A Quick Background: How Each Brand Started
Zevia was founded in 2007 by Derek Newman, Jessica Newman, and Ian Eisenberg in Seattle, Washington. The idea was simple — create a soda that tastes great without sugar, calories, or artificial sweeteners. Zevia became one of the first brands to sweeten its beverages only with stevia, a natural plant-based sweetener.
Today, Zevia offers zero-calorie sodas, teas, energy drinks, and mixers. The brand is known for its “clean label” — no artificial coloring, no caramel color, and no synthetic ingredients. It’s a go-to choice for anyone who wants a traditional soda experience without the sugar crash.
Olipop, on the other hand, is a much newer player. Founded in 2018 by Ben Goodwin and David Lester, Olipop set out to reinvent soda with a gut-health twist. Instead of focusing only on sugar reduction, Olipop adds prebiotics and plant fibers that support digestion.
Within just a few years, Olipop exploded in popularity, appearing in stores like Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart. The brand markets itself as a “new kind of soda” — delicious, nostalgic flavors that are actually good for your gut.
Product Comparison: What’s Inside the Bottle?
Let’s look at what really sets Zevia and Olipop apart in terms of ingredients and nutrition.
Zevia keeps things simple. Each 12-ounce can has zero sugar, zero calories, and no artificial sweeteners. The drinks are sweetened with stevia leaf extract and sometimes monk fruit. There are no preservatives or artificial colors, which makes Zevia one of the cleanest soda brands available.
Olipop, on the other hand, contains around 35–50 calories per can and 2–5 grams of sugar. But it’s packed with 9 grams of dietary fiber from its “Olismart” fiber blend — a mix of chicory root, cassava root, and Jerusalem artichoke inulin. These ingredients act as prebiotics to nourish your gut bacteria.
So, while Zevia offers a calorie-free refreshment, Olipop adds functional health benefits.
Winner
Depends on your goals:
- If you want zero sugar and zero calories, Zevia wins.
- If you want a healthier soda with gut support, Olipop takes the prize.
The Key Differences (Backed by Real Data)
Let’s break things down into individual categories and crown a winner in each.
1. Electrolyte Strength
Neither Zevia nor Olipop is designed to replenish electrolytes.
However, Olipop does contain about 25–30 mg of sodium per can, while Zevia usually has 0 mg. The difference is minimal — neither can replace drinks like Liquid I.V. or Gatorade when it comes to hydration.
Winner: Tie — both have negligible electrolyte content.
2. Sugar and Calorie
This is where Zevia dominates.
Zevia has 0 calories and 0 sugar, making it ideal for people tracking macros, managing diabetes, or cutting calories.
Olipop has 35–50 calories and a few grams of sugar, mainly from natural fruit juice concentrates. While much healthier than Coke or Pepsi, it’s still not calorie-free.
Winner: Zevia — perfect for those who want a guilt-free, zero-sugar soda.
3. Added Ingredients
Here, the story flips.
Zevia focuses on simplicity — no added nutrients, no fiber, no extra functionality.
Olipop is packed with functional ingredients like prebiotics, plant fibers, and botanical extracts (such as marshmallow root and nopal cactus). These support gut health and digestion, making Olipop more than just a soda — it’s a wellness beverage.
Winner: Olipop — for its health-boosting ingredients and innovation.
Taste and Flavor Experience
Taste is subjective, but let’s break it down.
Zevia’s flavor is light, crisp, and bubbly. Because it’s sweetened with stevia, some people notice a slight aftertaste. But for many, that’s a small trade-off for zero calories. Flavors like Cream Soda, Cola, and Dr. Zevia are fan favorites.
Olipop aims to recreate classic soda flavors — think Vintage Cola, Strawberry Vanilla, and Orange Cream — but with less sugar and added fiber. The texture is smoother and creamier due to the plant fibers, giving it a more “traditional soda” mouthfeel.
Winner: Olipop — closer to the real soda experience in taste and texture.
Real-World Scenarios
Let’s see how these sodas perform in everyday situations.
If you’re on a strict diet or sugar detox, Zevia is your best friend. It won’t spike your blood sugar or add calories to your day.
If you want a healthier soda alternative that feels indulgent while supporting gut health, Olipop fits the bill. It satisfies cravings while doing something good for your body.
However, if you’re sensitive to fiber or inulin, Olipop might cause slight bloating when consumed in excess. Zevia, being lighter, avoids that issue entirely.
Winner: Depends on use — Zevia for daily drinking; Olipop for a health-focused treat.
Price and Availability
Zevia has been around longer, so it’s more widely available in grocery stores, convenience shops, and online retailers. A 6-pack usually costs $5–6 USD.
Olipop, though growing fast, is slightly pricier due to its premium ingredients. A 12-ounce can often costs $2.50–3.00 USD individually or $12–14 per 6-pack.
Both brands are available online and in major chains like Target and Whole Foods.
Winner: Zevia — more affordable and easier to find.
Final Winner: Which Soda Is Best?
Both Zevia and Olipop are excellent upgrades from traditional sugary sodas, but they serve different purposes.
- Zevia is best for those who want a zero-calorie, zero-sugar, and guilt-free drink. It’s simple, affordable, and widely available.
- Olipop is ideal for people who want a functional soda that supports gut health and offers a more classic soda experience.
However, when comparing all factors — nutrition, value, accessibility, and overall usability — Zevia comes out on top.
It’s calorie-free, sugar-free, wallet-friendly, and perfect for everyday enjoyment.
Final Winner: Zevia