Are these soda alternatives truly gut-healthy, or is the media fooling us? Exploring the reality of real nutrition and the truth behind what the leading soda companies are doing to our planet. We discovered how to preserve that tasty, carbonated sip without sacrifice.

With a steady decline in traditional soda, a new champion is slowly rising to the top: "gut-healthy" soda alternatives. According to IBIS World, big-name companies are plummeting in profit, and we are becoming increasingly more aware of the high amount of sugar and additives in traditional sodas. Traditional soda consumption has decreased by 25% in just the last 5 years.(Rose, 2025). Healthier soda alternatives are becoming increasingly more popular, so one might wonder if they're too good to be true.

We hear the truth from dietitian Jennifer Sommer-Dirks, owner of Active Fueling, a sports nutrition company that specializes in endurance sports and disordered eating. Jennifer is passionate about teaching people how to fuel their lives properly at Active Fueling! To preface, it is pivotal to remember that mindfulness and balance are the most important things in one's diet. Shaming people out of their favorite beverage is not the goal here. Jennifer adds, "We don't need to associate food with morality, labeling them as good or bad. Having the occasional soda is fine." Being aware of how much sugar you consume is wise, but soda itself does not need to be labeled as inherently bad. There are foods and drinks, in this case, that are cleaner and offer benefits, and foods that we simply enjoy for their taste.

These "gut-healthy" sodas are greatly praised for their benefits and taste. So are they truly as good as they claim to be? I examined the truth with Jennifer. Surprisingly, "It's hard to say if there is actually any benefit from these gut-healthy sodas," Jennifer replied. Her philosophy is to prioritize obtaining the necessary nutrients from food first, then supplementing with additional vitamins and minerals, with the focus being on proper nutrition. Jennifer explains, "These drinks aren't going to make up for a diet lacking in fiber or probiotics; they don't have enough probiotics or prebiotics in them to do very much. From the perspective of sugar, they are a healthier option because of a lower sugar content, but not a miracle food." Jennifer said, "gut health affects everything, our metabolism, hormones, immune system, and mental health. It is very important to have a healthy gut. I wouldn't want someone to think they have a healthy gut just because they are drinking one of these sodas."

There is, however, a problem that needs more attention than the sugar in your soda: unethical behavior. While big-name companies claim to be actively more sustainable, they simply are not. Companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi facilitate some of the highest-rated unethical practices in the soda industry.(Tearfund, 2019). Not to mention, they are responsible for millions of pounds of plastic that we find on our planet today. They continually damage our planet through non-regenerative farming, which depletes our soil, pollutes the air, and fills the seas with toxic plastic. We can make a difference by supporting local soda companies, as they utilize recycled plastics, employ regenerative farming practices, and incorporate high-quality ingredients.

If you're looking for a place to start on your alternative soda journey, here's a breakdown of the best locally sourced options. These local brands are worth your money and taste just as good, if not better, than traditional soda. These few brands are sustainably sourced and reduce waste.

Locally Made Soda Alternatives

Doctor D's - a sparkling probiotic drink that offers a delightful sip. It contains living probiotic kefir water, which supports digestive and immune health. The Tart Cherry flavor is slightly sweet with that classic pucker of cherry and a lemony tang on the tongue. The perfect mocktail-vibe drink to sip out on your porch Friday evening as the sun is setting. Based in Louisville, Colorado you can find this beverage at most local grocery stores and markets.

Julian's Cliffhouse - An all-organic kombucha beverage with a fizz that refreshes the tummy. With only 5 grams of sugar, the mango passionfruit flavor complements the lovely, fermented kombucha flair. Found in their classic glass bottle, Julian's Cliffhouse does kombucha right. This family-owned business has been producing kombucha since 1985, a tradition brought all the way from Germany. Expertly handcrafted with no additives in Jamestown Co.

Found locally, you can enjoy your kombucha with a freshly-baked pastry or sandwich at Moxie Bread.

Rowdy Mermaid - With a crisp crack of the can, you will be asking yourself why you haven't been drinking this all along. A good mood soda, with only 4 grams of sugar, the orange flavor is simply perfection. It contains ashwagandha to lighten the weight on your shoulders and clear your mind. This mood-rejuvenating beverage is sustainably sourced, caffeine-free, and based in Boulder. Visit Button Rock Bakery in Lafayette to grab a Rowdy Mermaid alongside their airy avocado egg sandwich.

Sati Soda - A functional hemp-focused beverage. The Ginger Chill is a bubbling symphony of flavor. The crisp burn of the ginger, accompanied by the relaxing dandelion root, is a pleasure to sip. Based in Boulder, Sati has a mission to reinvent soda. With a variety of CBD-centered options, Sati is making a unique, better soda.