7 Best Prebiotic and Probiotic Soda Brands
Updated: Apr. 04, 2024
We sipped and assessed over 50 flavors of prebiotic and probiotic soda to suss out which one is the best for you and your gut.
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I’m the kind of person who craves soda. Although I do my best not to keep it around the house, after a stressful day at work, I’ve been known to snag a Diet Coke from McDonald’s. When I’m on a road trip, you can count on finding a Dr. Pepper in my cup holder. My boyfriend and I have even received a 24-pack of Sprecher root beer as a gift from his parents.
Now, I know this isn’t good for me. But the effervescence, the sweetness, the delightful burn of the bubbly beverage is irresistible in my opinion—and also irreplaceable. Kombucha scratches the itch sometimes, as does flavored sparkling water. Really, though, soda is my vice. But what if soda didn’t need to be a vice, per se? That’s the question prebiotic and probiotic soda brands posited.
These healthier alternatives to the infamously sugary sippers are one of the latest trends in the beverage space, one that’s ever-growing. (TikTok’s three-drink theory is too real.) And people like me, soda apologists, are thrilled. Now we can get our soda fix from drinks that boast prebiotics (i.e., compounds that foster the growth or activity of human microflora, especially in the gut) and/or probiotics (i.e., live microorganisms that maintain this healthy gut microflora)—and with fewer calories and less sugar.
There are a number of brands that specialize in this type of wholesome product, and we tried as many cans as we could get our hands on. Here is our definitive list of the best prebiotic and probiotic soda brands and flavors.
Annamarie Higley/Taste of Home
Best Overall
Olipop
During our testing of the best probiotic soda options, Olipop really, well, popped. Whether it’s the fruity basics such as Classic Grape or Orange Squeeze, or the soda dupes such as Root Beer or Vintage Cola, Olipop succeeds. In fact, we found its Root Beer and Cream Soda to be nearly indistinguishable from the real deal. Plus, the retro branding is an adorable nod to its nostalgic flavors like Strawberry Vanilla and Banana Cream. And, dang, we’ve only listed seven of the whopping 16 flavors so far! (They’re always dropping seasonal faves too!)
Olipop has the nutritional facts to back it up. As with most prebiotic items, the sodas are rich in fiber. Each can contains 9 grams, more than any others on this list. Furthermore, there are no more than 50 calories per can and between 2 and 5 grams of sugar. It’s a drink you and your taste buds can feel good about. Although it’s about $3 per can when purchased in bulk, the splurge is well worth it—it’s as close as you’re going to get to a regular soda.
Editor’s Favorite Flavor: Strawberry Vanilla (Psst! Try it with a splash of vanilla coffee creamer.)
Pros
- Greatest selection of flavors on this list (16 total)
- Best replacement for “traditional” soda
- Readily available in stores and online
- 9 grams of fiber per can, more than other prebiotic sodas
- Adorable branding
Cons
- One of the more expensive options on this list
Annamarie Higley/Taste of Home
Best Probiotic
Culture Pop
If booch, yogurt and kraut aren’t really your cup of tea, then rejoice! You can now drink a cup of Culture Pop for the same effect. You’d never guess there were billions of live microorganisms called Bacillus Subtilis hanging out in your can of Strawberry & Rhubarb, Orange Mango or Wild Berries & Lime. Culture Pop’s fresh and fruity probiotic soda offerings taste delicious—without a hint of fakey-ness. (The absence of stevia or any other artificial sweetener is probably to thank for that.)
In addition to probiotics galore, each can contains only 8 grams of sugar and 45 calories. Enjoy a 12-pack of any single flavor (Culture Pop offers seven) or try out one of the variety packs: Jazzy & Juicy or Zesty & Tarty. During our testing, the Watermelon & Lime and Strawberry & Rhubarb flavors were the first to go, so catch us sipping on the former variety pack year-round.
Editor’s Favorite Flavor: Watermelon & Lime
Pros
- One of the cheaper brands on this list
- 7 beloved flavors, like strawberry-rhubarb and lemon-lime
- Readily available in stores and online
- Only probiotics-only soda on this list
Cons
- No “traditional” soda flavors
Annamarie Higley/Taste of Home
Best Prebiotic
Poppi
Poppi is perhaps the most ubiquitous of all the sodas on this list. Not only is it available online and in many chain stores, but it’s also shelf-stable, so you can often find it in various aisles of said chain stores. You might recognize the colorful, poppy (pun intended) cans, especially the Raspberry Rose and Strawberry Lemon ones, from your supermarket strolls. Newer and slightly harder-to-find flavors include the brand’s Classic Cola, “Rootbeer” and Doc Pop, the last of which won out big time among our testers.
Although we generally preferred the fruity flavors to the traditional ones, we all agreed that Poppi’s popularity was deserved. The brand’s offerings are the cheapest by far (if you buy a 12-pack of a single flavor, each can is only $1.99), and the flavors, for the most part, are mouthwatering and accurate. In my testing notes, I lovingly described the can of Grape to a grape Jolly Rancher, and though I’m not a drinker of Coca-Cola, Poppi’s take on the classic tastes very close to how I remember it.
The 2 grams of fiber per serving might fall a little short compared to other competitors’ offerings, but each can contains fewer than 25 calories and 5 grams of sugar, as well as a healthy splash of apple cider vinegar.
Editor’s Favorite Flavor: Raspberry Rose
Pros
- Most affordable brand on this list
- 10 fun flavors, both fruity and classic
- Readily available in stores and online
- Contains apple cider vinegar for boosted health benefits
Cons
- Somewhat unsuccessful “traditional” soda flavors
- Not as much fiber as some competitors
Annamarie Higley/Taste of Home
Best Flavors
Wildwonder
The only option on this list in slim cans, Wildwonder looks like a hard seltzer, but it’ll leave you feeling a lot better than one. (That being said, all the testers agree these would make amazing mixers for a cocktail.) The powerful cans pack in prebiotics and probiotics to improve brain and gut health, bolster immunity and bring calm.
Inspired by the botanical tonics that the founder’s Chinese grandmother brewed, Wildwonder’s fruit-forward flavors include Peach Ginger, Pear Turmeric, Guava Rose, Strawberry Passion and more. We were blown away by just how much each and every one of these ingredients shines through. (It’s no surprise the drink did well on Shark Tank!) Although we agreed that Wildwonder is more akin to a juice or flavored iced tea, it’s still a delightfully refreshing probiotic soda with health perks that make it worth cracking open any time of day.
Editor’s Favorite Flavor: Strawberry Passion
Pros
- 7 ultra-creative flavors that taste exactly like their name
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics
- Slim cans with fun, graphic branding
- Minority- and woman-owned business
- 5% of profits go toward uplifting marginalized communities
- Available in 12-, 24- or 36-packs
Cons
- Closer to juice or tea than soda
- Most expensive “per can” price
Annamarie Higley/Taste of Home
Best Healthy
Turveda
Green juice sippers and ACV shooters, we’ve found a new super drink to add to your list. Turveda might not be for the casual soda consumer, but, man, would it do us all some good to enjoy one once in a while? Available in three flavors titled Wellness, Chill and Immunity (Lemon, Turmeric & Ginger, Ashwagandha, Lavender & Vanilla, and Amla, Passion Fruit & Blood Orange, respectively), Turveda sodas were developed by a team of gastroenterologists that know a thing or two on the subject of gut health.
In addition to prebiotics and ingredients like black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon and ginger, which are found in all Turveda sodas, the Chill flavor contains Ashwagandha to reduce anxiety and the Immunity flavor contains 200% of the daily dose of vitamin C thanks to the inclusion of the Indian Gooseberry. Because we agreed the three flavors taste fairly similar to one another, you really can’t go wrong. Pick your poison based on your desired health perk.
With all these health benefits, you might expect Turveda to break the bank. Thankfully, no! At $2.82 per can, Turveda is one of the cheaper brands on this list.
Editor’s Favorite Flavor:Â Chill
Pros
- Includes the benefits of other prebiotic sodas, as well as a wellness shot, all in one can
- Formulated by gastroenterologists
- One of the cheaper options on this list
- Minority-owned business
Cons
- Only three flavors
- Not as universally palatable as other brands
Emily Way/Taste of Home
Best Fermented
De La Calle Tepache
Looking for a non-alcoholic drink for Dry January and beyond, sans the kid-ness of a soda? Tepache is a fermented beverage from Mexico made from pineapple rinds, giving it a bit more of a “bite” than the other options on our list. De La Calle Tepache is one of the more drinkable mocktails I’ve tried, while still including probiotics (woot woot!) and certified organic ingredients. Dressing it up with ice, garnish and a Tajin rim makes it feel less like a soda and more like a full-on experience. This goes doubly-so for some of the more avant garde flavors like Mango Chili, Tamarind Citrus and Ginger Manzana. Overall, there are 10 different flavors to choose from.
I love that this is a traditional, centuries-old Mexican drink—it makes drinking a can feel like a cultural experience. The Tropical flavor actually reminds me of an adult Hi-C, flavor-wise. You can definitely taste the cinnamon extract, which gives you that sort of warm feeling you get while drinking a cocktail. The Hibiscus Citrus is more akin to a cocktail in the traditional sense with somewhat of a tea-like quality, but that might be thanks to the more elevated flavor profile of hibiscus. It’s a little puckery, in a pleasant way. For smooth-sipping, go with the Tropical flavor; for a cocktail-adjacent experience, go for the Hibiscus Cocktail.
Editor’s Favorite Flavor: Hibiscus Citrus
Pros
- Tepache fermentation gives the soda bit more of a mocktail quality
- Range of 10 flavors, from exotic to more mild
- Offers spicy options like Mango Chili, Pineapple Chili and Jalapeno Watermelon
- Low in sugar, high in flavor
Cons
- A bit pricey at $3.91/can
Emily Way/Taste of Home
Best Stevia-Free
Health-Ade Sunsip
A relative newbie to the market, Health-Ade’s Sunsip probiotic soda is every bit as delicious and flavorful as the kombucha the brand is known for. As with the rest of our picks, these sodas are relatively low in calories, with most topping out at just 35 per can. Vitamins C, B6, B12, zinc and selenium round out this healthful option. The biggest selling point of Sunsip is the absence of Stevia, which can cause stomach upset and headaches in folks sensitive to sugar alcohols.
Four familiar soda flavors—Raspberry Lemonade, Cherry Cola, Strawberry Vanilla and Root Beer—make this brand an excellent choice for those new to the probiotic soda game. Because of the flavors and the fact that they’re relatively low in cane sugar (boasting less than five grams per can), it feels more like drinking a diet soda than some of the other options. The Cherry Cola flavor disappeared particularly quickly in our house filled with soda drinkers, so it’s safe to say they’re pretty darn delicious.
Editor’s Favorite Flavor: Cherry Cola
Pros
- Comes in traditional soda flavors
- Non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free and Kosher
- No Stevia, so it’s safe for people who are sensitive to sugar alcohol
- At just under $3 per can, they’re pretty affordable
Cons
- Only four flavors currently offered
What to Look for When Buying Prebiotic or Probiotic Soda
The first question is: Why are you buying a prebiotic or probiotic soda? If the answer is that you go through six packs of Coca-Cola or mocktails way too quickly and need to find a healthier drink, then you’ll want to opt for one of the brands that have classic soda flavors. Your best bets will be either Olipop or Poppi. If you’re seeking health benefits (even above taste), then options like Turveda or prebiotic/probiotic powerhouse Wildwonder are your best bets.
Why You Should Trust Us
Aside from being a self-proclaimed soda enthusiast with a special affinity for artisanal varieties, I am the Taste of Home shopping team’s resident food and beverage expert. With three years of experience spearheading the site’s and magazine’s gift guides, I’m particularly clued into trendy, novel and lesser-known brands and products, especially consumables, within the food space.
How We Found the Best Prebiotic and Probiotic Soda Brands
Annamarie Higley/Taste of HomeFirst, we researched the best prebiotic and probiotic soda brands on the market, taking care to exclude any similar products such as kombucha, sparkling water, CBD drinks, probiotic juices, etc. (It gets confusing out there!) When all was said and done, we compiled over 50 flavors from 10 brands. Then, of course, we got to sipping. We evaluated each flavor individually and then came up with an overall ranking for each brand. The top performers stood out for their unique flavors, variety, exceptional health benefits, price and availability.
Originally Published: October 25, 2023
