Is there a soda without high-fructose corn syrup?

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2004, the consumption of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) increased by 1,000% between 1970 and 1990. Today, many consumers seek to reduce their intake of this additive, leading to the common question: is there a soda without high-fructose corn syrup?

Quick Summary

Several soda options exist without high-fructose corn syrup, including those made with cane sugar, artificial sweeteners, or natural alternatives like stevia. Consumers can find these in special editions from major brands, craft sodas, and newer 'healthy' sodas containing prebiotics or fruit juice. Reading ingredient labels is key to identifying the sweetener source.

Key Points

Availability: Many commercial sodas exist without high-fructose corn syrup, including options from large brands, craft bottlers, and health-focused companies.
Alternatives: Sodas often use real cane sugar, natural fruit juice, or zero-calorie natural sweeteners like stevia instead of HFCS.
Label Reading: The most reliable way to identify an HFCS-free soda is to read the ingredient label and check for alternative sweeteners.
Craft Sodas: Independent craft soda makers are an excellent source for HFCS-free options, with brands like Fitz's, Boylan, and Wild Bill's using pure cane sugar.
Health Options: Functional sodas like Olipop and Zevia offer healthier alternatives by using prebiotics or zero-calorie sweeteners.
Diet Drinks: Most diet sodas avoid HFCS but use artificial sweeteners, so reading labels is important for understanding the specific contents.

The short answer is yes, there are many sodas available today that do not contain high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). A growing awareness of the health implications associated with excessive sugar intake, including from HFCS, has fueled a market for alternative beverages. This has led many beverage companies, from large manufacturers to small craft bottlers, to offer products sweetened with real cane sugar, natural fruit juices, or non-caloric alternatives like stevia.

Popular brands with HFCS-free options

Mexican Coke and "Throwback" sodas

For years, a well-known secret among soda enthusiasts was that Coca-Cola imported from Mexico is made with real cane sugar, not HFCS, and is often sold in glass bottles. Similarly, major brands like Pepsi and Mountain Dew have periodically released "Throwback" versions, which used real sugar instead of HFCS to evoke a nostalgic flavor profile. While availability for these can be inconsistent, they demonstrate that even major companies have the capability to produce HFCS-free products. In fact, recent moves by Coca-Cola have signaled a broader shift, with the company offering more cane sugar options.

Craft and indie brands

Beyond the large corporate offerings, the craft soda market is a haven for HFCS-free beverages. Many small-batch producers pride themselves on using natural, high-quality ingredients, with pure cane sugar being a standard choice. Brands like Fitz's Root Beer, Boylan Bottling Company, and Virgil's have built their reputation on this commitment to quality. Wild Bill's Craft Soda offers a variety pack sweetened with pure cane sugar, ensuring no HFCS is used. Fitz's Root Beer, for example, makes it a key marketing point that they use real cane sugar in their craft sodas.

Health-conscious alternatives

For those looking for an even healthier option, a new wave of functional and wellness-focused sodas have emerged. These drinks often use zero-calorie natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit and may be infused with prebiotics or probiotics.

Olipop: A popular choice in the wellness space, Olipop features prebiotic fiber and natural sweeteners, containing significantly less sugar than traditional sodas.
Zevia: This brand offers a full line of zero-calorie sodas sweetened with stevia leaf extract, avoiding both HFCS and artificial sweeteners.
Poppi: Combining prebiotics and apple cider vinegar, Poppi offers a low-sugar, low-calorie soda alternative sweetened with a mix of fruit juice and stevia.

How to identify a soda without HFCS

Reading the ingredient label is the most reliable method for confirming a soda is HFCS-free. A product's ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so checking the top few ingredients is crucial.

Ingredient List: Look for "high-fructose corn syrup." If it's listed, the product contains it.
Sweetener Alternatives: Instead, you might see cane sugar, sucrose, stevia, monk fruit, or fruit juice concentrate.
Diet/Zero-Sugar Labels: While most diet or zero-sugar sodas don't contain HFCS, they often use artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose. Always check the label to confirm the specific sweetener used.

Comparison: Sodas with and without high-fructose corn syrup


Feature	Traditional Sodas (with HFCS)	Alternative Sodas (without HFCS)
Sweetener	High-fructose corn syrup, a cheap sweetener derived from corn starch.	Real cane sugar, stevia, monk fruit, fruit juice, or other natural/artificial sweeteners.
Flavor Profile	Often described as having a specific, somewhat synthetic sweetness.	Varies widely; often praised for a cleaner, more natural or complex flavor.
Availability	Ubiquitous in mainstream grocery stores, convenience stores, and vending machines.	Increasingly common in mainstream stores, health food stores, and online retailers.
Cost	Typically lower in price due to subsidized corn production.	Can be more expensive, especially for craft and functional varieties.
Health Impact	Associated with risks including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease with excessive intake.	Options may offer fewer calories, less sugar, and sometimes include functional ingredients like prebiotics.

Conclusion: Navigating the soda aisle for HFCS-free options

In conclusion, consumers have more choices than ever to enjoy a soda without high-fructose corn syrup. The market has expanded beyond a few niche products to include major brand real-sugar varieties, a thriving craft soda scene, and functional health drinks with natural zero-calorie sweeteners. By prioritizing brands that use cane sugar, stevia, or fruit juice, and getting into the habit of reading ingredient labels, it's entirely possible to satisfy a craving for a fizzy drink while avoiding HFCS. The best choice ultimately depends on personal preference for taste, health goals, and budget, but the options are plentiful for a soda without high-fructose corn syrup.

Visit the official website for Fitz's Root Beer, a craft brand that proudly features its use of real cane sugar.

How to make homemade soda

For those who prefer total control over their ingredients, making soda at home is a simple and rewarding process.

Make a Simple Syrup: Combine water and a sweetener of your choice, like raw honey, maple syrup, or cane sugar, in a saucepan and heat until dissolved.
Add Flavor: Once cooled, mix in fresh fruit juice or natural extracts, such as lemon, lime, or ginger.
Add Fizz: Combine your homemade syrup with sparkling water, club soda, or seltzer.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the mixture for a few hours to let the flavors meld before enjoying.
Customize Your Brew: Experiment with different fruits, herbs, and spices to create unique flavor combinations. Try adding mint, basil, or a pinch of cayenne for a kick.

The rise of functional sodas

Beyond simply replacing HFCS, many new sodas are designed to offer additional health benefits. Brands like Olipop and Poppi incorporate prebiotics to support gut health, making them a more beneficial choice than traditional soda. These beverages often contain less sugar and fewer calories overall, making them attractive to health-conscious consumers. They leverage ingredients like apple cider vinegar and fruit juice concentrates to achieve flavor and function, moving the product category from a simple sweet treat to a 'better-for-you' indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many brands avoid HFCS, including Mexican Coke, "Throwback" versions from major companies, and craft brands like Fitz's, Virgil's, and Boylan. Health-conscious brands like Olipop and Zevia also do not use it.

While cane sugar is still a form of added sugar, many find that the flavor is cleaner. Avoiding excessive sugar intake, whether from HFCS or cane sugar, is key for health. Some studies show similar metabolic effects from both, but eliminating HFCS from the diet, typically by cutting out processed foods, can still have overall health benefits.

Read the ingredient list on the product label. If it lists "high-fructose corn syrup," the product contains it. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so if it's one of the first few items, the concentration is high.

Yes, almost all diet or zero-sugar sodas are free of HFCS. They replace it with artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, or natural alternatives like stevia.

Mexican Coke is often available at grocery stores with a large international section, Mexican food stores, or online retailers. It is easily identifiable by its glass bottle packaging and the mention of real sugar on the label.

Beyond classic sodas with alternative sweeteners, options include kombucha, flavored sparkling water like Spindrift or LaCroix, and prebiotic sodas such as Olipop and Poppi. Infusing plain sparkling water with fresh fruit is another simple alternative.

While many craft soda makers pride themselves on using pure cane sugar and avoiding HFCS, it is always best to check the ingredient list to be certain. Some may still use other sweeteners, so label reading is important.