Hey there, soda lover! If you‘re like me, you‘ve probably been hearing a lot of buzz about Zevia lately. This naturally sweetened, zero calorie soda brand has been shaking up the beverage industry with its better-for-you twist on classic soda flavors. But is Zevia truly a "can do" when it comes to taste and satisfaction? I put on my fashionista researcher hat and did a full-on Zevia soda review to find out!
In this tell-all post, I‘ll be covering everything you need to know about Zevia, from the company‘s backstory and product lineup to the nutrition facts and ingredients. We‘ll also dive into the most important question: how does Zevia actually taste? I sampled a rainbow of Zevia flavors and even mixed up some "cocktails" to put them to the ultimate taste test.
But I won‘t just be sharing my own Zevia experience – I‘ve also gathered feedback and quotes from other Zevia fans and soda connoisseurs to give you a well-rounded review. And of course, I‘ll be serving up all the details on where you can score some Zevia for yourself!
So if you‘re ready to find out if Zevia is worth the hype and the premium price tag, keep scrolling for my honest, unfiltered Zevia soda review. Your taste buds (and maybe even your waistline) will thank you!
What is Zevia Soda?
First things first, let‘s start with the basics. Zevia is a natural soda brand that was founded in 2007 by Derek Newman, Ian Eisenberg and Jessica Newman. The trio had a mission to create delicious, refreshing beverages that wouldn‘t derail health-focused lifestyles or spike blood sugar levels.
The secret to Zevia‘s better-for-you soda recipe is using stevia leaf extract as the sweetener instead of sugar, corn syrup or artificial substitutes. Stevia is a natural, plant-based sweetener that is 200-350 times sweeter than table sugar but has a glycemic index of zero, meaning it doesn‘t affect blood glucose or insulin levels.^1^
By swapping out the sugar for stevia, Zevia is able to offer an expansive line of sodas, energy drinks, mixers, organic teas and kids beverages that are all zero calories, naturally sweetened and Non-GMO Project verified. The company has experienced massive growth over the past decade and is now sold in over 42,000 grocery, natural and specialty stores across the United States and Canada.
But Zevia‘s mission goes beyond just making a healthier soda. The company is dedicated to combating chronic health issues like diabetes and obesity by reducing sugar consumption on a global scale. For every can of Zevia sold, the company donates to health and community organizations fighting to improve public health and wellness.
Zevia Product Lineup & Nutrition
So what exactly is Zevia serving up? The brand has an impressive lineup of over 30 unique flavors across several beverage categories:
- Zevia Soda: Zevia‘s signature line featuring 15 classic soda flavors like Cola, Ginger Root Beer, Cream Soda, Black Cherry and Grape
- Zevia Energy: Naturally caffeinated sparkling energy drinks in flavors like Mango Ginger, Raspberry Lime and Grapefruit
- Zevia Mixer: Cocktail mixers and non-alcoholic drink flavors like Tonic Water, Ginger Beer and Lemon Lime Twist
- Zevia Kidz: A collection of 5 flavors designed for kids like Orange Cream, Fruit Punch and Fizzy Apple
- Zevia Organic Tea: A line of lightly carbonated, organic stevia-sweetened iced tea in Lemon, Raspberry and Peach flavors
One of the stand-out aspects of Zevia‘s products is the notably short and simple ingredient list. Most Zevia soda flavors contain just 4 ingredients: carbonated water, natural flavors, citric acid and stevia leaf extract. The beverages are Non-GMO Project verified, vegan, gluten-free, Kosher and free from artificial colors and preservatives.
When it comes to nutrition facts, you can‘t beat Zevia‘s zeros across the board. A 12 oz can of Zevia soda contains:
- 0 calories
- 0 grams sugar
- 0 grams fat
- 0 grams protein
- 0 grams carbohydrates
- 0 mg sodium
- 0 mg cholesterol
Compare that to a 12 oz can of regular Coca-Cola, which packs 140 calories and 39 grams of sugar – yikes! With stats like that, it‘s no wonder Zevia has become a go-to soda alternative for health-conscious folks, diabetics, keto dieters and anyone watching their sugar intake.
The Great Zevia Taste Test
Of course, all the fizzy health perks in the world don‘t mean much if Zevia doesn‘t deliver on taste and satisfaction. I‘ll admit, I was a bit skeptical about a "healthy soda" actually tasting good. But as a self-proclaimed soda lover and adventurous foodie, I was more than willing to put Zevia to the test!
I picked up a rainbow pack with all 15 of Zevia‘s soda flavors to sample. Here are my thoughts on some of the most popular Zevia soda varieties:
Zevia Cola
As a die-hard Coca-Cola fan, this was the flavor I was most curious about. I cracked open the Zevia Cola with cautious optimism and was pleasantly surprised by the first sip. The cola had a distinct, spicy aroma and a rich brown color just like the real thing. The flavor was a bit lighter and less syrupy than regular Coke, but it still hit the spot with a balance of caramel, vanilla, warm spices and fizzy bubbles.
I even tried making a "Zevia Float" by pouring it over a scoop of vanilla ice cream – delish! While Zevia Cola wasn‘t an exact replica of Coke, it definitely satisfied my cola craving without the sugar crash. I‘d call it a win!
Zevia Ginger Root Beer
This old fashioned favorite got a zingy upgrade from Zevia. The Ginger Root Beer had a spicy kick from real ginger that created a warmth and tingle on the tongue. It kind of reminded me of a ginger kombucha or Moscow Mule. I loved the extra gingery dimension paired with the classic root beer flavors of vanilla, licorice and sassafras. This would make a great cocktail mixer too – Zevia Mule anyone?
Zevia Cream Soda
Cream soda is usually a sugar bomb, so I was curious to see how Zevia would interpret this extra sweet flavor. Zevia Cream Soda delivered the goods with a smooth, creamy vanilla taste that had a delightful frothiness. It was sweet without being cloying and had a delicate caramel finish. This flavor would be amazing as a float or blended into an ice cream shake!
Zevia Orange
As a Fanta fan, I had high hopes for Zevia‘s orange offering. This flavor was an absolute delight with its bright, zippy citrus taste. It was tart and tangy with just the right balance of sweetness – like freshly squeezed oranges in soda form. The Zevia Orange would be so refreshing paired with tacos or pizza. Zevia Creamsicle float, anyone?
Zevia Mountain Zevia
For the Mountain Dew devotees out there, Zevia created its own "Mountain Zevia" flavor. This soda captured the lemon-lime essence and energizing zing of the neon green original. The citrus flavor was crisp and clean with an effervescent tingle. I could see this being a hit with the gamer and adventure sports crowd looking for a healthier energy boost.
Overall, I was blown away by how much I enjoyed all the Zevia soda flavors. The tastes were authentic, refreshing and craveable. There was no strange aftertaste or artificial "diet" flavor – just bold, natural tastes that rivaled the full-sugar sodas.
Zevia is not a "sacrifice" or "substitution" – it‘s a lateral move to a healthier soda option that actually tastes great. In fact, I found myself reaching for a Zevia over my usual Coke and Sprite because I loved the flavors so much. That‘s a soda swap I can feel good about!
What Do Other Zevia Fans Think?
But don‘t just take my word for it – Zevia has amassed a cult following of soda lovers turned healthy beverage enthusiasts. The brand‘s website and social media pages are filled with glowing reviews and personal testimonials. Here are a few highlights:
"I gave up soda a year ago but still craved that fizzy refreshment. A friend turned me on to Zevia and I was hooked from the first sip! The Ginger Root Beer is my absolute favorite – it‘s like a healthier version of my beloved ginger beer cocktails. I always keep my fridge stocked with Zevia now!" – Jennifer T.
"As someone with Type 2 diabetes, I thought I had to give up soda forever. But then I discovered Zevia and it was a total game-changer. I can enjoy all my favorite soda flavors without worrying about blood sugar spikes. The Cola flavor is so satisfying and the Ginger Ale is my go-to when I have an upset stomach. Zevia has greatly improved my quality of life!" – Mark D.
"I‘m a total soda fiend but I‘m also trying to watch my calories and sugar intake. I was skeptical about a ‘healthy‘ soda but Zevia blew me away. The flavors are so spot-on and refreshing. I love mixing the different varieties to create my own custom combinations – Cream Soda + Root Beer is my favorite! Zevia helps me feel like I‘m not missing out while working on my health goals." – Tiffany M.
Zevia also has an impressive 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Amazon, with over 12,000 customer reviews. Buyers praise Zevia for its great taste, natural ingredients and wide variety of flavors. Many reviewers are long-time soda lovers who are thrilled to find a healthier alternative that doesn‘t feel like a sacrifice.
FAQs About Zevia
Is Zevia healthy?
While no soda can be considered a health food, Zevia is a much healthier alternative to regular soda. Zevia contains no sugar, calories, artificial sweeteners or colors. It is sweetened with natural stevia leaf extract, which has been shown to have several potential health benefits like lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.^2^
Is Zevia keto-friendly?
Yes, Zevia sodas are keto-compatible due to their lack of carbs and sugar. However, some of the energy drink and tea flavors do contain small amounts of carbs and sugar from added juice concentrates, so be sure to check the nutrition labels.
Can diabetics drink Zevia?
Yes, Zevia is a safe sugar-free soda option for people with diabetes. The stevia sweetener does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels like regular sugar. However, it‘s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before adding any new food or beverage to your diet.
Does Zevia contain any common allergens?
Zevia sodas do not contain any of the top 8 allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat). The products are also vegan, gluten-free and kosher. However, Zevia is produced in a facility that also processes nuts.
Is Zevia an energy drink?
While Zevia does offer a line of natural energy drinks, the core Zevia sodas are not formulated or marketed as energy beverages. Most Zevia sodas are caffeine-free, with the exception of Cola which has about 1/3 the amount of caffeine as regular cola.
The Final Fizzy Verdict
So, is Zevia worth all the buzz and the premium price tag? After my comprehensive taste test and research, my verdict is a resounding YES! Zevia truly delivers on its promise of a delicious, all-natural soda that you can feel good about drinking.
The flavors are bold, authentic and totally craveable. There‘s no strange aftertaste or artificial feeling – just pure, unadulterated soda bliss. And with zero calories, sugar or junk ingredients, Zevia is a soda swap that can seamlessly fit into a healthy lifestyle.
I love that Zevia offers such a wide range of flavors and beverage options to suit different tastes and occasions. Whether you‘re a cola connoisseur, root beer rebel or orange soda devotee, Zevia has a fizzy fix for you. The core sodas are perfect for everyday refreshment, while the mixers, energy drinks, teas and kids‘ options offer even more exciting ways to enjoy the Zevia goodness.
I also have to give major props to Zevia for their commitment to using clean, natural ingredients and promoting better health on a global scale. In a soda industry dominated by high fructose corn syrup and artificial everything, Zevia is a much-needed breath of fresh (sparkling) air. This is a company that truly cares about its customers and is on a mission to make a positive impact.
While the price point is definitely higher than your standard 2-liter of pop, I personally think the health benefits and premium ingredients are worth the extra cost. Zevia is an accessible way to enjoy soda without sabotaging your wellness goals or spiking your blood sugar. Plus, it‘s cheaper than hitting up the hipster soda shop or juice bar!
So if you‘re a soda lover looking for a healthier way to get your fizzy fix, I highly recommend giving Zevia a try. Crack open a can of that Cream Soda or Mountain Zevia and enjoy a refreshing moment of guilt-free indulgence. Treat yourself to a Zevia cocktail or float on a special occasion. Stock your fridge with a rainbow of Zevia flavors so you always have a healthy soda option on hand.
Trust me, your taste buds (and maybe even your waistline) will thank you for making the Zevia swap. I know I‘ll be sipping on these sparkling superstars for a long time to come!
