I think most of us know by now that soda is super harmful to our bodies – but it can be challenging to find an easy soda alternative that actually tastes good. That’s why I’m going to share with you the best alternatives I’ve discovered and have been loving for years.
These soda alternatives are perfect for those who want to cut down on sugar intake, get healthier or just want to try something new. These alternatives only takes a few minutes to prepare and use natural ingredients like sparkling water and fresh fruit juices.
The best part? This soda alternative is much cheaper than traditional sodas! You’ll no longer have to spend a fortune on expensive drinks that do more harm than good. With this recipe, you can enjoy a refreshing drink without breaking the bank.
Why is soda Bad for you?
A growing body of research, including a study published in November 2013 in the American Journal of Public Health, has linked soda consumption to an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes, as well as to rising rates of obesity.
Researchers at Tufts University, studying several thousand men and women, found that women who regularly drank cola-based sodas — three or more a day — had almost 4% lower bone mineral density in the hip, even though researchers controlled for calcium and vitamin D intake.
But women who drank non-cola soft drinks, like Sprite or Mountain Dew, didn’t appear to have lower bone density.
According to WebMD, some people believe that cola drinks can leech your bones of their nutrients. Yikes!
Why most soda alternatives fail
Most soda alternatives just don’t cut it for a few reasons.
For one, many of them are loaded with artificial sweeteners and other questionable ingredients that can be just as bad (if not worse) for your health than soda itself.
Most alternatives also fail to address the two key things that people crave from soda – the bubbly carbonation and the sweet taste. While some alternatives may have one or the other, very few actually manage to satisfy both cravings at once.
Lastly, many alternative beverages can be quite expensive or difficult to find, making them less accessible for those on a budget or without access to specialty stores.
It’s all of these reasons that led me to making my own soda alternative at home. It’s cheap, easy, tastes great and is pretty healthy!
The simple soda alternative You’re going to Love
If you’ve read my article 6 Amazingly Useful Ways to Drink More Water, you were introduced to my favorite natural liquid enhancer Stur. I use it daily in my water but I also love to add it to sparkling water as a soda alternative. This satisfies the need to have something sweet and bubbly.
My simple soda alternative is Stur + La Croix Sparkling Water or Crystal Geyser Unflavored Sparkling Water. Voila! So easy! But, just in case you want to add even more health benefits to your soda alternative drink – here are some more tips.
You can also add in some fruit either frozen or room temp for a little extra flavor.
You can even kick it up a notch and add in some quick dissolving fiber or quick dissolving fiber with probiotic, to help with your cravings.
If you try this combo and find you still have soda cravings then believe it or not you may be low in calcium. So if that’s the case, then try this next time… mix the Stur liquid enhancer (one squirt) into your favorite LaCroix or other sparking water (check the labels) and add a bit of calcium powder.
The calcium powder brand I use is Natural Vitality Raspberry-Lemon Flavor Natural Calm Plus. It has calcium, plus magnesium. The magnesium helps the calcium to more readily absorb into the body and not just get flushed out of my system. Let’s face it, the American diet is so deficient in magnesium we could all probably use a little extra. I enjoy this one as a natural sparkling lemonade.
How to Buy a Liquid Flavor Enhancer
When using a natural flavor enhancer it’s important to read the labels. Often times these liquid flavor enhancers will have things like sugar, food coloring, or other ingredients that are harmful to your body and may cause your body to retain weight.
Even if the bottle or package says “natural” – please still flip it over and check the ingredients! I have been duped into buying a few “natural” brands that were ultimately garbage.
My favorite natural liquid flavor enhancer, and the only one I recommend is, is Stur Liquid Water Enhancer. There are no harmful or fake ingredients.
Just one squirt per glass of water.
You can get them at your health market or on Amazon, super convenient and fast. These little bottles last a while. Each little bottle makes between 20-30 servings.
Quick List of Soda Alternative Ingredients
I’ve given you plenty of options in this post, but let me give you a quick rundown of my absolute favorite ingredients. Of course, feel free to mix and match these bad boys to create your own unique flavor combinations. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, don’t be afraid to toss in some other ingredients for added health benefits. The sky’s the limit when it comes to crafting the perfect drink!
