Drinking soda on a daily basis can have serious consequences for your overall health. It doesn't matter if you prefer diet soda or fruit-flavored soda, as they all contain high levels of sugar and harmful chemicals. Consuming these types of drinks frequently can lead to weight gain and even shorten your lifespan. Soda consumption can also negatively impact your mood and increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
One of the biggest problems with soda is the amount of added sugar it contains. Sugar-sweetened beverages are a major factor in weight gain and can hinder efforts to lose abdominal fat. Some of the worst sodas out there contain more sugar than multiple donuts or a pint of ice cream.
To help you make informed choices when buying soda, we've ranked the worst sodas available on the market based on their total and added sugar content. It's important to note that regular consumption of soda can have serious health consequences, so it's best to limit your intake or avoid these beverages altogether.
1) Warheads Sour Soda
PER 12 FL OZ: 150 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 10 mg sodium, 36 g carbs (0 g fiber, 35 g sugar), 0 g protein
Warheads candy enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate the chance to relish in their favorite sour flavors with Warhead Sour Sodas. Nevertheless, it is important to note that a 12-ounce can contains 35 grams of sugar, which is a significant amount. It's worth keeping in mind that the American Heart Association recommends that men consume no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day, and women no more than 25 grams.
2) Dr. Pepper Cherry Vanilla
PER 12 FL OZ: 140 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 60 mg sodium, 39 g carbs (0 g fiber, 38 g sugar), 0 g protein
This small can of Dr. Pepper's Cherry Vanilla soda packs a sugary punch with a whopping 38 grams of sugar. While it may taste delicious, consuming more than your daily recommended amount of added sugar in one drink can be risky, especially when considering the added sugar from other sources throughout the day.
3) Starry Lemon Lime
PER 12 FL OZ: 150 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 35 mg sodium, 39 g carbs (0 g fiber, 39 g sugar), 0 g protein
For those who love the taste of lemon-lime in their soda, Starry soda may be a tempting choice. However, it's important to note that just one can of this beverage contains 39 grams of added sugar, exceeding the recommended daily intake limit.
4) Dr. Pepper Strawberries & Cream
PER 12 FL OZ: 150 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 55 mg sodium, 40 g carbs (0 g fiber, 39 g sugar), 0 g protein
The idea of drinking a strawberries & cream soda might sound tempting, but the 39 grams of added sugar in each can is a major red flag. It's best to opt for a healthier alternative, like this strawberry vanilla soda, to avoid consuming too much added sugar.
5) Fanta Piña Colada
PER 20 FL OZ: 230 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 65 mg sodium, 61 g carbs (0 g fiber, 61 g sugar), 0 g protein
This soda flavor by Fanta was launched in 2020 and promised to offer a taste like a vacation. However, the sugar content in this drink is exceedingly high, with one 20-ounce bottle containing as much sugar as 20 Oreo Thin cookies.
6) Nitro Pepsi
PER 13.65 FL OZ: 230 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 140 mg sodium, 63 g carbs (0 g fiber, 63 g sugar), 0 g protein
For those who enjoy the creamy texture of nitro beverages, Nitro Pepsi may seem like an appealing option. However, this Pepsi variant infused with nitrogen packs a staggering 63 grams of sugar in just a 13.64-ounce can. Drinking a single can of Nitro Pepsi is equivalent to consuming more sugar than you would get from eating two slices of chocolate cake.
7) Sprite
PER 20 FL OZ: 230 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 110 mg sodium, 64 g carbs (0 g fiber, 63 g sugar), 0 g protein
This article highlights the high sugar content of Sprite, a popular lemon-lime soda. Just one bottle of Sprite contains more sugar than 10 Oreo cookies, which can be concerning for those who consume it regularly. This excess sugar intake can contribute to weight gain and other health issues, especially when combined with other high-sugar foods and beverages throughout the day.
8) Fanta Green Apple
PER 20 FL OZ: 240 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 60 mg sodium, 64 g carbs (0 g fiber, 63 g sugar), 0 g protein
While apples are believed to help with weight loss, Fanta's Green Apple soda won't be providing the same benefits. In fact, just one bottle of this soda contains 48 grams of sugar, which is more than the daily recommended intake for women. So, if you're looking for a healthy snack before your meal, it's best to stick to a fresh apple instead of indulging in this sugary drink.