Is 7UP or Sprite Better When Sick?

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

While many have long reached for a clear soda to soothe an upset stomach, medical professionals have found no scientific evidence to support this folk remedy. The real question of whether is 7UP or Sprite better when sick is more about which option presents fewer potential downsides, as both are generally high in sugar and low in electrolytes.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the high sugar content and low electrolyte count in both 7UP and Sprite, contrasting them with scientifically-recommended oral rehydration solutions. It explores potential benefits, like mild flavor and palatability, alongside risks, such as worsened diarrhea, to help determine which, if either, might be preferable during illness.

Key Points

Limited Medical Value: Neither 7UP nor Sprite is a medically effective remedy for sickness, despite their long-held reputation as folk cures.
High Sugar, Low Electrolytes: Both sodas are packed with sugar, which can exacerbate diarrhea, and lack the necessary electrolytes for proper rehydration after vomiting or illness.
Oral Rehydration is Superior: For effective fluid and electrolyte replacement, particularly for severe symptoms, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are the medically recommended choice over soft drinks.
Flavor is Key for Palatability: The primary advantage of clear sodas like 7UP and Sprite is their mild flavor, which can make them more palatable than water or ORS for some, encouraging fluid intake.
Consider Dilution and Alternatives: If consuming clear soda is the only way to get fluids down, dilute it with water to minimize the sugar impact. Better alternatives include herbal tea, broth, and water.
No Major Difference Between the Two: From a health perspective during sickness, there is no significant difference between 7UP and Sprite; the choice comes down to minor flavor preference.

Comparing 7UP and Sprite for Sickness

For decades, clear sodas like 7UP and Sprite have been a go-to remedy for people experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The rationale has long centered on their ability to provide mild hydration and a small boost of sugar when other foods are unappealing. While the comfort is undeniable, their actual medical benefits are limited, and alternatives are often better. Both sodas are lemon-lime flavored and caffeine-free, but a closer look at their formulations reveals subtle differences.

The Lack of Electrolytes and High Sugar Content

One of the most important aspects of recovery from vomiting or diarrhea is rehydration, specifically replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Unfortunately, both 7UP and Sprite are extremely poor sources of these vital minerals. They are, however, rich in sugar. High sugar intake can actually worsen diarrhea, counteracting any potential benefit of hydration. For this reason, official medical guidelines recommend oral rehydration solutions (ORS), which have a precise balance of electrolytes and sugar, over soft drinks.

Is One Soothing Factor Stronger?

Some people believe the carbonation in these sodas can help settle a stomach, while others prefer to let the drinks go flat first. The effect is largely anecdotal and varies from person to person. For some, the fizz can induce burping and relieve gas pressure; for others, it can increase bloating and discomfort. Neither soda holds a definitive advantage in this regard, and whether you prefer the fizz or a flat version is a matter of personal preference.

Flavor Profile and Palatability

During illness, food and drink can be unappealing. The mild, sweet flavor of clear sodas like Sprite and 7UP can be more palatable than plain water or salty electrolyte solutions, especially for children. This might be the most significant 'benefit' they offer—the willingness to drink something, which is critical for staying hydrated. Anecdotally, some find 7UP slightly sweeter due to its different balance of flavoring acids (malic and citric), while Sprite is sometimes perceived as tarter due to just citric acid. These differences are minimal, and personal preference for taste is the deciding factor.

A Better Approach: What to Choose When

Instead of relying solely on soda, consider the following approach based on your symptoms:

For mild nausea and a need for fluids: If you can stomach them, small, diluted sips of either Sprite or 7UP might provide temporary comfort. Allowing the soda to go flat may help reduce bloating.
For severe vomiting or diarrhea: Avoid high-sugar drinks entirely. Opt for an oral rehydration solution (ORS) like Pedialyte or a sports drink with proper electrolytes. These are scientifically formulated to restore the body's mineral balance.
For minor stomach upset: Ginger ale containing real ginger is a better choice for settling the stomach, although many commercial brands contain very little. Herbal teas, like peppermint or chamomile, are also good options.


Feature	7UP	Sprite	Winner When Sick?	Reasoning
Sugar Content	High	High	Tie	Both contain significant sugar, which can worsen diarrhea.
Electrolyte Content	Negligible	Negligible	Tie	Both are poor sources of sodium and potassium.
Flavor	Mild, sweet, and slightly more complex	Mild, sweet, and typically tarter	User Preference	Flavor preference is entirely personal; neither is medicinally superior.
Availability	Widely available	Widely available	Tie	Both brands have high market penetration.
Hydration Efficacy	Inadequate for severe cases	Inadequate for severe cases	Neither	High sugar and low electrolyte balance makes both insufficient for serious dehydration.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

Ultimately, the choice between 7UP and Sprite when sick is a distinction without a difference from a medical standpoint. Both are clear, high-sugar, and low-electrolyte beverages that do not provide optimal rehydration for conditions like vomiting or diarrhea. Any perceived benefit is likely a combination of the placebo effect and the comfort of consuming a familiar, mild-flavored drink when an appetite is absent.

While either soda might be a temporary, palatable option for mild illness, it is crucial to understand their limitations. For effective rehydration, especially during severe sickness, alternatives like oral rehydration solutions or sports drinks are far superior. Water, herbal tea, and broths are also excellent choices. If you find you can only keep down a clear soda, try diluting it with water to reduce the sugar load and sip it slowly. For definitive medical advice, especially concerning children or persistent illness, consult a healthcare professional. For more information on proper rehydration during illness, consider this resource from the Cleveland Clinic on a Clear Liquid Diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Letting 7UP or Sprite go flat doesn't make it a medically superior remedy. While some people find that drinking flat soda helps with bloating or nausea, this effect is largely anecdotal. Medically, the drink still contains too much sugar and too few electrolytes to be considered an effective treatment.

Yes, drinking too much high-sugar soda, like 7UP or Sprite, can worsen some symptoms of illness, particularly diarrhea. The high sugar content can pull water into the intestines, leading to more fluid loss rather than replenishing it.

For optimal rehydration, the best choice is an oral rehydration solution (ORS) specifically designed to replace lost electrolytes and fluid. Products like Pedialyte or sports drinks are superior to soft drinks for this purpose.

Some people anecdotally feel relief from nausea due to the carbonation, which can help induce burping and release gas pressure. However, for others, the bubbles can increase bloating and stomach discomfort. The effect is personal and not scientifically proven.

The tradition likely stemmed from the appeal of a mild, sweet beverage during a time when stronger flavors or solid foods are difficult to tolerate. For many, the association with feeling better is a comforting placebo effect. However, it is not a scientifically endorsed treatment.

Better alternatives include water, clear broths, and herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile. For electrolyte replacement, choose an oral rehydration solution (ORS).

While both are lemon-lime flavored and contain carbonated water and sugar, their specific ingredients and ratios can differ, leading to slight differences in taste. For example, some formulations of 7UP contain both citric and malic acid, while Sprite typically uses only citric acid.