30 Healthy Soda Alternatives for a Refreshing Change

I once believed I needed soda for a quick energy boost or a sugar fix. But when the pandemic hit, I couldn't find my go-to soda at the store, and I wasn't drinking it at restaurants either. Surprisingly, my energy levels didn’t dip.

Fast forward to today, and I can barely handle a small can of soda, nor do I really miss it. That's because I never had to give up on enjoying a fizzy drink; I simply found soda alternatives.

Whether you're looking to cut back on soda to drink more water, reduce caffeine, avoid additives, cut sugar, or lower calories, there are plenty of alternatives available. You can even create your own fizzy drink at home with a soda maker (like a SodaStream), which lets you pick your flavor and saves money. For grab-and-go convenience, these soda replacements are perfect for even the most dedicated soda lovers.

Healthy Alternatives to Soda

If you're a soda lover but want to cut back on sugar, there are plenty of tasty alternatives out there that capture the classic flavors of cola, root beer, cream soda, and ginger ale. Try Zevia Zero Calorie Soda or OLIPOP, a gut-friendly prebiotic drink. Health-Ade and Poppi, both popular prebiotics, come in fun fruit flavors that can rival the soda you crave.

Fruit-Infused Sparkling Water

Sparkling waters made with natural flavors or real fruit juice (such as Spindrift) make an excellent soda alternative. While pure fruit juice can pack as much sugar as soda, these drinks deliver bold fruity flavors with little to no sugar.

Sparkling Tea

Sparkling tea is an excellent alternative to soda, offering not only antioxidants but also a caffeine boost. Whether you prefer herbal, citrus, or fruity varieties, there's a sparkling tea brand for every taste.

Caffeinated Sparkling Water

Cutting out soda doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to caffeine. In fact, trying to quit both soda and caffeine at the same time might make it harder to stick to your goals. Instead, opt for a caffeinated sparkling water without the guilt. These four brands offer all the energy with zero sugar and zero calories.

Kombucha

Kombucha, a fizzy, fermented tea, can be a great soda alternative once you get accustomed to its tangy taste. It's low in calories and packed with probiotics for gut health, though keep in mind that it contains sugar (except for Humm Zero Sugar Kombucha) and caffeine. If you're looking to reduce sugar, dilute it with sparkling water for a refreshing, healthy twist.

Herbal Sparkling Water

Herbal sparkling water isn't as common as other carbonated waters and tends to come with a higher price tag. However, if you're looking to curb sweet cravings or desire a drink that feels truly refreshing, splurging on a 12-pack might be worth it.

Water Enhancers

To enhance the flavor or health benefits of your water, try flavor drops like MiO or packets like Liquid I.V. Whether you're at home or on the go, these products can add electrolytes, vitamins, or even caffeine to your still or sparkling water.

Sparkling Mineral Water

If you love soda's carbonation for the feeling of fullness, unflavored sparkling mineral water can offer a similar effect. It's a great option to sip during meals without overpowering your food's taste, and it can also help with digestion and prevent constipation.