Regular Soda vs Diet Soda. Which One to Choose?
Are you a soda aficionado? Well, who isn’t right! Even if you are trying to maintain a balanced diet, allowing yourself a fine sugar free soda drink is something we all strive for in the end. The refreshing, delightful, and bubbly taste that energizes us.
It can be both the perfect drink to boost your energy, when containing caffeine, and the ideal drink to unwind and relax, after a long day at work. Life is about balance, so why not keep a few of your favorite soda beverages in stock for the time you need a break.
But how to pick the right type of soda for you? Should you go for a regular or a diet soda? What is the difference, and which are the benefits of each?
Here’s a quick guide on each to help you with your choice.
The Difference Between Regular & Diet Soda
Regular soda is a carbonated water mixed with sweeteners, natural or artificial flavoring, and sometimes added vitamins and minerals. The drink can also contain caffeine and other ingredients like quinine-in tonic sodas. The sweetener in the soda drinks is usually sugar, high-fructose syrup, or in the healthier versions- fruit juice.
Diet soda is pretty much the same as regular soda, except instead of sugar as sweetener manufacturers mix in a substitute. Substitutes can vary, but the most used are sucralose and stevia. The sweeteners used in diet soda don’t usually provide much of an energy boost, making for a soft drink with fewer calories than regular sodas.
Regular Soda
Filling and tasty regular sodas are good to be enjoyed in moderation, as they’re more of a compliment to your diet, rather than an essential part of it. Although, there are also healthier options of the drink introduced on the market each year. Regular sodas have a few nutritional facts you might find beneficial and should know about.
Energy-boosting
Regular sodas - the cola varieties of soda, contain caffeine that is a well-known energy booster. Sipping on a can of soda can help you fight fatigue and push through a rough day. Sodas, however, are a treat and should be enjoyed once in a while, not as your primary source of energy.
Tasty and Refreshing
Think of the endless variety of tastes of soda drinks. There’s a flavor sure to satisfy the oddest taste. From regular cola infused with caffeine to grapes, passion fruit, and cherry, or cream taste, to ginger beer and ale, and the bitter taste of tonic soda. There’s a soda for every occasion that can be enjoyed by itself or mixed in a colorful and delicious cocktail at a family celebration or fun summer party.
Helps with Hydration & Nausea
Hydration is essential and soda drinks are after all liquids that can help us stay well-hydrated and refreshed. There are also soda drinks that can help with nausea- ginger ale is such a drink. The ginger that this soda contains is a well-known remedy for stomach aches. Combined with the soothing effects of carbonated water, ginger ale can ease digestive issues.
Diet Soda
Diet sodas are ideal to help anyone struggling with their sugar intake. They’re a wonderful starting point for transitioning into healthier and more nutritious beverages. An especially terrific help are diet sodas made with organic and natural ingredients.
Here are a few points about diet soda, to help you out when making your choice between regular and diet soda beverages.
No Calories, No Sugar, No Fat
Zero Calorie Drinks are the diet versions of sodas and have the benefit of containing zero-calories. That might be of help when you’re looking to limit your calorie intake and transition to a healthier lifestyle.
Better Blood Sugar Control
Regular sodas are packed with carbohydrates that increase the levels of your blood sugar. Diet sodas on the other hand contain no sugar, which helps maintain a steady level of sugar in your blood when enjoying a can of your preferred diet soda.
Overall Decrease of Sugar in Your Diet
The American Heart Association recommends a daily sugar intake of no more than 6 and a half teaspoons of sugar, which regular sodas sometimes exceed. But there are diet sodas that you can substitute them with and still decrease your general sugar intake.
That means you don’t have to say no to your favorite beverages. Instead you can, for example, replace the ginger beer you enjoy most with its natural and diet version and mix it in a tasty cocktail of your choice.
We can all agree sodas are not essential, but they bring a color to a sometimes dull day. They should be enjoyed in moderation and care, as they’re a treat and not your main source of nutrition. If you’re taking steps towards building a better diet switching from regular to diet soda might help you stick to your goal. And if you’re someone who rarely drinks regular soda, but enjoys it, why not pamper yourself now and then, life is about enjoying yourself after all. Don’t miss out on our world-class selection of premium sodas; we’re sure to have sodas you’ve never tried and will love.
