I’m Kicking My Soda Habit — Here’s What I’m Drinking Instead

I can admit it: I drink entirely too much soda. I know it’s not good for me, but when I crack open that tiny silver can and take the first sip, I quickly forget about all the artificial sweeteners, questionable ingredients, and caffeine that I’m ingesting. On particularly stressful days when I reach for a mini can one too many times, I try to hide all the cans so my husband doesn’t judge me. But when I’m wide awake and wired at 11:00 at night, he usually says "Too much soda today?"

So, I’m trying to kick my bad habit. However, I’m still craving something cold and fizzy to drink. I’ve been trying a lot of different canned drink options and here’s what I know: I don’t like drinks that try to copy the taste of my favorite soda. Instead, I just want something that tastes great and gives me a little extra pep during the day.

Here are the drinks you’ll find in my fridge these days:

POPPI Sparkling Prebiotic Soda

This variety pack of Poppi Soda is a great way to try some of their most popular flavors. Each can is low in sugar and calories, and the ingredient list isn’t full of chemicals. Don’t be turned off by the apple cider vinegar — all you taste is the yummy flavor! My favorite is the cherry limeade. Also, Poppi is made with prebiotics that help create the healthy bacteria in your gut.

Topo Chico

Topo Chico has quickly become one of my favorite soda alternatives because there is just something so enjoyable about drinking a fizzy drink out of an ice cold bottle. It’s light, refreshing, and a great option when you want something to drink other plain water.

United Sodas of America

These drinks win for the chicest packaging. How cool is this can? United Sodas of America has a wide variety of really delicious flavors and a wide range of fun mocktails and cocktail recipes. With flavors like sour blueberry and toasted coconut, you can enjoy this drink right from the can or as part of a fun drink you can whip up anytime.

OLIPOP

Another fan favorite in our house: Olipop. Even though I usually don’t love flavors like regular cola or root beer, I really love Olipop. Each can is under 50 calories, non-GMO, vegan, and gluten free. My favorite part (besides the great flavors) is no artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, preservatives, or ingredients.

Good & Gather

On your next Target run, grab a pack of Good & Gather’s sparkling water for a delicious treat. The strawberry mango is really delicious and so is the pomegranate dragon fruit. Also, check out the ingredients: water and natural flavors — love it! So simple and a great option to grab instead of soda.

Aura Bora

This drink is really different from the others on the list and it’s definitely worth a try. Aura Bora is an herbal sparkling water with flavors like ginger meyer lemon, strawberry basil, peppermint watermelon, and my favorite: cactus rose. No calories, no sodium, and no sugar — it’s a nice switch up from the typical options.

PATH

I love great packaging as much as I love great flavors and PATH sparkling water has both. Choose between raspberry orange, lemon lime, and grapefruit mango. Get a great sparkling water with zero calories, no added sugar, and lots of natural ingredients. It’s also the first 100% recyclable water packaged in an aluminum container.

Recess Mood Magnesium Supplement Drink Calming Beverage

I love my magnesium supplement and all of the benefits I see and feel from it, so I was excited to try Recess. This drink contains magnesium L-threonate and L-theanine to help your body and mind maintain calm and balance. A delicious drink that keeps me zen — I’m a fan.

Culture Pop Soda Sparkling Probiotic Drink

Fun flavors with organic fruit juices and live probiotics! Culture Pop has a more mild flavor than others on the list, so it’s a great one to try if you feel like other sodas and soda alternatives are too sweet. This variety pack has some great choices and it’s the perfect place to start with this brand.

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