Does SodaStream Make Healthy Drinks? The Complete Guide

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research published by the Heart Foundation, water is the best drink for heart health. While plain water is always the healthiest option, millions are turning to SodaStream to create fizzy alternatives, leading to the question: does SodaStream make healthy drinks?. The answer depends entirely on what you add to the carbonated water, giving you a powerful tool to control your sugar and calorie intake.

Quick Summary

SodaStream can be a healthier alternative to commercial sodas, particularly when used with fresh fruit, natural juices, or the brand's zero-sugar syrups. The final healthiness of the drink depends on your ingredient choices. This article compares homemade SodaStream beverages with store-bought options, explores different flavoring methods, and provides recipes for better-for-you bubbles.

Key Points

Ingredient Control: The healthiness of your SodaStream drink is determined by your choice of flavorings; unflavored sparkling water is simply hydrating water.
Healthier Alternatives: Use fresh fruit, herbs, or 100% juice instead of branded syrups to create low-sugar, naturally flavored beverages.
Reduce Sugar: SodaStream syrups, especially the diet and 'zero' versions, contain significantly less sugar and calories than store-bought sodas, and you can add less for a lighter taste.
Dental Health: Unlike sugar-laden commercial sodas, the carbonation in SodaStream water is not the primary cause of tooth enamel damage; the sugar in flavored add-ins is the real culprit.
Customization: Making your own homemade syrups from fruits and spices provides the ultimate control over ingredients, allowing you to avoid artificial additives entirely.

Understanding the Core Components of a SodaStream Drink

At its heart, a SodaStream beverage is made of two main parts: carbonated water and a flavor additive. The health implications stem almost entirely from the second component, as unflavored carbonated water is simply water infused with carbon dioxide.

The Role of Carbonated Water

Sparkling water itself is generally considered a healthy beverage. It offers the same hydration benefits as still water, with some studies even suggesting it may aid digestion and help manage weight by increasing feelings of fullness. Concerns about carbonation damaging tooth enamel are largely a myth; it is the sugar and acid in traditional sodas that cause the real harm. By starting with plain, carbonated water, you are building a healthy base.

The Impact of Flavorings

Here is where the healthfulness of your SodaStream drink is truly determined. There are three main routes for flavoring:

SodaStream Brand Syrups: These are available in both regular and zero-sugar varieties. The regular syrups still contain less sugar than their commercial counterparts, often featuring a blend of real sugar and artificial sweeteners like sucralose. The zero-sugar options use sugar substitutes to eliminate calories and sugar entirely. While a better choice than conventional soda, some of these can still contain food dyes and artificial ingredients.
Fresh Fruits and Juices: This is one of the healthiest flavoring methods. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon, lime, or a splash of 100% fruit juice gives your sparkling water natural flavor and some vitamins without the high sugar content of conventional sodas or even the brand-name syrups. You retain full control over the sweetness level.
Homemade Syrups and Infusions: For creative control, many users make their own flavorings from scratch using ingredients like fresh ginger, herbs, or fruit purees. This allows you to completely avoid artificial sweeteners, dyes, and other additives.

Comparison: SodaStream vs. Canned Soda

To truly appreciate the health advantages of SodaStream, it's essential to compare it head-to-head with typical store-bought sodas.


Feature	Homemade SodaStream Drink	Commercial Canned Soda
Sugar Content	Highly controllable, from zero to minimal, especially with DIY infusions.	High sugar content, often 9-16 teaspoons per serving.
Calories	Can be zero, very low, or moderate, depending on ingredients.	Typically high, with an 8-oz. cola often containing 100 calories or more.
Ingredients	Water and your choice of natural or branded additives. Avoids many common additives.	Often contains high-fructose corn syrup, phosphoric acid, and artificial colors.
Dental Health	Carbonation itself is not the primary cause of enamel erosion; high sugar and acid are.	High sugar and phosphoric acid significantly increase risk of tooth decay.
Hydration Value	Excellent, as the base is water. Helps contribute to daily fluid intake.	Limited to negative, as caffeine acts as a diuretic and sugar can contribute to dehydration.

Making Healthier Choices with Your SodaStream

If your goal is to make the healthiest drinks possible, here are some actionable steps:

Prioritize Unflavored and Naturally Flavored Options

The simplest and healthiest SodaStream drink is unflavored sparkling water. If you crave more taste, start with fresh ingredients. Consider creating a pitcher of carbonated water and adding slices of cucumber, lemon, and mint for a refreshing, zero-calorie drink. For a fruitier flavor, a splash of 100% cranberry or pomegranate juice adds antioxidants and taste with less sugar than a full-fledged soda.

Experiment with Healthy Homemade Syrups

Get creative with homemade syrups that give you precise control over ingredients. For example, a ginger-honey syrup adds a zesty kick. Simply boil water, add fresh grated ginger, and a small amount of honey to taste, then strain and refrigerate. Another popular recipe involves boiling down a mix of fresh berries with a touch of maple syrup or stevia for a natural, fruity mixer. The possibilities for customized, healthy flavors are endless. For more ideas, you can find a variety of healthy homemade spritzer recipes on food blogs that are easily adapted for SodaStream.

Gradually Reduce Sugar Intake

For those accustomed to sugary drinks, a gradual reduction approach works best. Start by using less of the branded syrup than the instructions recommend. For instance, use half the suggested amount for a lighter flavor and fewer calories. Over time, your palate will adapt to less sweetness, making it easier to transition to zero-sugar alternatives or natural infusions.

The Verdict: Your Choices Determine the Outcome

Ultimately, whether a SodaStream drink is healthy is completely up to the user. The machine itself is merely a tool for carbonating water. By choosing to flavor your sparkling water with natural, whole-food ingredients or zero-sugar syrups, you can make a significantly healthier beverage than commercial soda. For those looking to transition away from high-sugar fizzy drinks, SodaStream offers a customizable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly path toward better hydration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, SodaStream water is a healthier choice than regular commercial soda. You can control the amount of sugar and additives, with plain carbonated water being calorie- and sugar-free. Commercial sodas are typically loaded with sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and other artificial ingredients.

Some SodaStream syrups contain artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose, particularly in the regular and zero-sugar lines. However, the company also offers lines like 'My Water' that are made with natural ingredients and do not contain artificial sweeteners or dyes.

Plain SodaStream sparkling water is far less harmful to your teeth than regular soda. While all carbonated drinks are slightly acidic, the high sugar content and phosphoric acid in traditional sodas are the real culprits behind enamel erosion. Rinsing with plain water after drinking can further minimize any risk.

The healthiest things to add are fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Options include a slice of lemon, lime, or cucumber, fresh mint leaves, or a small splash of 100% fruit juice. You can also explore making your own natural fruit or ginger syrups.

SodaStream can aid in weight loss by providing a flavorful, low- or zero-calorie alternative to high-sugar sodas. Sparkling water can also help you feel fuller for longer, which may reduce overall calorie intake. The key is consistently choosing healthy flavor options.

Yes, you can use homemade syrups with your SodaStream. To prevent damaging the machine, always carbonate the plain water first, and then add your homemade syrup. This gives you full control over the ingredients and sweetness.

No, SodaStream sparkling water is just as hydrating as still water. For many people, the fizziness and customizable flavor make them more likely to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day, thus improving overall hydration.