11 Healthiest Sodas in 2026, According to a Nutritionist

What is the healthiest soda to drink when you want something fizzy without a large amount of added sugar? There's no single healthiest choice for everyone. Unsweetened sparkling water is generally the simplest option, while lower-sugar, zero-sugar and prebiotic sodas can offer a closer alternative to traditional soft drinks.

There are actually quite a few choices, but the best one will depend on your priorities. You may be looking for fewer calories, less added sugar, no caffeine, a shorter ingredient list or added fiber. Serving size and how often you drink soda matter too.

Co-authored and nutritionally reviewed by Registered Nutritionist Jessica O’Shea, ANutr, this guide compares 11 of the healthiest soda options using their nutrition labels, ingredients and functional additions. From fruit-forward drinks to classic cola alternatives, these picks can help you find a better fit for your preferences without treating soda as a health food.

 Jump to Section

• Quick Answer: What Is the Healthiest Soda?
• Healthiest Sodas Summarized
• How We Choose the Healthiest Soda
• 11 Healthy Sodas To Try
• How To Choose the Healthiest Soda for You
• Are Prebiotic and Probiotic Sodas Actually Healthy?
• What Is the Healthiest Traditional Soda?
• Healthiest Soda FAQs

Quick Answer: What Is the Healthiest Soda?

There isn't really a single healthiest soda for everyone, but some options stand out depending on what matters to the soda popper. Olipop is our best overall lower-sugar choice because it combines relatively little added sugar with a substantial amount of fiber, while Zevia is better suited to those prioritizing zero sugar and zero calories. Use the recommendations below to find the best fit for your dietary preferences and soda cravings.

• Best overall: Olipop
• Best zero-sugar option: Zevia
• Best simple-ingredient option: Spindrift
• Best for added fiber: Olipop
• Best without high-intensity sweeteners: Culture Pop
• Best traditional-soda alternative: Poppi

Healthiest Sodas Summarized

As mentioned previously, the healthiest soda will depend on whether you want to reduce added sugar, avoid certain sweeteners, increase your fiber intake or find something that tastes closer to traditional soda. This table compares the featured option from each brand so you can quickly identify which one best suits your priorities.

Nutrition information reflects the specific flavor and serving size featured in each product profile. Most values are based on a 12-ounce serving, except where otherwise noted, and formulations may vary by flavor.

How We Choose the Healthiest Soda

At Cozymeal, we know that finding the healthiest soda can feel like a guessing game. You want something fizzy and flavorful, but without all the added sugar. That’s where we come in.

With years of experience in the culinary world and a genuine love for good food and drink, this guide considers ingredient lists, nutrition panels and consumer feedback. From ingredient transparency to flavor satisfaction, our approach blends nutritional knowledge with real-world tasting experience.

Registered Nutritionist Jessica O’Shea, ANutr, reviewed the selection criteria, nutrition labels and health guidance used in this article. Products were compared according to added sugar, calories, sweeteners, fiber, caffeine and ingredient composition. This ensures that we recommend the healthiest sodas, including several that fall into the category of lowest-sugar sodas rather than fully sugar-free options. We also take into account what real people are saying.

Beyond research and testing, we carefully review customer feedback to see which sodas people actually enjoy. The list spans prebiotics vs. probiotics, from fiber-forward sodas to kombucha and probiotic sparkling drinks, recognizing that no single functional ingredient works the same for everyone.

Nutrition Criteria

Every healthy soda on this list also meets a few key standards. These healthy sodas:

• Keep added sugar low or at zero.
• Avoid artificial sweeteners, colors and preservatives or use them minimally and transparently.
• Include options with and without functional ingredients like prebiotics or probiotics.
• Offer a range of flavor profiles, from classic cola styles to fruit-forward blends.
• Fit a variety of eating patterns, including low-sugar, plant-based and lower-calorie diets.
• Are widely available at major grocery stores or online.

Jessica and the editorial team considered:

• Added sugar
• Total calories
• Sweetener type
• Fiber content
• Caffeine
• Sodium
• Ingredient composition
• Serving size

Product Experience and Consumer Feedback

Products were assessed primarily by reviewing current nutrition labels, ingredient lists and information published by each manufacturer. We compared factors such as added sugar, calories, fiber, sweeteners, caffeine and functional ingredients across the featured products.

Where available, we also considered verified-purchase reviews and broader patterns in consumer feedback, particularly comments about flavor, sweetness, aftertaste and digestive tolerance. Because taste is subjective and not every product was personally sampled by the editorial team, consumer opinions did not outweigh the nutritional criteria used to make the selections.

Important Limitations

Ingredients such as prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins or botanicals do not automatically make a soda healthy. Their potential effects depend on the ingredient, amount consumed and the individual, and prebiotic or probiotic drinks may affect people differently.

These products are best viewed as alternatives to traditional soda rather than replacements for water, whole foods or a balanced diet. Nutrition information and ingredients may also differ between flavors or change over time, so check the current product label when making a choice.

11 Healthy Sodas To Try

1. Olipop — Best Overall

Olipop is a sparkling drink that delivers the sweet fizz of soda but is typically lower in calories and added sugar than traditional soda. It’s a strong pick for anyone looking for the healthiest soda option that still feels like a treat.

With just 2 to 5 grams of added sugar per can (depending on the flavor) and far fewer calories than many regular sodas, it’s an easy swap when you want something fizzy without going all in on sugar. What really sets Olipop apart as a contender for the healthiest soda is its prebiotic fiber blend.

Each 12-ounce can may include up to 9 grams of fiber, which can help support beneficial gut bacteria, though results vary by person and too much fiber too fast can cause gas or bloating. It can fit plant-based or low-sugar eating patterns, and with plenty of flavor options, it’s easy to rotate. 

If you can't decide, we think the best Olipop flavors are Orange Cream and Strawberry Vanilla. The only potential downside to Olipop is that its unique flavor profile may take a can or two to grow on traditional soda drinkers. But once it does, you might not go back.

Olipop Strawberry Vanilla Nutritional Info (per 12-ounce can)

• Calories: 45
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams 
• Sodium: 30 milligrams (1% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 16 grams (6% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 9 grams (32% DV)
• Total Sugar: 5 grams
• Added Sugar: 1 gram (2% DV)
• Protein: 0 grams

2. Spindrift Soda — Best Simple-Ingredient Option

If you're craving something fizzy but want to keep your ingredients clean, Spindrift Soda is a refreshing choice among the healthiest soda alternatives. Made with just sparkling water, real fruit juice and natural extracts, it skips artificial sweeteners and added sugar entirely.

It’s one of the healthiest sodas for those who prefer a more straightforward approach to flavor. There’s no strange aftertaste and no added fiber, which some people find easier on digestion.

With flavors like Ginger Ale, Grape and Strawberry Shortcake, Spindrift brings the same bright taste that made it one of the best sparkling water brands, now in a more soda-inspired form that keeps it in the healthiest soda conversation. It’s a solid option for anyone who wants fewer ingredients and a less sweet alternative to traditional soda.

Spindrift Concord Freeze Grape Soda Nutritional Info (per 12-ounce can)

• Calories: 40
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams 
• Sodium: 0 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 10 grams (4% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugar: 7 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams

3. Zevia — Best Zero-Sugar Soda

If you are exploring the healthiest soda but still crave bold flavor, Zevia is a popular option. This zero-sugar soda is sweetened with stevia and contains no calories, making it a very different choice from traditional sugar-sweetened sodas.

Each flavor feels thoughtfully crafted, from Classic Cola and Vanilla Cola to Black Cherry and Grape. The bubbles are lively yet smooth and the ingredient list is short and easy to understand.

Zevia works well for those who want fizz without sugar or calories, but it does not provide fiber or nutrients and is best viewed as a swap for soda rather than a health drink. Still, for people asking what is the healthiest soda when sugar reduction is the top priority, Zevia makes a strong case.

Zevia Vanilla Cola Nutritional Info (per 12-ounce can)

• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams 
• Sodium: 0 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugar: 0 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams

4. Poppi — Best Lower-Sugar Mainstream Alternative

Poppi brings a bright, fruity spin to the soda shelf with less added sugar than many regular sodas. With about 25 calories per can and 3 grams of added sugar, it can be a smart pick for anyone cutting back on added sugars but still craving something fizzy and fun.

With Poppi flavors like Raspberry Rose, Cherry Limeade and Classic Cola, this healthy soda brand appeals to drinkers who want a playful taste without the artificial aftertaste of traditional diet sodas.

Poppi stands out among the healthiest sodas for its crisp, refreshing taste and low-calorie formula, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth who still wants to make a smarter, feel-good choice.

Poppi Classic Cola Nutritional Info (per 12-ounce can)

• Calories: 25
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams 
• Sodium: 0 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 8 grams (3% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 3 grams (11% DV)
• Total Sugar: 5 grams
• Added Sugar: 3 grams (6% DV)
• Protein: 0 grams

5. Wildwonder — Best Prebiotic and Probiotic Soda

Wildwonder stands out in the world of healthiest sodas for its vibrant flavor combinations and focus on added functional ingredients. This fizzy drink includes both prebiotics and probiotics, which may support digestive health for some people, though responses can vary based on the individual and the amount consumed.

Instead of artificial sweeteners or high amounts of sugar, Wildwonder uses small amounts of real fruit juice along with monk fruit for sweetness. That approach keeps overall sugar lower than many traditional sodas, while still delivering a rounded, soda-like flavor.

With unique options like Raspberry Lychee, Guava Rose and Cherry Lemonade, this sparkling drink appeals to those looking for a low-sugar, plant-based option that still feels indulgent.

While it is not a replacement for whole foods or a cure-all for gut health, Wildwonder can be a reasonable choice for people searching for the healthiest soda that still satisfies a soda craving, especially if bold flavors are your thing.

Wildwonder Cherry Lemonade Nutritional Info (per 12-ounce can)

• Calories: 40
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams 
• Sodium: 0 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 12 grams (4% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 5 grams (18% DV)
• Total Sugar: 6 grams
• Added Sugar: 5 grams (10% DV)
• Protein: 0 grams

6. Culture Pop — Best Without Added Sugar

Culture Pop is a refreshing alternative for those seeking the healthiest sodas without sacrificing flavor. Unlike traditional soft drinks, this probiotic soda contains live cultures along with fruit juice, which sets it apart from standard sugar-sweetened sodas.

Available in inventive, sophisticated flavors like Orange Mango Chili & Lime and Pink Grapefruit Ginger & Juniper, Culture Pop appeals to health-conscious sippers who still want a bold, exciting beverage. While it is not sugar-free, the sweetness comes from fruit juice rather than added sweeteners.

That can keep added sugar at zero, but fruit juice still counts toward total sugar, so it can add up if you are watching your intake. Calorie-wise, it is often lighter than classic soda, which keeps it in the conversation around the healthiest soda to drink for people who prioritize taste with fewer calories.

Culture Pop Grape Soda Nutritional Info (per 12-ounce can)

• Calories: 45
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams 
• Sodium: 40 milligrams (2% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 10 grams (4% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugar: 8 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams

7. Evolution Fresh Real Fruit Soda — Best Fruit-Based Option

Evolution Fresh Real Fruit Soda is a sparkling drink made with real fruit juice and no artificial sweeteners or preservatives. What helps it stand out is its focus on added functional ingredients, alongside a relatively low sugar profile compared with traditional sodas.

Each can contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that has been studied for its potential effects on satiety and blood sugar response, though individual tolerance can vary. It also includes Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6086, a probiotic strain that has been researched for digestive support.

As with most probiotic beverages, benefits depend on the amount consumed and the person drinking it. With its crisp, fruity flavor, modest calorie count and straightforward ingredient list, this option works as a lighter alternative to conventional soft drinks and earns a place among the healthiest sodas for people looking to cut back on added sugar without giving up fizz.

Evolution Fresh Real Fruit Soda - Organic Tropical Mango (per 12-ounce can)

• Calories: 45
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams 
• Sodium: 15 milligrams (1% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 12 grams (4% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 5 grams (18% DV)
• Total Sugar: 5 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams

8. SunSip — Best Vitamin-Fortified Soda

SunSip by Health-Ade is a bubbly, lightly sweet drink designed to feel like soda with less sugar. That balance helps earn it a place on many shortlists for the healthiest soda.

Crafted with a blend of monk fruit and small amounts of real fruit juice concentrate, it delivers familiar soda-style flavors like Pomegranate Berry, Strawberry Vanilla and Lemon Lime. Each can includes prebiotic fiber plus added vitamins C, B6 and B12, along with trace minerals like zinc and selenium that support normal immune function.

While it is not a replacement for whole foods or a primary nutrient source, it can be a refreshing alternative to traditional soda. For people looking to cut back on sugar while still enjoying fizz and flavor, SunSip fits comfortably among the healthiest sodas as an occasional swap rather than an everyday nutrition drink.

SunSip Root Beer Nutritional Info (per 11.5-ounce can)

• Calories: 35
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams 
• Sodium: 0 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 8 grams (3% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2 grams (7% DV)
• Total Sugar: 5 grams
• Added Sugar: 2 grams (4% DV)
• Protein: 0 grams

9. Humm Probiotic Soda — Best Zero-Sugar Probiotic Option

Known for its kombucha, Humm has expanded into bubbly refreshment with a line of probiotic sodas and seltzers. Each can contains live cultures, about 2 billion per serving, and no added sugar, placing these drinks among the healthiest sodas for people watching their sugar intake.

Sweetened with allulose, a low-calorie sweetener that is metabolized differently than sugar, these sodas deliver sweetness without a traditional sugar load. Flavors like Berry Cream and Lemon Lime lean into a nostalgic soda-shop vibe, while Raspberry Lime and Peach seltzers are better suited to those who prefer lighter sweetness.

While probiotics can support gut health for some people, effects vary by strain and individual, and these drinks are best enjoyed as a soda alternative rather than a primary probiotic source. If you are cutting back on calories or sugar but still want fizz and flavor, Humm Probiotic Soda fits comfortably among the healthiest sodas that do not feel overly restrictive.

Humm Probiotic Soda Berry Cream Nutritional Info (per 12-ounce can)

• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams 
• Sodium: 0 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 10 grams (4% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugar: 0 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams

10. Liquid Remedy Kombucha — Best Kombucha Alternative

If you are looking to switch things up without giving up fizz, Liquid Remedy is one of the healthiest soda brands to try. This bubbly kombucha delivers a tangy snap and contains live cultures from fermented tea, which may support gut health for some people.

With bright flavors like Mixed Berry, Raspberry Lemonade and Peach, it appeals to anyone who wants something more complex than a typical healthy soda. The tart edge can take a sip or two to get used to, but the dry finish and zero sugar make it an appealing option for cutting added sugar while still enjoying a soda-like experience.

While kombucha is often associated with digestive benefits, it is worth noting that effects vary based on the person and the amount consumed. Liquid Remedy’s low-calorie and sugar-free profile makes it more about flavor and fizz than a meaningful source of nutrients.

Liquid Remedy Kombucha Orange Splash Nutritional Info (per 8.5-ounce can)

• Calories: 5
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams 
• Sodium: 0 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 5 grams (2% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugar: 0 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams

11. Nixie Organic Zero Sugar Soda — Best Organic Zero-Sugar Soda

Nixie Organic Zero Sugar Soda is a strong option for anyone who wants the familiar flavor and sweetness of soda without sugar or artificial sweeteners. Its drinks are USDA Certified Organic and sweetened with organic stevia leaf extract, setting them apart from many conventional zero-sugar sodas.

The range includes nostalgic flavors such as Classic Cola, Cherry Cola, Cream Soda, Root Beer and Ginger Ale, along with a fruitier Strawberry Cream option. With no calories or sugar, Nixie can work well for people who want to reduce both without giving up classic soda-style flavors.

Nixie doesn't provide fiber, probiotics or other significant nutrients, so it is best viewed as a zero-sugar replacement rather than a functional health drink. Stevia can also have a distinctive taste that does not appeal to everyone. Most of the range is caffeine-free, but Classic Cola contains 40 milligrams of caffeine per can, so check the individual flavor when avoiding caffeine.

Nixie Classic Cola Nutritional Info (per 12-ounce can)

• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Sodium: 30 milligrams (1% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram (0% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
• Total Sugar: 0 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams

How To Choose the Healthiest Soda for You

When comparing healthier sodas, start with your main goal. Do you want to reduce sugar, avoid caffeine or find a drink with a simpler ingredient list? Check the label rather than relying only on health-focused packaging and marketing. Then check the following:

• Added sugar: Lower is generally better, but remember that zero added sugar does not always mean zero total sugar.
• Sweeteners: Check whether the drink uses sugar, fruit juice, stevia, monk fruit, allulose or artificial sweeteners.
• Fiber: Prebiotic sodas may contain several grams of fiber, which can cause bloating or digestive discomfort for some people.
• Caffeine: Cola-style flavors sometimes contain caffeine, even within otherwise caffeine-free product ranges. For caffeinated options designed specifically to boost energy, compare our guide to the healthiest energy drinks. 
• Serving size: Compare similar serving sizes because cans and bottles vary.
• Functional ingredients: Prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins and botanicals can be useful additions, but they do not automatically make a drink healthy.

Are Prebiotic and Probiotic Sodas Actually Healthy?

Prebiotic and probiotic sodas can be a better alternative to traditional soda when they contain less added sugar and fewer calories, but those ingredients do not automatically make them healthy.

Prebiotics are fibers that feed beneficial gut bacteria, while probiotics are live microorganisms intended to support digestive health. Their effects vary depending on the type and amount used, as well as the person drinking them. High-fiber sodas may also cause gas or bloating for some people, particularly when introduced suddenly.

Check the full nutrition label rather than focusing only on gut-health claims. Added sugar, calories, sweeteners, caffeine and serving size still matter.

Overall, these drinks can be useful swaps for conventional soda, but they are not substitutes for water, fiber-rich foods, fermented foods or a balanced diet. Treat the prebiotic or probiotic content as a possible added benefit rather than the main reason to consider a product healthy.

What Is the Healthiest Traditional Soda?

There is no clear healthiest traditional soda because most regular colas, lemon-lime sodas, ginger ales and root beers contain similar amounts of added sugar and offer little nutritional value. Clear soda is not automatically healthier than dark soda, and ginger ale is not necessarily a low-sugar choice.

For regular full-sugar soda, the best option is usually a smaller serving of whichever brand you enjoy. Choosing a mini can can reduce your sugar and calorie intake more meaningfully than switching between similar 12-ounce sodas. Regular soda can contribute a significant amount of added sugar without providing much nutritional value.

If reducing sugar and calories is your main priority, a zero-sugar version is the strongest traditional-soda option. A caffeine-free zero-sugar soda may also suit people avoiding caffeine. However, these drinks use alternative sweeteners and should still be viewed as occasional refreshments rather than health drinks.

Ultimately, serving size, sugar content and how often you drink soda matter more than whether you choose cola, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda.

Healthiest Soda FAQs

What Is The Number One Healthiest Soda?

Olipop is our best overall pick because it contains relatively little added sugar while providing up to 9 grams of fiber per can. However, the healthiest soda depends on your priorities. Zevia may be a better choice if you want zero sugar and calories, while Spindrift suits those looking for a shorter ingredient list without high-intensity sweeteners.

Is There A Soda That Is Not Bad For You?

Lower-sugar sodas can be better choices than traditional soft drinks, especially when they help reduce your added sugar intake. However, no soda becomes healthy simply because it contains fewer calories or added functional ingredients. Serving size, frequency and the rest of your diet all matter, so even healthier sodas are best enjoyed in moderation.

Is Zero-Sugar Soda Healthier Than Regular Soda?

Zero-sugar soda contains little or no sugar and usually has far fewer calories than regular soda, making it a useful alternative for people trying to reduce either. However, it may contain high-intensity sweeteners and offer little nutritional value. Whether it is the better option depends on your preferences, drinking habits and overall diet.

Are Prebiotic Sodas Good For You?

Prebiotic sodas contain fibers that feed certain bacteria in the gut. They may contribute to your daily fiber intake, but the amount and type of fiber vary, and some people experience gas or bloating. Choose them based on the complete nutrition label rather than assuming that the word “prebiotic” automatically makes a soda healthy.

Is Ginger Ale Healthier Than Cola?

Ginger ale is not automatically healthier than cola. Many regular ginger ales contain a similar amount of added sugar, and the name alone does not reveal how much real ginger the drink contains. Compare the nutrition labels and serving sizes rather than relying on the flavor or color of the soda.

What Is The Healthiest Soda For Weight Loss?

A zero- or low-calorie soda may help reduce beverage calories when it replaces full-sugar soda, but no soda directly causes weight loss. Unsweetened sparkling water is generally the simplest fizzy option, while lower-calorie sodas can be useful transitional choices. Long-term weight management depends on your overall eating pattern, activity and energy intake.

Not all fizzy drinks are created equal, and the healthiest sodas tend to keep added sugar low while leaning on simple ingredients, or functional extras like prebiotics or live cultures.

Whether you want a classic cola vibe or something fruitier, these picks make it easier to enjoy bubbles without making soda an everyday health drink.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.