Quitting soda was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done and it’s also something I’ve done more than once. Many years ago I was addicted to Diet Coke, then one day I quit cold turkey and never looked back. A few years after that I started drinking Dr. Pepper, which restarted the cycle of addiction all over again.

When I finally mustered up the courage to quit Dr. Pepper, I stayed “clean” for a few years before picking up a new addiction: Mexican Coke (which tasted extra refreshing in those glass bottles!) For a while I had managed to convince myself that Mexican Coke was somehow healthier because it contained cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, but who was I kidding? None of that stuff is good for you!

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The third time was apparently a charm, because I haven’t had a soda since—although I’d be lying if I said I never crave them anymore. While I stick mostly to water and fresh-squeezed orange juice (when our orange tree is in season), there are still times when I fantasize about drinking a nice cold bottle of Coca-Cola. While I’m refusing to give in to my cravings, I have discovered a lot of great alternatives to soda that still satisfy that yearning for a carbonated or sweet drink—without all the calories, sugar, and chemicals.

In fact, there are a lot of companies that have recently come out with a variety of innovative wellness drinks that have everything from adaptogens (herbs and mushrooms that companies say support the body’s ability to deal with stress) and prebiotics (dietary fiber that feed friendly gut bacteria) to carbonated teas and juices. They offer numerous potential health benefits that range from supporting your immunity to skin health, and more. I love the fact that I can enjoy a delicious drink, while at the same time, I know that I’m putting something good into my body.

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Read on to discover and shop our favorite innovative wellness drinks that will elevate your health and entertain your tastebuds:

Caveman Coffee Co. Sparkling Hibiscus Cold Brew Herbal Tea ($27/12-pack)

This tasty hibiscus beverage is a mouthwatering blend of hibiscus flowers, lemongrass, and organic natural flavors. It has 6 calories, is caffeine-free, sugar-free, and hibiscus is a natural adaptogen packed with antioxidants that has been linked to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol in recent studies. Hibiscus is lightly sweetened and lightly carbonated after cold-brewing for 12+ hours for optimum flavor. 

Cheribundi Original Tart Cherry Juice ($23/12-pack)

Tart cherry juice has been used for years by top athletes, who drink it to aid in faster recovery, better rest, and to help them rebuild and become stronger. For those looking to improve sleep and aid in recovery, the Relax version (consume an hour or so before bed) contains natural melatonin, valerian root, and L-Theanine to help you relax, regulate your sleep cycle, and extend how long you sleep. Cheribundi contains phytonutrients from tart cherries that speed muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and strengthen immunity. 50 tart cherries are featured in each 8oz serving. Sweetened with apple juice from concentrate.

Clean Cause Original Organic Sparkling Yerba Mate Variety Pack ($32.95/12-pack)

USDA Organic Certified with only 60 calories and 160mg of natural caffeine per can, these drinks provide essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. 50% of profits support individuals in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Gluten-free and vegan. Variety Pack flavors include: Blackberry, Watermelon Mint, Peach, Raspberry, and Lemon Lime.

Droplet Sparkling Functional Beverages ($20/3-pack)

These sparkling, stress-balancing drinks are made with whole fruit juices, organic adaptogens, and aromatherapeutic superfoods. Developed by an all-female team of designers and food scientists, Droplet draws from scientifically-backed plant magic to help you fight stress and feel balanced without any harmful ingredients. Available in three varieties:

• Pretty Happy: Boost your mood and hydrate skin with rhodiola (a star adaptogen that helps your body focus and maintain energy levels), cacao, passion fruit, and vanilla.

• Pretty Balanced: Fight sickness, sleep better, and increase energy with ashwagandha, white peach, lemon verbena, and moringa for a mega dose of phytonutrients to keep your metabolism on point and your brain sharp.

• Pretty Bright: Like sunshine in a can, this drink is the perfect pick-me-up and includes super antioxidant yuzu, a fresh kick of ginger, and immunity-boosting reishi mushroom.

Elements By Lokai ($41.88/12-pack)

Adaptogens have been used for thousands of years in ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and can improve cognitive performance and memory, enhance endurance, and boost energy, immunity, and resilience to stress. Whether you need a boost of energy during that mid-day slump or help relaxing at bedtime, these drinks (which were developed with an experienced ethnobotanist, doctor of psychonutrition, and the foremost food innovation agency) offer clinically-effective levels of adaptogens that give you benefits you’ll feel now and wellness you’ll feel over time. Available in four varieties:

• Calm (Vanilla Apple Cider): Made with wild green oat and clinically-effective levels of the adaptogen Holy Basil, this calming drink helps you ease travel nerves or soothe everyday stress.

• Focus (Blueberry Lemon): Made with blueberry and clinically-effective levels of the adaptogen Schisandra, this drink helps you find concentration when you feel distracted and dull. It’s great for helping get you through the midday slump!

• Sleep (Cherry Vanilla Almond): Made with passionflower and clinically-effective levels of the adaptogen Ashwagandha, this soothing drink helps to relax the body and quiet the mind when you feel ready for bed.

• Vitality (Ginger Orange): Made with clinically-effective levels of the adaptogens ginseng and Rhodiola, this zesty refreshing drink helps you find energy when you feel tired and lethargic. Vitality is best used to jumpstart your day or get a pre-workout boost.

Fit Soda BCAAs ($27.99/12-pack)

These sugar-free drinks consist of naturally-occurring electrolytes and are infused with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are found in protein-rich foods such as eggs, meat, and dairy. Created to hydrate, replenish, build, and repair without compromising on nostalgia or flavor—Fit Soda is caffeine-free so you can drink it before bed. Gluten-free, and free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Available in Black Cherry Cola, Root Beer Vanilla Float, Orange Creamsicle, and Sparkling Citrus.

Flying Embers Hard Kombucha ($39.99/8-pack)

Flying Embers is rooted in ancient traditions, brewed with botanical adaptogens, and enlivened with innovative fermentation techniques to offer the best-tasting sessionable alcohol beverages. Part of their limited-release Flight Series, the “Summer Oasis” collection offers three new crisp, refreshing flavors that will evoke desert daydreams of lounging in your own private oasis.

• Original Essence is created by fermenting steeped organic black tea, adaptogen botanicals, and cane sugar, resulting in a naturally sweet and tart hard kombucha with a refreshing, effervescent finish. 

• Prickly Pear Heather pairs a subtly herbal aroma with a sweet melon-berry burst that merge effortlessly to create a refreshingly light and earthy hard kombucha sipper.

• Strawberry Lemongrass is a crisply polished riff on the classic Lemondrop Martini. This hard kombucha balances the sweet touch of strawberry with the refreshing tartness of lemongrass, ending with a bright and uplifting finish.

Goldthread Plant Based Tonics Honey Rose ($27.50/6-pack)

Native to coastal South Africa, this powerfully restorative tonic is as rich as the ochre soil of its homeland. Honeybush, blended with a delicious combination of bold spices and delicate flowers, creates a smooth and satisfying infusion. Not only does it support your immune system, but it helps to improve digestion and is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Jovē Alkaline Water ($33.48/12-pack)

This alkaline water features a pH of 9.5+ and is clinically shown to provide hydration for skin and cellular health through its Advanced Cellular Hydration Technology™. Enjoy the refreshing, great taste while nourishing your cells for glowing skin and improved sleep so that you look and feel your best.

KOIOS Nootropic Beverages ($13.95/4-pack)

Featuring earth-grown and natural ingredients for added benefit and strength, you’ll get all the energy you need from nootropics and natural caffeine—without the crash. This densely-packed nootropic product includes mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane, which contains two special compounds that stimulate brain cell growth and improve cognitive brain function. The three-flavor variety pack features Pear Guava, Peach Mango, and Blood Orange.

LaDiDa Oat Milk Lattes ($46/6-pack)

Matcha’s naturally caffeinated boost meets 15mg of calm for a clean focus, without the buzz, while caffeine-free Golden Turmeric splashes a mellow ease over a sharp afternoon. Both contain full spectrum hemp extract and oat milk. Matcha features an earthy, grassy, lightly creamy flavor with a hint of sweet, while Golden Turmeric has warm, complex notes that are rich with spices and slightly creamy.

Lemon Perfect Hydrating Lemon Waters ($24.96/12-pack)

Lemon Perfect is a line of enhanced waters that make hydration more convenient and delicious! Each bottle features a half-squeezed organic lemon for a powerful and nutritional boost to your daily regimen. After the lemons are squeezed, they use gentle processing and cold-fill their bottles to naturally maintain the hydrating superfruit benefits of freshly squeezed lemons. Available in a range of innovative and tasty flavors like Pineapple Coconut, Dragon Fruit Mango, as well as their newest flavor—Watermelon, which will be  available in Costco nationwide through May 21 in 15-bottle variety packs, alongside three of the brand’s top flavors (Original Lemon, Peach Raspberry, and Kiwi Star Fruit).

OLIPOP Cherry Vanilla Sparkling Tonic ($35.99/12-pack)

This healthy carbonated drink contains prebiotics, botanicals, and plant fiber to support digestive health. Enjoy the cherry pie flavor with a careful combination of tart morello cherries and the sweet tang of rainier cherries, accompanied by the soft and sumptuous taste of vanilla bean. Available in multiple delicious flavors, including Orange Squeeze, Strawberry Vanilla, Classic Root Beer, Vintage Cola, Ginger Lemon, and Cherry Vanilla. Also available in a variety 12-pack here.

Open Water ($12.99+/per case)

Open Water is a line of ultra-purified, electrolyte-packed water in BPA-free aluminum packaging so that consumers can help combat plastic pollution. Founded in 2014, the LGBTQ and women-owned brand was started to fight plastic pollution and encourage ocean education, appreciation and conversation. Available in cans, bottles, still and sparkling versions. Open Water is the first certified Carbon Neutral bottled water brand in the world.

Poppi ($36/12-pack)

These prebiotic sodas have pure and unfiltered apple cider vinegar, natural sweeteners, and fresh fruit so you get all the benefits without empty calories and chemicals. In addition to helping balance skin, these drinks aid digestion, lower cholesterol, promote weight loss, stabilize blood sugar, promote energy, and naturally detoxify the body. Available in Strawberry Lemon, Ginger Lime, Raspberry Rose, Blueberry, Orange, Pineapple Mango, Peach Tea, and the newest flavor Watermelon.

Recess Sparkling Water ($39.99/8-pack)

Each can of sparkling water infused with hemp extract and adaptogens for balance and clarity. Made with real fruit and no preservatives. Available in six flavors: Black Cherry, Pomegranate Hibiscus, Blood Orange, Peach Ginger, Coconut Lime, and Blackberry Chai.

Rōzu Sparkling Rose Water ($29/6-pack)

For centuries, beauty icons and fearless leaders like Aphrodite, Cleopatra, and numerous queens across Europe and Asia extracted the essence of roses in the form of rose water. Stemmed from the Japanese katakana word for “rose,” Rōzu is the first beverage of its kind: a purposeful combination of pure sparkling mineral water and 100% organic Bulgarian rose water from rosa damascena roses. Available in four flavors: Morning Bloom Bulgarian Rose Water, Evening Dusk French Lavender Water, Clear Skies Hawaiian Jasmine Water, and Summer Bloom Japanese Cherry Blossom Water.

Sipp Seltzer ($25/12-pack)

These immaculately flavored organic seltzer drinks offer a friendly kick of nature’s caffeine and the energy-renewing superfruit camu cam, which is rich in vitamin C (just a teaspoon contains 240% of your daily value!). USDA certified organic and low calorie. Available in three flavors: Vanilla Spice & Everything Nice, Berry Mint Condition, and Sweet Ruby Riot.

Sparkling Botanicals Sampler 12-Pack ($48)

These drinks elevates sparkling water with rare and exotic ingredients sourced directly from artisan growers across the earth. Light, refreshing, and formulated for flavor and function. The Sparkling Botanicals Sampler Pack contains two cans of each flavor: Grapefruit Quince, Schisandra Berry, Black Lemon, Turmeric Saffron, Patagonia Maqui, and Dandelion Ginger.

Spindrift Pineapple Sparkling Water ($26/24-pack)

Made with ripe, juicy pineapples grown in Costa Rica, this sparkling water is made with real pineapple and is the equivalent of paradise in a can. Free of sweeteners, it’s deliciously refreshing, like a tropical vacation for your taste buds! Available in multiple refreshing flavors, including Lime, Cranberry Raspberry, Half & Half, Strawberry, Grapefruit, Blackberry, Cucumber, Lemon, Orange Mango, and Raspberry Lime.

Tea North Organic Iced Tea ($18/6-pack)

These carbonated iced teas are are created in-house from certified-organic loose-leaf tea blends and are free of sugar, sweetener, coloring, calories, and preservatives—all tea! A revenue portion of every sale is paid to support water.org. Available in multiple flavors, including Classic Black Iced Tea, Orange Creamsicle, Raspberry Vanilla Mint, Berry Bliss, Blueberry Rodeo, and Madagascar Coconut.

United Sodas of America ($34.99/12-pack)

A healthier alternative to soda, these guilt-free soft drinks are organically sweetened and have only 30 calories per can. Available in multiple delicious flavors, including Blackberry Jam, Extra Peach, Lemon Verbena, Cherry Pop, Toasted Coconut, Gingery Ale, Strawberry Basil, Young Mango, Orange Nectarine, Pear Elderflower, Sour Blueberry, and White Grape.

Vital Proteins White Peach Tea Vital Collagen Water ($12/4-pack)

Collagen is the vital building block of our bodies, including skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints. Get your daily collagen with this tasty drink that contains 10g of collagen per bottle. Dairy-free, gluten-free, and preservative-free, it is quickly digested and absorbed by the body for maximum benefits. It is also free of artificial sweeteners and features healthy ingredients including reverse osmosis filtered water, bovine collagen peptides, peach juice concentrate, lemon juice, white tea extract, and monk fruit extract. It comes in several fun flavors, including Blackberry Hibiscus, Lemon Ginger, Blueberry Mint, Strawberry Lemon, and Lemon Slice.

[Images courtesy of brands]

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Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk