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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Craft soda is the answer when you want the joyful fizz of a soft drink without the syrupy, artificial aftertaste of the big national brands. The real question most shoppers land on is whether to chase a zero-sugar sparkling fruit drink, a gut-friendly prebiotic can, or a classic root beer brewed with cane sugar. This guide sorts those choices by what actually matters — flavor depth, sugar load, carbonation feel, and what you are really paying per sip.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
We break down the eight best craft soda options, from the iconic Italian sparkler to the fire-brewed bottles that taste like a soda fountain, so you can match the fizz to your pantry.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Craft Soda
Craft soda splits into two very different camps: the classic sodas that chase a nostalgic, rich flavor with real sweeteners, and the modern prebiotic ones that aim to be a healthier daily swap for diet cola. Knowing which camp you are shopping for will save you from buying a lightly fizzy wellness drink when you actually wanted a candy-shop root beer.
Sweetener Philosophy
This is the biggest fork in the road. You will find zero added sugar drinks sweetened with natural sugar substitutes, classic sodas using pure cane sugar or real honey, and some budget options quietly using high fructose corn syrup. If you are cutting sugar, look for the exact gram count per can — the difference between 0g, 3g, 4g, and 6g is enormous when you drink one every day.
Carbonation Expectations
Not all craft sodas are equally fizzy. Some brands are lightly carbonated on purpose, which pairs them with meals but can disappoint if you want a sharp, biting cola snap. Check whether a brand describes itself as “lightly carbonated” before assuming a flat can is a defect. Prebiotic sodas, in particular, often trade aggressive fizz for a smoother drink.
Gut Health vs. Pure Indulgence
Prebiotic sodas carry fiber from plant roots and botanicals that feed your gut bacteria, and they are usually low in sugar and caffeine-free. That fiber content is exactly why some buyers report a laxative effect when they drink more than one can a day. If you are buying for flavor nostalgia above all, a classic cane-sugar root beer will beat any wellness can on taste.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Sweetener | Sugar per Can | Pack Size | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanpellegrino Pom & Orange★ Best Overall | Zero-sugar poolside fizz | Zero added sugar | 0g added | 24 cans / 267.6 fl oz | Amazon |
| Bloom Pop VarietyMost Versatile | Gut-friendly flavor variety | Stevia | 3g | 12 cans / 12 fl oz | Amazon |
| Stubborn Root BeerBest Value | Creamy cane-sugar nostalgia | Fair Trade cane sugar | — | 12 cans / 144 fl oz | Amazon |
| Bloom Pop Rootbeer Float | Root beer float taste, low sugar | Stevia | 3g | 12 cans / 12 fl oz | Amazon |
| Poppi Shirley Temple | Classic soda feel, 35 calories | Agave inulin + cassava fiber | 5g | 12 cans / 144 fl oz | Amazon |
| OLIPOP Shirley Temple | Highest fiber prebiotic can | Natural, no artificial | 4g natural | 12 cans / 144 fl oz | Amazon |
| Wild Bill’s Untamed Variety | 12-flavor cane sugar sampler | Pure cane sugar | — | 12 cans / 144 fl oz | Amazon |
| Sprecher Root Beer | Fire-brewed float-grade splurge | Real honey | — | 12 bottles / 192 fl oz | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Sanpellegrino Crafted Soda Italiana Pom & Orange
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 700+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The zero-sugar Italian sparkler that keeps its flavor punch all the way to the last ice cube.
This is the pick when you want the ceremony of a real Italian sparkling drink without the sugar crash. Each of the 24 cans holds 11.15 fl oz of Pomegranate & Orange with zero grams of added sugar, and that genuine gentle-bubble carbonation is the thing people rave about — it is a popular mixer with gin because the bubbles hold up instead of dissolving into flat syrup.
The flavor is the headline: the taste earns the most praise by far, with over a hundred owners singling it out, and owners mention “the ice never melts to dilute the flavor or the fizz.” At 17.74 pounds for the full case, this is a serious pantry commitment, but it is the rare zero-sugar drink that does not taste like a diet compromise.
The honest trade-off is cost. While many call it good value for a 24-pack, a fair number find it a bit pricey for an everyday drink, and opinions on the ingredient list are mixed rather than glowing.
What wins people over
- Real Italian sparkle with 0g added sugar
- Flavor stays bold over ice, never watered down
- Big 24-can case for summer stock-ups
Who should think twice
- Premium price per can vs. mainstream pop
- Cans are tall and slim, not a standard 12 oz
Reach for this if: you want a crowd-pleasing, low-calorie sparkling drink for parties, the beach, or a gin-and-tonic upgrade.
Look elsewhere if: a 24-can commitment at this price is more than you want to store or spend on a first taste.
2. Bloom Pop Prebiotic Soda Variety Pack
A three-flavor gut-friendly lineup that proves wellness fizz does not have to taste like a compromise.
If you are easing off regular soda and want flavor options in one box, this Bloom Pop variety is the broadest starter kit. The pack rotates Watermelon Lime, Shirley Temple, and Strawberry Cream, with the Shirley Temple flavor being the crowd favorite — and at 3g of sugar per 12 oz can, it is a genuine diet swap that still feels like a treat.
The wellness angle is real: the prebiotic formula is caffeine-free and built to support gut health, and owners describe it as the “perfect balance between soda and a wellness drink.” The flavor range is the second-most praised thing, and the no-aftertaste quality keeps people coming back for a restock.
The catch is the fizz and the sweetness. As a few buyers put it, “I do wish there was more crispness/carbonation to these” — they run sweet, so some owners stretch a can by mixing it with sparkling water. It also lands in a slightly more premium price bracket than a standard 12-pack.
Best as a rotation pack: three flavors in one box means you are far less likely to get bored by day five than a single-flavor case.
The honest fine print: expect a gentler fizz and a sweet finish; blend with sparkling water if you want more cut.
Grab it for: a low-sugar, caffeine-free daily alternative that gives you variety without committing to one flavor.
Pass if: you demand a sharp, biting cola-level carbonation from every can.
3. Stubborn Soda Classic Root Beer
The creamy, earthy root beer that tastes like a soda fountain pour and skips the corn syrup entirely.
Stubborn Soda is the indulgence pick for root beer purists. Each of the 12 cans is 12 oz of rich, smooth, creamy root beer with earthy undertones, and the flavor is the most-praised thing about it — buyers call it the best root beer they have ever tasted, some discovering it at a cinema soda fountain and hunting it down online. The nostalgic character is unmistakable.
The clean ingredient story backs up the great taste: no artificial sweeteners, no artificial colors, and no high fructose corn syrup, with Fair Trade Certified cane sugar doing the sweetening. It is also caffeine-free, so it works as an after-dinner treat. Flavor and carbonation are the two biggest positives, which is exactly what a root beer drinker cares about.
The value story is the real sticking point. As one buyer put it, “Incredible flavor, but how can the price increase in one week!” — owners adore the taste but repeatedly flag the price as a treat, not a daily habit.
The winning side
- Deep, creamy root beer flavor that wins over fans
- Fair Trade cane sugar, zero corn syrup
- Caffeine-free for any time of day
The flip side
- Price swings are a recurring complaint
- Shipping occasionally arrives with damaged cans
Best for: root beer lovers who want a premium cane-sugar pour and are happy to treat themselves.
Think twice if: you want a budget everyday soda — this one is priced like a craft splurge.
4. Bloom Pop Prebiotic Soda Rootbeer Float
A single-flavor can that nails the nostalgic root beer float taste with clinically backed prebiotics inside.
This is the Bloom Pop single-flavor answer to the variety pack above, built entirely around Rootbeer Float. The flavor is the standout — owners describe it as smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced with that nostalgic taste, capturing the vanilla-and-root-beer float experience without the ice cream. It is the go-to can for people who order it monthly.
The health profile is the supporting act: 3g of sugar and 5g of carbs per can, caffeine-free, with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and no aspartame. The clinically backed prebiotics are the headline feature for anyone swapping soda for gut support, and regular users say it is easy on digestion.
The reality check is that not every palate is converted — one taste is “just OK” if you are comparing it to a specific creamy recipe you grew up with. And like the rest of the wellness category, it sits in the premium price lane.
The thing everyone raves about: the root beer float flavor is the most-praised aspect, scoring well above every other trait.
The honest caveat: it is a 5-out-of-5 for most, but a few soda purists miss the sharper bite of a classic recipe.
Choose this if: root beer float is your desert-island flavor and you want it in a low-sugar can.
skip it if: you prefer a more aggressive, less creamy root beer profile.
5. Poppi Prebiotic Soda Shirley Temple
The prebiotic can that delivers classic soda feels at 35 calories, sweetened by agave inulin and cassava root fiber.
Poppi is the pick for the two-cola-a-day crowd looking to step down without giving up the ritual. Each of the 12 cans is 12 fl oz of Shirley Temple flavor at 5g of sugar and 35 calories or less, and the formula uses prebiotics from agave inulin and cassava root fiber. One convert reported switching from two Pepsis a day and landing here because the calorie and sugar drop felt meaningful.
The Shirley Temple flavor is a major experience, according to owners, and it is the most-praised trait by a wide margin — nearly 150 people single out the flavor. It is also a genuinely flexible can: some buyers mix it with ice and water in a big stainless bottle to stretch it into flavored hydration.
The reviews split most on carbonation — some say it is incredibly well carbonated, others wish it were fizzier, and a few find the value thin in bulk. The cherry note is the other divider: it is loved broadly, but a couple of drinkers just do not prefer the specific cherry Poppi uses.
Why it works
- 5g sugar and 35 calories per can is an easy swap
- Flavor is the biggest praise by far
- Doubles as a mixer or flavored water base
The divide
- Carbonation gets mixed reviews — some want more fizz
- Cherry flavor profile is not for every palate
Best for: former regular-soda drinkers who want a credible, low-calorie daily can with a fun flavor.
Look elsewhere if: you need a sharp, aggressive fizz or you dislike cherry-forward drinks.
6. OLIPOP 6g Fiber Prebiotic Soda Shirley Temple
The prebiotic heavyweight packing 6g of fiber per can — a serious gut boost in a nostalgic Shirley Temple wrapper.
OLIPOP takes the prebiotic idea further than anyone else on this list. Each of the 12 cans delivers 6g of dietary fiber and only 4g of natural sugars, and the whole recipe is gluten-free, Paleo-Friendly, Keto-Friendly, and Non-GMO Project Verified with no artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, or preservatives. The science-backed formula leans on plant fiber and botanicals to support digestive health.
The reward is a satisfying, not-overly-sweet drink — owners specifically note it is not as cloying as other sodas, and the Shirley Temple flavor earns genuine praise. The value story is also positive, with loyal buyers willing to pay more at home than they would in a store because the taste and ingredients justify it.
The serious caveat is portion control. Because the fiber is so potent, buyers warn you can only really drink one a day — the laxative effect is a real, repeated observation, and one owner found it “VERY sweet,” wishing for more citrus bite to balance it.
The signature strength: at 6g of fiber, it delivers roughly triple the fiber of other prebiotic sodas, which is why it is the gut-health champion.
The real limit: high fiber means one can a day max — this is a health tool, not a session drink.
Choose this for: the highest fiber-to-sugar ratio in the category and a flavor that stays pleasantly understated.
Pass if: you want to sip multiple cans a day or you cannot tolerate a strong fiber punch.
7. Wild Bill’s Untamed Variety 12-Pack
A 12-flavor cane sugar sampler that turns an afternoon into a tasting flight of hand-crafted sodas.
Wild Bill’s is the box to grab when you want to taste everything craft soda offers in one go. The Untamed pack spans Root Beer, Vanilla Cream, Orange Cream, Black Cherry, Rocket Pop, Ginger Ale, Original Cola, Strawberry Cream, plus four Ring Pop flavors — all in 12 oz cans sweetened with pure cane sugar and no high fructose corn syrup. It is caffeine-free, gluten-free, vegan, and low sodium, and the brand is veteran-owned.
The flavor is the clear headline — over 150 owners single it out, making it the most-praised thing about the pack by a wide margin. The root beer is repeatedly called out as a favorite, and the real-cane-sugar sweetness is a big part of the appeal. It is lightly carbonated by design, which makes it a natural pairing for meals or mocktails rather than a sharp cola snap.
The concerns are honest and worth weighing. The carbonation is a recurring gripe — many note it is not fizzy enough for their taste. And the ingredient list draws criticism for containing red dye #40, which matters if you are trying to avoid artificial colors entirely.
The big win
- 12 flavors in one pack, heavy on the cream sodas
- Pure cane sugar, no corn syrup, vegan and low sodium
- Light fizz pairs well with meals
The honest limit
- Carbonation is lighter than mainstream soda
- Red dye #40 in the ingredient list is a turn-off for some
Reach for this if: you want a low-pressure variety pack to find your favorite craft flavor before committing to a full case.
pass on it if: you are strict about artificial colors or need heavy carbonation in every can.
8. Sprecher Root Beer in 16 fl oz Glass Bottles
The fire-brewed, honey-sweetened root beer in classic glass bottles that tastes like a barrel-aged soda fountain pour.
Sprecher is the splurge bottle for when a can just will not do. It is handcrafted in small batches using a signature fire-brewing process in traditional gas-fired kettles, which creates the smooth, rich, caramelized flavor that owners describe as having a “brewed in a barrel” character. Sweetened with real honey and premium ingredients, it delivers a bold, creamy root beer with hints of vanilla and natural botanicals.
The glass matters here. The 16 fl oz bottles preserve carbonation and freshness far better than cans, and the nostalgia factor is high — it is caffeine-free, gluten-free, and kosher certified, making it an easy choice for families, meals, and gatherings. Root beer float fans in particular swear by it with vanilla ice cream, and it is a known favorite at specialty custard shops.
The trade-off is clear: this is the most premium-priced option on the list, and at 23 pounds for the 12-bottle case, it is a heavy commitment to store. The flavor consensus is overwhelmingly positive — this is the “treat yo’self” bottle, not the everyday fridge staple.
The defining quality: the fire-brewed caramelized depth and real honey sweetness are unlike anything in a standard can.
The cost of going premium: the highest price per case on this list, and the heavy glass makes it a considered purchase.
Buy this for: the definitive root beer float experience and a gift-worthy glass-bottle case that impresses.
Think twice if: you are shopping on a tight budget or need something light enough for frequent shipping orders.
Understanding the Specs
Sugar Content
This is the single number that decides whether a can is a daily habit or an occasional treat. You will see everything from 0g added sugar in the Sanpellegrino to 3g in Bloom Pop, 4g natural in OLIPOP, and 5g in Poppi — and the classics like Stubborn and Sprecher skip the numbers entirely and lean on cane sugar or real honey. The lower the gram count, the easier it is to justify a second can.
Fiber and Prebiotics
Prebiotic sodas add plant fiber that feeds your gut bacteria, which is why they bill themselves as a wellness drink. The dose range matters: 3g of fiber is a gentle support, while 6g in OLIPOP is a serious boost that owners warn you to limit to one can a day. If your stomach is sensitive, start with the lower-fiber cans before jumping to the heavy hitter.
Carbonation Level
Craft sodas split into sharp and light fizz camps. Sanpellegrino and Stubborn deliver a proper sparkling bite, while Wild Bill’s is lightly carbonated on purpose for meal pairing, and several prebiotic brands get mixed reviews for not being crisp enough. If the fizz is make-or-break for you, check whether the brand describes itself as “lightly carbonated” before you buy a full case.
Sweetener Type
The sweetener tells you the philosophy of the brand. Zero-sugar drinks use natural substitutes, classic craft sodas use Fair Trade cane sugar, and Sprecher goes the extra step with real honey. If you are avoiding high fructose corn syrup, check the ingredient list — pure cane sugar and honey are the markers of a true craft soda, not a re-labeled mainstream pop.
FAQ
What exactly makes a soda “craft” instead of regular?
What is the difference between prebiotic and probiotic soda?
How much sugar is actually in these craft sodas?
Can I drink more than one prebiotic soda a day?
Why does my craft soda taste less fizzy than a normal cola?
Some craft sodas are lightly carbonated on purpose. Wild Bill’s is explicitly described as lightly carbonated for meal pairing, and several prebiotic brands get mixed reviews from buyers who want more crispness. If a sharp, aggressive fizz is important to you, look for brands that emphasize their carbonation rather than the ones that bill themselves as smooth or gentle.
Is cane sugar actually better for you than high fructose corn syrup?
Which flavor sells out or gets reordered most often across these packs?
Are craft sodas suitable for kids or caffeine-sensitive adults?
What is the difference between a 267.6 fl oz case and a 144 fl oz case?
Should I buy the variety pack or commit to a single flavor?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the craft soda winner is the Sanpellegrino Pom & Orange because it delivers genuine flavor and fizz at zero added sugar, which fits the everyday bar for a drink you can feel good about. If you want the gut-health angle, grab the Bloom Pop Variety Pack for its low-sugar three-flavor lineup. And if you want pure soda-fountain indulgence, the Sprecher fire-brewed bottles are the ones to reach for — the honey-sweetened, glass-bottled root beer is the closest thing to a handcrafted float you can ship to your door. The crowd favorite for flavor is the Sanpellegrino, holding a 4.7-star score across 700-plus owners, so starting there is the lowest-risk bet on the list.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of September 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.