Stevia Soda Pop

People are increasingly raising concerns about the long term health effects of the sugars and other ingredients used in today’s soft drinks. When looking at the ingredients label on a soda pop can, one can notice an alarming amount of sugar, calories, and harmful additives which have no nutritional value. Various studies have linked soda pop consumption to osteoporosis, obesity, tooth decay, and heart disease. Despite this data, soda sales account for more than twenty five percent of all drinks consumed in the United States.  Consequently, obesity and other health related problems have continued to rise.

A recent study calculated that an average person consumer between 56 – 82 gallons of soda per year.  That multiplies out to more than 122,000 calories a year from soda alone. Based on an average 2,000 calorie diet, this is more than 60 full days of caloric intake, equaling more than 1/6 of an individual’s annual caloric intake.

With a good understanding of consumers, all of the major U.S. soda producers have indicated their intention to begin marketing drinks sweetened with all natural stevia.   You may ask yourself, exactly what is stevia? Stevia is a zero-calorie ‘herbal sweetener’ made from the leaves of the South American Stevia rebaudiana plant.  For centuries, stevia has been used an herbal sweetener in Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil.

Stevia soda pop is slowly emerging onto the world market.  Currently, a growing number of online retailers are selling stevia soda pop, with prices ranging from $23 - $28 for a 24 pack.  Stevia soda pop flavors currently available include natural cola, diet cola, orange, black cherry, root beer, lemon and ginger ale.

Stevia soda pop is generally comprised of the following ingredients:

·        Stevia – All natural and calorie free sweetener.

·        Caramel – Natural and calorie free sugar.

·        Citric Acid – Bitter acid found naturally in many fruits.

·        Kola Nut Extract – Natural extract taken from seeds or nuts, providing caffeine.

·        Natural Tartaric Acid – White crystalline organic acid, found naturally in many fruits.

·        Natural Caffeine – Natural stimulant found in coffee and tea.

·       Natural Fumaric Acid – Essential ingredient in plant life, known for acidity and sourness.