Why Drinking Soda That Doesn’t Have Caffeine Is The Right Choice


Soda that doesn’t contain caffeine fits into two main groups. One group of caffeine-free sodas (the healthier group) are made from natural ingredients, boosted with fiber or electrolytes, and often gluten-free and sugar-free. While the other group of sodas without caffeine, are made from high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, contain sodium and are often high in calories.

Looking for a steady dose of energy and flavor? You can reach for soda without caffeine…but take care to pick one that won’t wreck you calorie intake, or push you over your sodium limit.

Ahead, find out just why soda and caffeine combos don’t provide the energy many desire. Also, find brands of soda that don’t have caffeine so you can avoid unwanted energy drops and tackle the day with vitality!

3 Reasons To Choose Soda That Doesn’t Have Caffeine

Soda with caffeine may seem like one of the best ways to get energy. However, despite the initial energy jolt you might get, the combo of sugar and caffeine can lead to a dramatic dip in energy levels.

Reason 1: High-sugar and caffeine options can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and adrenaline. Especially in the absence of slower-digesting protein and fat, those spikes can plummet just as quickly as they rise. 

Choosing soda, particularly diet and low-sugar varieties, without caffeine can help keep energy levels at a steady level all day.

Reason 2: Caffeine can make you fell jittery and can increase feelings of anxiety – not great if you are trying to maintain or achieve good mental health.

Reason 3: Consuming drinks that contain caffeine can cause your blood pressure and heart rate to skyrocket. This might be ok in the short term, and for overall healthy people, but for anyone with a health condition it can be disastrous.

brands of soda that don't contain caffeine, including bundaberg ginger beer, sprite and squirt.
Sodas that don’t contain caffeine. Image created for Sippingliquids.com

Fortunately, Amazon has several caffeine-free soda options to suit everyones preferences with a range of flavors, sugar/sweetener content, and more. 

Brands Of Soda That Don’t Have Caffeine

If looking for caffeine-free options, lean on these brands of soda that don’t have caffeine. 

*Please note while some brands contain flavors without caffeine, note some products under that brand umbrella might contain caffeine. Always double-check the label for caffeine before purchasing, especially if trying to avoid or reduce caffeine intake. 

1. Poppi Sparkling Prebiotic Soda

If you are looking for an innovative soda without caffeine, poppi is it! Poppi is formulated with prebiotics to support gut health, mainly made from unfiltered apple cider vinegar and other natural fruit juices. Each 12-ounce can only contains about 20 calories and 5 grams (g) of sugar or less. 

Flavors: Orange, Raspberry rose, Watermelon, Strawberry Watermelon, Ginger lime

Pros: 

  • Offers natural prebiotics to support gut health, immunity, and more
  • Made with fresh fruit juice 
  • Low in calories and sugars 

Cons:

  • Some impressions that purchasing poppi online tastes different than purchasing directly from the store

2. STUBBORN SODA

STUBBORN SODA is a caffeine-free soda option prepared with natural flavors and fair trade certified cane sugar. This means all of the farmers and producers of the sugar are fairly compensated and not taken advantage of – which is a great thing.

You also won’t find any artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, or high fructose corn syrup in any of the three flavors on offer. 

Flavors: Three flavors without caffeine, including black cherry tarragon, classic root beer, and agave vanilla cream soda

Pros: 

  • Free of artificial ingredients, like sweeteners and colors, as well as high fructose corn syrup
  • Made with fair trade certified cane sugar

Cons:

  • Complaints about being too costly for what you get (though this probably is because it is made from fair trade sugar which obviously costs more to get)

3. Zevia Zero Calorie Soda

Zevia offers 10+ caffeine-free options ranging from classic to fruity flavors. Each Zevia can is also free of added sugars and calories, as the brand is committed to reducing sugar intake by sweetening its soda naturally with stevia. 

Flavors: Black cherry, Caffeine-free cola, Cream soda, Creamy root beer, Ginger ale, Ginger root beer, Grape, Grapefruit citrus, Orange, Strawberry 

Pros: 

  • No added sugars and calories
  • All flavors are non-GMO project certified, vegan, plant-based, gluten-free, and clear in color
  • Option to choose a variety pack

Cons:

  • A few flavors contain caffeine* 

*According to the official Zevia website, Cola, Dr. Zevia, Mountain Zevia, and Cherry Cola contain caffeine. Zevia also offers energy drinks and organic teas that contain caffeine, so it’s wise to be mindful of these products if purchasing from the brand. 

4. Wild Bill’s Soda

Wild Bill’s is a non-caffeinated soda offering light carbonation. Each flavor is also free of high fructose corn syrup and is hand-crafted with pure cane sugar. My favorite thing about Wild Bill’s is that it is owned and operated by U.S. veterans, making it a small business I feel good about supporting.

Flavors: Black cherry, Orange cream, Root beer, Vanilla cream

Pros: 

  • Free of high-fructose corn syrup and hand-crafted with pure cane sugar
  • Available in single flavor packs or as a variety pack
  • Veteran-owned and operated
  • Gluten-free
  • Vegan

Cons:

  • Some reports of a lack of flavor

5. Squirt Soda

Squirt offers caffeine-free soda in grapefruit and citrus flavors. They are also naturally flavored and the grapefruit comes in a no-sugar option. This low-calorie soda has been popular for decades since it was first produced in Phoenix, Arizona in 1938.

Just be careful when choosing your flavor, as not all flavors are caffeine-free. See below for your caffeine-free choices:

Flavors: Grapefruit, Citrus

Pros: 

  • Grapefruit flavor comes in a zero-sugar option

Cons:

  • Does contain high-fructose corn syrup
  • Contains sodium

6. Fit Soda

Fit Soda is a soda free of caffeine, as well as sugar and artificial colors, flavors, and even preservatives. It’s also fortified with electrolytes and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to support muscle growth and efficient metabolism.

Fit soda does use stevia to sweeten their beverage, so if you prefer something more refreshing and less sweet, then opt for something else on our list.

Flavors: Black cherry cola, Root beer vanilla float, Orange cream, Sparkling citrus

Pros: 

  • Sugar-free
  • Supplies electrolytes and BCAAs
  • Gluten-free

Cons:

  • Some reports of tasting overly sweet

7. Canada Dry 

Canada Dry is caffeine-free soda so you can enjoy it any time of day without worry. These sodas are available in various flavors, as well as diet and zero-sugar options.

This range of beverages does contains phenylalanine, so if you suffer from phenylketonuria make sure you pick another caffeine-free soda from our list.

Flavors: Ginger ale, Ginger ale and lemonade combo, Peach, Pineapple

Pros: 

  • Free of caffeine
  • Some zero-sugar options

Cons:

  • High in sodium
  • Complaints of getting flat soda upon arrival

8. Sierra Mist

Sierra Mist is crisp lemon-lime soda without caffeine. It’s said to combine the great taste and bubbles of soda with the quenching refreshment of water plus delicious fruit flavor from a splash of real juice. If you love sodas you will love Sierra Mist, it’s made with real sugar to give you that satisfying beverage you are craving.

Pros: 

  • Diet soda option with zero sugars and calories 

Cons:

  • Regular option contains high fructose corn syrup
  • High in calories

9. Bundaberg Ginger Beer

Bundaberg Ginger Beer is caffeine-free and great for drinking as-is or mixing into your favorite cocktail. It’s crafted using homegrown Aussie ginger and brewed over 3 days in the town of Bundaberg, on the idyllic Queensland coast, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

You may not have heard of this drink, but it is an absolute favorite among Australians and it’s considered the best and only Ginger beer worth drinking.

Pros: 

  • Created from a homegrown, traditional family recipe 
  • Uses real Australian ginger brewed for over 3 days

Cons:

  • Definitely a strong flavor – if you aren’t used to Ginger

10. Sprite Lemon-Lime Soda

Sprite is a lemon-lime soft drink without caffeine. It also comes in a zero-sugar alternative, as well as a limited edition cranberry-flavored option during the winter season. 

This soda competes with Mountain Dew for the most refreshing citrus taste, but it does contain sodium and high fructose corn syrup and has 140 calories in every can. So…maybe drink it in moderation.

Pros: 

  • Sprite Zero alternative to regular Sprite without added sugars and calories
  • Limited edition winter spiced cranberry flavor that infuses lemon-lime with a warm spice blend and tart cranberry

Cons:

  • Contains High fructose corn syrup
  • Contains sodium

11. Fanta

Fanta is a caffeine-free soda available in various bold fruity flavors. While the regular sweetened options contain added sugars and calories, there is a Fanta Diet option without added sugars. 

Like many sodas, Fanta does contain sodium and is relatively high on the calorie count, with 160 calories in every can, so keep that in mind if you are managing your weight.

Flavors: Orange, Grape, Pineapple.

Pros: 

  • Fanta Zero with zero sugars and calories

Cons:

  • Regular Fanta contains high-fructose corn syrup and artificial food colorings 

Related Questions

Does Sprite have caffeine?

Sprite does not have caffeine. Sprite Zero and Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry are also free of caffeine. 

Does Fanta have caffeine?

Fanta is a caffeine-free soda coming in various flavors, including grape, peach, pina colada, pineapple, strawberry, lemon, and berry.

What drinks have no caffeine?

A wide variety of soda brands—like Sprite, Canada Dry, Poppi—contain no caffeine. Other caffeine-free drinks include water, sparkling water, lemonade, juices, some teas, cow’s milk, and nut-based milks.

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Teri Orr

Teri is an earth scientist who also loves to run. She enjoys breaking down the science of drinks to help fuel your day with healthy and refreshing information and beverages!

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