinks; the carbonation provides a more satisfying, filling sensation than still water for some people. Flavoured sparkling waters (check labels) may have added acids that are more erosive.

Sources: CoFID 2021

Macronutrients per 100g

0.00
kcal
Energy
0.00
g
Protein
0.00
g
Carbs
0.00
g
Fibre
0.00
g
Fat

How to read GI & GL

GI (Glycemic Index) rates how fast the carbohydrates in a food raise blood glucose compared to pure glucose (= 100). Low GI ≤ 55 means a slow, steady rise. But GI says nothing about how much carbohydrate you're actually eating.

GL (Glycemic Load) fixes that. It multiplies GI by the actual grams of carbohydrate per typical serving: GL = GI × carbs per serving ÷ 100. This makes it the more useful number for real-world blood sugar management.

Why they can disagree — a food with low GI can still carry a high GL if the serving is large and carb-dense. Conversely, watermelon has a high GI (72) but a low GL (4) because a normal portion contains very few carbs. Always read both together.

Low GL ≤ 10 Modest total glucose impact per serving.
Medium GL 11–19 Moderate impact — manageable for most.
High GL ≥ 20 Significant carb load per serving. Consider a smaller portion.

Source: Atkinson et al., International Tables of GI & GL Values 2021, Am J Clin Nutr.

Glycemic Index & Load

55
GI Score
🟢 Low GI
14
GL / Serving
Medium Load

Low GI food — causes a slow, steady rise in blood sugar. Ideal for sustained energy, blood glucose control, and reducing insulin demand.

Glycemic Load (GL = GI × carbs ÷ 100) accounts for portion size. A moderate GL — portion size matters here.

Source: Atkinson et al., International Tables of GI & GL Values 2021, Am J Clin Nutr
Sources: CoFID 2021
Beverages Water 🇬🇧 CoFID 2021