If you love the taste of tonic water, recent research shows you might just have a bigger brain than the rest of us. Hwang L-D, et al. (2019). Associations between brain structure and perceived intensity of sweet and bitter tastes. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.01.046 Now that you have a fun icebreaker to use with a gin and tonic in hand, let’s find out if it’s a-OK to imbibe.
In fact, “tonic water” is a bit of a misnomer. Sure, the bubbly drink starts out as carbonated water, and then quinine — a bitter alkaloid once used to treat malaria — is added. Meyer CG, et al. (2004). Editorial: Gin tonic revisited. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2004.01357.x
Nothing wrong with that, but most store-bought varieties also add fruit extracts and sugar. When you add 4 ounces of tonic water to a standard cocktail, you’re sipping on 11 grams of sugar — just as much as if you’d poured 4 ounces of Sprite.
We already know that too much sugar is bad news. A 2019 study showed that the more sugar-sweetened drinks we consume, the greater our risk of early death from cardiovascular disease and cancer, particularly among women. Malik VS, et al. (2019). Long-term consumption of sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages and risk of mortality in US adults. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.118.037401
Sometimes, the sweetness in tonic water comes from high-fructose corn syrup, but the news there isn’t much better. In 2015, researchers found a link between drinking syrup-filled beverages and a greater risk of heart disease. Stanhope KL, et al. (2015). A dose-response study of consuming high-fructose corn syrup–sweetened beverages on lipid/lipoprotein risk factors for cardiovascular disease in young adults. DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.114.100461
Tonic water seems like it would be in a different class than the soft drinks we think of when we hear those kinds of statistics. But if you take a gander at the nutrition labels on a bottle of tonic water and a bottle of Coke, you’ll notice the two have an almost identical number of calories.
Obviously, most of us consume Coke and tonic water differently — maybe drinking a whole can of the former but using just a few ounces of the latter to complement a cocktail. So, while that first gin and tonic isn’t something to worry about, the added sugar becomes a concern when you’re on your third or fourth.
Unfortunately, making healthier choices isn’t as simple as opting for diet tonic water. Calorie-free sweeteners like aspartame (Equal) and saccharin (Sweet’N Low) are a bit scandalous in the health world.
Some researchers believe that artificial sweeteners prep your body for a sugar fix and then don’t deliver. According to a 2010 study, if you’re left craving sweets after you slurp down a soda, you’re more likely to eat — and keep eating. Yang Q. (2010). Gain weight by “going diet?” Artificial sweeteners and the neurobiology of sugar cravings. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2892765/
In 2013, researchers decided to test this theory. They had 200 people replace their sugary drinks with diet varieties or water for 6 months. The conclusion? Diet-beverage drinkers actually ate fewer desserts than the water drinkers, so there’s that. Piernas C, et al. (2013). Does diet-beverage intake affect dietary consumption patterns? Results from the Choose Healthy Options Consciously Everyday (CHOICE) randomized clinical trial. DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.112.048405
A 2017 review noted that the long-term impact of sweeteners is not yet known. And they do little in the way of weight loss. In fact, the opposite may be true: Sometimes diet-beverage drinkers gain weight and have an increased risk of chronic diseases. Azad MB, et al. (2017). Nonnutritive sweeteners and cardiometabolic health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies. DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.161390
We’re all for a classy gin and tonic now and again. But instead of tonic water, maybe reach for seltzer, which is usually straight water with bubbles.
Add a squeeze of lemon to enhance the flavor. And if you’re using the seltzer as a cocktail mixer, toss in a few bitters to mimic the taste of quinine. Cheers!
The reason that tonic water is relatively high in calories (compared to calorie-free sparkling water or club soda) is that it contains a sweetener in some form. Some brands contain high fructose corn syrup, while other brands include cane sugar or simply sugar in the ingredients.
Add a squeeze of lemon to enhance the flavor. And if you’re using the seltzer as a cocktail mixer, toss in a few bitters to mimic the taste of quinine. Cheers!
A 2017 review noted that the long-term impact of sweeteners is not yet known. And they do little in the way of weight loss. In fact, the opposite may be true: Sometimes diet-beverage drinkers gain weight and have an increased risk of chronic diseases. Azad MB, et al. (2017). Nonnutritive sweeteners and cardiometabolic health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies. DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.161390
We’re all for a classy gin and tonic now and again. But instead of tonic water, maybe reach for seltzer, which is usually straight water with bubbles.
Nothing wrong with that, but most store-bought varieties also add fruit extracts and sugar. When you add 4 ounces of tonic water to a standard cocktail, you’re sipping on 11 grams of sugar — just as much as if you’d poured 4 ounces of Sprite.
In fact, “tonic water” is a bit of a misnomer. Sure, the bubbly drink starts out as carbonated water, and then quinine — a bitter alkaloid once used to treat malaria — is added. Meyer CG, et al. (2004). Editorial: Gin tonic revisited. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2004.01357.x
Seltzer is made similarly to club soda but generally doesn’t contain added minerals, giving it a plainer taste.
Carbonated water has become a great substitute for soda and other sweetened soft drinks, which explains its steady growth in popularity. Plus, it appeals to many people because it’s both hydrating and fizzy (1).
Club soda is infused with mineral salts to enhance its taste and fizz. These include potassium sulfate, sodium chloride, disodium phosphate, and sodium bicarbonate.
However, they vary in processing methods and added compounds. This results in different mouthfeels or flavors, which is why some people prefer one type over another.
Like club soda, it is carbonated water with added minerals. However, tonic water also contains quinine, a compound isolated from the bark of cinchona trees that gives this drink its bitter taste (4).
Everything You Need To Know About TONIC WATER! The Ultimate Guide.
FAQ
Is tonic water good for a diet?
Is tonic water full of sugar?
Why is tonic water so gross?
Does tonic water have more calories than Coke?
Does tonic water have calories?
As you can see, tonic water is the only beverage that contains calories, all of which come from added sugar. Although club soda, sparkling mineral water, and tonic water contain some nutrients, the amounts are very low. By and large, their minerals are added for taste and are unlikely to offer health benefits in such small amounts.
Is it good to drink squeezed lime in tonic water?
When it comes to relieving the heat during the summer, tonic water works as a light and refreshing option and can be consumed on its own or with citrus fruits – with slices of lemon and orange, for example. This type of mixture is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and is very good for the health of the skin and hair.
Is tonic water good for You?
About the only true health benefit of tonic water is that since it’s a liquid, and it technically can be somewhat hydrating. But Amer says that since it’s very high in sugar, the nutritional cons will likely outweigh the tonic water benefits in most cases.