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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.
Quitting soda usually means giving up that sharp, cold fizz and the sweet rush that comes with it. The best swaps keep the bubbles and the bold flavor while cutting the sugar and the artificial junk that make regular cola hard to put down. These nine drinks take different routes — real fruit juice, zero-sugar sparkle, or gut-friendly prebiotics — so you can match the swap to the craving you actually have.
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.
If you are ready to ditch the syrup but keep the sparkle, these are the drinks to replace soda that actually deliver on flavor without derailing your health goals.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Drinks to Replace Soda
You want the cold can, the hiss, the fizz — but without the sugar and artificial junk that makes regular soda a daily health trap. Not every fizzy can delivers that, so your pick depends on what you miss most: the sweetness, the flavor, or the caffeine-free refreshment.
Know what is actually sweetening your drink
This is the fork in the road. Some swaps use real fruit juice, which brings natural sugars and a fuller mouthfeel but also real calories. Others use stevia or artificial sweeteners to hit near-zero sugar, and a few skip sweeteners entirely for a purely dry, bitter-leaning fizz. If you are dodging sugar for blood-sugar reasons, check for added sugars and artificial sweeteners before the flavor claims win you over.
Decide how close to soda you want to land
If you want the sweetest, most soda-like hit, prebiotic sodas and juice blends come closest. If you just want the fizz and a whisper of fruit, plain sparkling water delivers that with zero or near-zero calories. The honest trade-off: the closer a drink mimics the sugar rush of soda, the more calories or sweetener it tends to carry, so pick the landing zone that fits your real goal.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Calories per Can | Sweetener Type | Pack Size | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IZZE Dawn Variety Pack★ Best Overall | Real juice sweetness | 70 | Real fruit juice | 24 x 8.4 fl oz | Amazon |
| Sparkling Ice STARBURSTZero Sugar Punch | Zero-sugar candy flavor | 5 | Artificial, no added sugar | 12 x 17 fl oz | Amazon |
| Liquid Death Modern VarietyHuge Flavor | Bold flavor, low sugar | 10 | 2g sugar, no artificial | 12 x 12 fl oz | Amazon |
| Sanpellegrino CIAO Blood Orange | Italian citrus zest | 10 | 0g added sugar, real juice | 24-pack (8.4 fl oz) | Amazon |
| Spindrift Lemonade Variety | Fresh-squeezed fruit taste | Under 10 | Real squeezed fruit | 20 x 12 fl oz | Amazon |
| OLIPOP Classic Grape | Digestive health plus soda taste | Low (2-5g sugar) | Prebiotics, botanicals | 12 x 12 fl oz | Amazon |
| Maison Perrier Forever Blackberry | Luxury zero-calorie fizz | 0 | None | 24 x 11.15 fl oz | Amazon |
| Sanpellegrino Zero Sugar Blood Orange | Zero-added-sugar Italian bubbles | 20 | 0g added sugar, real juice | 24 x 11.15 fl oz | Amazon |
| Bloom Pop Prebiotic Variety | Gut health + balanced sweetness | 20 | 3g sugar, stevia | 12-pack | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. IZZE Sparkling Water Juice Blend, Dawn Variety Pack
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 700+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The crowd-pleaser that swaps soda’s syrup for 60% real fruit juice, fizzed and sweetened naturally.
If your soda craving is really a juice craving in disguise, this is the one. Each 8.4 fl oz can blends 60% real fruit juice with sparkling water, lands at 70 calories, and skips added sugar and artificial sweeteners entirely — so you get a genuinely sweet, satisfying sip that still feels like a treat, not a health chore. The Dawn Variety Pack gives you six cans each of Clementine, Strawberry, Mango, and Pomegranate, which keeps the fridge interesting for weeks. Buyers report the 8.4 oz size is “perfect for a single serve beverage,” a portion that keeps the calorie count honest.
The natural sweetness is the thing that wins people over — no artificial aftertaste, no high-fructose corn syrup, just real juice doing the work. It is a favorite among people who have given up processed sugar but still miss carbonation, and it doubles as a cocktail mixer when you want something with a little more going on than plain seltzer.
The honest catch is value: this is more of a treat-priced drink than a daily quencher, and some shoppers say it is hard to find in local stores, which is why it is worth ordering by the case. Still, for the person who wants the closest thing to soda without the refined sugar, this is the most satisfying balance of flavor and health on the list.
The Sweet Side
- Real fruit juice base, no artificial sweeteners or added sugar
- Four flavors in one pack for variety
- Single-serve 8.4 oz cans keep calories in check
The Trade-Off
- Pricier than plain sparkling water
- Real juice still means 70 calories per can
Reach for it if: you want a genuinely sweet, juice-forward fizz that feels like a soda replacement, not a compromise.
Look elsewhere if: you need near-zero calories or are avoiding all sugars, even natural ones.
2. Sparkling Ice STARBURST Variety Pack
Candy-shop flavors with five calories and zero sugar, plus vitamins in every big 17 oz can.
This one is for the person who craves the sweet, fruity punch of candy-adjacent sodas but refuses the sugar. The STARBURST pack — Strawberry, Cherry, Fruit Punch, and Watermelon — delivers a “sweeter than usual” profile, as buyers put it, without any added sugar or artificial dyes. At just 5 calories per 17 fl oz can, you get a bigger serving than most competitors, and it is boosted with vitamins E, B6, and B12 plus antioxidants. The 204 fl oz total volume easily outpaces the Liquid Death pack’s 144 fl oz, giving you more drinking per case.
The thing everyone raves about is the taste — it is sweet and juicy without being syrupy or “too soda-y,” and the bubbles hold up well, especially ice-cold. Owners mention the sugar-free formula is exactly why they keep coming back, and the flavor is the most-discussed highlight by a wide margin. It works as a meal companion or a standalone treat.
The trade-off: because it leans on artificial sweeteners to hit that candy flavor, it is not the “cleanest” label on this list. If you are avoiding artificial anything, this is not your can. If you just want the sugar gone and the flavor huge, this delivers.
Why It Wins
- Five calories per big 17 oz can
- Four juicy, candy-inspired flavors
- Added vitamins and antioxidants
The Catch
- Uses artificial sweeteners for that candy taste
- Fans of all-natural labels will want to pass
Perfect for: anyone who wants the sweetest, most soda-like zero-sugar experience with a side of vitamins.
Not for: clean-label purists who avoid artificial sweeteners entirely.
3. Liquid Death Soda-Flavored Sparkling Water, Modern Variety
The edgy can that hides a “less sugar, huge flavor” soda vibe with no caffeine and no artificial sweeteners.
Liquid Death brings actual soda-flavored personality to sparkling water, and the Modern Variety pack — Lime, Orange, Strawberry, and Piña Killada — is the entry point. At just 2g of sugar and 10 calories per 12 oz can, it splits the difference between dry seltzer and sweet soda, hitting a “soda-flavored vibe” without artificial sweeteners or caffeine. The 12 oz cans are the on-the-go balance, as customers note, and the pack keeps four flavors rotating so the fridge never gets boring.
Flavor is what wins people over here — it is intense, almost aggressively bold, and the Lime is the standout of the bunch by most accounts. The low-sugar angle is the second-biggest reason people switch, and the caffeine-free formula means you can sip it all day without the jitters. The brand also donates a portion of proceeds to fight plastic pollution, and the cans are infinitely recyclable.
The value read is a little mixed — some shoppers find the price per can steep for a sparkling water. But if you want the most flavor-per-sip with a sugar count that is genuinely low, this is a strong, personality-packed choice.
The Highs
- Bold, soda-like flavor in four varieties
- Just 2g sugar and 10 calories per can
- Caffeine-free with no artificial sweeteners
The Lows
- Opinions split on whether the price matches the can
- Flavor intensity is not for subtle palates
Grab this if: you want maximum soda flavor with minimal sugar and a brand that has real personality.
skip it if: you prefer a gentle, subtle fizz or are watching every penny.
4. Sanpellegrino CIAO! Blood Orange Sparkling Water
A taste of Italy in a can — blood orange and citrus juices with crisp bubbles and zero added sugar.
Sanpellegrino’s CIAO line is the “adult” soda swap for people who want sophistication in the glass. This Blood Orange version blends real fruit juice with a pinch of Sicilian salt, a finishing touch inspired by Italian tradition that balances acidity and enhances the tang. At 10 calories per can with 0g added sugar, it delivers a sweet-tart profile that is closer to a fancy spritzer than a sugary soda. The 24-pack of 8.4 oz cans is a convenient, guest-pleasing staple.
The taste is the most-praised element here, with buyers calling it crisp, light, and refreshingly not-overly-sweet. It is a fantastic cocktail mixer or a punch base, and the carbonation is reliably crisp. The natural sweetness from real fruit juice is a big part of the appeal, making it a go-to for people stepping away from diet sodas.
Just do not expect a sugar rush — this is tart and tangy, not candy-sweet. If you want a light, sophisticated fizz that feels like a vacation in a can rather than a cola clone, this is your pick. It is more of an occasional treat than a daily chug, given the price per case.
The Appeal
- Real fruit juice with 0g added sugar
- Crisp carbonation and balanced sweet-tart flavor
- Excellent as a mixer or standalone spritzer
The Reality
- Not sweet like soda — it is tart and tangy
- Positioned as a premium, treat-level drink
Choose this for: an elegant, low-calorie fizz that feels special and works beautifully with cocktails.
Pass if: you want a sweet soda replica rather than a dry, sophisticated citrus sparkler.
5. Spindrift Lemonade 3 Flavor Variety Pack
The sparkling water that actually tastes like fruit because it is made with real squeezed fruit, not vague flavors.
Spindrift is the answer for people who hate the “chemically natural flavor” aftertaste of standard sparkling waters. This Lemonade pack uses real squeezed fruit — never from concentrate — in a lightly carbonated, slightly pulpy base that delivers a fuller flavor than plain seltzer. The pack includes 20 cans at 12 oz each: seven Lemon Limeade, seven Pink Lemonade, and six Strawberry Lemonade. It is unsweetened with no added sugar, and it is gluten-free, non-GMO, and Kosher.
The real-fruit approach is the standout feature, giving each can a genuine, recognizable taste rather than a vague hint. Buyers love that there is “no added junk,” and the flavors are strong enough to satisfy without overpowering. It is a refreshing alternative to traditional seltzers, especially in summer.
The catch is the lemonade angle — some family members found the lemonade varieties a touch sour, so this is for people who like a tart kick. Value is also a real conversation: this pack tends to run pricier than comparable sparkling waters, and some shoppers say it is only worth it on sale. For the cleanest, most authentic fruit flavor, though, it is tough to top.
The Good Stuff
- Real squeezed fruit, never from concentrate
- No added sugar, gluten-free, non-GMO
- Fuller flavor than standard seltzer
The Trade-Off
- Lemonade flavors lean tart for some
- Pricier than basic sparkling waters
Best for: fruit-flavor purists who want the real thing in a fizzy, unsweetened package.
Think twice if: you are on a tight budget or prefer a sweeter, more soda-like lemonade.
6. OLIPOP 6g Fiber Prebiotic Soda, Classic Grape
A nostalgic grape soda that secretly delivers 6g of fiber per can to support digestive health.
OLIPOP takes the “functional soda” idea seriously. Each 12 oz can of Classic Grape packs 6g of plant fiber plus prebiotics and botanicals, Designed to support your microbiome and digestive health while tasting like the grape soda you remember.. The flavor comes from real concord grape juice with a hint of lime, creating that sweet-tart nostalgia without the sugar crash. At just 2–5g of sugar per can, it is a fraction of what a regular grape soda carries.
The grape flavor is the love point here — it evokes childhood memories and delivers an “acid taste” that soda fans actually want, with low calories and high fiber. It is made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and it is non-GMO, gluten-free, paleo, and keto-friendly. For people who cannot have sugar but miss grape soda, this is the treat that fills the void.
The honest mixed note: a few drinkers report bloating from the prebiotic fiber, especially if they are not used to it, and value for money gets split reviews. If your gut is sensitive, start slow. For the person who wants soda flavor plus a digestive bonus, this is the pick.
The Wins
- 6g of fiber and prebiotics per can
- Authentic grape soda flavor, low sugar
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
The Watch-Outs
- Some drinkers experience bloating from the fiber
- Price is a matter of debate among buyers
Reach for it if: you want your soda fix to also support gut health and you enjoy a functional beverage.
Pause if: you have a sensitive stomach and are not used to high-fiber drinks.
7. Maison Perrier Forever Blackberry Flavored Sparkling Water
Perrier’s premium cousin delivers bold blackberry fizz with zero calories and zero sweeteners.
This is the luxury end of the soda swap spectrum. Maison Perrier Forever Blackberry is made without sweeteners, has 0 calories, and is bottled in the South of France by the makers of Perrier. The 11.15 fl oz cans — 24 in total across three 8-packs — deliver that iconic Perrier bite with a sweet blackberry flavor that reads as “premium” in the best way. It is positioned as an alternative to sugary soda, tonic water, and club soda.
The flavor is what wins people over, with buyers loving that it tastes great without any weird aftertaste. The fizz is bold and invigorating, and the brand heritage adds a sense of occasion that most sparkling waters cannot match. For people who want “a luxurious, thirst-quenching taste,” this nails it.
The honest split: carbonation level and value get mixed reviews, with some finding it overpriced for what it is, and a minority noting the blackberry flavor can be subtle relative to the fizz. This is a treat-priced, occasion-driven drink for Perrier loyalists who want something a little sweeter without any sugar.
The Allure
- Zero calories, zero sweeteners
- Bold Perrier-style bubbles
- Premium French pedigree
The Reality
- Some find the blackberry taste subtle vs. the fizz
- Value for money is a point of debate
Splurge on this if: you love Perrier’s bite and want a zero-calorie flavored upgrade for special moments.
pass on it if: you want maximum flavor per dollar or a strong fruit punch.
8. Sanpellegrino Zero Grams Added Sugar Blood Orange
Authentic Italian orange bubbles with zero added sugar, real fruit juice, and just 20 calories per can.
Sanpellegrino’s Zero line strips out the added sugar without stripping the character. This Blood Orange version blends real fruit juice with the brand’s signature gentle bubbles, delivering an “orange tang without any harsh aftertaste,” as buyers describe it. Each of the 24 cans holds 11.15 fl oz — a satisfyingly tall pour — and carries just 20 calories with 0g added sugar.
The flavor is the star here, with the orange profile being the most-praised aspect by a wide margin. It is sweet and bubbly yet more flavorful than a plain seltzer, making it a favorite low-calorie treat. It also shines as a versatile mixer — often paired with gin — or enjoyed plain with a twist of fruit. Buyers love the lightly carbonated, sugar-free, low-carb profile.
The main sticking point is value: the 24-pack price draws mixed reactions, with some calling it surprisingly good value and others finding it pricey. If you want an elegant, zero-added-sugar soda alternative with real juice and a tall can, this is a reliable, crowd-pleasing choice.
The Strengths
- Real blood orange juice, 0g added sugar
- 20 calories per tall 11.15 oz can
- Great as a mixer or standalone
The Consideration
- Value per case is a mixed review point
- Light carbonation may not satisfy heavy-fizz fans
Pick it for: a genuinely delicious, zero-added-sugar Italian sparkler that works all day and in cocktails.
Consider alternatives if: you want an aggressive, heavy carbonation bite.
9. Bloom Pop Prebiotic Soda, Variety Pack
A balanced prebiotic soda that tastes more like a real treat than a health drink, with just 3g of sugar.
Bloom Pop enters the prebiotic soda arena with a balanced hand. The variety pack features Watermelon Lime, Shirley Temple, and Strawberry Cream — all caffeine-free, carrying 3g of sugar and 20 calories per can, sweetened with stevia. The clinically backed prebiotics support gut health and metabolism while delivering genuine soda satisfaction., and the fizz level hits a “just right” note for most drinkers.
The taste is the runaway highlight, with buyers praising it as better-balanced than other prebiotic sodas, and the Shirley Temple flavor repeatedly called out as the standout. It is not overly sweet, which makes it an easy daily drink, and kids reportedly love it too. For a gut-health soda, the flavor-to-health balance is unusually strong.
The honest note: some find it a touch sweet and mix it with sparkling water, and value draws mixed opinions — it is cheaper than one popular competitor, per some buyers, but still a premium pick. If you want a prebiotic soda that does not taste like a compromise, this delivers.
The Upside
- Great flavor balance across all three varieties
- Caffeine-free with prebiotics for gut health
- Just 3g sugar and 20 calories
The Downside
- Some find it sweet enough to need dilution
- Price is a mixed talking point
Go with this if: you want a genuinely tasty, gut-friendly soda with a balanced sweetness level.
Reconsider if: you prefer a drier, less sweet fizz or a more aggressive carbonation.
Understanding the Specs
Calories Per Can
This is your quickest health barometer. A standard soda runs 140-150 calories per can; the swaps here range from 0 to 70. The lower the number, the closer you are to plain water territory. If you are swapping to lose weight or manage blood sugar, this is the first number to check.
Sweetener Type
Not all “no added sugar” labels are the same. Real fruit juice brings natural sugars and a fuller taste, stevia is a plant-based zero-calorie sweetener, and artificial sweeteners deliver candy-level sweetness without calories. Your choice here determines the aftertaste and how close the drink lands to actual soda.
FAQ
Can I really quit soda with these drinks or will I just crave the real thing?
What is the difference between no added sugar and sugar free?
Will prebiotic sodas like OLIPOP or Bloom Pop upset my stomach?
Which of these tastes most like actual soda?
Are these drinks good for people watching their blood sugar?
Can I use these as cocktail mixers?
How many cans should I expect to drink per pack?
Are these actually healthier than diet soda?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the drinks to replace soda winner is the IZZE Dawn Variety Pack because it delivers the sweet, fizzy satisfaction of soda using 60% real fruit juice and no artificial anything. If you want a zero-sugar, candy-flavored punch, grab the Sparkling Ice STARBURST pack. And for the person who wants a functional gut-health bonus with their fizz, the OLIPOP Classic Grape is the one to reach for.
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 August 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.