Tonic water is often sweetened and has high amounts of carbohydrates.
Tonic or tonic water is a carbonated soft drink. This colorless drink contains small amounts of the medicinal ingredient quinine, which gives tonic water its bitter taste. Most tonic waters also contain some kind of sweetener to counter the bitterness. This results in a high carbohydrate content to the drink. In fact, a 16-oz. can or bottle of tonic water contains as much as 43 grams of carbohydrates.
Corn Syrup
The majority of tonic water found in stores today is sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup. This is often an alternative to sugar because it is much more readily available than cane sugar. Critics argue that this substance is more harmful to sugar because it is highly processed.
Agave Syrup
Syrup derived from the agave cactus is also used to sweeten tonic water.
Higher end tonics are sweetened with agave syrup. This is produced in Mexico from the agave cactus. This type of syrup is sweeter than honey so manufacturers don't need to use as much when sweetening the tonic water. Agave has a low glycemic index, meaning it has almost no impact on blood sugar. This is especially helpful for diabetics who are sensitive to sugars.
Agar Syrup
The most expensive brands of tonic water, including Q Tonic, are made with natural agar syrup. The substance is more gelatinous and derives from red algae. This syrup is 80 percent fiber so it has a low glycemic index.
Artificial Sweeteners
Diet tonic waters introduced into the market appeal to those on lower calorie or low-carbohydrate diet. These drinks are sweetened with saccharin, sucralose (Splenda), Aspartame (Equal or NutraSweet) or other artificial sweeteners. The result is tonic water that has zero calories and only negligible traces of carbohydrates.
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