11 Healthy Soda Alternatives that are Actually Good for You

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is more important than ever. While many of us reach for a can of soda either out of habit, to quench our thirst, or to get a quick energy boost, the long-term effects of sugary drinks on our health are less refreshing.

This article explores not just the impact of regular soda consumption but also shines a light on the best soda alternatives.

What are the best soda alternatives?

Looking for the best alternative to soda can be an uphill climb as nothing seems to taste close enough.

One of the best alternatives to soda is sparkling water. Sparkling water infused with carbon dioxide leaving it fizzy, fresh, and free of calories, sugar, and artificial sweeteners.

But we're getting ahead of ourselves! Let's take a look at the top 11 best alternatives to soda that you can make from home, or buy at the store.

1. Sparkling water

Also known as seltzer water or carbonated water, sparkling water is the best alternative to soda. Sparkling water is free of added sugar, calories, and caffeine -- especially if made from home using a soda maker. It can help you stay hydrated without the competition of caffeine and sugar levels in your body.

The benefits of sparkling water are numerous, some of which include aiding digestion and acting as an appetite suppressor. The fizziness of the carbonated bubbles can make your stomach feel fuller than it really is, making it a great way to start your morning if you enjoy intermediate fasting!

Not to mention, you can add almost any kind of healthy flavoring you can think of!

Bonus tip: If you already have a soda machine at home, make sure you sign up for the Soda Sense Refill Club to easily exchange CO2 canisters from your home and on YOUR schedule.

2. Iced tea

Iced teas are a great beverage to substitute your traditional sodas as they can provide a great way to stay hydrated without all of the sugar from soda.

A great in between from soda to iced tea that is a must try is the Arnold Palmer Lite. This variation is lighter on sugar, but still leaps and bounds healthier than a can of coke.

Iced tea can be both caffeine-free and caffeine-forward; the key component here, however, is that the caffeine from green tea for example is natural, whereas the caffeine found in soda is synthetically produced from pharmaceutical plants.

Bonus tip: If you like tea, try making our Sparkling Green Tea recipe and Sparkling Hibiscus Tea recipe from home today!

3. Coconut water

Coconut water is naturally rich in electrolytes, making it a great choice for athletes or anyone who is looking for an extra boost of natural energy instead of resorting to sugary sodas or sports drinks.

Coconut water's natural sweetness makes it a great alternative to sugary sodas, and its potassium content helps reduce blood pressure.

This beverage has a full body taste leaves you feeling refreshed and full without craving anything sweeter. It is also low in calories and fat, so it's a great option if you're also dieting!

4. Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea that has probiotic benefits that can help with staying healthy inside and out.

Not only does it have probiotic benefits, but due to its fermentation process, it also contains antioxidants that can be extremely beneficial to those who have liver damage.

It also contains polyphenols, B vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids, which can help with digestion and boost your immune system.

If you decide to make Kombucha at home, consider looking into the best ways to ferment from home to ensure you are following the necessary steps in taking care of the Mother.

5. Herb and fruit infused water

This may seem like a given, but mixing fruit and herbs with your everyday water may be just what you need to kick that cola crave.

From the juices of the fruits to the aromatics of the herbs, you can come up with a wide variety of delicious recipes to keep your taste buds entertained for days.

A great place to start is at your fridge. Whether thats strawberries, oranges, or apples, you can infuse your water with whatever you have on hand!

6. Sugar free lemonade

If you're craving a sweet treat without the added sugar, try making your own sugar-free lemonade at home. All you need are fresh lemons, water, and a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

For an extra refreshing twist, you can even add herbs like mint. If you prefer convenience, you can also purchase sugar-free lemonades at the store. Just be sure to check the ingredients for minimal artificial additives.

7. Sparkling mineral water

Sometimes plain water just doesn't cut it when you're craving something with a little more fizz. Not only does mineral water offer the same bubbly sensation, but it also comes with added benefits such as minerals and electrolytes.

Sparkling mineral water can be purchased at many local stores and comes in a variety of different brands. As with anything, make sure to read the ingredient list to ensure your purchasing the most natural beverage available on the market.

8. Fruit syrup recipes

For those who are feeling extra creative, making your own fruit syrup to add to sparkling water can be a fun and delicious alternative. Simply mix fruit with a sweetener of your choice (such as honey or agave) and store in the fridge for later use.

Experiment with different fruits such as strawberries, mangoes, or even herbs like lavender for a unique flavor twist. You can also adjust the sweetness level to your liking by adding more or less sweetener.

We have a great selection of homemade recipes for fruit syrups listed below!

9. Apple cider vinegar tonic

Apple cider vinegar may not have been your go to substitute, but have you considered trying a ACV tonic? Simply mix apple cider vinegar with sparkling water, a splash of lemon juice, and a sweetener if desired.

This mixture provides a crazy unique flavor profile that is both delicious and healthy for you! Some people even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

If you've been drinking soda for a long time, this may be your go to beverage as it contains a variety of gut healing properties and can aid in restoring your metabolism from years of sugar and artificial ingredients from store brand sodas. 

10. Maple water

If you're tired of resorting to plain water to curb your cola fix but still want a hydrating and refreshing drink that tastes better than tap water, consider trying maple water.

What the heck is maple water? Our question exactly. This natural beverage is made from the sap of maple trees and has a subtle sweet taste. Who knew maple could be good for you!

You can enjoy it on its own or mix it with some sparkling water for a bubbly twist. Maple water is also rich in nutrients like electrolytes, antioxidants, and minerals, making it a great choice for post-workout hydration.

11. Aloe vera juice

Aloe vera has long been known for its healing properties and hydration benefits for healing sunburns, but did you know it also tastes absolutely delicious?

Aloe vera juice is made from the gel of the aloe plant and can be found in many health food stores. It contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that can support digestion, boost immunity, and improve skin health– yes, from the inside out!

Drink it straight, mix it with some fresh lemon juice for a refreshing twist, or add it to your smoothies for an extra dose of nutrition.

Healthy homemade soda recipes

If you can't quite kick that soda habit, try making some healthy soda recipes from home instead!

However, classic soda flavors are difficult to replicate naturally due to their unique flavor profiles that are often defined by sugar or artificial sweeteners. Recreating Coke, root beer, and even Sprite can be challenging.

Some homemade flavorings are healthier than a can of soda that you can mix with sparkling water. Our favorite homemade soda recipes that resemble the real thing are:

• Orange Soda recipe
• Ginger Beer recipe
• Grape Soda recipe
• Lemon Lime Soda recipe

If you possess a soda maker and are keen on exploring traditional soda flavors, consider looking for classic soda mixers on platforms like Amazon or at a Target near you.

While some flavors might not replicate the originals perfectly, you might find others that you enjoy even more than the authentic versions!

Fruit syrup soda recipes

One of our absolute favorite things is experimenting with fruit syrups in the kitchen. Doing so allows you to get the feel for a syrupy soda but with delicious and healthy fruit instead of artificial flavors, making this another great alternative to soda!

Sometimes you have a hankering for something fizzy and sweet, but don't want to compromise on sugar or artificial ingredients found in store-bought cans.

• Strawberry soda
• Blueberry soda
• Cherry soda
• Cranberry soda
• Apple soda
• Watermelon soda
• Raspberry Peach soda
• ... and so much more!

Mocktails that taste like sodas

For those warm summer nights when you're craving a fizzy soda but not sugar, sparkling mocktails are a fantastic choice to get your bubbly fix in through a natural source.

Plus, alcohol can be easily added to turn your fizzy, fruity mocktail into a delicious summertime cocktail. Here are a few recipes:

• Raspberry Lime Rickey
• Melon Ginger Fizz
• Kiwi Mint Mocktail
• Watermelon Mint Mojito Mocktail
• Strawberry Mint Mojito Mocktail
• Grapefruit Paloma Mocktail

Related article: 12 Deliciously Easy Summer Drinks

Scary facts about soda

Soda has been around for centuries, but with modern science and nutrition, it has been found to be one of the worst beverages for your health.

With an average of 10 teaspoons of sugar or more, sodas have a high glycemic load (GL) meaning they spike blood sugar quickly leading to fatigue, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even cancer. 

Source: Intermountain Healthcare

The high sugar content in sodas is also known to contribute to tooth decay and cavities due to its ability to create plaque buildup on teeth.

Moreover, drinking soda has been found to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes as it raises insulin levels in the body more quickly than other foods or drinks. Not to mention that many soda brands contain caffeine which can lead to jitters, insomnia, and an increase in anxious tendencies.

It's safe to say that there is a lot more wrong with soda than it is good.

If you're ready to make the switch from soda to sparkling water, don't forget to stock up on extra CO2 canisters for your soda maker at home!

Related read: Why Juice is Just as Bad as Soda

How to make alternatives to soda from home

Making soda and alternatives to soda from home is a great way to choose healthier habits and control the ingredients your body is consuming.

The best way to make healthy soda from home is to use a soda maker machine. The only upkeep that is required is simply refilling your 60L CO2 canisters.

Using a CO2 refill club is an awesome alternative to refilling at the store. Ship and receive new canisters straight to your doorstop with the Soda Sense CO2 Refill Club and never be without bubbles.

Related read: How to make sparkling water at home

Choose a healthier alternative to soda

The best soda alternatives are within arms reach and can even be found at your local grocery store. Our top 4 soda alternatives are best for keeping your body hydrated without all of the added sugar and calories from soda.

A better tomorrow can start today, so toss out those toxic sodas and say hello to a world of possibilities starting with sparkling water.