Traditional sodas are packed with sugar and empty calories, leaving health-conscious consumers searching for better options. Two brands have emerged as frontrunners in the healthy soda movement: Zevia and OLIPOP. Both promise the fizzy satisfaction you crave without the guilt, but they take very different approaches to reinventing your favorite beverage.
Zevia keeps things simple with zero-calorie, stevia-sweetened sodas that taste remarkably close to the classics. OLIPOP, on the other hand, packs each can with prebiotics and plant fiber to support your gut health while delivering nostalgic flavors. So which one deserves a spot in your fridge? Let’s break down the differences to help you decide.
The Brands Behind the Cans
Zevia: Clean and Simple Since Day One
Zevia was founded with a straightforward mission: create better-for-you beverages using the simplest ingredients possible. The brand is committed to zero sugar, zero fake flavors, zero fake sweeteners, and zero fake colors. Every Zevia product is sweetened solely with highly purified stevia leaf extract—no erythritol or other bulking agents that some stevia products use.
The company has earned impressive certifications along the way. All Zevia products are Non-GMO Project Verified, certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group, and certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union. They’re also vegan and free of all nine FDA-regulated allergens.
OLIPOP: Science Meets Nostalgia
OLIPOP was born from a vision shared by co-founders Ben Goodwin and David Lester to disrupt the beverage industry by reducing sugar intake and promoting fiber and prebiotics. Their quest to undermine the old guard of soda behemoths led them to create “a new kind of soda™” that combines classic flavors with functional ingredients supporting digestive health.
As a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), OLIPOP’s actions are guided by their mission to enhance human health while protecting the planet. On July 12, 2023, OLIPOP became a Certified B Corp with an impressive score of 91, reflecting their commitment to positive global impact. The brand operates under three core principles: Feed Life (respecting the microbiome), Adapt & Improve (evolving with new gut health research), and Enjoy (satisfying cravings without sacrificing health).
Ingredients: Two Different Philosophies
Zevia’s Minimalist Approach
All Zevia products contain just a few key ingredients: carbonated water, stevia leaf extract, and natural flavors that vary by product. Many flavors include citric acid for flavor balance and preservation. Some varieties contain caffeine extracted from coffee beans (in sodas) or tea leaves (in teas and energy drinks).
Zevia distinguishes itself by using no artificial sweeteners, no caramel coloring, and absolutely no added sugar. The result? Zero calories and zero grams of sugar in every can. If you’re looking for a straightforward swap that won’t impact your macros, Zevia delivers.
OLIPOP’s Functional Formula
OLIPOP takes a more complex approach with its proprietary OliSmart blend. Take Classic Grape, for example. The ingredients include carbonated water, OliSmart (cassava root fiber, acacia fiber, guar fiber, nopal cactus extract, marshmallow root extract, calendula flower extract, and kudzu root extract), fruit juice concentrates, natural flavors, stevia leaf extract, and Himalayan pink salt.
This ingredient list reflects OLIPOP’s mission to deliver more than just taste. Each can is designed to support your microbiome with a blend of prebiotics and plant fiber backed by collaboration with leading gut microbiome researchers.
Nutritional Breakdown: The Numbers Game
Zevia: Zero Everything
Zevia’s nutritional profile is remarkably simple:
- Calories: 0
- Sugar: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
This makes Zevia an ideal choice for anyone counting calories, following a keto diet, or managing blood sugar levels. There’s virtually no nutritional impact—just pure, guilt-free refreshment.
OLIPOP: Function Over Fasting
OLIPOP’s nutritional profile tells a different story. Using Classic Grape as an example:
- Calories: 40 per can
- Sugar: 5g (1g added sugar)
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g (21% of daily value)
- Sodium: 30mg
Those 40 calories and 5 grams of sugar come with a significant benefit: 6 grams of dietary fiber. Most Americans fall far short of the recommended 25-38 grams of fiber per day, and OLIPOP delivers 21% of your daily needs in a single can. The prebiotics and plant fiber are designed to feed beneficial gut bacteria and support digestive health.
All OLIPOP flavors contain 9g of dietary fiber and 2-5g of sugar, with each can staying under 50 calories. Every flavor is non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and keto-friendly.
Gut Health: Does It Really Matter?
This is where OLIPOP pulls ahead for many consumers. The brand has assembled a global Scientific Advisory Board of leading gut microbiome researchers from institutions like Purdue University, Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Nottingham. These experts help translate cutting-edge research into product development.
The prebiotics and fiber in OLIPOP are designed to support your microbiome—the trillions of microorganisms living in your digestive tract that influence everything from immune function to mood. Several studies suggest that prebiotic fibers can promote beneficial bacteria growth, improve digestive regularity, and support overall wellness.
Zevia doesn’t make gut health claims. Its appeal lies in what it doesn’t contain rather than what it adds. For someone simply looking to eliminate sugar and artificial ingredients from their soda habit, Zevia’s clean formula is more than enough.
Flavor Variety: Taste Test Time
Zevia’s Classic Lineup
Zevia offers a wide range of flavors that closely mimic traditional sodas, including Cream Soda, Ginger Ale, Cola, Dr. Zevia, Black Cherry, Ginger Root Beer, Grape, and more. The brand has also expanded into teas and energy drinks, all sweetened with stevia.
The taste? Remarkably close to conventional soda, with the characteristic slight aftertaste that comes with stevia. If you’re already a fan of stevia-sweetened products, you’ll likely enjoy Zevia right away. If you’re new to stevia, there may be a brief adjustment period.
OLIPOP’s Nostalgic Collection
OLIPOP offers flavors like Vintage Cola, Classic Root Beer, Classic Grape, Strawberry Vanilla, Orange Squeeze, Cherry Vanilla, Tropical Punch, Doctor Goodwin, and Banana Cream. The brand also releases seasonal flavors throughout the year.
OLIPOP’s flavors are designed to evoke nostalgic soda memories while delivering a more complex, grown-up taste profile. The addition of botanicals and fruit juice concentrates creates depth that many reviewers find more satisfying than traditional diet sodas. The fiber content adds a slight thickness to the mouthfeel, which some people love and others need time to appreciate.
Price and Accessibility
Both brands are premium-priced compared to conventional sodas, reflecting their quality ingredients and smaller-scale production.
Zevia is widely available at major retailers including Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, and many grocery chains. You can typically find 6-packs ranging from $4-6, making it one of the more affordable healthy soda options.
OLIPOP is also expanding its retail presence rapidly and can be found at stores like Target, Whole Foods, and H-E-B. A 4-pack typically costs around $8-9 (approximately $2.19-2.25 per can). You can also subscribe through the OLIPOP website for a 15% discount and free shipping on orders over $50.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Zevia if you:
- Want a zero-calorie, zero-sugar option
- Are following a strict keto or low-carb diet
- Prefer a straightforward ingredient list
- Don’t mind the taste of stevia
- Want the most affordable healthy soda option
Choose OLIPOP if you:
- Are interested in gut health benefits
- Struggle to get enough fiber in your diet
- Don’t mind consuming 40-50 calories per can
- Appreciate more complex, botanical-forward flavors
- Want functional ingredients backed by scientific research
The Bottom Line
Both Zevia and OLIPOP represent significant upgrades over traditional sodas. Zevia wins on simplicity, zero calories, and affordability. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants to quit sugar without changing much else about their soda-drinking experience.
OLIPOP, however, offers something traditional sodas and even Zevia cannot: genuine nutritional benefits. The combination of prebiotics, plant fiber, and botanical extracts makes each can a functional beverage that supports digestive health. If you’re willing to “spend” 40 calories and a bit more money per can, OLIPOP delivers value beyond just taste.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your health goals and priorities. Try both and see which one fits your lifestyle—your taste buds and your body will tell you which healthy soda deserves a permanent spot in your fridge.