Brands Leading the Stevia Revolution
For many health-conscious consumers, Stevia offers a compelling alternative to traditional sugar and artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Its plant-based origin and zero-calorie profile have propelled it into a range of beverages. While major players like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have experimented with Stevia-sweetened products, independent and specialty brands often form the core of the market.
Zevia
Perhaps the most well-known brand dedicated to Stevia-sweetened sodas, Zevia offers a comprehensive line of zero-calorie, sugar-free, and natural-flavored products. All Zevia sodas are sweetened exclusively with stevia leaf extract and erythritol, a sugar alcohol that naturally occurs in fruits. Zevia products are also non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
Zevia Soda Flavors Include:
- Cola and Cherry Cola
- Ginger Root Beer and Cream Soda
- Dr. Zevia and Mountain Zevia
- Grape and Strawberry
- Orange and Grapefruit Citrus
- Lemon Lime Twist
Zevia also extends its stevia-sweetened lineup to energy drinks, organic teas, mixers, and a special Kidz line.
Bai Beverages
Owned by the Coca-Cola company, the Bai product line is sweetened with a combination of stevia and erythritol. Originally marketed as an antioxidant infusion, Bai has grown to include sparkling beverages (Bai Bubbles) and bottled teas (Bai Superteas). Their flavor profiles are often fruit-forward and unique.
Bai Products Sweetened with Stevia:
- Bai Antioxidant Infusions (e.g., Brasilia Blueberry, Ipanema Pomegranate)
- Bai Bubbles (e.g., Peru Pineapple, Waikiki Coconut)
- Bai Superteas (e.g., Rio Raspberry, Malawi Mango)
Green Cola
Originating in Greece, Green Cola markets itself as a healthy cola alternative. It contains natural caffeine from green coffee beans and is sweetened with stevia leaf extract. The product line includes not only cola but also other fruity options. It is entirely sugar-free, zero-calorie, and contains no aspartame or phosphoric acid.
Other Brands and Notable Mentions
Beyond these dedicated Stevia brands, other companies have used the sweetener in specific products:
- Coca-Cola: While products like Coca-Cola Life (a blend of sugar and stevia) and Coca-Cola Stevia (stevia-only) were tested and launched in various markets, many have since been discontinued. The company has shifted focus to Coke Zero Sugar and other brands. However, some of Coca-Cola's extended portfolio products, like some VitaminWater Zero Sugar and Fuze teas, still feature stevia.
- Starbucks Refreshers: Some of these beverages are sweetened with rebaudioside A, a high-purity extract from the stevia leaf.
- Reed's: This brand offers a zero-sugar craft cola that uses erythritol, stevia, and monk fruit.
- Spade: This premium natural soda brand offers zero-sugar options with stevia.
Benefits and Considerations of Stevia-Sweetened Drinks
Choosing soft drinks with stevia offers several potential benefits. As a zero-calorie sweetener, it supports weight management by allowing people to enjoy sweet beverages without the added calories from sugar. Stevia also does not raise blood sugar levels, making it a safe choice for diabetics, though moderation and label reading are still crucial. From a dental health perspective, stevia does not contribute to tooth decay, unlike sugar.
However, there are considerations. Stevia's taste is intensely sweet and can sometimes have a lingering, licorice-like aftertaste, which is why it is often blended with other sweeteners like erythritol. While plant-derived, these soft drinks are still processed products and should not replace nutrient-rich whole foods. Carbonated beverages, even sugar-free ones, can be acidic and potentially harm tooth enamel over time.
Stevia-Sweetened Drink Comparison
| Feature | Zevia | Bai | Green Cola |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Sweeteners | Stevia, Erythritol | Stevia, Erythritol | Stevia |
| Calories | Zero | 10 calories per serving | Zero |
| Key Features | Wide variety of classic soda flavors, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free | Antioxidant infusions, sparkling water, tea lines | Natural caffeine from green coffee beans, no aspartame or phosphoric acid |
| Market | Primarily US and Canada, widely available | Widely available, owned by Coca-Cola | Originates in Europe, available globally |
Conclusion
The market for stevia-sweetened soft drinks has expanded significantly, providing numerous zero-calorie, sugar-free alternatives for consumers. Brands like Zevia, Bai, and Green Cola lead the charge with dedicated product lines that cater to specific health and taste preferences. While stevia is a compelling natural sweetener with benefits for blood sugar and weight management, it is important to remember that these are processed beverages, and moderation is key. Consumers should read labels carefully, as some products may use a blend of sweeteners or contain other ingredients to mask stevia's aftertaste. Ultimately, the availability of stevia-sweetened soft drinks empowers individuals to make more informed choices about their beverage consumption without compromising on flavor.
For more information on the safety of stevia and other sweeteners, a reliable resource is the International Food Information Council: Everything You Need to Know About Stevia Sweeteners.
