In this blog post, I’ll review the question of whether Zevia is healthy or not? Find out what this product’s nutrition pros and cons are, plus other options to consider.

a can of Zevia Soda.
Contents hide
1 Zevia Facts
2 Zevia Ingredients
3 Nutrition Pros
4 Nutrition Cons
5 FAQs
6 More Packaged Water Reviews
7 Conclusions

Zevia Facts 

Zevia is a beverage company that makes various drinks, including sodas, energy drinks, teas, mixers, and drinks for kids.

Zevia drinks are naturally sweetened, sugar-free, allergen-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and contain zero calories. The company launched a range of drinks to address the global health problems caused by excess sugar consumption. 

The basic ingredients of Zevia drinks are carbonated water, organic stevia leaf extract, natural flavors, and citric acid. They are marketed as zero-calorie drinks or a zero-calorie soda to replace traditional sodas.

There are variations; for example, the tea range contains black, green, or Earl Gray tea, and some Zevia drinks are also caffeinated. Some flavors contain tartaric acid, quinine, or ginger extract.

According to the company, Zevia drinks are for people “who want to live their best”. The Zevia drinks range includes:

Sodas

  • Black Cherry
  • Caffeine Free Cola
  • Cherry Cola (caffeinated)
  • Cola (caffeinated)
  • Creamy Root Beer
  • Cream Soda
  • Dr. Zevia (caffeinated)
  • Ginger Ale
  • Ginger Root Beer
  • Grape
  • Grapefruit Citrus
  • Lemon Lime Twist
  • Mountain Zevia (caffeinated)
  • Orange
  • Strawberry

Energy drinks

  • Raspberry Lime Energy (caffeinated)
  • Mango Ginger Energy (caffeinated)
  • Grapefruit Energy (caffeinated)
  • Kola Energy (caffeinated)
  • Pineapple Paradise Energy (caffeinated)
  • Strawberry Kiwi Energy (caffeinated)

Tea

  • Black Tea Raspberry (contains caffeine)
  • Black Tea Peach (contains caffeine)
  • Caffeine-Free Hibiscus Tea Passionfruit
  • Earl Grey Tea Blood Orange (contains caffeine)
  • Green Tea (contains caffeine)
  • Black Tea (contains caffeine)
  • Caffeine Free Black Tea Lemon
  • Black Tea Lemon (contains caffeine)

Mixers

  • Ginger Beer Mixer
  • Tonic Water Mixer
  • Lemon Lime with Bitters Mixer

Kids

  • Watermelon
  • Cran-Raspberry
  • Strawberry Lemonade
  • Fruit Punch
  • Orange Cream
  • Fizzy Apple

The company’s online store also offers variety packs for each range. 

Zevia Ingredients

Zevia’s main ingredients are carbonated water, stevia leaf extract, natural flavors, and citric acid.

The teas contain organic brewed tea, and the energy drinks contain organic caffeine. The ingredients list on the company website does not specify what the natural flavors are derived from.

Here is everything you should know about the main ingredients of Zevia.

Carbonated water 

Carbonated water is fizzy water. It contains tiny bubbles that give it an effervescent quality.

Carbonated water may be good for digestion and can help relieve constipation. Studies have also shown that carbonated water can make you feel fuller than regular water, which may benefit weight loss. 

a glass of carbonated water.

Organic stevia leaf extract 

Stevia leaf extract is a natural sweetener up to 400 times sweeter than regular granulated sugar but barely contains calories. According to research, stevia may have some health benefits. It may help reduce cholesterol, and studies show it can help fight some types of cancer. 

However, more recent studies have shown that stevia may not be as healthy as perceived. Research has revealed that stevia can adversely affect the gut microbiome even in low doses. It can also cause digestive problems in people sensitive to sugar alcohols.

It’s up to you whether you consider stevia sweetener to be better for you than artificial sweeteners. Stevia consumption may offer some benefits over table sugar which can cause tooth decay and affect blood sugar levels.

Natural flavors 

There is no official definition of natural flavoring, and there’s a conflict in food labeling about what natural flavors are. It means that manufacturers can describe any food as natural flavoring. 

Since Zevia does not specify the nature of the natural flavors in its beverages, it’s difficult to know whether it is healthy. Some “natural flavors” are produced with synthetic products and processes, for example, enzyme-assisted extraction, which uses high heat and solvents.

Citric acid

Citric acid is a weak acid that naturally occurs in citrus fruit. It’s a common ingredient in manufactured beverages because it gives the drink a citrusy flavor.

Although it’s not an unhealthy ingredient, it may be corrosive, and excessive or long-term use can erode the enamel on your teeth and cause dental problems.

citric acid in a bowl surrounded by lemons.
Citric acid.

Caffeine

The caffeinated Zevia drinks closely follow their regular soda counterparts.

For example, Mountain Zevia has a similar caffeine content as Mountaindew and Zevia Cola and Cherry Cola have similar caffeine content to Coca-Cola or Pepsi. Caffeine has many health benefits, but people are sensitive to it, and children should avoid caffeinated Zevia drinks entirely. 

If you have caffeinated Zevia drinks, do so in moderation. Even though caffeine is natural, it is a stimulant, and too much of it can cause negative effects like anxiety, insomnia, elevated blood pressure, and jitters. 

Organic tea

Tea is generally a healthy drink. Zevia tea drinks contain black, green, or Earl Gray tea, all pain tea types that contain polyphenols, caffeine, and flavones – all natural and healthy compounds.

Tea can support vascular and heart health, reduce inflammation, help prevent obesity and neurodegenerative diseases, and may even help prevent cancer. 

a wooden spoon full of dried Earl Gray tea.
Earl Gray tea.

Nutrition Pros 

Refined sugar has many potential health risks, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and liver disease. It has also been linked to ADHD, depression, certain types of cancer, and depression.

Avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages can help reduce the risk of these health conditions, increase energy, reduce cravings, improve weight management, and reduce inflammation. 

Zevia products have no added sugars.

Nutrition Cons

Although Zevia is sold as a healthy beverage, research doesn’t back up using sugar-free sodas as a healthy alternative. The World Health Organization recommends not to use sweeteners like stevia for weight control. Instead, the organization recommends reducing sweetness in diets early on for improved health. 

In an animal study, it was found that stevia increased belly fat, but there’s no concrete proof that it would do the same in humans. Research has also shown that stevia can negatively change the gut microbiome. Additionally, some people are sensitive to sugar alcohols and may experience digestive problems when they consume stevia. 

FAQs

Is Zevia good for you? 

Zevia has some health benefits, especially the Zevia drinks made with tea rich in polyphenols, antioxidants, and other healthy compounds. However, plain carbonated water or water with natural fruit flavors are likely healthier and less expensive options. 

Is Zevia healthier than regular soda?

Yes, it is a healthier option, but there are better options than you can choose. Most 12 oz soda cans have around 40 grams of sugar and 160 empty calories. Zevia has zero sugar and zero calories. The only possible nutritional problem with Zevia is that stevia may not work for some people, and there’s mixed research on its nutritional benefit. 

Can everyone have Zevia drinks?

In moderation, most people can have Zevia beverages. There’s also a range of Zevia drinks made especially for kids. Children and those sensitive to caffeine should avoid caffeinated Zevia drinks like the Zevia energy drinks range, tea drinks that contain Earl Gray, black or green tea, Mountain Zevia, Cola, Cherry Cola, and Dr. Zevia.

More Packaged Water Reviews

Is Essentia Water Healthy (Nutrition Pros and Cons)?

Is Blk Water Good For You (Nutrition Pros and Cons)?

Is Smart Water Healthy (Nutrition Pros and Cons)?

Is Gatorade Zero Healthy (Nutrition Pros and Cons)?

Conclusions

Zevia drinks are sugar-free and calorie-free and can suit most dietary requirements. They’re a relatively healthy choice if you are not sensitive to stevia and only enjoy them in moderation. It would, however, be better to make a refreshing drink at home by infusing fruit into water or having plain carbonated water. Choosing unprocessed foods and beverages is always better and more cost-effective. 

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.

Note: this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations related to your individual situation.