Unpacking the Perception: Brisk vs. Soda
For years, Brisk, a ready-to-drink iced tea brand, has cultivated an image as a cool, edgy alternative to traditional sodas. This positioning can lead many consumers to assume that, because it is tea-based, it must be inherently healthier than carbonated soft drinks. This 'health halo' effect, however, can be misleading. While unsweetened tea offers numerous health benefits due to its flavonoids and antioxidants, Brisk's formulation includes many of the same concerning ingredients found in traditional sodas.
The Ingredient Reality: Beyond the Tea Leaves
A direct look at the ingredient list for Brisk and a standard soda reveals striking similarities, particularly regarding sweeteners. While Brisk contains black or green tea powder, this is often overshadowed by the high concentration of added sugars and artificial ingredients. The primary sweetener in many Brisk varieties is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is also a staple in most conventional sodas. Both beverages also rely on citric acid, preservatives like potassium sorbate, and often, artificial colors. Some Brisk variants also contain low-calorie sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, in addition to HFCS, further complicating their nutritional profile. These are not natural, healthy additions, but rather heavily processed compounds.
A Closer Look at the Nutritional Facts
When we compare Brisk to a standard soda, the difference is often less significant than marketing might suggest. A 12-ounce serving of Brisk Lemon Iced Tea contains about 70 calories and 17 grams of sugar, while a 12-ounce Pepsi contains about 150 calories and 41 grams of sugar. While Brisk appears to have fewer calories and less sugar per serving, it is not a low-sugar drink. A single bottle or can can quickly contribute a substantial amount of added sugar to one's daily intake. The US Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting calories from added sugars to less than 10% of total daily calories, and a single sweetened beverage can make this difficult to achieve.
Comparison Table: Brisk Lemon Iced Tea vs. Pepsi (12 oz. Serving)
| Feature | Brisk Lemon Iced Tea | Pepsi | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Tea-based Beverage | Soda | Both are sugar-sweetened beverages. |
| Calories | ~70 calories | ~150 calories | Pepsi has more, but Brisk is still high for a beverage. |
| Added Sugar | ~17g | ~41g | Brisk is lower but still contains a significant amount. |
| Primary Sweetener | High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium | High Fructose Corn Syrup | Both rely on added sugars and artificial sweeteners. |
| Caffeine | ~8mg | ~37.5mg | Brisk has less, but still contains some. |
| Nutritional Value | Minimal (contains trace tea) | None (empty calories) | Neither offers meaningful nutrients. |
| Concerns | Added sugar, HFCS, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, food dyes | Added sugar, HFCS, preservatives, phosphoric acid | Both have high sugar content and processed ingredients. |
The Health Implications of Processed Sugar
Both Brisk and soda contribute significantly to added sugar intake, which poses a number of health risks. Excessive sugar consumption is a major contributor to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The body metabolizes the high amounts of fructose in HFCS, found in both beverages, primarily in the liver, which can lead to fat production and potentially non-alcoholic fatty liver disease over time. The 'liquid calories' from sweetened drinks are not as filling as solid foods, leading to higher overall calorie intake because people don't compensate by eating less.
Other Ingredients to Consider
Beyond sugar, other ingredients raise health concerns. The phosphoric acid present in some Brisk flavors is also a common component in many sodas, particularly colas. This additive has been linked to potential negative impacts on bone health, though more research is needed. The presence of artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium in some Brisk Zero and standard varieties also warrants caution. While they are calorie-free, there is insufficient evidence that they aid in weight loss and some studies suggest they may increase cravings for sweet foods. Furthermore, many Brisk products contain artificial food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5, which are unnecessary additives.
Making a Healthier Beverage Choice
Ultimately, if your goal is to reduce your sugar intake and improve your overall health, neither Brisk nor soda is a good option. The marketing of Brisk as a tea doesn't make it a truly healthy alternative. Instead, consider genuinely healthy alternatives:
- Unsweetened Tea: Whether hot or iced, unsweetened tea provides antioxidants and other health benefits without added sugar or artificial ingredients. Flavors can be added naturally with lemon or mint.
- Infused Water: Add sliced fruits (lemon, cucumber, berries) or herbs (mint, basil) to plain water for flavor without calories or sweeteners.
- Seltzer with Juice: Mix plain seltzer or carbonated water with a splash of 100% fruit juice for a fizzy, flavorful drink with far less sugar than traditional sodas.
- Plain Water: The simplest and healthiest choice for hydration. Adding a squirt of lemon or lime provides extra flavor.
It's important to read labels and be aware of hidden sugars and artificial ingredients in all packaged beverages. The American Heart Association journal Stroke has linked green tea consumption to lower stroke risks, highlighting the benefits of natural, unsweetened tea.
Conclusion
In the battle of Brisk versus soda, Brisk is not a clear winner from a health perspective. While it may sometimes contain slightly less sugar and fewer calories than certain sodas, its reliance on high fructose corn syrup and other artificial ingredients means it carries many of the same health risks associated with sugary beverages. Consumers should not be swayed by clever marketing that positions Brisk as a healthy alternative. For true health benefits, opting for unsweetened tea, infused water, or other low-sugar drinks is the best strategy. Both Brisk and soda should be viewed as occasional treats rather than daily beverages.
