Does SodaStream have a lot of sugar? Understanding your fizzy drink choices

October 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to SodaStream, their classic flavored syrups contain 50% less sugar than most store-bought sodas. This initial statistic provides a positive outlook for those asking, "Does SodaStream have a lot of sugar?", suggesting a healthier alternative is possible. However, the exact amount of sugar depends entirely on the type of syrup used and how much is added to your sparkling water.

Quick Summary

The sugar content in SodaStream drinks varies widely depending on the flavor syrup chosen. While many classic flavors are lower in sugar than traditional sodas, multiple zero-sugar and sugar-free options are also available. Users can control the sweetness level, making it a customizable choice for managing sugar intake, unlike pre-bottled sodas.

Key Points

Variable Sugar Content: The amount of sugar in a SodaStream drink depends on the flavor syrup you choose, ranging from low-sugar to zero-sugar options.
Lower Than Store-Bought Sodas: Many of SodaStream's classic syrups are formulated with up to 50% less sugar than comparable commercial soft drinks.
Full Customization: Users can control their sugar intake by adding less syrup to their sparkling water, a level of control not possible with pre-bottled sodas.
Zero-Sugar Options: For those avoiding sugar completely, SodaStream offers a wide range of zero-calorie, zero-sugar syrups and natural flavor essences like Bubly Drops.
Healthy Alternative Potential: Choosing unflavored sparkling water or naturally infusing it with fresh fruits and herbs provides a refreshing and completely sugar-free beverage.
Inclusion of Artificial Sweeteners: Regular (non-diet) syrups often use a combination of sugar and artificial sweeteners to achieve a lower calorie count.
Homemade Soda Advantage: A SodaStream empowers you to make healthier beverage choices at home, giving you complete oversight of the ingredients you consume.

For many, the appeal of a SodaStream machine lies in its promise of fresh, customizable carbonated beverages at home. A primary motivation for switching is often health-related, specifically concerning the high sugar content in traditional sodas. But with a wide range of flavorings available, a key question arises: Does SodaStream have a lot of sugar? The simple answer is that it varies, but the user has much more control over their sugar consumption compared to drinking pre-made soft drinks.

The Breakdown of SodaStream Syrups

SodaStream offers several types of syrups, and the nutritional profile of your drink depends entirely on which one you choose.

Classic and Licensed Flavors

These are the syrups designed to mimic popular soda brands like Pepsi, Starry, and 7UP. For these options, SodaStream often uses a combination of sugar (sucrose) and artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium to achieve a familiar taste with fewer calories. This blend allows the sugar content to be significantly lower than the standard supermarket version. For example, a 250ml serving of SodaStream Pepsi has 8.2g of sugar, far less than a commercial soda of the same size.

Zeros and Diet Options

For those who want to avoid sugar and calories entirely, SodaStream provides a line of "Zeros" and diet syrups. These are sweetened exclusively with artificial sweeteners and contain zero sugar. Flavors like Pepsi Zero Sugar, Diet Cola, and various fruit-flavored Bubly Drops fall into this category. The Bubly Drops are particularly notable as they offer a calorie-free, all-natural flavor essence without any sweeteners or preservatives.

Natural and Organic Syrups

These are formulated for consumers who prefer natural ingredients. The organic line, for instance, uses natural cane sugar, and while still containing sugar, the total amount is often lower than what's found in conventional store-bought sodas. It's crucial to check the label for specific sugar content, as these are not sugar-free. For example, a serving of organic pink grapefruit syrup can contain 12g of sugar.

Controlling Your Sugar Intake with SodaStream

One of the most significant advantages of a home carbonation system is the ability to customize your drink. The sweetness of your final beverage is fully adjustable by simply adding less syrup. This contrasts sharply with a store-bought soda, where the sugar content is fixed and often very high. A standard 12-ounce (355ml) can of commercial cola can contain nearly 40 grams of sugar, a substantial portion of the average adult's recommended daily limit.

Comparison Table: SodaStream vs. Store-Bought Soda


Feature	SodaStream Flavored Soda	Traditional Store-Bought Soda
Sugar Content (per 250ml)	Varies by syrup, but often significantly lower. Example: Pepsi (8.2g).	High and fixed. Example: Cola (approx. 29g).
Customization	Yes, you can add less syrup for a less sweet drink.	No, sweetness is pre-determined.
Sweeteners	Regular syrups use a combination of sugar and artificial sweeteners. Zero-sugar options use only artificial sweeteners.	Primarily high-fructose corn syrup or sugar. Diet versions use artificial sweeteners.
Control	Full control over the sugar amount.	No control; fixed ingredients.
Zero-Sugar Options	Wide variety of zero-calorie, zero-sugar syrups and drops available.	Diet versions are available, but overall variety may be less.
Hydration Potential	Encourages hydration by making water more appealing, with many zero-sugar options.	Often dehydrating due to high sugar and caffeine content.

Making a Healthier Choice

For most people, the choice to use a SodaStream over purchasing commercial soft drinks is a step towards a healthier lifestyle. The ability to make unflavored sparkling water provides an excellent, sugar-free alternative to plain water, which can help increase daily fluid intake. Adding flavor drops or zero-sugar syrups can provide variety without adding calories. Even when using the regular flavored syrups, the sugar content is generally half that of a pre-bottled soda.

To make the healthiest possible choice, consider these options:

Unflavored Sparkling Water: The best option for hydration with zero sugar and calories.
Bubly Drops: These offer natural, unsweetened fruit essences for a hint of flavor without any added sweeteners or preservatives.
Infused Water: Add your own fresh fruits, herbs, or cucumber slices to your sparkling water for natural flavor.
Zero-Sugar Syrups: If you still crave the soda taste, the zero-sugar syrups provide the classic flavor profile without the calories.

Conclusion

To answer the question, "Does SodaStream have a lot of sugar?"—it's important to understand the product line. While some of its syrups do contain sugar, SodaStream as a system gives the user control, and its options often contain significantly less sugar than their store-bought counterparts. For those seeking a genuinely sugar-free option, the brand offers multiple zero-calorie choices, including flavor essences. Ultimately, using a SodaStream allows consumers to manage their sugar intake more effectively and customize their beverages to their specific dietary needs, representing a positive step toward healthier hydration.

Visit the official SodaStream support page for detailed product information.

A Note on Artificial Sweeteners

While zero-sugar options eliminate sugar entirely, they often rely on artificial sweeteners. The health impacts of these sweeteners, such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium, are a subject of ongoing debate. For consumers who wish to avoid both added sugars and artificial ingredients, natural flavorings like Bubly Drops or infusing with fresh ingredients are the best alternatives.

Key Factors Affecting Sugar Content

Syrup Type: Regular, diet/zero-sugar, or natural/organic syrups have vastly different sugar levels.
Syrup Amount: The user has complete control over how much syrup is added, dictating the final sugar content.
Dilution Ratio: Following the recommended dilution ratio on the syrup bottle is important for nutritional accuracy, but can be altered for personal taste.
Homemade Add-ins: Using natural fruit juice or purees will add sugar, but fresh fruit and herbs do not.

By understanding these factors, you can effectively manage the sweetness and healthfulness of your homemade soda creations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The classic flavored syrups generally contain significantly less sugar than store-bought soda. For example, a 250ml serving of prepared SodaStream Pepsi contains 8.2g of sugar, which is much lower than the approximately 29g in a same-size commercial cola.

Yes, SodaStream offers a range of completely sugar-free options. The "Zeros" syrups and Bubly Drops provide zero-calorie, zero-sugar flavor. Bubly Drops are even free of artificial sweeteners.

No, you can add less syrup than recommended to further reduce the sugar and calorie content of your drink. This customization is a key advantage of using a SodaStream system.

SodaStream's flavored sodas are often much lower in sugar than commercial soda, with many options containing half the sugar or even zero sugar. You have greater control over the sweetness level with a SodaStream.

The healthiest method is to make unflavored sparkling water. For flavor, use Bubly Drops or add natural ingredients like fresh fruit, berries, or herbs, as these contain no added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

This combination of sugar and artificial sweeteners allows SodaStream to achieve a taste similar to full-sugar sodas while keeping the calorie and sugar count lower. This is a common practice in many 'light' beverage products.

Yes, a SodaStream can be a valuable tool for reducing sugar intake. By choosing lower-sugar or zero-sugar syrups, or by simply using less syrup, you can easily control and decrease the amount of sugar in your daily beverage consumption.