Brian Nagele
Soda has a reputation as a sugary and unhealthy beverage that you should avoid if you want to eat healthily. However, some sodas can be healthy if you consume them in moderation.
Stick to 12 ounces of soda or less daily to stay within healthy bounds.
Many sodas were originally invented for medicinal purposes. However, many of them evolved to be refreshing beverages, and there are many popular soda brands competing today.
The healthiest sodas have low amounts of sodium, calories, and carbohydrates. As with any dietary choice, you should talk to your doctor about soda consumption, especially if you have diabetes.
Read on to learn about the healthiest sodas to drink.
Sierra Mist
Sierra Mist is often considered one of the healthiest sodas you can drink because a 12-ounce can contains 140 calories, 35 milligrams of sodium, and 37 grams of carbohydrates.
The lemon-lime flavored soda debuted from PepsiCo in 1999. This drink is one of my favorite sodas for a hot day when I need refreshment.
This soda contains citric acid, sugar, and potassium citrate.
Besides the original Sierra Mist flavor, there have been plenty of other flavors throughout the years, including Sierra Mist Natural, Sierra Mist Zero Sugar, Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash, Sierra Mist Ruby Splash, Diet Sierra Mist, and Sierra Mist Strawberry Kiwi Splash.
Seagram’s Ginger Ale
Seagram’s Ginger Ale is a classically healthy soda. Historically people used this beverage to quiet an upset stomach.
Whether or not those trick works is up for debate. However, ginger does have some anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger also provides a delightful tangy flavor that makes this soda a little different from others.
A 12-ounce can contains 130 calories, 34 grams of carbohydrates, and 40 milligrams of sodium. This drink includes high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, and ginger extract.
Besides being delicious on its own, ginger ale is a popular mixer for cocktails and mocktails.
I am always a fan of ginger ale. If a can of it is available at a barbeque, that will always be my first choice. It’s also great when you’re hungover!
Sprite
Sprite is the Coca-Cola company’s product, similar to PepsiCo’s Sierra Mist. Both sodas have a lemon-lime flavor with some variance.
It is one of the healthiest sodas available thanks to its 146 calories, 37 grams of carbohydrates, and 33 milligrams of sodium. T.C. Evans released Sprite in 1955, and Coca-Cola acquired the drink in 1960.
This soft drink comes in many flavors, including cranberry, cherry, grape, orange, vanilla, ginger, and tropical.
The lemon-lime soda is another excellent choice for hot days. Sprite is great on its own or when added to cocktails or mocktails.
7-Up
7-Up is another popular lemon-lime-flavored soda. It does not contain caffeine, making it a perfect treat later in the day.
The Keurig Dr. Pepper company owns this soda. Each 12-ounce can contains 140 calories, 45 milligrams of sodium, and 39 grams of carbohydrates.
There are many 7-Up variations, including Tropical 7 Up, 7 Up Retro, Cherry 7 Up, Orange 7 Up, & Up Light, and 7 Up Mojito.
I love using this soda as a mixer, and it is fun to try all the different variations.
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is a classic soda that has maintained popularity since 1886.
A 12-ounce can contains 140 calories, 39 grams of carbohydrates, and 45 milligrams of sodium.
It also has caffeine. There are several variants of Coca-cola, including Coca-Cola raspberry, Coca-Cola Lemon, Coca-Cola Cherry, Vanilla Coke, Coca-Cola Ginger, Coca-Cola Starlight, and Coca-Cola with Coffee.
While the exact recipe behind this drink is a mystery, there are some listed ingredients, including phosphoric acid, caramel color, and other natural flavors.
The soda can have sugar or high fructose corn syrup, depending on the country of production. I love this soda if I want a bit of a pick-me-up.
Pepsi
Pepsi is the flagship product of PepsiCo. The drink has been around since 1893.
However, it has evolved significantly since its origin. Today it has a caramel-like flavor with a citrus tang.
Each 12-ounce can contains 150 calories, 41 milligrams of carbohydrates, and 30 milligrams of sodium. This soda also contains caffeine, making it an alternative to coffee for many people.
The original beverage contains high fructose corn syrup, sugar, phosphoric acid, citric acid, and caffeine.
Besides the original Pepsi flavor, there has been a Caffeine-Free Pepsi, Pepsi Wild Cherry, Crystal Pepsi, Pepsi Twist, Pepsi Lime, Pepsi Nitro, Pepsi Vanilla, and Pepsi with Real Sugar.
Do away with your assumption that all sodas are bad for you. In moderation, each of these soda options can be a healthy way for you to engage your sweet tooth.
Always check with your doctor about making any diet changes.
If you’re really looking to cut sugary drinks, consider checking out the best sparkling water brands instead – they’re flavored, but low on sugar and still offer that carbonated fizz for your cravings.
Check out some discontinued sodas that we wish we could give another try.
FAQ
Q: What are the healthiest sodas?
A: “Healthy” and “soda” are two words that don’t usually go together, as most sodas are high in sugar and don’t provide any nutritional benefits. However, some sodas are less unhealthy than others. Those would be sodas that are low in sugar or use natural sweeteners, and do not contain artificial colors or preservatives. Examples could include sodas sweetened with stevia or erythritol, or naturally flavored sparkling water.
Q: Does healthy soda exist?
A: While there’s no soda that’s truly “healthy” in the sense of providing nutritional benefits, some options are less unhealthy than others. Sodas that are low in or free of sugar, and don’t contain artificial colors or preservatives, are a better choice than traditional sugary sodas. Some brands offer “clean” or “natural” sodas that are sweetened with stevia or other natural sweeteners. Another alternative could be naturally flavored sparkling water.
Q: What is the healthiest Coke product?
A: Among Coca-Cola’s product line, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is one option for those looking to reduce sugar intake, as it has zero sugar and calories. However, it contains artificial sweeteners, which some people may wish to avoid. Coca-Cola also owns several brands of water and sparkling water, including SmartWater and Topo Chico, which are healthier options than sugary soda.
Q: Is Pepsi the healthiest soda?
A: Pepsi is not typically considered a “healthy” soda due to its high sugar content. Pepsi does offer a no-sugar version, Pepsi Zero Sugar, which has zero calories and zero sugar. However, like other diet sodas, it contains artificial sweeteners. If you’re looking for a truly healthy beverage, plain water, unsweetened tea, or naturally flavored sparkling water are better choices.
