The world of health is changing. Every day, social media “influencers” are sharing their new tricks and tips for a healthier lifestyle. More companies and brands are emerging with healthy alternatives to beloved foods. The soda industry, in particular, has drastically changed. Many companies have surfaced, trying to promote healthier beverages. These companies, including poppi, OLIPOP, and Zevia, have been inspired to stray away from the traditional, unhealthy sodas and create sodas with less sugar and more benefits.
poppi
Like many other soda drinkers, Allison Ellsworth realized that she needed to find healthier alternatives. Ellsworth wanted to keep the flavor of soda, without having to consume the excessive amounts of sugar and unhealthy ingredients. In 2015, she formulated her own healthier alternative to soda, which later became known as poppi. The soda brand has grown exponentially since its beginnings in 2015 because of a deal on Shark Tank, endorsements by numerous celebrities, and — of course — its delicious flavor. Containing five grams of sugar or less, poppi has a substantially lower amount of sugar compared to the average soda. It contains prebiotics and around 100 less calories than Coca-Cola or Sprite. With over ten flavors, poppi is the perfect replacement for a traditional soda.
OLIPOP
OLIPOP is a prebiotic soda brand that was crafted by Ben Goodwin and David Lester over a decade ago. They had a combined vision for a healthier soda that did not consist of spoonfuls of sugar. Their goal was to provide an alternative that is better for digestive health, but also very flavorful. All of the 19 OLIPOP flavors have five or less grams of sugar. They also have roughly 100 less calories than a traditional soda. OLIPOP’s mission also includes sustainability and giving back to the community through donations to nonprofits. According to their website, 1% of every OLIPOP purchase is donated to one of their promoted nonprofit organizations. Trees, Water & People, American Farmland Trust, and Partnership for a Healthier America are a few of the nonprofits that OLIPOP donates to.
Zevia
Founded in Seattle in 2007, Zevia is an alternative soda company with zero grams of sugar and zero calories. Instead of sugar, the soda includes stevia leaf extract as a source of sweetener. According to their website, the soda brand has removed 73,000 metric tons of sugar from diets since 2011. Another priority for Zevia is ensuring that they don’t use plastic in any of their packaging. They also ensure that their drinks are more affordable than other non-alcoholic beverages. In North America, Zevia is 65% more affordable than all other non-alcoholic beverages. Zevia is another alternative soda brand that has numerous benefits compared to a traditional soda.
The definition of soda is changing. More companies are emerging with the mission of providing consumers with a delicious beverage with a considerably less amount of sugar. Companies like poppi and OLIPOP are also adding additional benefits with prebiotics for digestive health. Next time you are looking for the flavor of a soda, but not the unhealthy ingredients, try one of these alternatives!