Is Sparkling Coffee Healthier Than Regular Coffee?

If you’re looking for a way to spice up your morning brew without adding sugary creamers or syrups, sparkling coffee may just be the beverage for you.

Sparkling coffee is a trendy drink that involves mixing regular coffee, espresso, or cold brew with sparkling mineral water and citrus juice. Proponents of the beverage say it has heart and gut health benefits beyond a traditional cup of coffee, and Samantha Peterson, MS, RD, a registered dietitian and holistic health expert at Simply Wellness, says they’re not entirely wrong.

“As a functional dietitian, I love when a new trend gives people a reason to get curious about what they’re putting in their body — and sparkling coffee is definitely having a moment,” Peterson says. “It’s kind of like a ‘coffee spritz,’ and it's gaining popularity for its refreshing twist on your standard cup of joe.”

One thing’s for sure: sparkling coffee is a healthier alternative to soda or creamy, sweetened coffee beverages, both of which are filled with added sugar. This beverage, on the other hand, contains no added sugar.

Is sparkling coffee good for heart health?

Sparkling coffee might offer some benefits for heart health, Peterson says, especially if you're using high-polyphenol coffee such as espresso, which is full of heart-healthy antioxidants.

Swapping in a decaf coffee that uses the 'Swiss water method' — which healthily removes caffeine by soaking beans in a water solution for more than eight hours — can also provide the same antioxidants without any of the caffeine side effects, she says.

In terms of antioxidants, coffee is particularly rich in one called chlorogenic acid, which reduces inflammation and improves blood vessel function, says Catherine Gervacio, RND, a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for WOWMD.

Adding in citrus juice also provides vitamin C, which supports the blood vessels and heart, she says.

Plus, natural sparkling mineral water contains magnesium and potassium, both of which can support heart rhythm and blood pressure regulation, Peterson notes.

“If it's low in calories and has no added sugar, it's a heart-friendly swap for sugary sodas or energy drinks,” Gervacio says.

Is sparkling coffee good for gut health?

Whether sparkling coffee will be good for your digestion depends on your own particular gut health and sensitivites.

In some people, sparkling water can reduce bloating, while coffee itself is a natural stimulant for the digestive system and helps to promote regular bowel movements, Gervacio says.

Peterson adds that sparkling water can also be easier on the gut than heavy cream or milk-laden lattes for some people.

“Plus, citrus can help stimulate digestive enzymes and may support stomach pH, which is great for people who need a little help getting things moving,” she says.

Individuals with certain gut sensitivities, however, may find that sparkling coffee elicits some unwanted symptoms.

Should you try sparkling coffee?

Gervacio says people with gut issues may want to avoid this beverage. To be specific, she says those with acid reflux or GERD may want to stay away.

"Sparkling coffee might feel like a gut-friendly glow-up for some, but a gas bomb for others,” Peterson says. “Know your body.”

For those with generally sensitive stomachs or irritable bowel syndrome, Peterson says sparkling water can cause bloating, and coffee alone can also be a trigger for those who are prone to diarrhea.

Aside from gut health, caffeine can also cause jitters, anxiety, or sleep disruptions, Gervacio notes, especially in people who have certain sensitivities.

“If you’re sensitive to caffeine, have a high blood pressure caffeine sensitivity when looking at your genes, are prone to reflux, or are managing high anxiety and stress, sparkling coffee might not be your BFF,” Peterson says. “The combo of acidity from citrus, caffeine from coffee, and carbonation can be a triple threat.”

For anyone navigating adrenal fatigue or burnout, Peterson likewise recommends staying away, as caffeine can cause a major crash or slump following a surge in energy.

However, if you don’t have any of these gut issues or caffeine sensitivities, trying sparkling coffee may not be such a bad idea.

“If you’re using quality ingredients such as organic coffee, real citrus, and naturally carbonated mineral water, it can be a light, low-sugar, antioxidant-rich alternative to other caffeinated drinks,” Peterson says. “But just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it’s a fit for your nervous system — listen to your body first, TikTok second.”