10 Top Healthy Sodas and Sparkling Drinks to Consider
Healthy sodas and sparkling beverages aren't merely better for maintaining a slim figure; they also offer various health perks for the brain, gut, and beyond.
While it's rare to associate "soda" with "health", the times are changing. Say goodbye to the regular 12-oz Cola with its 39g of sugar. A new wave of drinks champions health with their reduced sugar, probiotics, and adaptogens. For those who can't quite bid adieu to carbonated beverages, here's a fresher, tastier alternative.
However, before diving in, a quick note: With obesity and diabetes on the rise in many countries, it's evident our dietary habits play a huge part. Overconsumption of added sugars from processed foods is a prime culprit. The CDC states that on average, American adults take in a whopping 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily, far exceeding the recommended limit set by the American Heart Association.
One significant source of these added sugars? Soft drinks. To improve nutritional habits, water should remain the primary hydration source, with low-sugar options post-exercise.
The Health Impact of Regular Sodas
Regular sodas, primarily due to their high sugar content, are detrimental to health. As per the CDC, they're a primary source of added sugar in American diets. Overconsumption can lead to weight gain, obesity, diabetes, heart issues, kidney diseases, liver diseases, dental issues, and even gout. What's more, these sugary beverages don't fill you up, potentially leading to overeating and further health complications.
Ranking Traditional Sodas by Calories and Sugar
- Sierra Mist: 130 calories, 37g sugar
- Sprite: 140 calories, 38g sugar
- Dr. Pepper: 150 calories, 39g sugar
- Coca-Cola: 140 calories, 39g sugar
- Pepsi: 150 calories, 41g sugar
- Fanta Orange: 160 calories, 44g sugar
- Mountain Dew: 170 calories, 46g sugar
Diet Soda: A Healthier Alternative?
There's a common perception that diet sodas are healthier. This isn't entirely accurate. They swap sugars for artificial ingredients. While there's some evidence linking diet sodas to health issues, the research remains inconclusive. Still, some points to consider:
- They're calorie-free but nutritionally empty.
- They might lead to overeating as people compensate for the "saved" calories.
- It's prudent to consume them in moderation.
10 Best Healthy Sodas and Carbonated Drinks
- Olipop: A contemporary carbonated tonic with prebiotics, plant fibers, and botanicals, offering flavors with only 2-5g sugar and 45 calories.
- Poppi: A health-focused soda containing apple cider vinegar, with flavors having under 25 calories and 5g sugar.
- Wave Soda: A mix of sparkling water and fruit juice, with each can having 15-25 calories and 2-6g sugar.
- United Sodas of America: A modern soda brand with unique flavors, all under 30 calories, and organically sweetened.
- Kin Spritz: A stimulating drink made from citrus, hibiscus, ginger, and adaptogens like rhodiola rosea.
- Live Sodas: Naturally sweetened with monk fruit and packed with probiotics.
- Corsa Co.: A modern take on traditional flavors, sweetened with beet-derived sugar and added electrolytes.
- Culture Pop Sodas: Made with organic ingredients and probiotics in unique flavor combinations.
- Recess: A refreshing drink aimed at relaxation, with added magnesium, ginseng, and L-theanine, and an optional CBD version.
- Sidekick Soda: A delicious healthy soda, made from real fruit, NZ honey, organic apple cider vinegar and no villainous additives. Sidekick has no stevia, erythritol or monk fruit sweetener - so there's no funny aftertaste!
