Is it Good to Drink Sprite with a Cold? The Pros and Cons Explained

December 29, 2025 •

4 min read

While many people instinctively reach for a clear, carbonated soda when feeling unwell, most commercially available sodas, including Sprite, lack the nutritional value to truly aid in a speedy recovery. So, is it good to drink Sprite with a cold? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the pros and cons of consuming Sprite during a cold, focusing on its high sugar content, hydration effects, and impact on common symptoms like sore throats and upset stomachs.

Key Points

Limited Benefit: Any relief from drinking Sprite during a cold is likely temporary and anecdotal, potentially a placebo effect.
High Sugar Content is a Downside: Sprite is full of added sugar, which can increase inflammation and may worsen symptoms like diarrhea.
Ineffective for Dehydration: The high sugar in Sprite can actually hinder proper rehydration, making better options like water or diluted electrolyte drinks more effective.
Can Irritate a Sore Throat: The carbonation and acidity of soda can be abrasive to an already sensitive or inflamed throat for some individuals.
Superior Alternatives Exist: Better options for recovery include water, herbal tea, and diluted sports drinks that provide essential hydration and electrolytes without negative side effects.
Listen to Your Body: While some find carbonation soothing, others find it bothersome. It's important to pay attention to your body's reaction and choose fluids accordingly.

The Traditional Belief vs. Medical Consensus

For generations, clear sodas like Sprite have been considered a go-to remedy for illness, particularly for stomach aches and nausea. The folk wisdom suggests that the carbonation can settle the stomach and the sugar can provide a quick energy boost. However, modern medical understanding offers a different perspective. While the mild, sweet taste and fizz might be comforting to a sensitive stomach for a short time, these beverages are far from an ideal treatment for a cold or flu. They lack the essential electrolytes needed for proper rehydration and are loaded with added sugars that offer no real nutritional benefit.

The High Sugar Problem

One of the biggest drawbacks of drinking Sprite with a cold is its extremely high sugar content. A standard 12-ounce can of Sprite contains nearly 40 grams of sugar, mostly high-fructose corn syrup. This level of sugar consumption can be counterproductive to your recovery.

Negative Impacts of High Sugar:

Inflammation: High sugar intake can cause inflammation throughout the body, which can be detrimental when your immune system is already working hard to fight off an infection.
Worsened Diarrhea: If your cold is accompanied by a stomach bug causing diarrhea, the high concentration of sugar can actually worsen symptoms by drawing water into the digestive tract.
Nutrient-Poor Calories: The calories from soda are considered "empty calories" because they provide no vitamins or minerals. When sick, your body needs nutrient-dense foods and fluids to support its immune function.

Dehydration Risks and Ineffective Hydration

Proper hydration is paramount when you have a cold. Fluids help thin mucus, lubricate the throat, and support overall bodily function. While Sprite is a liquid, its high sugar content makes it a poor choice for effective rehydration.

Why Sprite Isn't a Hydration Solution:

Osmotic Effect: The high sugar in Sprite can create an osmotic effect, where water is pulled from the body's cells into the digestive system. In cases of diarrhea or vomiting, this can actually worsen dehydration.
Superior Alternatives: Health experts recommend plain water, diluted sports drinks, or herbal tea for replenishing fluids and electrolytes. These options provide hydration without the added burden of excessive sugar.

The Effect on the Throat and Stomach

For many, a cold beverage can feel soothing on a sore throat. The cooling sensation can temporarily numb the throat and reduce swelling. However, the specific properties of carbonated drinks like Sprite can have mixed effects.

Mixed Effects of Carbonation and Acidity:

Soothing Fizz: Some individuals report that the carbonation in Sprite helps them burp, which can relieve gas and a bloated stomach feeling.
Irritating Acidity: For others, the acidity and fizz of carbonated beverages can irritate an already inflamed and sensitive throat, potentially causing more discomfort.
Nausea Relief: While anecdotal evidence suggests Sprite can help with nausea, the effect is not scientifically proven and could be a placebo. Real ginger, found in some teas and ginger beers, is the active ingredient known to combat nausea.

Comparison: Sprite vs. Healthier Options for Colds


Feature	Sprite	Water	Herbal Tea (Ginger/Peppermint)	Diluted Sports Drink (e.g., Gatorade)
Sugar Content	Very High	None	None/Low (if unsweetened)	Moderate (Dilution recommended)
Hydration Quality	Poor (due to sugar)	Excellent	Excellent	Good (with dilution)
Sore Throat Effect	Can irritate (acidity/fizz)	Neutral/Soothing	Soothing (warmth, ingredients)	Neutral
Upset Stomach Effect	Ineffective/Potentially Worsens Diarrhea	Neutral	Soothing (ginger, mint)	Good (electrolytes, glucose)
Nutritional Value	None	None	Potential antioxidants, vitamins	Electrolytes

Conclusion: The Bottom Line

Ultimately, while drinking Sprite with a cold is not directly harmful in small amounts for most people, it is not the most effective strategy for promoting recovery. The high sugar content can impede your body's healing process, and superior alternatives are available for both hydration and symptom relief. For effective rehydration, rely on plain water, herbal tea, or clear broths. To soothe a sore throat, warm tea with honey (for adults) or cold popsicles are better choices. For upset stomachs, real ginger tea or clear broths are recommended over sugary, carbonated drinks. Making healthier beverage choices will better support your body's natural defenses and get you back on your feet faster. Remember that this is not medical advice, and it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance when sick.

Conclusion: Making Smarter Choices

When you're feeling under the weather, the best course of action is to support your body with optimal nutrition and hydration. While the appeal of a nostalgic glass of Sprite is understandable, making a more informed choice can lead to a quicker, healthier recovery. Focus on electrolyte-rich, low-sugar fluids to properly hydrate, and choose naturally soothing options for common symptoms. Your body will thank you for providing it with the right tools to fight off the illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Sprite is not an ideal choice for rehydration due to its high sugar content, which can actually worsen dehydration, especially in cases of diarrhea. Plain water or diluted sports drinks are much better.

The cold temperature might offer temporary relief, but the carbonation and acidity can irritate a sore throat for some individuals. Warm tea with honey (for adults) is often a more soothing option.

While some people find anecdotal relief from the fizz for nausea, the high sugar content can potentially worsen stomach issues like diarrhea. Real ginger tea is a better alternative for stomach upset.

Better options include plain water, herbal tea (like ginger or peppermint), or clear broths. For electrolyte replacement, diluted sports drinks are also a good choice.

Health professionals generally advise against giving sugary sodas like Sprite to children with a cold, especially if they have diarrhea, as the high sugar can be detrimental to their hydration and recovery.

This belief likely comes from a long-held myth about using clear sodas for stomach bugs. The effect is often a placebo, and the high sugar and lack of nutrients are counterproductive for healing.

No, Sprite is not a good source of electrolytes. Drinks specifically formulated for rehydration or diluted sports drinks are better for replacing lost minerals.