Tonic water. Club soda. Seltzer. Sparkling water. As you make your way down the store aisle, you may get a bit confused by the dizzying array of brands and varieties of clear bubbly beverages flooding the shelves.

These days, carbonation is clearly king. And as sparkling water and other effervescent offerings have grown popular, so have the questions swirling around these fizzy faves.

Is seltzer the same as club soda or tonic? What's the difference between these nose-tickling beverages?

In a nutshell, sparkling water, like Topo Chico or Perrier, has naturally-occurring minerals that give it a distinct flavor. Seltzer is simply water that's been carbonated. Some brands, like La Croix, may also add a bit of natural flavoring. Club soda is essentially a seltzer that's enhanced with minerals. Tonic water gets its distinctive taste from quinine, sweeteners and other natural flavors.

Whether enjoyed on their own, with a squeeze of citrus or in a cocktail, each has a unique taste and tingle worth trying, and we make it easy to stock up.

Shop Tom Thumb for a refreshing selection from popular brands like Fever-Tree, Q, Schweppes, Canada Dry and more.