If you’re anything like me, you’re a sucker for fun, inventive packaging and advertising. As a marketing minor, I should be immune to these tactics by now. I guess everyone has their kryptonite, and mine just happens to be the very career field I intend on pursuing post-grad.
The latest highly-hyped products to catch my eye were sodas claiming to be healthy. Brands like Poppi and Olipop convince consumers to love soda again while playing with nostalgic fonts and colors in the hopes that we will reminisce on our childhood memories of cracking a can of ice-cold soda with friends.
This new wave of sodas (or pop, as the Buffalionian in me calls it) claims to deliver a multitude of health benefits while still delivering the same true classic flavors. Not only do these new drinks have less sugar and artificial chemicals, but they have added benefits to make you feel good about sipping on them. They boast added fiber, prebiotics, and gut-health ingredients like apple cider vinegar and kudzu roots.
So what’s the verdict? Are these just a trend or something worth implementing into your daily life? Doctors and health professionals seem to agree that these beverages are a good alternative to sugary sodas, but should not be used to replace daily nutrients and a healthy diet.
My personal take? I am fully obsessed. One thing about me is I love having beverage options. (See my article “On Being a Bev Girl” !) I have enjoyed sipping on these sodas as I am finishing my homework or watching TV with my roommate. My whole philosophy is about finding joy in the simple and mundane. If enjoying a unique drink or snack helps you do that- it should be celebrated!
Additionally, I am convinced that I have indeed noticed the positive health effects of drinking these prebiotic sodas. I know, I know, it’s probably just a placebo. Nonetheless, my stomach feels noticeably calmer after drinking one of these. My food seems to digest much easier and I have seen a slight decrease in bloating.
So are these viral sodas a fabulous product or a fail? I can confidently say they are a fab rather than a fail. As a disclaimer, they are obliviously not a magic medicine or potion. Though they are thoughtfully crafted with some health-boosting benefits, they are not designed to cure or heal. You may notice some positive side effects; however, drinking these alone will not drastically impact your life.
For the average consumer seeking a unique sweet treat or soda substitute, these healthy drinks provide the perfect solution. As someone who craves carbonation, these drinks have been delicious options for my sweet tooth while dialing back on the sugar and artificial flavors.
Linked below are my favorite soda swaps: