What Is Tonic Water Good For? All the Benefits 2024

Tonic water is a refreshing drink that many people believe offers various health benefits, including relief from certain disorders and unpleasant sensations. Yet, most tonic waters contain sugar and, thus, aren't particularly healthy. Still, they do contribute to a daily liquid intake because they’re primarily made up of water.

The key tonic water flavor is bitterness, despite the addition of sugar. Such a taste comes from the presence of quinine, which has a long medical history. To learn more about tonic water, its key ingredient, and some insights from our certified nutrition consultant, read on.

Tonic Water Benefits & Common Uses

I find tonic water's refreshing capabilities to be its biggest advantage. Whenever I need extra energy, a cup of tonic water, coke, or any other soft drink gets me back into action almost immediately. But there are various reasons people should consume tonic water in moderation. First, here's a quick breakdown of the beverage's strengths:

Tonic water benefits include:

• Refreshment: Its carbonated nature makes tonic water refreshing.

• Hydration: It contributes to daily liquid intake. But don't replace water with tonic water¹ because its sugar content heavily outweighs this particular pro. 

• Focus²: Some people find that the slight bitterness helps them stay focused.

• Long shelf life: You can store unopened tonic water for extended periods without spoiling.

• Energy boost (in my experience): Tonic water’s sugar keeps me and some people I know going.

• Mixer for various beverages: Bartenders use this carbonated water in cocktails and other mixed drinks.

• Batter for frying seafood and desserts: Adds a unique flavor and crispness to seafood recipes.

Downsides

There are various potential drawbacks to drinking tonic water. Moderate tonic water consumption is unlikely to cause any issues, but excessive consumption or sensitivity to quinine could lead to both mild and more serious side effects³. Some of these are:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Confusion

• Nervousness

• Stomach cramps

• Ringing in the ears

• Disseminated intravascular coagulation as an extreme case⁴

Unlike these side effects, which are only possibilities, a high sugar intake is a matter of fact if you drink tonic water. In just one average 12-fl oz serving, your sugar intake will exceed the recommended daily limit set by many health organizations. So, consider another carbonated water, soda water, or a sugar-free tonic water if you're looking for a healthier alternative for refreshment. 

Reactions to tonic water are possible, and 1 study noted a case of a man who had a sudden onset of symptoms related to thrombocytopenia, including nosebleeds and painful bruising in his tongue, after drinking considerable amounts of tonic water⁵.

Tonic Water Nutritional Profile

Tonic water contains more ingredients than other carbonated waters, including extracts for flavors. While drinking this soft drink can count toward your daily liquid intake, it's not particularly nutritious and has a higher calorie content than other water-based mixers. So, if you wonder what tonic water is good for, it certainly isn't for keeping your weight in check. 

The nutritional profile of 1 serving of tonic water (12 ounces) is as follows⁶:

• Calories: 124

• Carbs: 32.2 g

• Sugars: 32.2 g

• Sodium: 43.9 mg

So, if you're on a low-carb or keto diet, you might consider avoiding this particular drink. It contains no fat, protein, or fiber. 

Tonic Water vs. Diet Tonic Water

Both tonic water and diet tonic water are fizzy drinks containing different sweeteners. People mindful of their sugar intake typically choose diet tonic water, which may contain natural or artificial sweeteners depending on the brand. Saccharin and aspartame are some commonly used artificial sweeteners in these beverages.

There is some evidence linking artificial sweeteners to health problems. But this evidence comes primarily from animal studies involving very high doses. These studies don't account for size differences or typical human consumption levels. Human studies provide mixed and inconclusive results, generally indicating that moderate consumption doesn’t lead to significant problems. What's more, the high-fructose corn syrup in tonic water might cause metabolic issues⁷.

What Is Tonic Water?

Tonic water is a refreshing, carbonated drink known for its distinct bitterness, which comes from a compound called quinine⁸. Although the amount of quinine used in tonic water is much lower today than it used to be, manufacturers add sugar to make the drink less bitter⁹ ¹⁰. While quinine might have some health benefits, tonic water itself has a poor nutritional value, like most other sodas and soft drinks. Learn more about key nutrients from our in-depth Nutrition and Food article.

Aside from carbonated water and quinine, tonic water typically contains high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar or some other sweetener, citric acid, and natural flavors¹¹. Some producers may use stevia or some other non-sugar sweeteners. Check the label to learn more about the details. 

To clarify some common misconceptions, tonic water, club soda, seltzer, and sparkling water are all carbonated drinks, but they have some key differences. Club soda is carbonated water that, unlike tonic water, contains added minerals like potassium sulfate and sodium citrate¹². When water is naturally carbonated, it's often called sparkling water. If it's artificially carbonated, you can call it seltzer.

Tonic Water Brands

There are many tonic water manufacturers around. But many small producers have entered the market, so giving them a shot may be worth considering. Some of the leading tonic water brands are: 

• Schweppes Tonic Water

• Polar Tonic Water

• Canada Dry Tonic Water

• Zevia Zero Calorie Tonic Water

• Fevertree Premium Tonic Water

• London Essence Premium Tonic Water

Some brands add less sugar to their tonic waters compared to most mainstream options. To qualify as low-sugar, tonic water must contain no more than 5% of the daily value of added sugar¹³. Others, on the other hand, are completely sugar-free. So, check the label when purchasing the drink for the details. 

What Is Quinine?

Quinine is a compound that comes from the bark of the cinchona tree¹⁴. The tree is native to Central and South America and the Caribbean region. It also grows in parts of western Africa. Historically, quinine (a natural cinchona alkaloid) was used to fight malaria¹⁵. This continues today with the use of quinine in pill form. 

Uses of Quinine

The alkaloid has various uses. Some of them are proven to be effective, while others are the subject of controversy. Yet, here are some ways people use quinine (with varying degrees of success): 

• Malaria treatment: Quinine is still in use in the second-line treatment of malaria¹⁶. It's not used to prevent the disease but rather to eliminate the parasites responsible for it¹⁷. People who use quinine for this purpose take it in pill form. Yet, some researchers emphasize the potential health consequences of excessive quinine consumption. 

• Drink mixer: Tonic water, and consequently quinine, is widely used as a mixer for spirits like gin and vodka, adding a unique bitterness to cocktails. Its popularity as a mixer extends across the globe, making it a staple in many classic and contemporary drinks.

• Leg cramp treatment: Many people use quinine to ease nighttime leg cramps and restless leg syndrome. Some studies found the alkaloid effective in reducing the cramp frequency and severity of cramps¹⁸. But note that all health organizations strongly advise against quinine consumption for this reason¹⁹ ²⁰.

How Much Quinine Is Safe?

Quinine is safe in small doses, and the FDA approves up to 83 parts per million in soft drinks like tonic water⁹. The FDA also requires that quinine be prominently listed on the label for easy viewing.

Who Should Avoid Quinine?

Consuming quinine is generally safe in FDA-approved doses in carbonated drinks and other products. However, some people might experience allergic reactions if taking quinine-based medications²¹. Individuals who might experience these reactions are²²: 

• People with abnormal heart rhythms

• Pregnant and breastfeeding moms, but only if taken in an excessive dosage²³

• Patients with kidney and liver injuries (in up to 2% of treated patients)

• Individuals coping with low blood sugar

You might also consider avoiding quinine due to its potential interactions with medications. These include antidepressants, blood thinners, antibiotics, seizure medications, antacids, statins, and neuromuscular-blocking drugs²². While the quinine amount in tonic water isn't likely to interact with these remedies, it would still be best for you to consult with your doctor. 

FAQ

Does tonic water have any health benefits?

The only health benefit of tonic water is hydration. But it's not a water substitute due to its high sugar content. Still, there are some low-sugar and no-sugar alternatives on the market, as mentioned in our What Is Tonic Water Good For article.

What does quinine do to your body?

Quinine is an antimalarial agent that kills Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for malaria, and prevents it from multiplying. It might also ease nocturnal leg cramps, but taking the compound for this purpose isn’t recommended until more research is done.  

Is tonic water good for your stomach?

Drinking tonic water is neither good nor bad for most people. Yet, it can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in people who are too sensitive to quinine or who drink too much of it.  

References

1. https://www.wellandgood.com/tonic-water-benefits/#:~:text=of%20drinking%20tonic-,water,-%3F

2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006295222000090

3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3548270/

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8765093/

5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4365124/

6. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171869/nutrients

7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19064536/

8. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682322.html

9. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=172.575

10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9714995/

11. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/2045254/nutrients

12. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-search?query=club%20soda&type=Branded

13. https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/added-sugars-nutrition-facts-label

14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3121651/

15. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Quinine

16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470158/

17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4973170/

18. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7665718/

19. https://www.fda.gov/files/about%20fda/published/Serious-risks-associated-with-using-Quinine-to-prevent-or-treat-nocturnal-leg-cramps.pdf

20. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/will-tonic-water-prevent-nighttime-leg-cramps

21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1200805/

22. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/quinine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20065753?p=1

23. https://uktis.org/monographs/use-of-quinine-in-pregnancy/