Does Any Soda Use Stevia? Exploring Brands and Options

According to reports, consumer demand for naturally sweetened beverages has been rising steadily for several years, leading many companies to explore alternatives to sugar and artificial sweeteners. This means yes, many sodas now use stevia, a zero-calorie, plant-based sweetener, offering a new path for health-conscious consumers.

Quick Summary

Several soda brands, including Zevia and Green Cola, use stevia as a natural, zero-calorie sweetener. Some major soda companies have also tested stevia blends in their products.

Key Points

• Many Sodas Use Stevia: A variety of soda brands, especially specialty and natural brands, use stevia leaf extract as a zero-calorie, plant-based sweetener.

• Zevia is a Dedicated Brand: Zevia is a key player in the market, with its entire soda line being sweetened exclusively with stevia, offering a wide range of flavors.

• Big Soda Experiments: Major companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have previously launched products with a mix of sugar and stevia (e.g., Coca-Cola Life, Pepsi True), though these were often discontinued.

• Aftertaste is a Factor: Stevia can have a noticeable aftertaste, which manufacturers address by blending it with other sweeteners or using specific extracts.

• Read Labels Carefully: Not all diet or zero-sugar sodas use stevia; many still use artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose, so checking the ingredient list is crucial.

The Rise of Natural Sweeteners

In the ever-evolving beverage industry, consumers are increasingly seeking healthier alternatives to traditional sugary sodas and artificial sweeteners like aspartame. This has created a demand for plant-based, zero-calorie sweeteners, and stevia has emerged as a frontrunner. Derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, stevia is significantly sweeter than sugar, meaning only a small amount is needed to achieve the desired taste. This natural origin and zero-calorie status make it an attractive ingredient for brands looking to appeal to a health-conscious market.

What is Stevia?

Stevia is a natural sugar substitute native to South America, used for centuries for its sweetness. The sweet-tasting compounds, known as steviol glycosides, are extracted from the stevia leaf and processed into a purified extract. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. has designated these purified steviol glycoside extracts as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) for use in commercial products. This distinction was a major step in bringing stevia into the mainstream beverage market. Despite its natural origin, some people find that stevia can leave a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste, a challenge that many soda manufacturers work to overcome.

Major Brands Using Stevia

While some brands are built entirely around stevia, others have experimented with or currently use it in select products. Below are some of the most prominent examples.

Zevia: A Dedicated Stevia Brand

Zevia is arguably the most recognizable brand in the stevia-sweetened soda space. The company's entire product line of sodas, teas, and energy drinks is sweetened with stevia leaf extract.

• Wide Flavor Range: Zevia offers a large variety of flavors, from classic cola and root beer to fruit-inspired options like grape, cream soda, and ginger ale.
• Zero Sugar and Calories: All Zevia products are formulated to be zero-calorie and zero-sugar, making them a popular choice for those on low-carb, keto, or diabetic-friendly diets.
• Clear Ingredients: Zevia's sodas are also Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, vegan, and kosher, with no added artificial colors.

Green Cola: The European Zero-Sugar Option

Green Cola is a European brand that naturally sweetens its products with stevia leaf extract.

• Natural Ingredients: The cola uses natural caffeine from green coffee beans and avoids artificial sweeteners, aspartame, and phosphoric acid.
• International Presence: Originally from Europe, Green Cola has expanded to other markets, offering a distinct cola flavor without the calories and sugar.

Big Soda's Past and Present Stevia Products

Major companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have also introduced products containing stevia, though with mixed results.

• Coca-Cola Life: This reduced-calorie version of Coke was sweetened with a combination of stevia and cane sugar. First launched in 2013, it was later discontinued in many markets as the company shifted focus to its zero-sugar portfolio.
• Coca-Cola Zero Sugar: In some regions, Coca-Cola has updated its Coke Zero Sugar recipe to include stevia alongside other sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium, though the formulation can vary by market.
• Pepsi True: Launched in 2014, Pepsi True was a mid-calorie cola sweetened with a blend of sugar and stevia, similar to Coca-Cola Life. It was also discontinued a few years later.

Comparing Stevia-Sweetened Sodas

Brand	Primary Sweetener	Zero Sugar/Calorie	Notable Features
Zevia	Stevia Leaf Extract	Yes	Wide variety of flavors, vegan, kosher, Non-GMO Project Verified.
Green Cola	Stevia Leaf Extract	Yes	Uses natural caffeine from green coffee beans, no aspartame or phosphoric acid.
Olipop	Stevia Leaf Extract & Fruit Juice	No (low-sugar)	Prebiotic soda with added fiber for gut health, often combined with other sweeteners.
Coca-Cola Life	Stevia & Sugar	No (reduced-calorie)	Blended sweetener for fewer calories than regular soda; now discontinued.

The Flavor Profile and Aftertaste Challenge

One of the most significant challenges with stevia is its potential aftertaste. While many appreciate the plant-based, calorie-free aspect, some consumers find the lingering sweetness off-putting. The bitterness comes from the various steviol glycoside compounds extracted from the leaf. To counteract this, manufacturers use a few strategies:

• Blending with other sweeteners: As seen with the former Coca-Cola Life and Pepsi True, combining stevia with a small amount of real sugar can create a smoother flavor profile.
• Using specific stevia extracts: Companies have worked with stevia suppliers to develop new forms of stevia extract, such as Reb M, which promises a cleaner, more sugar-like sweetness.
• Adding other flavors: Stronger flavors and other ingredients in the soda can help mask or complement the stevia aftertaste.

How to Find Stevia-Sweetened Sodas

Locating stevia-sweetened soda can be simple with these tips:

1. Check the label: The most reliable method is to read the ingredients list. Look for stevia leaf extract or steviol glycosides.
2. Look for dedicated brands: Brands like Zevia and Green Cola are easy to spot as their entire premise is based on stevia.
3. Search online: Retailers like Amazon and Walmart have dedicated sections for stevia soft drinks, making it easy to filter and find options.
4. Visit natural food stores: Stores like Whole Foods Market often stock niche brands and products with natural sweeteners.

Conclusion: The Expanding World of Stevia in Soda

Yes, many sodas today use stevia as a natural, zero-calorie sweetener, with brands like Zevia leading the way with a diverse and fully stevia-based product line. For consumers seeking alternatives to sugar and artificial sweeteners, the market has expanded significantly, providing more choices than ever. While some may experience the characteristic aftertaste, ongoing innovation in sweetener technology and formulation is continually improving the flavor experience. When looking for a stevia-sweetened soda, it’s best to explore dedicated brands first or read labels carefully, as some major companies have experimented with it in the past. The trend towards natural sweeteners is likely to continue, so keep an eye out for new and improved stevia-sweetened options on the shelves.

For more information on natural sweeteners, check out this guide from Healthline on 5 Natural Sweeteners That Are Good for Your Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which specific soda brands use stevia?

Brands like Zevia and Green Cola are well-known for using stevia in their products. Additionally, some major corporations have used stevia in the past or in specific, regional, or updated zero-sugar formulations.

Is Zevia sweetened exclusively with stevia?

Yes, Zevia states that all its sodas, teas, and energy drinks are sweetened exclusively with stevia leaf extract, and the company has been focused on this since reformulating its products in 2016.

Why do some sodas use stevia?

Sodas use stevia as a natural, zero-calorie, plant-based alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. It appeals to health-conscious consumers looking to reduce their sugar and calorie intake while avoiding synthetic additives.

Do sodas sweetened with stevia taste exactly like sugar-sweetened ones?

Not always. While stevia provides sweetness, some people report a slight bitter or lingering aftertaste. Manufacturers often use specific extracts or other flavors to minimize this effect and get closer to a sugar-like taste.

Did Coca-Cola ever have a stevia soda?

Yes. The Coca-Cola Company previously sold a reduced-calorie soda called Coca-Cola Life, which was sweetened with a blend of sugar and stevia. It was discontinued in many markets. More recently, in some regions, Coke Zero Sugar has included stevia.

Are there other natural sweetener alternatives to stevia in sodas?

Yes, another popular natural, zero-calorie sweetener is monk fruit extract. Some soda brands, particularly newer or specialized ones like Olipop, may use it alone or in combination with stevia.

Is stevia safe to consume?

The purified stevia leaf extracts used in commercial food and beverages have been deemed safe by the FDA. However, as with any sweetener, moderation is key, and some research on its effects on gut bacteria is ongoing.