The Best Healthy Soda Alternatives: What to Drink Instead of Sugary Sodas

Soda is a beloved beverage, but traditional options are packed with sugar, artificial ingredients, and empty calories. If you’re looking for healthier soda alternatives, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re cutting back on sugar, avoiding artificial sweeteners, or just want a better-for-you fizzy drink, here are the best soda substitutes that deliver big flavor without the guilt.

1. Sidekick Soda – The Best All-Natural Soda Alternative

✅ Why It’s Great: Naturally sweetened with honey, low in sugar, and packed with real fruit flavors
✅ Sugar Content: Just 3.5g per 100ml
✅ Flavors: Cherry, Mango, Strawberry, Pear, and Plum

Sidekick Soda is an excellent replacement for traditional sodas. It contains zero artificial sweeteners, is sweetened with premium New Zealand honey, and features real fruit flavors. Plus, it includes organic apple cider vinegar, which provides added health benefits without compromising on taste.

2. Sparkling Water – The Simplest Swap

✅ Why It’s Great: Zero sugar, zero calories, and ultra-refreshing
✅ Popular Brands: LaCroix, Spindrift, Perrier

If you love the fizz of soda but want to ditch the sugar, sparkling water is the perfect alternative. Brands like Spindrift offer real fruit-infused options that provide a hint of natural sweetness.

3. Kombucha – A Fizzy Probiotic Powerhouse

✅ Why It’s Great: Packed with probiotics, antioxidants, and gut-friendly benefits
✅ Popular Brands: Health-Ade, GT’s, Remedy

Kombucha is a fermented tea-based drink that offers a slight tangy flavor and a naturally carbonated experience. It’s great for gut health and typically contains way less sugar than soda.

4. OLIPOP – A Functional Prebiotic Soda

✅ Why It’s Great: Low sugar and packed with gut-friendly fiber
✅ Sugar Content: 2-5g per can

OLIPOP is a modern prebiotic soda alternative that supports digestive health while still providing a soda-like experience. It contains botanicals, fiber, and plant-based ingredients for a functional boost.

5. Poppi – Apple Cider Vinegar-Infused Soda

✅ Why It’s Great: Supports digestion with real fruit juice and ACV
✅ Sugar Content: 4g per can

Poppi combines fruit juice with apple cider vinegar to create a light, refreshing soda alternative that delivers a tangy twist without artificial ingredients.

6. Zevia – A Zero-Sugar Soda Alternative

✅ Why It’s Great: 0g sugar, naturally sweetened with stevia
✅ Flavors: Cola, Ginger Ale, Root Beer, and more

Zevia keeps things classic by offering soda flavors without sugar, calories, or artificial ingredients. If you’re looking for a healthier cola substitute, this is a solid option.

7. Infused Herbal Sparkling Teas

✅ Why It’s Great: Lightly flavored, antioxidant-rich, and naturally fizzy
✅ Popular Brands: Sound, Minna, Rishi Sparkling Botanicals

For those who enjoy herbal and floral flavors, sparkling tea offers a low-sugar, refreshing alternative that provides unique taste profiles with added wellness benefits.

8. Coconut Water with Bubbles

✅ Why It’s Great: Naturally hydrating and full of electrolytes
✅ Popular Brands: Vita Coco Sparkling, Bai Bubbles

Coconut water is an excellent hydration option and when carbonated, it provides a light, fizzy texture with natural sweetness.

The Rise of Healthy Soda Alternatives

With more consumers ditching traditional sodas, the demand for healthier, low-sugar alternatives continues to rise. Whether you’re drawn to natural sodas like Sidekick Soda, gut-friendly kombucha, or zero-calorie sparkling waters, there’s a perfect alternative out there for you.

Want to experience a healthier soda that’s naturally sweetened and full of real fruit flavor? Try Sidekick Soda today!

Which of these soda alternatives are your favorite? Let us know in the comments! 👇