Are Today's Popular Soda Alternatives Actually Healthy?

What’s the current ratio of food to fizziness in your fridge? In many kitchens, sparkling waters, low-sugar sodas and fizzy beverages are crowding out food storage space. Sure, the drinks are refreshing and delicious ― but are they really a healthy option? And how much is too much to consume each day? We asked nutrition experts what they sip on when they want a bubbly treat, and they shared insights on some top brands.

Low-sugar sodas have some fans...

Soda has been undergoing a better-for-you reinvention, and Olipop , which brands itself as “a new kind of soda,” has been a big hit with consumers, including registered dietician Marissa Meshulam . “I was a soda lover growing up, so this brings back all the nostalgia — without the 30 or more grams of added sugar,” she said. “They have five grams of sugar or less, and there’s the added gut health benefits of prebiotics. Win!”

“Drinking Culture Pop is one of the tastiest ways that I support my gut health,” said registered dietician nutritionist Bianca Tamburello . “It has added probiotics to help replenish beneficial gut bacteria and balance the important gut microbiome.” Each 12-ounce can has 40 calories and 6 grams of sugar.

...But not everyone is convinced

Other nutrition experts have their doubts. RDN Amanda Frankeny said: “Olipop and Poppi claim that adding inulin to their drinks brings fiber that feeds the good bugs living in your gut. I recognize that the fiber in soda is a sweetening option that lowers the sugar content. But I think this marketing is ahead of the research. More work is needed to prove that fiber in soda does the body so good.”

She pointed out that while the term “functional” appears on many of these cans, it’s worth considering what that