I am admittedly a diet soda junkie. I drink a few glasses a day and although I know it is not the best thing for me to drink, I enjoy it and miss it when I do not have a diet soda. I do not want the calories of regular soda, so what were my options? When I heard about Zevia I was anxious to try it.

Zevia is an all natural carbonated drink, which contains no artificial sweeteners of any kind. Instead of using NutraSweet or Aspartame, this product uses stevia, an herb native to South and Central America used for centuries to sweeten food. Stevia is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar and has no effect on blood sugar levels. The drink is even certified Kosher. And for those watching their sugar intake, this drink is Sugar Free, with all the varieties/ flavors being 5 calories or less. Because of the ingredient Stevia, they must call this drink a supplement or beverage, but not a soft drink.
This product comes in four flavors: Natural Twist- lemon/ lime, Classic Cola,
Natural Orange and Root Beer
All the flavors taste great, but if you are looking for a true replacement to diet soda, this is not it. Zevia tastes different, because it is different. Having said that, it is refreshing and tastes good! I find to compare this drink to soda, it is less carbonated, less sweet, and has a unique flavor all it’s own. Maybe it is the natural tea and coffee flavors in the cola drink? Maybe it is the zesty lemon taste in the Natural Twist Flavor? There is a slight bitter taste to these drinks. If you are used to drinking brand name soft drinks, you are going to find that this has a distinct taste, but once you give it a chance you are going to find you like it!
Zevia is sold in 12 oz. cans. The company is based out of Seattle. The suggested retail price is $1.91 per can and $5.99 for a six pack. This is quite a bit more money then your average soda drink, especially if you buy generic. So if you are really looking into cutting all artificial sweeteners from your diet, then this drink is for you, because it is a bit costly. I think I would just try to lower my soda consumption, as I don’t feel this drink is truly a “diet soda substitute”, but rather another type of drink altogether.

Review written by: Christine Miserandino, © 2008 butyoudontlooksick.com