It’s no secret that soda drinks for kids are packed with sugar. In fact, a typical soda drink can contain up to 10 teaspoons of sugar! That’s more than what is found in most candy bars.
So, what happens if kids drink too much soda?
Well, it can have some serious consequences for their health.
In this blog post, we will take a look at how much sugar is in fizzy drinks and discuss the negative effects of drinking too much soda. Of course, in the end, you’ll find the top ten healthy alternatives too.
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Table of Contents
Why is sugary soda not a good choice for a drink?
When it comes to sugary drinks, sugary soda is often singled out as the worst offender. And for good reason—a can of cola can contain up to 39 grams of sugar!
Soda drinks are a popular choice for kids, but they are not the best option when it comes to their health. The high sugar content in soda can lead to weight gain and tooth decay. In addition, soda has no nutritional value and can actually dehydrate the body.
So, next time you are considering giving your kid a soda drink, think twice about it. There are plenty of other healthier options out there for them to choose from. (We’ll talk about it in the end!)
But in short, if you are looking for a soda drink alternative for your kids, try unsweetened sparkling water or 100% fruit juice instead. These drinks are lower in sugar and calories and will not harm their teeth or health in the same way that soda does.
What are healthy soft drink for kids?
Many parents worry about the sugar content in their kids’ diets, and rightfully so. Too much sugar can lead to cavities, weight gain, and energy crashes. However, eliminating all sugar from your child’s diet is not necessary or even healthy.
The key is to find healthy alternatives to sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice. Water is always the best option, but there are also several types of soft drinks that are low in sugar and high in nutrients.
Some good options include sparkling water with fruit essence, herbal iced tea, and unsweetened almond milk.
With a bit of creativity, you can easily find healthy soft drinks that will help keep your kids hydrated and satisfied without all the sugar.
Will diet soda also affects the kids?
As any parent knows, kids can be hard to please. They’re constantly changing their minds, and they never seem to be satisfied with what they have.
So when it comes to their diet, it’s no surprise that parents often struggle to find the right balance. Should they give in to their child’s every whim, or should they try to instill healthy eating habits? It’s a tricky question, and there’s no easy answer. However, one area where parents might want to be extra cautious is with regard to sugary drinks.
A recent study found that children who consume large amounts of sugary drinks are more likely to be overweight or obese.
And while diet soda may not contain sugar, it’s still important to monitor your child’s intake. Diet soda is often high in artificial sweeteners, which can be just as harmful to your child’s health.
So, what’s the best way to ensure that your child is getting the nutrients they need without all the sugar? The answer is simple: water.
Water is the perfect drink for kids—it’s hydrating, calorie-free, and sugar-free. So next time your child asks for a soda, offer them a glass of plain water with an added lemon-lime instead. They might not be happy at first, but they’ll thank you later!
8 Healthier Alternatives To Soda Drink For Your Kids
If you’re looking for a soda drink alternative for your kids that is healthy and still satisfying, here are some options that you’ll love to try:
1. Unsweetened sparkling water with fruit essence
If you’re looking for a refreshing beverage that’s a little on the fancier side for your kid, you might want to try unsweetened sparkling water with fruit essence. This delicious drink is perfect for summer BBQs, dinner parties, or just when you need something to help you cool down on a hot day.
And the best part is that it’s super easy to make! Just add a few drops of your favorite fruit essence to a glass of sparkling water and enjoy (We will post a “How to make sparkling water with fruit essence” soon).
2. Herbal iced tea
Herbal tea is not just for adults! In fact, many kids enjoy drinking herbal tea, and it can be a great way to help them stay hydrated during the hot summer months. Just add a handful of herbs to a pitcher of cold water and let it steep for a few hours.
Rosemary, mint, and lavender are all excellent choices for making herbal iced tea. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add a slice of lemon or lime. Herbal iced tea is refreshing, healthy, and easy to make – what more could you ask for?
And if you’re worried about caffeine, don’t be – most herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free. So next time your child is thirsty, reach for a refreshing cup of chilled herbal tea!
3. Unsweetened almond milk
Most kids love sweets. In fact, it’s often used as a bargaining tool (“if you eat your veggies, you can have dessert!”).
But for kids with a sweet tooth, unsweetened almond milk can be a healthier alternative to sugary drinks like soda and juice.
Almond milk is made from ground almonds and water, and it’s naturally low in sugar. It also contains calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone health.
Plus, it’s a good source of protein, which is essential for growth and development. If your kids are used to drinking milk that’s high in sugar, they may not be thrilled at first when you switch to unsweetened almond milk. But with a bit of perseverance (and maybe some convincing), they’ll come to love it just as much as the sugary stuff.
4. Coconut water
How well do you know your coconuts? Chances are unless you grew up in a tropical place like Hawaii, you didn’t have much exposure to coconuts. And that’s a shame because coconuts are pretty great.
They’re not only delicious, but they’re also perfect for you. In fact, coconut water has been called “nature’s Gatorade” because it’s packed with electrolytes and nutrients.
It’s also low in calories and fat, making it an excellent choice for kids (and adults) who are looking for a healthy alternative to sugary drinks.
5. 100% fruit juice
100% fruit juice, also known as pure juice, is a popular beverage choice for kids and adults alike.
On the surface, it seems like a healthy option, packed with vitamins and antioxidants. However, pure juice also contains a lot of sugar, which can lead to weight gain and cavities.
When choosing a juice for your child, be sure to read the nutrition labels carefully. 100% fruit juices should only be consumed in moderation, and they should always be diluted with water. Water helps to reduce the amount of sugar in the drink and makes it more refreshing.
So next time you’re looking for a healthy drink for your child, reach for 100% fruit juice –be sure to add some water first.
6. Homemade Vegetable juice
Vegetable juice is a great way to sneak some extra nutrients into your kid’s diet. And while store-bought vegetable juices can be high in sugar, it’s easy to make your own at home with a juicer or blender.
Carrots, celery, and cucumber are all great vegetables to use in homemade vegetable juice. If you want to add a little sweetness, you can also throw in an apple or pear.
Homemade vegetable juice is a healthy and delicious alternative to sugary beverages and other energy drinks – give it a try!
7. Flavored seltzer water
If you’re tired of the same old water taste, but don’t want the sugar associated with sodas, then seltzer water is a great option.
And these days, there are so many different flavors to choose from. You can find seltzer waters that are infused with everything from fruits to herbs.
So if you’re looking for a refreshing and flavorful way to stay hydrated, then grab yourself a can of seltzer water. Just be sure to read the label carefully, as some seltzer waters do contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
And if you’re looking for a healthier option for your kids, there are now several brands that make kids’ seltzer waters that are free of added sugars and calories.
Brands that make kids’ seltzer waters are Spindrift, LaCroix, and Bubly.
8. Milk soda
Milk soda is excellent for kids. It’s low in calories, has no sugar, and is a good source of calcium. Plus, it comes in all sorts of fun flavors.
But what exactly is milk soda? It’s simply carbonated milk. That’s it!
No added sugars or flavorings, just milk, and bubbles. And because it’s made with skim milk, it’s also fat-free.
So if you’re looking for a healthy and delicious beverage for your kids, milk soda is also a good option.
In the Punjab region of Pakistan and India, Milk Soda (also called Doodh Soda) is one of the most popular summer drinks. However, just like any other food, too much of it might create stomach issues, especially soda is a prominent element in milk soda, consumption of these drinks should be limited.
Alright, folks, it’s time to reduce soda sales!
So there you have it – all about soda consumption, negative impacts of sweet drinks, diet sodas, and ten healthy and delicious alternatives to soda for kids.
Important: In case your kids drink too much soda and you believe they’ve gained some weight and becoming lazy, we recommend you take professional medical advice for your kids.
Do you have any favorite healthy and delicious alternatives to soda for kids? Please share them in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other blogs too. Thanks for reading!
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About Me
Hi, there. I am Lin. Together with my husband and two kids, we live in the beautiful Netherlands in Europe. I am dedicated to self-development, creating quality time for the whole family, and fully supporting kids with their potentials and possibilities with all I have learned from engineering, MBA, and 10+ years of working experience in the energy sector.
