According to research, an average person consumes 75 gallons of soda in a year. This is concerning because carbonated drinks are linked to several problems.
Soda consumption in excess causes dehydration, weight gain, kidney problems and reduces the amount of calcium in the body.
Moreover, soda consumption in access can increase the craving for sweet foods too. This happens due to the ingredients present in carbonated drinks such as sucrose and high amount of fructose. This is why it’s recommended to keep the carbonated drinks consumption as low as possible.
In this article, we’ll have a look at nine refreshing alternatives to carbonated drinks:
Why It Is Important To Consume Less Carbonated Drinks?
Carbonated drinks are loaded with sugar and ingredients that are harmful for the body. In fact, there is almost 39 grams of sugar in a regular cola.
Therefore, people who consume carbonated drinks every day are more prone to health problems, especially type 2 diabetes. The solution to this problem lies in switching from carbonated drinks to other alternatives that are safer.
Without much ado, let’s have a look at 9 refreshing alternatives to drink instead of carbonated drinks:
1. Natural Fruit Flavored Water
If you’re consuming too much of carbonated drinks lately and have been facing health problems then it’s time to turn the tables. Consider natural fruit flavored water.
Fruits provide health benefits in abundance but more importantly, they’re delicious to eat and drink, especially when you know the right recipes.
You can choose any fruit that you like including apples, bananas, oranges, watermelons, and pears, and infuse in water for excellent taste.
What It Contains:
Fruits contain a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are important for the body to stay healthy. You’ll receive vitamin C in abundance from citrus fruits.
How To Make The Best Fruit Flavored Water:
It is very easy to make your own fruit flavored water. Take an ice cube tray and cut small pieces of any fruit that you like. Place the tiny pieces in the cube compartments, fill them with water, and freeze them.
Take a glass of water and add as many cubes as you’d like for taste. You can also add maple syrup in a small amount if you like.
How Long Does It Last:
Frozen fruits have a long shelf life of almost 18 months but they must be kept only in the freezer.
2. Raspberry Lemonade
Simple lemonade is available almost everywhere, give it a twist and add raspberry into the mix.
What It Contains:
Raspberries provide you with a lot of vitamins and other nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, and iron.
Lemon, on the other hand, is also abundant in vitamin C. This drink is free from soda and one of the best alternative to carbonated drinks.
How To Make The Best Raspberry Lemonade:
Add half a cup raspberries in a pitcher and blend them into syrup. On the other hand, squeeze 4-6 lemons and mix the two. Now enjoy the drink chilled.
How Long Does It Last:
It will last for about 7 days in the refrigerator.
3. Coconut Water
Coconut water serves as an excellent alternative to carbonated drinks. It is readily available and has a very unique taste that is hard to replicate.
What It Contains:
It contains carbs that are very easy to digest. Plus, it is considered a healthy substitute for water as it does not contain any harmful ingredients and is also low in calories.
How To Make The Best Coconut Water:
You cannot make your own coconut water. You will have to buy it fresh or packed. Choose a reliable company if you’re going for company-made coconut water.
Note: You can add a few slices of different fruits to increase the taste.
How Long Does It Last:
An opened bottle of coconut water will last for 24 to 48 hours. Also, pay attention to the expiry date.
4. The Hulkbuster
If you’re looking for a super green energy drink then The Hulkbuster can be a good choice. It’s a combination of green ingredients including green apple, celery, lime, and lettuce.
What It Contains:
The Hulkbuster is made up of several healthy greens that are rich in several vitamins, minerals, calcium, and iron.
How To Make The Best Hulkbuster:
Take 2 large apples, half a lime, ½ head lettuce, and 6 stalks of celeries. Chop them and bring the mix into a juicer. Blend them all together. Add honey to sweeten it.
How Long Does It Last:
It will last for 7 days when refrigerated.
5. Soy Milk
Milk sure is a great alternative to carbonated drinks but some people can be lactose intolerant. Here’s where soy milk comes into play. If you do not like the taste of soy milk, add a few pieces of almonds and few spoons of butter to give it a boost.
What It Contains:
Soy milk has it all. It contains lots of proteins and several vitamins that are good for the body. It is said to help reduce cholesterol levels which is a great benefit for people who’re looking to lose weight.
How To Make The Best Soy Milk:
Take half a cup of yellow soybeans and soak them overnight for at least 12 hours. In the morning, drain them, and peel the outer skin. Blend them with 750ml of water. Strain the prepared mixture using a napkin.
Now, pour the mixture in a saucepan and add 250ml of water to the mix. Turn on the stove (medium heat) and keep stirring for 20 minutes.
Let it cool.
You can add vanilla extract, cocoa powder or almonds to increase the taste.
How Long Does It Last:
It will last for 7-10 days in the refrigerator.
6. Ginger Ale
This drink is not only free from soda but offers many health benefits as well. It is prepared using three main ingredients: ginger, mint leaves, and fresh lime juice. It has a strong flavor that may take some time to grow on you.
What It Contains:
Ginger ale contains a plethora of nutrients including vitamins, riboflavin, niacin, magnesium, and potassium. It is very refreshing and can give you a boost of energy.
How To Make The Best Ginger Ale:
Take ¾ cup of diced and peeled ginger and place aside. Now, take half a cup of water and squeeze a few limes in it to make lime juice.
Cut the ginger into small pieces and add into a jug. Fill it with 2 quarts of filtered water. Include the lime juice in the jug.
Leave the drink for 2 days and enjoy it chilled. You’ll notice fizzing similar to soda. However, this fizziness is not unhealthy.
How Long Does It Last:
It will last for 7 days at max.
7. Keto Coffee
Why stick to the old methods of making coffee when you can try a new one? Keto coffee is a combination of coffee, coconut oil, and butter. It has a super delicious taste and will definitely make you forget carbonated drinks.
What It Contains:
The butter in the coffee provides carbs, fats, and proteins. Coconut oil is cholesterol free and will enhance the taste. Finally, coffee itself contains several minerals, vitamins, magnesium, and potassium.
How To Make The Best Keto Coffee:
Grind the coffee in a coffee machine or French press. Place butter and coconut oil in the middle of the brewing, 1 tablespoon each. Pour the coffee in a mug and wait for 2 minutes for the butter and oil to dissolve. Drink up.
How Long Does It Last:
3-4 days in the fridge. However, drink this coffee only one time every day.
8. Yogurt Parfait
This particular thick drink is made up of granola, Greek yogurt, blueberries, and a little amount of honey. It’s refreshing and quite sweet in taste.
What It Contains:
It is a very healthy drink that can also help prevent dehydration. It contains several vitamins, calcium, and minerals including choline, folate, and manganese.
How To Make The Best Yogurt Parfait:
Take ¾ cup of greek yogurt in a bowl. Add half a cup of blueberries in it. Add one cup of granola and drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix them well.
You can opt to blend the mix or enjoy a thick drink.
How Long Does It Last:
It will last for only 3 days in the fridge.
9. Kiwi Berry Smoothie
Switch to a healthier breakfast by including kiwi berry smoothie to it. It’s super easy to make and delicious at the same time.
What It Contains:
This smoothie is a blend of blueberries, raspberries, kiwi fruit, and banana. It contains a mix of vitamins including vitamin A and C. It’s also rich in folate, iron, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants.
It is said to be very energetic and good for the skin.
How To Make The Best Kiwi Berry Smoothie:
Take half a cup of raspberries, half a cup of blueberries, one medium-sized banana, and ½ kiwi fruit. Blend them all until soft and your drink is ready.
How Long Does It Last:
It will last for 3 days in the refrigerator but we prefer you drink it fresh.
The Conclusion
These are some of the best alternatives to carbonated drinks. Try ‘em all and pick your favorite.
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