What is soda?
Soda, or soft drink, is a flavored drink based on water that is usually carbonated and usually sweetened. It can be made with sugar or with low-calorie sweeteners, and it ranges from cola and lemon-lime to ginger ale and root beer. Names vary: soda, pop or coke depending on the region.
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In this article
What is soda?
Soda is a soft drink: water, usually carbonated, plus a sweetener and flavoring. Some versions also contain acids, colors, preservatives and caffeine. In the US people say soda or pop; in the UK it is a fizzy drink. This is a general description.
What is in a can?
- Carbonated water. Gives the fizz.
- Sweetener. Sugar or high fructose corn syrup in regular soda; low-calorie sweeteners in diet or zero versions.
- Flavor. Natural or artificial flavors, such as cola, citrus or ginger.
- Acid. Phosphoric or citric acid adds tang.
- Color and preservatives, in some drinks.
- Caffeine, in some. For example, one maker lists 34 mg in a 12 oz regular cola; many lemon-lime sodas and ginger ales have none.
Common types
| Type | Flavor | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Cola | Caramel, spice, citrus | Usually yes |
| Lemon-lime | Citrus | Usually no |
| Orange, grape, fruit sodas | Fruit | Usually no |
| Ginger ale | Ginger | Usually no |
| Root beer, sarsaparilla | Herbal, vanilla, wintergreen | Usually no |
Always check the label, since some brands differ.
Is soda good for you?
The CDC says frequently drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay and gout. Diet versions have no sugar, but a dentist group notes they are still acidic and can wear enamel. Low-calorie sweeteners may reduce calorie intake in the short term, but long-term effects are uncertain, according to the CDC.
Simple ways to drink less
- Keep soda for occasions, not every day.
- Swap some for sparkling water with a squeeze of citrus.
- Read the sugar grams on the label.
- Drink it with meals and rinse with water after.
People also ask
What is the difference between soda and pop?
Nothing in the drink. It is regional wording for the same kind of fizzy soft drink.
What is soda made of?
Carbonated water, a sweetener, flavoring and often acid and caffeine, depending on the product.
Is diet soda better than regular soda?
It has no sugar or few calories, but it is still acidic and long-term effects of sweeteners are uncertain. Water is the simplest choice.
Sources
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