When you’re trying to cut out sugar and get healthier, one of the first things most of us do is stop drinking soda. As much as we love soda, it’s pure sugar and doesn’t offer any health benefits. However, a new soda on the market claims to be different. Is Olipop the real deal, or too good to be true?
Olipop sodas, according to reviewers, taste just like regular soda and comes in a variety of flavors — Vintage Cola, Classic Root Beer, Orange Squeeze, Ginger Lemon, Cherry Vanilla and Strawberry Vanilla. But, unlike regular sodas, a can has nine grams of prebiotic fiber. And, while a regular Coca-Cola has 39 grams of added sugar per can, Olipop’s Vintage Cola has only two grams of added sugar and 35 calories per can.
One reviewer said that the mouthfeel of Olipop soda is different. It’s not as thick as regular soda. That makes sense. If you regularly drink sugary soda, drinking one that lacks sugar might feel slightly different as the soda might be slightly thinner. Because of the difference, the reviewer said they found the cola more refreshing than a regular Coke. That reviewer ranked all the flavors, giving Orange Squeeze first place.
One reviewer expressed some concern about the high amount of fiber in the Olipop sodas. Nine grams is an awful lot per can. It comes from extracts from whole foods, so it doesn’t change the texture of the drink. The fiber comes from inulin from chicory and artichoke, cassava, kudzu, marshmallow root and other sources. If you go from having very little fiber to drinking nine grams without building up, you may cause yourself some intestinal discomfort. Most supplements of inulin tell you to build up starting from two grams a day. What is nice is that this is prebiotic fiber. Most of us only know about probiotics. Prebiotics are food for your body’s healthy bacteria.
Olipop is available in Safeway and Kroger stores as well as Sprouts, Whole Foods Market and on their website. Each can costs about $2.50. That is a lot of money for a soda. But, if you are someone who is trying to ween yourself off soda and just want the occasional can, it might be worth it. At that price, it’s not going to become your go-to drink, but if you love soda, it can hit the spot.
Obviously, the best drink is water. It’s hydrating and calorie-free. It helps your body operate at its best, and you don’t have to worry about what it might do to your blood sugar. You also don’t have to search for it in stores. But, if you feel the urge for soda and just can’t ignore it, this appears to be a good choice.
