A Guide to Your Nutrition Diet: Which Soft Drink Has Stevia?

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that stevia is a natural, plant-based sweetener approximately 200 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar? For those managing a nutrition diet, knowing which soft drink has stevia can be key to reducing sugar intake without compromising on taste.

Quick Summary

This article explores the popular soft drink brands and other beverages that incorporate stevia as a natural, low-calorie sweetener. It provides a nutritional comparison of stevia-sweetened drinks versus traditional sodas and outlines key health considerations for consumers.

Key Points

Zevia is a dedicated stevia brand: A popular brand that sweetens its wide range of sodas, teas, and energy drinks exclusively with stevia, offering zero-calorie and zero-sugar options.
Coca-Cola uses stevia in select products: While discontinued in flagship sodas like Coke Life, the Coca-Cola company uses stevia in other beverages, including some VitaminWater Zero Sugar flavors.
Stevia is a zero-calorie, natural sweetener: Derived from the stevia plant, it is significantly sweeter than sugar but does not contribute calories or affect blood sugar levels.
Check for mixed sweeteners: Many products blend stevia with other sweeteners, such as sugar alcohols like erythritol, to improve taste, which may cause digestive issues in some people.
Stevia is generally safe but should be consumed in moderation: Though approved for use, it's wise to moderate intake and monitor for potential side effects, like those from sugar alcohols.
Stevia-sweetened drinks support diet goals: Replacing sugary sodas with stevia alternatives can aid in weight management and improve blood sugar control for diabetics.

Stevia: Understanding the Natural Sweetener

Stevia is derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, a native of South America that has been used for centuries to sweeten beverages and foods. The sweetness comes from compounds called steviol glycosides, which offer a high intensity of sweetness with no calories. Since its approval for commercial use, stevia has become a popular alternative to both sugar and artificial sweeteners. For those on a nutrition diet, stevia is appealing for its zero-calorie profile and minimal impact on blood glucose levels. However, some individuals notice a mild, bitter aftertaste, which is why many commercial products blend it with other sweeteners.

The Science Behind Steviol Glycosides

Steviol glycosides are extracted and purified from the plant to produce the sweetening ingredient used in commercial products. The safety of these refined extracts is widely recognized by food and drug authorities. Different glycosides, such as rebaudioside A (Reb A), are used to achieve specific flavor profiles and minimize any unwanted aftertaste. Ongoing research also investigates other properties of the stevia plant, including potential anti-glycemic and antioxidant effects.

Popular Soft Drinks Sweetened with Stevia

Several beverage companies have adopted stevia to offer zero or reduced-calorie options, catering to health-conscious consumers.

Zevia: A Leading Stevia-Sweetened Brand

Zevia is one of the most prominent brands dedicated to using stevia as its sole sweetener. The company offers a wide range of zero-calorie, zero-sugar sodas in classic and unique flavors, including cola, ginger ale, cream soda, and lemon-lime. Zevia sodas are also free from artificial sweeteners and colors, making them a popular choice for those seeking clean-label products.

Coca-Cola's Diverse Stevia Portfolio

While historically experimenting with stevia in products like the now-discontinued Coca-Cola Life (a sugar and stevia blend), the Coca-Cola company has integrated the sweetener into other drinks. For example, VitaminWater Zero Sugar products contain a blend of stevia and monk fruit extract. In recent times, certain Coca-Cola Zero Sugar formulas have also incorporated stevia in various markets.

Green Cola: The European Innovation

Originating in Europe, Green Cola has gained popularity as a naturally sweetened soda using stevia leaf extract. It boasts zero sugar, zero calories, and no aspartame or phosphoric acid, appealing to those following Keto, Paleo, or low-carb diets.

Other Brands and Flavored Waters

Beyond traditional soda, stevia is also found in a variety of other beverages:

Bai Products: The company’s line of antioxidant infusions and sparkling drinks are sweetened with stevia.
Poppi and Spindrift: Some flavors of these popular prebiotic and sparkling waters use stevia along with a small amount of fruit juice or sugar.
Stur Water Enhancers: These concentrated liquid drops allow consumers to sweeten plain or sparkling water with stevia to their taste.

Nutritional Breakdown: Stevia vs. Sugar

For a clear nutritional understanding, here is a comparison between a traditional cola, a diet soda with artificial sweeteners, and a stevia-sweetened soda.


Feature	Traditional Sugar Soda	Diet Soda (e.g., Diet Coke)	Stevia-Sweetened Soda (e.g., Zevia)
Calories	~140-150 calories per 12 oz	0 calories	0 calories
Sugar	~39-40g sugar per 12 oz	0g sugar	0g sugar
Sweetener(s)	High-fructose corn syrup/sugar	Aspartame, sucralose, etc.	Stevia leaf extract
Impact on Blood Sugar	Significant spike	None or minimal	None or minimal

Health Considerations for Stevia-Sweetened Drinks

While stevia offers clear benefits over traditional sugary drinks, it's not without nuances that are important for a balanced diet.

Potential Benefits

Weight Management: Substituting sugar with stevia can reduce overall calorie intake, which may aid in weight loss.
Blood Sugar Control: Because it doesn't affect blood glucose levels, stevia is a safe option for individuals with diabetes.
Dental Health: Unlike sugar, stevia is non-cariogenic and does not contribute to tooth decay.

Potential Concerns

Digestive Issues: Some stevia products, especially those blended with sugar alcohols like erythritol, may cause bloating or digestive upset in sensitive individuals.
Taste Perception: Stevia's unique flavor profile may not appeal to everyone, and some notice an aftertaste.
Appetite Effects: Some studies suggest that using zero-calorie sweeteners might alter appetite regulation, though more research is needed.

Reading the Label: What to Look For

When shopping for soft drinks with stevia, always check the ingredients list. Stevia might be listed as "stevia leaf extract," "steviol glycosides," or its specific compound like "rebaudioside A". Be mindful of products that blend stevia with other sweeteners, either natural or artificial, as this can affect both taste and nutritional impact. Look for certification labels like non-GMO or Kosher if those are important to you. By reading the label carefully, you can ensure you're making the best choice for your dietary goals.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

For those on a nutrition diet seeking to reduce sugar, products containing stevia offer a compelling alternative to sugary and artificially sweetened soft drinks. With brands like Zevia and Green Cola, consumers have access to zero-calorie, naturally sweetened options that can satisfy cravings. While generally safe, moderation is key, and it's essential to check for other ingredients like sugar alcohols that may be included. By understanding the products available and paying attention to nutritional labels, you can make informed choices to support your overall health and wellness goals.

Which Soft Drink Has Stevia? A Health-Conscious Choice

For those on a nutrition diet, beverages can be a tricky area to navigate due to high sugar content. Stevia-sweetened soft drinks offer a viable solution for enjoying a sweet treat without the calories and blood sugar spike associated with traditional sodas. Brands like Zevia, Green Cola, and Bai have led the way, creating a market for these healthier alternatives. However, it is always recommended to read the label carefully to ensure you are getting a product aligned with your health goals, and to consider incorporating other healthy beverage options like water and unsweetened tea into your diet for optimal health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brands like Zevia and Green Cola are primarily sweetened with stevia. Other companies like Coca-Cola use it in specific products, such as VitaminWater Zero Sugar. You can also find it in certain brands of flavored sparkling water like Bai.

Yes, stevia is considered a healthier alternative to sugar in soft drinks because it is a zero-calorie sweetener that does not spike blood sugar levels. This can be particularly beneficial for weight management and for individuals with diabetes.

Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, a native of South America. The sweet compounds, called steviol glycosides, are extracted and purified for use.

Some people may notice a slight, bitter aftertaste with stevia. To counter this, many beverage manufacturers blend stevia with other sweeteners, such as sugar alcohols like erythritol.

Most stevia-sweetened soft drinks are zero-sugar, but it is important to check the label. Some products may blend stevia with a small amount of sugar or other caloric sweeteners.

Yes, because stevia has minimal to no effect on blood glucose and insulin responses, it is generally considered safe for people with diabetes. As with any dietary change, consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Stevia-sweetened drinks are available in most grocery stores, supermarkets, and online retailers. Brands like Zevia are often found in the natural foods aisle or with other sugar-free options.