Is Prebiotic Soda Good For You? – What Is Prebiotic Soda?
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Soda is a term that often has a wide umbrella and covers essentially anything and everything that has carbonation in it. Although when most people think of the word “soda”, healthy is not something you would imagine pairing with it.
Whenever you think of soda, you think of high sugar content, loads of sodium, carbs, calories, and a whole list of other words that you associate with being bad for you. Oftentimes anything soda is usually something that isn’t recommended if you want to live a healthy life, but in some cases, soda can mean a good thing.
Prebiotic soda is a fairly new type of beverage and has most definitely made some waves since its arrival. Because of this presumption that all of us make, it’s hard to really navigate this beverage mentally and really determine whether it’s a healthy choice for us. What does it do? How does it work? Is it actually good for me to drink?
All of these questions will be explored and hopefully resolved in this article as well as discuss the question, Is Prebiotic Soda Good For You?
What Is Prebiotic Soda?
Prebiotic sodas are carbonated drinks with added prebiotic fiber, usually inulin from agave or chicory root. Prebiotics are fibers that feed the helpful bacteria in your gut.
According to Cleveland Clinic, a can typically has about 2 to 9 grams of fiber and under 5 grams of sugar, depending on the brand. Many also contain apple cider vinegar, fruit juice, and stevia.
The popularity of prebiotic soda has grown fast, mostly as a lower-sugar alternative to regular soda.
Prebiotic soda comes in many flavors, it can be anywhere from being similar to sparkling water, to being a substitute for your Fanta, Coke, Pepsi, and others.
How Are Prebiotic Sodas Healthy?
Their main advantage is what they leave out. Compared with regular soda, they have far less sugar and fewer calories, so swapping one for a regular soda is a real improvement.
Some brands add apple cider vinegar, but it is unclear whether the small amount in a can does much. The fiber is the more meaningful ingredient.
Are Prebiotic Sodas Vegan Friendly?
Most prebiotic sodas are made from plant-based ingredients, so they are generally vegan friendly. Check the label of the specific brand and flavor to be sure.
Are Prebiotic Sodas Gluten Free?
Most popular prebiotic sodas are labeled gluten-free. If you have celiac disease, check each product's label.
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good For You?
They are a better choice than regular soda, but they are not a health food. Inulin-rich foods have been shown to support good gut bacteria and help you feel full, but there is little research on prebiotic sodas themselves.
One can usually doesn't provide much fiber. Adults need about 25 to 38 grams a day, and scientists interviewed by NBC News said one can is unlikely to do much for your gut. A 2024 class-action lawsuit challenged Poppi's "gut healthy" marketing on those grounds.
There is no good evidence that prebiotic sodas cause weight loss, prevent diabetes, boost immunity, or improve bone health.
Too much inulin can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea, especially if you don't eat much fiber. People with IBS may want to avoid it. Cleveland Clinic suggests starting with half a can and getting most of your fiber from food.
What Are The Best Prebiotc Sodas?
There are a lot of great brands that sell quality prebiotic sodas but some that definitely are among the best are as follows:
POPPI Sparkling Prebiotic Soda
POPPI is among the most popular choices for Prebiotic Sodas and for great reason. The brand first gained attention on the TV show Shark Tank. A can has about 2 grams of fiber and around 5 grams of sugar.
They feature some great flavors and offer an extremely competitive price.
Mayawell Bubbly Prebiotic Soda
A more low-key type of prebiotic soda is Mayawell’s sodas. The main difference from other prebiotic sodas is that it features the addition of Tumeric.
OLIPOP
OLIPOP is another excellent option and it comes with some really interesting and unique flavors.
The design and overall taste of these are among the best.
Sources
- What To Know About Prebiotic Sodas, Cleveland Clinic
- A lawsuit challenges Poppi soda's claims of boosting gut health, NBC News
