In 1998, soft drink consumption in the United States reached a record high of more than 54 million liters per year. per capita (we also thought Beanie Babies were more valuable than Bitcoin around this time, so perhaps our judgment was off). Nearly two decades of public health initiatives later,Americans have been smartly moving away from sugary sodas in favor of healthier alternatives.reaches a 31-year lowi 2017.
Bron: Business Insider
For those of us who have come to rely on caffeinated drinks like Diet co*ke or Mountain Dew to get through the day, it's scary to think of what we might be sipping instead. That's why we've put together a list of soda substitutes packed with flavor and health benefits that will help you avoid the cola this year.
From low-calorie, caffeinated sparkling water to probiotic-rich kombucha, many of these alternatives are low in sugar and available throughout the day.hydration, a known productivity enhancer. We challenge you to try these 10 healthy soda substitutes and not find a new favorite drink!
1. Arnold Palmer Lite
It's okay to have a sweet drink every now and then, especially one with less than a quarter of the sugar of the soda you're replacing. Legendary golfer Arnold Palmer's signature drink is, first and foremost, delicious and better than that, available in a "lite" version. This refreshing combination of iced tea and lemonade contains only 13 grams of sugar compared to co*ke's 60 grams.
2. Tea – iced or hot
The tea's wide range of flavor profiles, caffeine content and seasonal temperatures make it a great soda alternative for just about anyone. Some teas also provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. If you still need a few drops of sweetness after you've found your ideal tea form, try replacing sugar with honey. That plus a squeeze of lemon makes for a really refreshing and healthy alternative to sugary soda.
3. Freshly squeezed lemonade
If you thought the lemon slice in the tea above looked refreshing, think about how good a cold glass of fresh lemonade tastes on a hot summer day. Mix it with a dash of cane sugar or agave nectar for a hint of natural sweetness, and you won't miss the sugar rush of a can of soda.
Lemons are also a great source of vitamin C, whose benefits "may include protection against immune system defects, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye diseases and even skin wrinkles," according toKathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD.
4. Sparkling water
After decades of public health initiatives,consumers are abandoning sugary soft drinksfor its healthier counterpart:flavored sparkling water. Natural essence flavors are a delicious substitute for the sugar in soda, and for those who cite the fizzy burn of the first sip of soda as their favorite part, wait to get the same bubbles without the artificial ingredients.
Sparkling water manufacturers are everywherenow, from homes to offices and hotels to restaurants. Instead of buying bottles and cans, savvy sparkling water drinkers often invest in sparkling water dispensersmitigate the impact on the environmentfrom purchasing cases of plastic bottles.
If you also enjoy the energy boost from certain soft drinks like Mountain Dew or Dr Pepper, you'll be happy to hear that some smart water coolers alsocaffeinated sparkling water.Can it get any better than that?
5. Kombucha
Kombucha, very muchflavored sparkling water, has seen its share rise in recent years. While the bold flavor may take some getting used to, there is typically little or no added sugar. It has that toothe added benefit of probioticsand antioxidants, which are known to promote gut health. Now available everywhere from health food stores to supermarkets and even on tap in some cafes, it's worth trying this fizzy yeast to see if it's the Prince Charming of your soda replacement mission.
6. Sparkling water with a splash of juice
Perfect for brunch. Sparkling water with a splash of orange, cranberry or mango juice is a great alcohol-free, low-calorie alternative to mimosas or Bellinis. Looking for a lighter touch? Skip the juice (and calories) and garnish or infuse your sparkling water with slices of lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit.
7. Maple water
No, maple water is not the same sugary syrup that adorns your pancakes and French toast. On the contrary, it isunprocessedmaple sapapproximately 98 percent waterand free from additives and preservatives. About 15 calories per 8 oz glass, maple water contains a small amount of sugar that contributes to a refreshingly subtle flavor. As one maple water producer explains: “You should try it.”
8. Fruit and herbal infusions
Although infusions take a little more time and work than buying a store-bought fruit drink, they are a great way to use up extra fruits and herbs in the refrigerator before they go bad.
Just chop what you have on hand – strawberries and lemon or blackberries and lime are two of our favorite combinations – throw them in a pitcher or reusable water bottle and let them steep for at least four hours for best results. If you like fruit flavors but don't want tothe sugar rush of juiceInfusions are a great way to cut out sugar and help you consume more water throughout the workday.
9. Coconut water
Like kombucha, cartons of coconut water have appeared in more and more stores in recent years. With about 8-10 grams of sugar per serving, it is already a much better choice than soda, but if anatural source of potassium and electrolytes, it's also a better choice for your body on those particularly sweaty days at the gym.
10. Mineral water
Mineral water is balanced in taste and mouthfeel and contains zero caloriesthe extra nutritional benefitof minerals such as calcium, magnesium sulphate and sodium sulphate (note: minerals may differ per brand.)
While it may feel a little strange to drink this anywhere other than a fancy restaurant with white tablecloths, bottled water is an everyday soda substitute sold online and in many grocery stores. Fair warning: It's on the pricier side, so make sure you try all the drinks on this list to find the soda replacement that suits you.
