Pepsi just announced Obtained probiotic soda Brand Poppi is priced at $1.95 billion. Together with Olipop, this is another popular char soda you might see on the shelves Homemade healthy colapeople obviously have the potential health benefits of “healthy” soda Aspartame.
These numbers add up too. according to tastePrebiotic Soda is a generative AI consumer insight platform for the food and beverage industry, with consumer interest growing 39% year-on-year on social media and online searches. But the question remains: Are these sodas really as healthy as people think? We asked the experts about their opinions.
Popular prebiotic soda: What do they contain?
Prebiotic drinks There was a hot moment. Coca-Cola, along with fast-growing brands such as Poppi and Olipop, has launched a new prebiotic soda called Pop. With five flavors based on natural ingredients, it looks like a healthy alternative to soda like Coke or Pepsi.
Other brands are also eager to enter this growing market. These include:
- Wild kill
- Cultural popularity
- Turveda
- Powerful pop music
- Sunsip (from Kombucha Brand Health-Ade).
“The emerging ‘functional’ soda water tries to redefine the category. Components of prebiotic varieties such as POPPI and Olipop, such as agave protein and quirky roots, which often stimulate the model, which is beneficial. Compared to traditional soda, 50 cans per can – 4 to 7 grams less sugar.”
“Nevertheless, their health benefits remain uncertain,” he said.
This is emphasized by the recent lawsuit filed by Poppi. exist Cobbs v. VNGR Beverage LLC (2024, U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California), a consumer filed a class action lawsuit against the brand. this Document says POPPI “contains only two grams of prebiotic fiber, which is too low to bring meaningful gut health benefits to consumers from a person that can bring meaningful gut health benefits to consumers.” As Clarke explains: “None of the two grams of prebiotic fiber per gram may be sufficient to significantly lower the five grams threshold required for measurable gut health improvement.”
Additionally, the soda choices for these probiotic plants may come with other disadvantages. For example, some containing apple cider vinegar can be Not good for teeth Due to its acidity. (Although ACV can have some health benefits – Number of drinks Include it – It is best to brush your teeth after eating them. )
Are Poppi Sodas and similar brands actually healthy?
Prebiotic drinks are used as a healthy alternative to soda. But are they? We asked some experts if this is really healthy soda.
Let’s review some of their answers here:
- Anastasiia KaligaNutritionists and biologists of the app loveanswered: “It depends on our ‘health’. Prebiotic soda seems to be a better option than traditional sodas filled with sugar and human ingredients.”
- Dr. Raphael Cuomoprofessor and biomedical scientist at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and clinical cancer epidemiologist. “From the point of view of preventing life-threatening diseases like life-threatening cancers and heart disease, the key consideration is to reduce sugar intake. However, some new sodas are not likely to be added to lower sugar than traditional sugar, so they are no longer a candy option, and therefore, they are no longer a healthy option.”
- Brian Bethkefounder of Bear Maple Farm said: “We need more research. The benefits of eating whole food prebiotic sources are well known, but there is a lack of peer-reviewed study of prebiotic soda. In addition, some other sweeteners, such as Stevia and Erythritol, may have the effect on the microbiome in ways we do not fully understand.
The key issue here is that something sold as a soda for gut health may not bring the benefits you expect. The health benefits of prebiotics are well documented (Healthy effects and sources of prebiotic dietary fiber2018; Prebiotics: definition, type, source, mechanism and clinical application2019). However, many of these many options for probiotic soda contain only these nutrients based on these fibers. They really can’t measure the benefits you get from prebiotic sources.
As Cuomo explains: “Prebiotic soda water may cause small amounts of fiber, but they are not the main source of meaningful prebiotic intake. A diet rich in vegetables, beans and whole grains can have greater benefits for gut health, which is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.”
Dr. Amy Eloheim, a board-certified functional health practitioner, licensed holistic health practitioner and herbalist, sums up this very well: “Probiotic soda can be a convenient way to support gut health, but it shouldn’t be your only pre-biological source.”
What experts need to say when looking for healthy soda alternatives
There are certain things you can watch out for when you are looking for a healthy alternative to soda.
Amy Lee, medical nutritionist and founder nuclearSuggestions: “By reading the ingredients by word, look for buzzwords that reflect sugar. There are over 70 sugar names that can be found in processed foods. Also, look for preservatives that keep the soda fresh and retain the color to give it a desired look and a certain flavor. I’m not a fan personally Artificial sweetener But noticed that there were a lot of things added to replace processed sugar. ”
Cuomo recommends avoiding artificial sweeteners altogether, as well as “phosphoric acid, caramel coloring and preservatives, which may help with inflammation or metabolic destruction.” He added: “Consumers should prioritize low sugar content, ideally less than 5 grams per serving, and check the actual fiber content.”
Coca-Cola’s new probiotic soda water is simply popular.
If you want healthy soda to support gut health, Clarke adds the particularity you should look for. “Check specific fiber types (e.g., inulin, galactose sugars [GOS]) and amount. Brand advertising intestinal income should highlight the fiber content, ideally more than 4 to 5 grams per serving. ”
Let’s distil it into a list that you can use when purchasing healthy alternatives to soda:
- Less than 5 grams of sugar
- Four or more grams of fiber, ideally, list a specific type of fiber
- No artificial sweeteners
- No artificial coloring
- No preservatives
- Phosphoric acid-free
“Prebiotic sodas can be a fun and refreshing way to get gut health, but let’s keep our vision — they are not alternatives to high-fiber diets or digestive panacea,” Kaliga said. “Enjoy them is an occasional supplement to your daily routine, but don’t rely on them as a primary strategy for improving digestion.”
How to make healthy soda at home
The kind of prebiotic soda you are considering may not do wonders for your gut health. If you’re still looking for a better option, you can stir one yourself. We use experts to come up with some ingredients you can mix together to make a great choice at home.
Soda
Lee recommends starting with the bottom of the soda water where you can add natural flavor. Because water is one of the nutritional properties of the body Very neededwhich helps your hydration level. Clark also notes that using odorless soda helps you avoid excessive sodium and additives.
Prebiotic fiber
If you want to make a healthy soda in your gut, add prebiotic fiber. Eloheim recommends chicory or acacia fiber. Cuomo also recommended Cocory Root and said Inulin works. Clark said drug-resistant potato starch can also mimic commercial prebiotics.
If you don’t have any of these specific kinds of fiber on hand, Kaliga says you can use some mixed fiber fruits, such as kiwi or banana.
Add enough to bring your homemade healthy soda to meaningful prebiotics. Aim at 5 grams or more.
Natural sweetener
a lot of Substitute for natural sugar Can make soda sweet without damaging your health. Clark advises: “Choose 1 to 2 teaspoons of raw honey or maple syrup, which provide antioxidants and trace minerals without spike blood sugar levels.”
Citrus Juice
Some fresh citrus juices, such as lemon or lemon juice, can season your healthy soda and bring benefits. These introduce some antioxidants that protect your cells, Cuomo said.
Herbs and spices
Eloheim recommends adding herbs and spices, such as cinnamon or mint to “enhance flavor and digestion.” This can make your healthy soda flavor more fun without adding excess sugar.
Kombucha
If you want to get some probiotic benefits with prebiotics, Eloheim recommends adding a little bit Kombucha drink wine. This introduces more “good” bacteria to support your gut health.
root
Several of our experts recommend adding ginger or turmeric. Cuomo says these ingredients will not only season your healthy soda, but also have anti-inflammatory effects.
Sample healthy soda recipes
Clarke has provided us with a sample recipe that you can use to provide healthy soda at home. He said to combine:
- 8 oz soda
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon honey
- A little sea salt
He recommends the final step to add health benefits: “Ferment for 12 to 24 hours to cultivate probiotics.”
Bottom line
The claim to a healthy soda brand may be exaggerated, especially when it comes to gut health. While prebiotic beverages can introduce some of these nutrients, they cannot compete with whole foods.
You may still want to enjoy probiotic soda as a little treat and is a healthier alternative to traditional soda. To find the best, make sure to read the label carefully. You want to see a lot of fiber, just a little sugar.
But remember that, as Clark said, “consumers should consider these products as occasional supplements, rather than alternative fiber diets.”
