Are there any sodas that don't have high fructose corn syrup?

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

In the 1980s, major soda brands switched to high fructose corn syrup due to rising sugar costs, but today there are many sodas that don't have high fructose corn syrup. These alternatives include options sweetened with real cane sugar, natural fruit juices, or newer functional ingredients.

Quick Summary

Explore numerous soda brands sweetened with real cane sugar and natural alternatives to high fructose corn syrup. Learn about prebiotic and craft options, weigh the nutritional differences, and discover flavorful, low-sugar drinks for a healthier choice.

Key Points

Cane Sugar Options: Mexican Coke, Kosher Coke, and many craft brands like Fitz's use real cane sugar instead of HFCS.
Prebiotic Sodas: Functional beverages such as OLIPOP and Poppi provide a soda experience with added health benefits and are typically HFCS-free.
Naturally Sweetened Zero-Calorie: For zero calories and zero sugar, options like Zevia use stevia leaf extract for sweetness.
Flavored Sparkling Waters: Brands like Spindrift and Aura Bora offer carbonation and natural fruit or herbal flavors without high amounts of sugar or any HFCS.
DIY Homemade Sodas: Crafting your own sodas with fruit juices and sparkling water gives you complete control over ingredients and sweetener type.
Sugar is Still Sugar: Regardless of the source, health experts advise moderation, as cane sugar and HFCS are both forms of added sugar with similar effects on the body.

The Rise of Alternative Sodas

Since its widespread introduction in the 1970s and 1980s, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has become a primary sweetener in most major soft drinks. This shift was driven by economic factors, including government subsidies that made corn-based sweeteners cheaper than sugar. However, growing consumer awareness about ingredients and health has fueled a demand for sodas that don't have high fructose corn syrup. As a result, the market has expanded to include a diverse array of alternatives, from craft sodas and imported varieties to health-focused prebiotic drinks and sparkling waters.

Popular Brands Using Cane Sugar

For those who prefer the classic taste of soda but want to avoid HFCS, several brands offer versions sweetened with real cane sugar.

International and Imported Sodas

Mexican Coke: Widely available in the United States, Coca-Cola imported from Mexico is bottled with real cane sugar instead of HFCS. Many enthusiasts claim this gives it a superior, more classic flavor.
Kosher for Passover Coke: During the Passover holiday, some bottlers produce a special kosher version of Coca-Cola, which, according to Jewish dietary laws (avoiding corn), is sweetened with cane sugar.

Craft Soda Brands

Many smaller, independent soda companies have built their brand around using natural ingredients, including cane sugar.

Fitz's Root Beer: Based in Missouri, this company proudly advertises that its craft sodas are made exclusively with real cane sugar.
Sprecher: Known for its premium root beer, Sprecher uses honey in its recipe, which is a naturally sourced sweetener, and avoids HFCS in its products.
Jones Soda: This brand is recognized for its unique flavors and vibrant labels featuring consumer-submitted photos. Their sodas are sweetened with cane sugar.

Innovative and Health-Conscious Soda Alternatives

The market has also evolved beyond simple sugar swaps, offering functional and flavored beverages that completely forgo HFCS.

Prebiotic Sodas

Brands like OLIPOP and Poppi are known for their gut-friendly approach, combining a soda-like experience with botanicals and prebiotics. They use a mix of natural sweeteners and fruit juice for flavor while keeping sugar counts low.

Zero-Calorie, Naturally Sweetened Sodas

For those watching their sugar and calorie intake, brands like Zevia offer a wide range of zero-calorie sodas sweetened with stevia leaf extract. Stevia is a natural, plant-based sweetener that provides sweetness without the calories of sugar.

Flavored Sparkling Water and Seltzers

Companies like Spindrift and Aura Bora use real fruit juice or natural herbs and flowers for flavor, and the drinks contain little to no added sugar. They offer a fizzy, flavorful beverage that is far less sweet than traditional soda.

Cane Sugar vs. High Fructose Corn Syrup: Is One Healthier?

While some consumers prefer cane sugar for taste or its less-processed nature, the health differences are often exaggerated. Health experts note that in terms of nutrition and how the body processes them, "sugar is sugar". Both cane sugar (sucrose) and HFCS are composed of fructose and glucose, although the ratio differs slightly (HFCS is about 55% fructose versus sucrose's 50%). Overconsumption of any added sugar, regardless of its source, can increase health risks.

Comparison of Sweetener Types in Sodas


Brand Type	Sweetener Used	Fructose Concentration	General Availability
Mainstream HFCS Soda (US)	High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)	~55% Fructose	Very high
Imported/Specialty Coke	Cane Sugar (Sucrose)	50% Fructose	Varies by retailer (specialty stores, major chains)
Craft Cane Sugar Soda	Cane Sugar (Sucrose)	50% Fructose	Varies by retailer (specialty stores, online)
Prebiotic Sodas (Olipop/Poppi)	Fruit Juice, Stevia, Cane Sugar	Varies, generally low	Growing; available in many major retailers
Stevia-Sweetened Soda (Zevia)	Stevia Leaf Extract	0% Fructose	High

Choosing the Best HFCS-Free Soda for You

When selecting a soda without HFCS, consider your priorities:

Flavor Profile: If you prefer a classic, full-sugar taste, brands using cane sugar are a great choice. For more unique, herbal, or fruity flavors, explore craft and functional options.
Health Goals: If low sugar or zero calories are important, stevia-sweetened or sparkling water options are the way to go. For added gut-health benefits, consider prebiotic sodas.
Ingredient Awareness: Always read the label to ensure the soda meets your criteria for sweeteners and other additives. Some craft brands may still have high sugar content, even if it's cane sugar.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while high fructose corn syrup remains a dominant sweetener in the mainstream soda industry, a wide and expanding variety of delicious alternatives exists for consumers seeking options without it. Whether you're interested in the familiar taste of cane sugar in imported or craft sodas, the functional benefits of prebiotic drinks, or the zero-calorie appeal of stevia-sweetened beverages, there is an HFCS-free soda for every taste and health consideration. The key is to be an informed consumer and read product labels carefully, recognizing that while the sweetener may change, overall sugar intake is the most important factor for health.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Rethink Your Drink

Frequently Asked Questions

Mexican Coke and Kosher for Passover Coke are well-known options sweetened with cane sugar. Recently, some major brands have also introduced new, limited-edition products sweetened with cane sugar.

Yes, many craft soda brands, such as Fitz's and Sprecher, use real cane sugar or other natural sweeteners and avoid HFCS. Always check the product label for confirmation.

Yes, these brands are typically HFCS-free, using a mix of natural sweeteners like fruit juice, stevia, or small amounts of cane sugar to achieve their flavor profiles.

From a nutritional standpoint, health experts state that cane sugar and HFCS are both added sugars and have similar effects on the body. The source of the sugar is less important than the total quantity consumed.

Brands like Zevia use the natural, plant-based sweetener stevia to create a range of zero-calorie sodas. Unsweetened or naturally flavored sparkling waters are also great options.

The easiest way is to read the ingredients list on the product label. Sweeteners are clearly listed and will specify cane sugar, fruit juice, or other alternatives instead of high fructose corn syrup.

Yes, you can easily make homemade soda by creating a flavored syrup using real fruit, herbs, and a natural sweetener like honey, then mixing it with seltzer or sparkling water.