"Eeh... don't drink diet soda. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame cause cancer."
"Is that tea you've got there? You besta watch out for that caffeine!"
"That coffee is going to make you jittery and then stain your teeth in the process."
Ah, the rolodex of anti-beverage judgments and remarks made by water loyalists everywhere. Look, I love water. Give me water all day, every day. But, sometimes you want a little flavor.
When the doctor recently told me to reduce caffeine and sugar as a means of squelching my anxiety issues, I knew I needed to seek out some alternatives to my bottomless coffee mug and self-replenishing fridge of diet sodas.
I've found a few drinks lately that tickle my fancy and contain no caffeine or aspartame. I can't say whether or not they're completely flawless in the health department and I encourage those of you with vested knowledge in the subject to enlighten me with any further details you may have. But, for those of you looking for a break from your 125 Diet Cokes a day, give these guys a go.
(Photo Credit: progressivegrocer.com)
ZEVIA: All Natural Soda
Of all the drinks I present before you today, this is your high class, Whole Foods-y option. It's going to put you out six bucks for a six pack, but it seems to be one of the healthier options out there if you need a soda fix. Not all of the flavors are caffeine free but there a few caffeine free options. Sweetened with Stevia and erythritol, these are a delicious little splurge if you want to feel supremely healthy next to your friends. ;)
Personal Favorite Flavors: Ginger Root Beer and Caffeine Free Cola
(Photo Credit: liquidlivingmagazine.com)
Sparkling Ice
I'm all about this mess: zero-calorie sparkling water. Brilliantly refreshing and with 13 flavors to choose from, I'm always looking to grab a bottle of this. Typically, these are sold individually at a buck a pop in your local grocery store but we purchased ours at a cheaper rate at BJ's wholesale. The company boasts "naturally flavored sparkling mountain spring water, vitamins, antioxidants and natural fruit juices to offer a bold, lightly carbonated beverage." It's certified kosher and gluten-free. However, it is flavored with Splenda so, if you're anti-Splenda, steer clear.
Personal Favorite Flavor: Black Raspberry
(Photo Credit: blog.fooducate.com)
Fuze: Slenderize
I've only had this a couple of times. As per the running theme of the drinks included in this blog post, it's not exactly cheap. Ringing in at about $1.50 per bottle, this fruity little number is thirst quenching and delicious. The Slenderize line comes in a number of flavors that range in 10-20 calories per bottle (NOT per serving which is a commonly overlooked mistake). Calling itself "the new age of the beverage industry," Fuze combines vitamins, amino acids, herbs and crystalline fructose for those avoiding high fructose corn syrup. If you enjoy the the V8 Splash line, you'll love this juicy goodness.
Personal Favorite Flavor: Tropical Punch (only 10 cals!)
(Photo Credit: groceries-express.com)
Diet Rite
This is the soda I used to buy in college because I couldn't afford the name brand stuff. Sweetened with Splenda, this former RC cola has zero calories and zero caffeine. Other than that, I don't have a lot on information about this inexpensive and tasty beverage except to say- "Well... cheaper than Coke and no aspartame! Yaaaay."
Further reading? Check out: Which Diet Sodas Do Not Contain Aspartame
Happy Non-Diet Coking, kids!
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