eli5: Why is co2 the gas used to pressurize drinks. Why can’t something like nitrogen or atmosphere air be used.

Question

eli5: Why is co2 the gas used to pressurize drinks. Why can’t something like nitrogen or atmosphere air be used.

In: 2772

Answer 1

Nitrogen is frequently used for some beers. It results in smaller, more evenly distributed bubbles to give a smoother texture.

The CO2 that occurs in things like beer and champagne is a natural byproduct of the fermentation that produced alcohol. It gets trapped in the bottle and results in natural carbonation. Soda uses CO2 because its cheap and has a familiar texture to naturally carbonated drinks.