Skip to main content

What is sparkling coffee? A dietitian’s take on this fizzy coffee trend

All about this new coffee trend

sparkling coffee
kalinova.mary / Shutterstock

Coffee typically isn’t a drink you’d think of as “fizzy,” but the new sparkling coffee trend begs to differ. Sometimes referred to as a “coffee soda,” sparkling coffee offers a new way for coffee drinkers to enjoy their morning brew while taking advantage of potential health benefits. Sparkling coffee is trending all over Instagram and TikTok, but what exactly is sparkling coffee, and is it just a gimmick?

Catherine Gervacio, a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a certified exercise nutrition coach, shares her thoughts on sparkling coffee and how it could help boost your health.

Recommended Videos

What is sparkling coffee?

Per Gervacio, the sparkling coffee trend “Took off during the pandemic when home baristas began mixing things up, and people started sharing their creations online.” Sparkling coffee consists of espresso or cold brew mixed with sparkling water and other flavorings, such as citrus or herbs. Today, many drink sparkling coffee as an alternative way to enjoy caffeine in the summer without the heaviness of a hot drink or milk-based coffee. Others have hopped aboard the sparkling coffee trend to benefit from the potential health benefits.

Health benefits

Gervacio shares that one benefit of sparkling coffee is that it doesn’t require milk or added sugar to enjoy. Without milk or sugar, sparkling coffee is a much lighter alternative to a latte or flavored iced coffee and can make it easier to cut down on added calories in your day. Additionally, she shares that sparkling coffee offers a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or who simply want to limit their intake of excess sugar. Adding citrus juice to your sparkling coffee also offers a healthy dose of Vitamin C, which can help support your immune system.

Since sparkling coffee uses sparkling water, the drink offers more hydration than a regular shot of espresso. Additionally, using sparkling mineral water means you’ll get a boost of added electrolytes in your coffee. While sparkling water can provide hydration, Gervacio reminds coffee drinkers that caffeine can dehydrate you, so consuming regular water throughout the day is still important.

Drawbacks

“Just like any food, sparkling coffee had potential drawbacks. One is that it can be hard on the stomach. Both caffeine and carbonation may not be for those with sensitive stomachs or existing acid reflux. If you’re prone to these issues, you might want to avoid this. Also, it has a sour taste. Not everyone loves the slightly tangy taste of sparkling coffee. Mixing it with tonic water or citrus can make it more palatable,” says Gervacio.

How to make sparkling coffee

Per Gervacio, making a sparkling coffee is simple and requires minimal ingredients. To make this drink at home, all you’ll need is chilled espresso or cold brew, sparkling water or seltzer, citrus juice, and ice. Here’s how she recommends making sparkling coffee:

  1. Start by filling a glass with ice.
  2. Pour in sparkling water or seltzer, adding coffee slowly.
  3. Add citrus juice, flavored syrup, or herbs like mint or basil to enhance flavor.
  4. Enjoy a fizzy, health-focused sparkling coffee.
Emily Caldwell
Emily is a freelance journalist with a focus on food, travel, health, and fitness content. She loves to travel to new…
Cinnamon in coffee? Here’s why it’s worth trying
Why you should add a dash of cinnamon to your cup of joe
cinnamon coffee

No matter how late I'm running or how hectic my morning is, I'll never skip making a quick cup of coffee. My morning cup of coffee is a non-negotiable way to start my day on the right foot. Sometimes, I'll add a simple dash of cinnamon to spice up my morning brew. Cinnamon's natural sweetness adds a depth to my coffee that I love, yet its magic extends beyond what the eye can see.

According to Lea Wetzell, MS, LN, CNS, a pinch of cinnamon in coffee also offers a healthy antioxidant boost and supports healthy blood sugar levels. Here's how (and why) you should explore the magic of adding cinnamon to your cup of joe.

Read more
Experts suggest skipping coffee amid extreme heat warnings
Drinking coffee could lead to dehydration in extreme temps
Man in blue sweater making cup of coffee

Should you skip drinking coffee while in extreme temperatures? This week, experts are warning coffee drinkers to think twice before drinking their morning cup of joe. Experts suggest that Americans in California, Arizona, and Nevada should limit their coffee consumption this week, as these regions are expected to experience extreme temperatures.

The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for various portions of each of these three states. An Extreme Heat Warning remains in place through 10 pm Thursday for highs in parts of Southern Nevada, ranging from 105 to 115 degrees. Temperatures up to 120 degrees will also be possible in Death Valley, leading to dangerous conditions.

Read more
From cold brew to creamsicle lattes: Orange flavor is the summer’s hottest trend
How orange evokes nostalgic feelings
Orange Creme

Butter yellow may be everywhere in fashion and beauty this summer, but trends suggest that orange is the focus of the summer in the world of food. With the nostalgia trend continuing on social media, brands like M&Ms, Coke, and Califia Farms are focusing on the emotional appeal of orange flavor in new summer products.
Califia Farms has recently launched an Orange Creme Refresher, complete with a sweet and citrusy taste that's intended to evoke a sensory link to childhood. To learn more about the orange flavor trend, I spoke with Kaytee Hadley, MS, RDN, IFMCP, a dietitian and founder of Holistic Health and Wellness in Richmond, VA. Here's what she shared about how orange creme is being used in coffee, juices, and more.

Orange creme trends in food

Read more