Understanding What Are the Benefits of Teem Soda?

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

According to reports from some markets like Nigeria, the lemon-lime flavored soft drink Teem soda was once promoted for its potential to help relieve minor stomach discomfort and indigestion. This claim, however, contrasts sharply with widely accepted nutritional guidelines regarding sugary beverages, raising important questions about the real health impacts and benefits of this and similar drinks.

Quick Summary

This article explores the alleged digestive and hydrating properties of Teem soda, contrasting historical marketing claims with contemporary health perspectives. The discussion provides a balanced view, highlighting that while some carbonation may offer minor relief, the sugar content poses significant health risks.

Key Points

History: Teem soda, a lemon-lime flavored soft drink from PepsiCo, was discontinued in the US in 1984 but is still sold in various countries globally.
Claimed Benefits: In some regional markets, Teem has been historically promoted as a remedy for stomach aches and indigestion, leveraging the temporary relief from carbonation.
Unhealthy Ingredients: The drink's high sugar content and acidity pose significant health risks, including weight gain, diabetes, and tooth decay.
Minimal Real Benefits: Any perceived digestive benefit from carbonation is minor and offset by the negative health effects of added sugar and acid.
Better Alternatives: Plain water and unsweetened sparkling water are superior hydration choices, offering fizz without the detrimental health consequences of sugary sodas.
Verdict: Despite nostalgic or anecdotal claims, there are no significant or scientifically-supported health benefits to regularly consuming Teem soda.

The History and Re-emergence of Teem Soda

Teem was a lemon-lime soft drink brand originally introduced by PepsiCo in 1959 to compete with popular alternatives like 7 Up. Despite gaining some traction, it was eventually discontinued in the United States in 1984, replaced by other PepsiCo brands like Slice and later Sierra Mist. However, its story did not end there. Teem has continued to be produced and sold in various international markets, including Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, and Uruguay. More recently, its presence has been noted again in some regions, sparking new conversations about its place in the beverage market and its perceived benefits.

Dissecting the Claimed Digestive Benefits

One of the most frequently mentioned supposed benefits of Teem soda, especially in older or localized marketing, is its ability to soothe stomach aches or aid digestion. The mechanism behind this belief is generally attributed to the carbonation, not the other ingredients. The fizzy nature of carbonated water can sometimes stimulate burping, which may help relieve trapped gas and reduce the feeling of bloating or indigestion. However, this is a minor and temporary effect associated with the carbonation itself, not a specific medicinal property of Teem. Many people can get the same effect from plain sparkling water without any of the added sugars or sweeteners.

The Unhealthy Reality of Sugary Soft Drinks

While the carbonation might offer a fleeting moment of relief, the nutritional reality of Teem and other sugary soft drinks is far less rosy. Health experts widely agree that sugary beverages contribute to a number of adverse health outcomes.

Here are some of the scientifically-supported health risks associated with regular consumption of sugary soft drinks:

Weight Gain and Obesity: The high calorie and sugar content in sodas can lead to significant weight gain, as liquid calories often do not provide the same feeling of fullness as solid food.
Increased Risk of Diabetes: High sugar intake, particularly from sweetened beverages, can lead to insulin resistance and significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Dental Erosion and Cavities: The combination of high sugar and acidic ingredients (like carbonic and phosphoric acid) in soft drinks creates a highly corrosive environment in the mouth, which can lead to tooth enamel erosion and cavities over time.
Cardiovascular Issues: Excessive sugar consumption can also contribute to cardiovascular problems, including higher blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Furthermore, even diet or artificially sweetened versions of soft drinks have been linked to potential health issues, including negatively affecting gut bacteria and increasing cravings for unhealthy foods.

Teem vs. Healthier Hydration Options

To put the “benefits” of Teem into perspective, let's compare it with other common beverage choices. This comparison highlights why healthier alternatives should be prioritized for true hydration and wellness.


Feature	Teem Soda	Plain Carbonated Water (Seltzer)	Plain Water
Sugar Content	High, from high-fructose corn syrup or sugar.	Zero.	Zero.
Calories	High.	Zero.	Zero.
Digestive Aid	Minor, from carbonation; often overshadowed by sugar content.	Minor, from carbonation; can relieve bloating.	Aids digestion and promotes hydration without carbonation.
Dental Health	High risk of enamel erosion and cavities due to sugar and acid.	Minimal risk, unless added citrus acids are present.	Safe and beneficial for dental health.
Overall Health	Associated with obesity, diabetes, and heart issues.	Generally considered a healthy alternative to soda for hydration.	The most beneficial option for hydration and overall health.

Choosing Better Alternatives

For those seeking the satisfying fizz of carbonation without the health drawbacks of soda, several options exist. Plain seltzer or carbonated water is an excellent choice, as it is calorie-free and sugar-free. For added flavor, one can infuse it with natural ingredients like lemon, lime, mint, or cucumber slices. Unsweetened iced tea or herbal teas are also great alternatives that offer flavor and hydration without the empty calories and dental risks of soda.

Conclusion: Evaluating the True Value of Teem Soda

While some might recall Teem soda with nostalgia or cling to regional claims of its digestive benefits, a modern, science-based view reveals that the risks far outweigh any potential upsides. The notion that a sugary soft drink offers genuine health benefits is largely a misconception, with the minor relief from carbonation being easily obtained from healthier, sugar-free alternatives. The beverage's high sugar content is a clear detriment to overall health, contributing to dental issues, weight gain, and an increased risk of chronic diseases. For anyone prioritizing wellness, opting for water or unsweetened sparkling water is the far better choice. The true benefits of Teem soda are minimal, fleeting, and ultimately, not a sound basis for a healthy dietary choice. For more information on the health impacts of sugary drinks, consult authoritative sources like Medical News Today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any minor relief from indigestion or bloating comes from the carbonation itself, which can cause burping to release trapped gas. This effect is not unique to Teem and is often overshadowed by the drink's high sugar content.

Teem soda was discontinued in the US in 1984, likely due to declining sales. PepsiCo replaced it with other lemon-lime brands like Slice, Sierra Mist, and most recently, Starry.

No, like other sugary soft drinks, Teem is not considered a healthy choice due to its high sugar content and acidity. It offers minimal nutritional value and can contribute to weight gain, diabetes risk, and tooth decay.

Yes, while discontinued in the U.S. and some other countries, Teem soda is still manufactured and sold in various regions, including parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

The high combination of sugar and acids in Teem soda creates an acidic environment in the mouth, which can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities over time, posing a significant risk to dental health.

While Teem soda does contain water and can contribute to fluid intake, its high sugar content makes it a poor choice for hydration compared to plain water. Sugary beverages are best consumed in moderation, if at all.

Healthier alternatives include plain or flavored seltzer water, which provides satisfying carbonation without sugar or calories. Infusing water with natural fruit or herbs is another excellent option.