Soda can be tempting, but some generic brands are worse for your health than you think. Discover the nine soda brands you should avoid.
Here Are The 9 Worst Generic Soda Brands For Your Health
Soda is one of the least healthy beverages you can drink. Many people reach for generic sodas as a budget-friendly alternative to name-brand options. However, some generic brands go beyond inflation and actually contain more sugar, calories, and questionable additives. Excessive soda consumption has been linked to serious health risks like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Learning about these unhealthy alternatives can help you make better choices.
1. Great Value Cola (Walmart)
Walmart’s Great Value Cola may save you a few bucks, but it comes with a hefty health price. Each 12-ounce can packs 160 calories and a staggering 44 grams of sugar, making it sweeter than classic Coca-Cola. Sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, this processed sugar is linked to weight gain and insulin resistance, two significant risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Moreover, the presence of caramel color raises alarm bells; this additive is associated with carcinogenic properties. Think twice before reaching for this seemingly economical option.
2. Sam’s Cola (Walmart)
As another offering from Walmart, Sam’s Cola is slightly better at 150 calories and 21 grams of sugar per can. Unfortunately, the ingredient list reveals the presence of phosphoric acid, which can weaken bones over time and may even contribute to kidney problems. The caffeine found in this soda can lead to dehydration and energy crashes, making Sam's Cola a poor choice for anyone concerned about their health.
3. Big K Citrus Drop (Kroger)
Designed to mimic the popular Mountain Dew, Kroger's Big K Citrus Drop boasts 190 calories and an eye-watering 47 grams of sugar per can. Ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and yellow dye #5 overshadow any nostalgic taste. The high sugar and caffeine levels can create rapid energy spikes followed by devastating crashes. Regular consumption may result in weight gain and other health complications, making this choice far from beneficial.
4. Mountain Lightning (Walmart)
Walmart’s Mountain Lightning, another Mountain Dew knock-off, is notorious for its syrupy sweetness, containing 190 calories and 50 grams of sugar in just one serving. Loaded with artificial colors and caffeine, the high sugar content is detrimental to your health. Regular consumption poses severe risks like obesity, diabetes, and even dental issues. One can alone can exceed your recommended daily sugar intake, cautioning health-conscious consumers against this choice.
5. Dr. Thunder (Walmart)
As a generic version of Dr Pepper, Dr. Thunder may catch your eye, but each 12-ounce can harbors 160 calories and 43 grams of sugar. The combination of high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and phosphoric acid mirrors the negatives of its brand-name counterpart. This soda’s acidity and sugar levels can erode tooth enamel and lead to long-term health concerns, while sodium benzoate, a common preservative, may trigger inflammation in excessive amounts.
6. Food Lion Mountain Lion
The Mountain Lion from Food Lion is another contender on this list, featuring 180 calories and 49 grams of sugar per can. What’s more alarming is the inclusion of brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a controversial ingredient banned in several countries due to potential health risks. Prolonged consumption of BVO-containing sodas can lead to thyroid dysfunction and neurological issues, placing this drink squarely in the “avoid” category.
7. Shasta Tiki Punch
The colorful packaging of Shasta’s Tiki Punch might scream fun, but it conceals some troubling ingredients. A single 12-ounce can contains 150 calories and 39 grams of sugar, making it comparable to leading sodas like Fanta. The vibrant red color comes from Red 40, a food dye noted for its association with hyperactivity in children. The mix of artificial flavors and colors can present long-term health risks, creating a beverage that should be enjoyed with caution.
8. Chek Cola (Winn-Dixie)
Winn-Dixie offers a generic cola alternative called Chek Cola, which typically contains 155 calories and 42 grams of sugar per can. Like many others, it relies on high-fructose corn syrup and caffeine—ingredients that can contribute to sugar addiction and metabolic disorders. With no nutritional benefits, Chek Cola exemplifies the downsides of opting for cheaper soda selections.
9. Refreshe Cola (Safeway)
Rounding off the list is Refreshe Cola, a Safeway brand loaded with 150 calories and 40 grams of sugar per standard can. This soda also contains phosphoric acid, which poses an increased risk of weakening teeth and bones over time. Although it may tempt consumers looking for a budget option, the negative health implications negate any financial gains.
Switching to a healthier lifestyle often necessitates scrutinizing everyday choices, including beverages. While generic sodas may be affordable and convenient, they frequently contain excessive amounts of sugar, artificial ingredients, and preservatives. If you’re on a health-conscious journey, consider alternatives such as sparkling water, unsweetened iced tea, or naturally flavored drinks. Reducing soda intake remains one of the simplest strategies to enhance your diet and lower unnecessary sugar consumption.