Tonic Water Nutrition Facts

Calories, Carbs, and Health Benefits of Tonic Water

tonic water

Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman

Is tonic water healthy? It sounds like it should be because it has "water" in the name. But tonic water is more than just water.

Tonic water has a bitter taste that comes from quinine. Quinine is a natural substance found in the bark of the Peruvian cinchona tree, high in the Andes mountains. Most tonic water brands contain quinine, but the amount may vary from brand to brand.


Nutrition Facts

Tonic Water Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 12 fl. oz. can (355 mL)
Per Serving% Daily Value*
Calories 130 
Calories from Fat 0 
Total Fat 0g0%
Saturated Fat 0g0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g 
Monounsaturated Fat 0g 
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 55mg2%
Potassium 0mg0%
Carbohydrates 33g11%
Dietary Fiber 0g0%
Sugars 32g 
Protein 0g
*Based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Tonic Water Calories

Tonic water calories are surprisingly high. This popular mixer is loaded with 130 calories per bottle. So what's in tonic water that makes it less healthy than sparkling water or mineral water? The reason that tonic water is relatively high in calories (compared to calorie-free sparkling water or club soda) is that it contains a sweetener in some form. 



Tonic water can also be a source of sodium, depending on the variety that you buy and the amount that you drink. Seagram's brand tonic water, for example, provides 45 milligrams of sodium per serving; Schweppes brand tonic water provides 55 milligrams of sodium per serving.


Carbs in Tonic Water

The calories in tonic water come from sugars. There are 33 grams of carbohydrate and 32 grams of sugar per serving. The estimated glycemic load of tonic water is estimated to be about four.

Fats in Tonic Water

There is no fat in tonic water.

Protein in Tonic Water

T​onic water provides no protein

Micronutrients in Tonic Water

You won't gain any significant vitamins or minerals when you consume tonic water, however, there is a small amount of sodium, zinc and copper.

Health Benefits




Common Questions

What are the most popular tonic water alternatives?


  • Plain water. Plain water doesn't provide any bubbles but many people top off their favorite liquor with water instead of high-calorie mixers.

What is the best way to store tonic water after it has been opened?


Recipes and Preparation Tips

Most people use tonic water when they prepare adult beverages, most notably the gin and tonic. G and Ts as they are often called are a mix of gin, tonic, ice and lime. Usually, fans of the drink purchase tonic water at their local market as almost all grocers carry the soft drink.

You can make also your own tonic water. There are countless online recipes to try if you prefer craft-style beverages. Try experimenting with different herbs and flavors. The tonic water you make at home may or may not be lower in calories than the store-bought brands, but you can at least control the ingredients to create a beverage that caters to your personal tastes, such as a Low-Carb Sugar-Free Sweet Sour Cocktail.

Allergies and Interventions

It is possible to have an allergy to quinine that may cause a reaction if you consume tonic water. According to one published report, allergic reaction may cause thrombocytopenia (blood disorder), neutropenia (hematological disorder), anemia, clotting disorders, acute renal failure, liver toxicity, and neurological abnormalities. Another case report links allergic reactions specifically to tonic water. 

If you consume tonic water or if you suspect an allergy to tonic water, seek care from a qualified medical professional.

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Article Sources

  • Howard, M. A., Hibbard, A. B., Terrell, D. R., Medina, P. J., Vesely, S. K., & George, J. N. (2003). Quinine allergy causing acute severe systemic illness: report of 4 patients manifesting multiple hematologic, renal, and hepatic abnormalities. Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)16(1), 21-6.

  • Winter F. D. (2015). Immune thrombocytopenia associated with consumption of tonic water. Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)28(2), 213-6.
