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Safer sips There's no denying that America has a love affair with soda--in just one year, the average American guzzles 44 gallons of the sweet stuff. And our infatuation with fizz continues to derail our health. Scientists believe that consuming a lot of soda is linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, heart attack, and stroke. And diet soda's not any better for you (these 7 gross side effects of drinking diet soda will make you rethink your habit).
The good news is that a new era of pop culture is upon us: Companies across the country are reformulating soda to consist of natural, organic ingredients in the hopes of pleasing your palate--as well as your doctor. We scoured the shelves to find the best sodas out there. Our criteria: no high-fructose corn syrup; no more than 20 g of sugar; no artificial colors like Red 40 or Yellow 5; and a glass of the fizzy stuff had to be less than 100 calories. Extra points for short ingredient lists (under 10 items) and organic or non-GMO ingredients.
Now, let's get sipping.
DRY SodaDRY SodaFlavor: Wild Lime
When Top Chef winner Richard Blais is at the helm of a soda brand, you know you're in for a delicious ride. But a healthier soda? That's a welcome surprise. Created specifically to be a less-sweet soda, each bottle has just four all-natural ingredients, with the perfect touch of cane sugar sweetness. Bonus: these low-cal, high-brow sodas come with pairing suggestions. A glass of the Wild Lime goes well with Asian-inspired foods and fish tacos. Dipping into the Vanilla soda? Try that with roast chicken or some panna cotta. ($15 for a 12 pack, drysoda.com )
Blue SkyBlue SkyFlavor: Creamy Root Beer
When it comes to making all-natural soda, this isn't a new trend for the folks at Blue Sky Soda. Since 1980, the California-based company has been swapping stevia into their beverages, and without preservatives or artificial colors.
(Prices vary, blueskysoda.com )
ZeviaZeviaFlavor: Mountain Zevia
This alt-soda's name is an homage to its sweetener, stevia. A few stats about the leafy plant: It's 100x sweeter than soda, but has no calories and no effect on blood sugar levels, making it a better choice for diabetics. What's the catch? Products that use stevia tend to have a bitter, tinny taste to them. Mountain Zevia, on the other hand, doesn't carry that metallic aftertaste-making it a soda aisle staple. (Love stevia? Here are 9 more ways to get your sweet fix without sugar--or sketchy artificial chemicals.) ($25 for a pack of 24,
12 NtMFlavor: Blanc
If you're looking for something refreshing, look no further than this bubbly combination of citrus, ginger, cardamom (a spice that may help with digestion), herbs, spices, and a blend of three teas. A glass of this chef-created fizzy beverage tallies only 60 calories and 13 g of sugar. It looks gorgeous on the table, too. (Prices vary, twelvebeverage.com )
SteazSteazFlavor: Blueberry Pomegranate
Green tea + soda? It's the new power couple. Made from organic, fair trade certified green tea, this Stevia-flavored bubbly beverage has zero calories but is packed with flavor. (What's healthier: coffee or tea? Check out our latest Health Food Face-Off.) ($2, steaz.com )
Fever TreeFever TreeFlavor: Ginger Ale
Made from a combination of three green gingers from Ecuador, this natural ginger ale separates itself from the pack in terms of both taste and quality of ingredients. UK-based Fever Tree focuses mainly on mixers, but their ginger ale is just as delightful sipped solo. Clocking in at only 6 ingredients and 17 g of sugar, this bottle is perfect for a sweet liquid treat. ($40 for a pack of 24, fever-tree.co-uk )
Veri SodaVeri SodaFlavor: Cola
We love Veri's clean 6-ingredient list, and the line is organic and chemical-free, sweetened by a small amount of organic cane sugar blended with stevia. Ah, but how does it taste? Consider your cola craving quenched, with the added bonus of a surprisingly tangy, lemon kick.
(Prices vary, verisoda.com )
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