Sugar In Tonic Water – Nutritional Facts

Some tonic waters contain fructose corn sugar to balance quinine’s bitterness. On average, most brands of tonic water have around 22.5 gm of sugar per serving. However, some companies produce tonic water that contains as much as 35 gm of sugar.

Unfortunately, with sugar content comes both calories and the possibility of negative health effects.

This article takes you through tonic water and its nutrition facts, focusing on the type and effects of sugar it contains. We’ve also compared the sugar content of tonic water to that of coke, and shared our favorite sugar-free tonic waters.

Tonic Water Nutrition Content

Tonic water is essentially a mixture of carbonated water (soda), quinine, and sugar.

Although not all brands of tonic water contain sugar.

Each of these ingredients is important and make up the unique taste that we love about tonic water – but they’re also the reason that sugar is added in the first place.

Soda Water

Soda in tonic water is made by infusing carbon dioxide into water under high pressure. Compared to regular water, carbonated water provides just as much hydration.

Quinine

Quinine is a natural substance extracted from native trees of Central and South America. While it’s known for its application in malaria treatment, quinine is also used in drinks owing to its bitter taste.

In fact, the addition of quinine is what contributes to the characteristic flavor of tonic water.

Although, quinine has its own set of side effects like confusion, hearing loss, cramps, tinnitus, and behavioral changes. The FDA limits its concentration to 83 mg per liter of tonic water – far lower than the amount associated with these negative effects.

Sugar

Sugar isn’t in every bottle of tonic water, but some brands add fructose corn sugar or even agave syrup to neutralize the bitterness of quinine.

The concentration of sugar varies a lot between the different brands. For example, at the time of publication Schweppes, Fever-Tree Indian, Jack Rudy, and Top Note contained 8.9 gm, 12 gm, 8 gm, and 16 gm of sugar, respectively.

Something to consider is not just the total grams of sugar, but the number of grams per fluid ounce. This is a better way to compare between brands.

Below is the sugar content per fluid ounce for some of the top brands of tonic water available.

Why Sugar In Tonic Water Is Harmful

There are two main reasons why we should consider avoid consuming fructose corn sugar in tonic water:

• Calories: Fructose sugar contains four calories per gram. Considering that obesity is an increasing problem, and organizations like the American Heart Association recommend limiting sugar intake (100 calories a day for women, 150 calories for men), it’s best to not consume extra sugar where possible, and that includes tonic water.

• Comorbid: It’s an established fact that consuming sugar and excessive calories can lead to related health problems like diabetes mellitus, heart disease and hypertension.

Because of these potential side effects, as well as those of quinine, tonic water is generally considered not suitable for:

• Diabetics
• Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
• Pregnant women
• People with known quinine allergy
• People with having the previous history of CVS problems
• Menstruating women (due to worsening abdominal cramps)

Best Sugar-Free Tonic Water

Most people switch to tonic water as a healthier alternative to stronger or sweeter beverages. Fortunately, if you’re trying to cut back on extra calories you don’t have to settle for tonic water concentrated in sugar.

A few healthier, sugar-free tonic water varieties are now available. Here are our favorites:

Zevia Zero Tonic Water

The first product on our list is Zevia Zero Calorie Mixer Tonic Water. This drink comes in a 7.5-ounce pack that gives you a solid citrus-loaded kick at a minimal price.

The beverage comes in a range of flavors that are made with a perfectly engineered, calorie-free, zero-sugar formula. It is perfectly suitable to be enjoyed both ways – you can try chugging it directly out of the can or adding it to your favorite alcohol.

If you fancy a less bitter taste, then this tonic water is ideal. It has just the right amount of stevia in it to offset the quinine – and since stevia is a sugar substitute it allows you to enjoy the perfect bitter-sweet combo without the drink losing its calorie-free status.

Another benefit of the drink is that it’s gluten-free (Non-GMO verified), vegan, and kosher, making it suitable for almost anyone.

Throw in the fact it’s an all-natural beverage made of plant-based ingredients, it makes for an excellent alternative to higher-calorie and sugary tonic waters.

Schweppes Zero Sugar Tonic Water

This Zero Sugar Tonic Water is Schweppes update to their classic ‘diet’ tonic water. Schweppes has been selling tonic water (and other beverages) for over two centuries – so you know it’s just got to taste good.

Every serving size has zero sugar and carbs, and the water itself makes for a refreshing drink. They’ve opted to sweeten their tonic water with sodium saccharin, which is a type of artificial sweetener.

I’ve actually found its perfect to add to ginger ales too – it really brings out the flavor.

Canada Dry Diet Tonic Water

Next, we have Canada Dry Diet Tonic Water. Canada Dry has been the face of tonic waters for ages. While their sugar-rich carbonated drinks have a huge fanbase, they’Ve also introduced a sugar-free, diet version for us health-conscious folk.

This diet tonic is primarily made to be enjoyed with other beverages. All the ingredients have been used in enough quantity to not overwhelm while still giving a characteristic sweet flavor. The sweetness is contributed by a calorie-free, fructose alternative.

It comes in lemon flavor and is easily available across major stores as well as online.

Polar Tonic Water Diet Lime

The last product on sugar-free list today is Polar Tonic Water Diet Lime. This carbonated drink is a combination of citric acid, quinine, aspartame, potassium citrate, and natural flavors.

The strong flavor of quinine with the tanginess of lime enhances anything you mix it with. Personally, I love the lime flavor, most other tonic waters are either plain or have a lemon-like flavor to them.

This is a real treat for anyone looking for an authentic and traditional bitter tasting tonic – but don’t worry the edge is taken off by a dash of aspartame.

Which Has More Sugar, Coke Or Tonic Water?

An average-sized can of tonic water contains 9 gm of sugar, whereas an equal amount of coke contains 77 gm of sugar and is, therefore, significantly higher in calories.

Comparing the sugar content of the two beverages, it’s clear that tonic water is a healthier alternative in terms of calories. The only exception is the case of diet coke and coke zero sugar, which don’t contain any sugar and use artificial sweeteners instead.

But is tonic water really safer than coke?

We know that both beverages have their own sets of side effects. Coke has one of the highest sugar contents in all beverages, which is known to contribute immensely to the prevalent obesity and associated problems.

While tonic water can also cause health complications due to its quinine and sugar content, neither of the two is 100% perfect (unlike regular water).