There’s nothing better than cracking open a cold can of soda to ease the tensions of the day. As refreshing and satisfying as they may be, sodas contain numerous harmful substances and alarming amounts of sugar. Even sugar-free and diet sodas aren’t safe.
Aspartame is an ingredient often found in diet sodas. Essentially, it’s a combination of 2 amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Taste-wise, aspartame is 200 times sweeter than sugar. This means only a small amount of it is needed to make a beverage sweet. Although it may not be harmful in small quantities for a healthy individual, it is problematic for many others. Individuals suffering from obesity have the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Aside from aspartame, there are numerous other ingredients in sodas that should be a cause for concern. Many videos in the past have even gone viral because of horrifying things these sodas can do on things other than the human body.
This isn’t to say that you can’t drink soda. There is no reason why you should miss out on a refreshing cola at the theater or a root beer with your pizza- so we scoped out the healthiest new options on the market. Here are the top 10 healthiest soda options that’ll keep you refreshed and feeling good:
La Croix
La Croix is a very popular name in the sparkling water industry but they also have a soda their line. It’s La Cola contains no artificial ingredients and unlike many other unhealthy sodas, it has 0 sodium and no sweeteners or sugars added.
Olipop
If you’re looking for a soda that does more than refresh your taste buds, then Olipop is a great option. Not only does it have only 2g of sugar but it also has probiotics and 9g of fiber. Additionally, it’s GMO and gluten free and its 12oz can comes in at only 25 calories. It also has many of your classic flavors like vintage cola, root beer, orange squeeze, and many others.
Poppi
Poppi is another great healthy soda that contains so many great properties. Not only does it contain 0g of sodium but like Olipop, it has probiotics for gut health. At 20 calories, every 12oz can is infused with apple cider vinegar and contains 7% juice.
They may not have the traditional flavors like cola, they do have many other delicious fruity options. If you want a soda that naturally detoxifies, aids digestion, and helps your immunity – Poppi is a great option.
Zevia
Coming in at 16oz a can, Zevia has a long list of benefits and substances it doesn’t contain. Zevia’s Cola is a 0 calorie, 0 sugar soda that has no artificial colors. It’s non GMO and is soy free, gluten free, and sodium free, all while containing no preservatives.
Celsius
A very healthy and power packed soda option is Celsius. As some of the other soda brands don’t contain any caffeine, Celsius 200mg of it to help you stay alert throughout the day. Additionally, it helps burn body fat, speeds up your metabolism, and contains no aspartame. The healthy energy this soda provides you with is derived from green tea, ginger, and guarana seeds. It contains 7 essential vitamins and has been proven in studies by 6 Universities.
Culture Pop
Culture Pop is another non GMO, vegan soda that contains probiotics to help your immune health. It delivers a mix of real organic fruit juices along with a touch of cane sugar. It comes in a dynamic array of fruit flavors like wild berry, watermelon lime, and orange mango among many others; and packs quite a punch at only 40 calories.
New Wave
New Wave is another caffeinated variety of soda that contains a whopping 15% juice. Each 12oz is low in both sugar and sodium, at 5g and 25mg respectively. This line of soda has an “old school” looking can and gives you the energy that an ordinary caffeinated soda would but without their ill effects. New Wave’s sodas are a great beverage to hydrate yourself with right after a workout.
Live Soda
If you’re not into those fruity flavors, Live Soda is the option for you. Bringing you your favorite choices like cola, lemon lime, root beer, and “doctor” (cherry) in a sophisticated 12oz can, this probiotic can of goodness is a fantastic replacement for your unhealthy soda options. Just like the other healthy soda brands, Live Soda is decaffeinated, has 0 sodium, non GMO and gluten free, and is naturally sweetened with monk fruit – all at 10 calories.
Virgil’s
As for a brand that brags about handpicking its natural ingredients, Virgil’s is another brand that brings you your favorite traditional choices. The zero sugar beverage sweetens with a natural blend of monk fruit, erythritol, and stevia. With 9 satisfying flavors coming at a beautiful 0 calories, you can’t go wrong with Virgil’s.
Revive Organic Kombucha
Revive Organic Kombucha doesn’t only have a name that’s fun to say but it’s the name of quality as well. Approved organic by the USDA, this clinically back, Kosher option serves a 12oz can at 20 calories each. With billions of probiotics in each can, this Californian soda brand is a perfect light soda to crack open whenever you need to be refreshed. With 0 caffeine and 5g of sugar, you can enjoy this before bed and enjoy a good night’s rest.
