Whether you’re looking to cut calories, improve your gut health, or lose weight, prebiotic sodas are a great choice. The biggest question most people have before trying one of these drinks is, what does it taste like?
With several brands on the market, there are several different flavors you can choose from, from fruity options to sodas that taste remarkably close to classic soda flavors. While the term “prebiotic” might turn some people off, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the soda is going to taste bitter. In fact, quite the opposite, prebiotic sodas taste incredible.
The New Kombucha?
For a long time, one of the most well-known gut-health drinks was kombucha, but now that seems to be changing. There has been a surge in prebiotic soda brands popping up in recent years, from smart soda brand vina to other brands like Olipop and Poppi, it seems like King Kombucha may have finally been overthrown.
While most brands have only been around for a few years, they are gaining ground incredibly quickly in the healthy drink market no doubt due to all of the potential benefits of prebiotics instead of probiotics. Another reason that many people are switching to prebiotic soda, is that it beats kombucha and even conventional soda, in the taste department, hands down.
What is the Difference Between Prebiotic Soda and Kombucha?
Kombucha is a probiotic drink that is made from fermenting sugar with yeast in a vessel full of water, and sometimes other flavoring ingredients or fiber elements. While it has many well-known benefits to health, one of the most notorious features of kombucha is the taste. Many people love the benefits but describe the taste as so bitter as to be off-putting, and to make consumption actually difficult sometimes.
This is where prebiotic soda differs entirely. Not only is it made with apple cider vinegar which is often easier to take than even the mildest batch of kombucha, but they are blended with essential prebiotic elements like fiber from special botanicals that help boost gut and brain health to levels kombucha enthusiasts would be envious of.
Natural Sources of Prebiotics
There are countless sources of effective prebiotic fiber found in nature, and so many go underutilized. However, some brands of prebiotic soda have begun seeking out ideal sources and incorporating them into these beverages. While you usually can’t taste them, you can absolutely feel the benefits. Some of these plants include:
- Slippery Elm Bark: This North American elm contributes fiber as well as antioxidants and soothing effects.
- Nopal Cactus: This succulent is high in prebiotic fiber, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.
- Chicory Root: This common root is one of the biggest sources of prebiotic fiber, as well as helping to naturally balance the digestive system with inulin. Since these fibers are non-digestible, they are prime fuel for the microbiome in the large intestine.
- Jerusalem Artichoke: This famous plant is one of the most significant sources of dietary fiber, and contributes heavily to the proliferation of healthy gut flora like Lactobacillus.
- Kudzu Root: While kudzu root may be incredibly invasive and destructive, it is also one of the best sources of special digestion-resistant starches that have great prebiotic effects.
- Calendula: This is another plant with soothing and calming effects, which aids in digestion efficiency.
What Flavors of Prebiotic Soda Can I Choose From?
There are several major brands of prebiotic soda that are widely available either online through the manufacturer or via online superstores like Walmart or Target. They each have their own lineup of flavors, and many of them rotate flavors or have limited availability, but some of the most popular flavors include:
- Strawberry Vanilla
- Classic Root Beer
- Ginger Fizz
- Cherry Pop
- Grapefruit
- Lime Lemon
- Pomegranate
- Orange Squeeze
- Ginger Lemon
- Cherry Vanilla
- Classic Grape
- Blackberry Vanilla
- Classic Cola
- Watermelon
- Strawberry Lemon
- Ginger Lime
- Raspberry Rose
- Doc Pop
Where Can I Get Prebiotic Soda?
We recommend ordering directly from the manufacturer since that is where you will often get the best deals, as well as variety packs and shipping discounts. Many brands even offer a subscription-based discount, so if you plan to keep prebiotic soda around, that is one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to do it.
Flavors For All Tastes
Changing from traditional soda to prebiotic soda can be a bit of a culture shock (pun intended) at first, but once you taste some of the flavors that are out there, you’ll wonder why you ever drank sugar-laden processed drinks. You’ll enjoy a healthier gut while sipping on some of the absolute tastiest flavors ever concocted.
