The negative effects of drinking soda are apparent with the loads of sugar in every can and diet sodas only seem to solve half the problem. The market for a soda with good flavors and healthy benefits still needed to be filled. Thus, causing a rise in what is now known as probiotic soda.
Probiotic soda has surged in popularity, with consumers favoring it as a healthier soda option. The benefits claim to boost gut health, promote weight loss and improve skin complexion, all while containing less sugar.
Now, what is a probiotic soda?
Probiotic soda is comprised of live bacteria or yeasts that benefit immune and digestive health. On the other hand, prebiotics are plant fibers and non-digestible starches that aid in feeding healthy bacteria into the gut microbiome.
Several brands have developed probiotic sodas, but the most well known are Poppi, Olipop and Culturepop. Similarly to regular soda, they contain carbonation and come in a variety of flavors like lemon lime, cola, orange and grape.
Unlike regular soda, they also contain prebiotics. This is extracted from chicory root as a prebiotic fiber called inulin. Some of these sodas also contain pectin, which is a fiber found in fermented apples from apple cider vinegar.
Most probiotic sodas are healthier than traditional sodas because they contain more fiber, less sugar and less empty calories. A probiotic soda contains around four to five grams of added sugar, while a regular soda can contain about 40 grams of sugar.
The probiotic soda can contain cassava root, chicory root, artichoke, nopal cactus, calendula flower and kudzu root extracts. All ingredients that can help with constipation and stabilizing blood sugar.
VALLEY tried both Olipop and Poppy prebiotic soda to see if they made any tangible difference in health. The indigestion that comes from drinking regular soda was slightly lessened while tasting the same as a regular soda. The best flavors were lemon lime and orange! Overall, prebiotic sodas may be a healthier alternative to regular soda.
If you pick up a can of probiotic soda, be sure to tweet us at @VALLEYmag on Twitter!
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