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Soda has traditionally received criticism regarding its health effects. However, a new wave of healthy sodas, featuring probiotic options like Poppi and Olipop, is transforming soda into a less guilty pleasure. These brands emphasize using healthier ingredients and reducing additives and artificial colors. Nonetheless, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board-Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, advises caution, noting that many sodas still contain worrisome ingredients. Here are six soda brands with the most concerning ingredient lists.
Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew enjoys widespread popularity and boasts a variety of exciting flavors. The concern, however, lies in a few specific ingredients such as High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS),
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO), which is “used in some versions to stabilize flavoring,” and Yellow 5 (Tartrazine), “an artificial dye linked to hyperactivity in some studies,” alongside its significant sugar content, approximately 46g per 20 oz bottle. Collingwood mentions the “potential for liver stress, behavioral effects, and excessive caffeine” as key concerns.
Pepsi Fire
Pepsi Fire is alarming for a few reasons. First, it has artificial cinnamon flavor. Second, the caramel color “can contain 4-MEI, a possible carcinogen,” and phosphoric acid, which “can affect bone and kidney health with frequent intake,” says Collingwood. It also has a whopping 65g per 20 oz. “High sugar and artificial additives in a novelty flavor,” says Collingwood.
Coca-Cola Cherry
Coca-Cola Cherry is another flavor-enhanced soda with lots of problematic ingredients. In addition to High Fructose Corn Syrup it also has artificial flavors, caramel coloring, and lots of sugar, 57g per 20 oz bottle. “Sweetness masks acidity that may erode tooth enamel over time,” Collingwood adds.
Fanta Orange
Fanta Orange is popular with kids, but it is full of unhealthy ingredients. Why is it alarming? If is filled with artificial dyes (Yellow 6, Red 40) and HFCS. “It has no real orange juice despite the flavor,” says Collingwood. It is also full of sugar, 44g per 20 oz. “Bright dyes are potentially linked to behavioral issues in children,” says Collingwood.
Dr Pepper
Dr Pepper is also alarming. “A cocktail of 23 artificial flavors,” says Collingwood. It has HFCS, caramel coloring, and phosphoric acid, and boasts 64 grams of sugar. “High acidity and chemical load,” she says.
Rockstar Energy Soda
Rockstar Energy Soda may give you a burst of energy, but it’s not natural by any means. “It has excessive caffeine combined with sugar,” says Collingwood. Ingredients include artificial flavors and colors, taurine, guarana, and other stimulants, and lots of sugar – 63g per 16 oz. “Raises heart rate and blood pressure; not recommended for kids or sensitive individuals,” says Collingwood.
