Consuming sugary sodas is a widespread habit in the United States, and the market offers many carbonated drinks with various flavors and sweeteners. However, traditional sodas contain calorie-containing sweeteners that might impact your health negatively. Excessive sugar consumption is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, abdominal fat, and poor mood. Thus, finding low-sugar and healthier soda alternatives can be beneficial.
To help you reduce your sugar intake, we have compiled a list of 25 healthy soda alternatives that are lower in sugar than traditional pop. Swapping some or all of your sugar-sweetened soda for these alternatives may support weight loss, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and enhance your nutrient intake and overall diet quality. It’s worth noting that soft drinks are not the only source of added sugar in the American diet, and other beverages and food items can also contribute to excessive sugar intake.
When selecting our soda alternatives, we looked for carbonated drinks with less sugar than traditional soda and those made without aspartame, a common zero-calorie sweetener in diet soda. Luckily, the market offers a wide range of healthier options. Check out our top picks and try some new alternatives to traditional soda!
1) Cherry Bubly
Nutrition per can: 0 calories, 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g sugar)
Added sweeteners: N/A
Bubly offers a range of flavored carbonated waters that are a healthier alternative to sugary sodas. They come in a variety of flavors, such as lime, strawberry, and grapefruit, which provide a burst of flavor without any added sugar or artificial sweeteners. For those who enjoy soda for the caffeine content, Bubly Bounce is their line of caffeinated sparkling water, with each 12-ounce can containing 35 milligrams of caffeine. This is similar to the amount found in a regular soda, providing an energy boost without the added calories and sugar.
2) La Croix Coconut
Nutrition per can: 0 calories, 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g sugar)
Added sweeteners: N/A
La Croix, the original sparkling water brand, offers a vast selection of flavors, including fruit-flavored drinks, coffee essence, and even cola flavoring. All La Croix drinks are free from calories, added sugars, and sugar substitutes, making them a great alternative to traditional soft drinks. With a wide range of flavors available, La Croix is sure to have something to suit everyone’s taste.
3) Blackberry Hint Sparkling Water
Nutrition per can: 0 calories, 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g sugar)
Added sweeteners: N/A
Hint sparkling water is a great option for those looking to fall in love with water. It comes in several fruit flavors and has no added sugars, sweeteners or calories. They also have vitamin-enhanced waters, kid-friendly boxed options with straws, and options with caffeine. However, the caffeinated drinks contain 60 milligrams of caffeine, which is more than what you’ll typically find in soda.
4) AHA Lime + Watermelon
Nutrition per can: 0 calories, 0 mg sodium, 0 g carb (0 g sugar)
Added sweeteners: N/A
AHA sparkling water is a great option for those who want a variety of unique flavor combinations without added sweeteners, calories, or sodium. Their flavors include blueberry + pomegranate and pineapple + passionfruit, among others. AHA also offers a line of caffeinated drinks that use white, black, or green tea for an energy boost.
5) HOP WTR Classic
Nutrition per can: 0 calories, 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g sugar)
Added sweeteners: N/A
HOP WTR is a sparkling water with a unique twist – it’s made with hops, the ingredient that gives beer its distinct taste. This non-alcoholic beverage is also infused with adaptogens and nootropics that can help your body manage stress and improve cognitive performance, according to the brand. In addition to their Original flavor, HOP WTR offers a variety of fruit flavors to choose from, making it a refreshing and healthy alternative to sugary drinks.
6) Spindrift Nojito
Nutrition per can: 4 calories, 0 mg sodium, 1 g carbs (0 g sugar)
Added sweeteners: N/A
Spindrift uses small amounts of real juice to flavor their drinks, resulting in fun flavors like lime + mint and pink lemonade. With no added sugar and only a few calories per can from the fruit juice, Spindrift offers a healthier alternative to sugary sodas. They also have a line of spiked carbonated waters that are made without any added sugar.
7) Waterloo Orange Vanilla
Nutrition per can: 0 calories, 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g sugar)
Added sweeteners: N/A
Waterloo offers a variety of delicious and refreshing sparkling water flavors, all made without added sugar or sweeteners. With the slogan “water down nothing,” they aim to provide a pure and flavorful experience. In addition, they use purified water to ensure an optimal pH balance and carefully craft each flavor for the perfect taste and aroma.
8) Topo Chico Twist of Grapefruit
Nutrition per can: 0 calories, 15 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g sugar)
Added sweeteners: N/A
Topo Chico produces its sparkling beverages using mineral water, which contributes to a small amount of sodium in their products, and it also contains calcium, setting it apart from other sparkling water brands. Although the flavor options are limited, many fans appreciate Topo Chico for its delightful bubbly texture. For a healthier twist, check out this article on how to make healthy soda at home! https://www.daisycreekfarms.com/blog/make-your-own-healthy-soda
Avoid unhealthy sodas high in sugars and artificial ingredients to protect your health, and check out our article on the unhealthiest sodas for more information.
https://beautyfemina.com/avoid-these-8-unhealthy-sodas/