If you’re looking to cut down on sugar and artificial ingredients, there are plenty of healthy alternatives to traditional soda that don’t compromise on taste. These drinks often deliver functional benefits as well, or at the very least...they don't have any of the worst ingredients. E.g. (GT's uses cane sugar for fermentation not sweetness, and Poppi only uses a small/moderate amount of cane sugar)
1. Sparkling Water
A refreshing and zero-calorie alternative, sparkling water is a great soda substitute. Flavored options like Aura Bora use natural herbs, fruits, and flowers to deliver unique tastes without any added sugars. Source: Trust Me, Bro (Me)
2. Kombucha
Look for brands like GT's Kombucha. Although it does have some sugar, it's so delicious! And I particularly appreciate how the founder also dedicates the beverage to his mom. Source: Trust Me, Bro (Me)
3. Prebiotic Sodas
Drinks like OLIPOP and Poppi combine a soda-like experience with health benefits. These drinks are low in sugar and are packed with prebiotics and botanicals that are believed to support digestion. They are a flavorful and gut-friendly alternative to traditional soft drinks. But..umm...buy Perfy! Haha. Source: Trust Me, Bro (Me)
4. Infused/Enhanced Water
For a simple DIY option, infuse your water with fresh fruits, herbs, and spices like lemon, mint, or cucumber. This not only adds flavor but also helps boost hydration without any added sugars. My favorite RTD enhanced water is Lemon Perfect. Source: Source: Trust Me, Bro (Me)
5. Coconut Water
A natural electrolyte-rich beverage is unsweetened coconut water. It's low in sugar and offers hydration benefits, making it a great alternative to soda, especially after a workout. You can now find some lightly carbonated versions of this drink too. But I prefer a coconut water drink called BARCODE over most of the others. Worth noting that Harmless Harvest is my favorite regular coco water. So dang refreshing! Trust Me Bro (Me)
6. Nootropic & Adaptogenic Drinks
Drinks like Perfy combine water and real fruit juice with functional ingredients like nootropics and adaptogens. These help improve mental clarity and reduce stress while offering a lower sugar, refreshing alternative to traditional soda. Source: Trust Me, Bro (Me)