Why we like it: Created in 2018, you’ve likely seen Olipop pop up in your local grocery or health food store. The soda contains prebiotics, botanicals and plant fiber to support digestive health. It’s also low-sugar, high-fiber, low-calorie, vegan, gluten-free and GMO-free, and it contains no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, flavors or colors. It’s marketed as a “new kind of soda” meant to be good for you while tasting good, too. 

I’ve been a fan of Olipop for years. The brand recently sent me its tropical punch, vintage cola, root beer, cream soda, classic grape, orange squeeze, Doctor Goodwin and lemon-lime sodas. But I’ve also purchased the following flavors on my own: peaches and cream, strawberry vanilla, cherry cola, watermelon lime, banana cream, cherry vanilla, crisp apple and Ridge Rush. I enjoyed all of them and found that they are perfect in mocktails, whether they’re the base of the drink or added alongside a nonalcoholic liquor. 

My favorites are strawberry vanilla, orange squeeze and lemon-lime. 

Who is it best for: This soda is best for people who enjoy the flavor and sparkling nature of soda, but want to avoid the added sugar and calories while getting some extra fiber.

Who should not get it: Those with certain digestive conditions should be careful about drinking prebiotic sodas. Make sure to consult your doctor first before giving them a try.

Why we like it: Launched by health and wellness brand Bloom Nutrition in July 2025, Bloom Pop is a prebiotic soda made with only 20 calories and 3-4 grams of sugar per can. It’s also caffeine-free and contains no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. 

The brand sent me all its flavors to try, and my favorites are Shirley Temple and raspberry lemonade. There’s also strawberry cream, watermelon lime and classic orange, all of which are carbonated. 

Who is it best for: I’d recommend this soda alternative to people who want the added prebiotics. These flavors are also sweeter than other alternatives I’ve tried, so if you have a sweet tooth that isn’t satisfied by other drinks on this list, Bloom Pop may work for you. 

Who should not get it: If you have a digestive condition, talk to your doctor about whether prebiotic sodas are right for you. 

Why we like it: In 2017, Recess was launched to provide drinks designed to calm you down. In addition to Recess, the brand’s hemp and adaptogen drink, there are also the magnesium and adaptogen Recess Mood, alcohol-free Recess Zero Proof and Recess Mood Powder lines. 

For testing, Recess sent me its Recess Mood variety pack in the flavors strawberry rose, blood orange, peach ginger and black cherry. They contain magnesium l‑threonate, l‑theanine and lemon balm to help you relax and unwind. I genuinely enjoyed all of these drinks, but my favorite from the Mood line was strawberry rose.

Who is it best for: The Recess Mood line is best for people who want a low-sugar, low-calorie drink that helps their body relax. 

Who should not get it: If you have a health condition that affects your magnesium levels — such as kidney failure or certain bleeding disorders — or makes your body sensitive to magnesium, consult your doctor before trying this drink. 

Why we like it: Inspired by the marine, nutrient-rich foods she grew up eating in Japan, Alissa Miky founded OoMee in 2019. “OoMee harnesses the power of red seaweed that’s been supporting wellness in Japan for over 400 years,” Miky tells CNET. “What makes our marine plant beverage unique is how it works with your body naturally — the agar-agar (in red seaweed) provides satiety support to help you feel full and satisfied, while our proprietary Seabiotics blend supports overall wellness and balance. It’s like having the ocean’s ancient wisdom in a refreshingly modern format.”

Low in sugar, 20 calories, vegan, gluten-free and with no artificial flavors or carbonation, OoMee is the only US company that has partnered with the market leader in Japanese agar-agar, which has created special processing technology to ensure high-quality agar-agar. 

The brand sent me its three flavors to try, and I enjoyed both the taste and texture of them all, but my favorite is blueberry and elderflower. 

Who is it best for: I’d recommend this drink to anyone who’s looking for a fun, uncarbonated drink that’s low in calories and sugar, but still tastes great. It also doesn’t have a seaweed-y taste, so that’s nothing to worry about.  

Who should not get it: If you have a digestive condition, talk to your doctor about whether a drink with fiber is right for you. I would also avoid this beverage if you have a seaweed or agar-agar allergy.

Why we like it: If you crave the nostalgic taste of a can of iced tea in the summer but don’t want all that extra sugar, Halfday’s noncarbonated iced teas are a great alternative. Inspired by co-founder Kayvon Jahanbakhsh’s battle with ulcerative colitis, Halfday was created to bring forth a new era of iced teas, with 6 grams of prebiotic fiber, lower calories and 3-5 grams of sugar.They’re also vegan, gluten-free and Kosher Certified. Note that depending on the flavor, Halfday contains between 25-50mg of caffeine per can. 

I’ve tried the following flavors from the brand: lemon tea, peach tea, green tea, raspberry tea, sweet tea and classic half-and-half (a mix of iced tea and lemonade). The only one I haven’t tried is the limited-edition tropical tea. My favorites are peach tea and the classic half-and-half. 

Who is it best for: Halfday would be great for anyone who loves iced tea but wants less sugar in their drink and extra prebiotic fiber added. 

Who should not get it: If you have a digestive condition, talk to your doctor about whether you should consume prebiotic iced teas. Also, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, Halfday may not be the right fit for you.

Why we like it: Health-Ade was founded in 2012 with the goal of making high-quality, tasty kombucha that was easy to buy. Since then, Health-Ade has become an iconic drink in the gut health space, with its immediately recognizable amber-colored bottles. The brand has expanded to offer kombucha in cans, glow-up kombucha with added benefits and the gut-healthy soda SunSip. Its drinks are vegan, organic, gluten-free and non-GMO. 

The brand offers plenty of flavors. I’ve tried pink lady apple, mint limeade, berry lemonade and passionfruit tangerine, as well as the glow-up flavors strawberry and citrus immune boost. During the holiday season, the brand released its Health-Ade Holiday Cheers with ginger, vanilla and allspice flavors, and it was one of my favorites. 

Who is it best for: In terms of flavor, Health-Ade is great for anyone who enjoys tart flavors. The drink is also ideal for someone looking to improve their gut health with probiotics. 

Who should not get it: If you have any gut health issues, kombucha may not be right for you. Make sure to talk to your doctor before taking a sip. Health-Ade also contains 8-15mg of caffeine per serving, which is about the amount in a decaf cup of coffee, so exercise caution if you’re sensitive to caffeine.

Why we like it: Inspired by Brazil’s love of coconut water, Vita Coco was launched in 2003 to help make the beverage more mainstream in the US. The coconuts are sourced from small farms in tropical locations; flash-pasteurized, vitamin C and 1% sugar are added to maintain flavor and freshness before being packaged in a Tetra Pak. 

In addition to its original flavor, Vita Coco offers pineapple and peach mango flavors. I’ve tried the pineapple, but sometimes it’s a bit too sweet for me. The brand also offers Farmers Organic coconut water, its only organic product, and Extra Coconut with coconut purée.  

Vita Coco is a great option for staying hydrated without the added sugars and artificial dyes found in traditional sports and energy drinks. It’s also packed with electrolytes.

Who is it best for: If you aren’t looking for 100% raw coconut water that foregoes pasteurization and is more affordable than Harmless Harvest, Vita Coco may be the right coconut water for you. 

Who should not get it: This product is pasteurized, not organic (unless it’s Farmers Organic) and contains 1% added sugar. If any of those factors bother you and you’d prefer the opposite, you may want to give Harmless Harvest a try — but you will pay more.

Why we like it: Harmless Harvest launched in 2011 with its organic coconut water, a great all-natural sports drink, which you’ll likely recognize as the “pink coconut water.” It is USDA organic, has a Fair For Life certification (for people-centered, ethical and responsible commercial partnerships), has 100% recycled plastic bottles and its coconuts are regenerative organic certified at the bronze level. The drink also has one ingredient, Nam Hom coconuts grown in Thailand, with natural electrolytes and no added sugars. It starts clear but turns pink over time because its antioxidants naturally react with light. The brand also doesn’t thermally pasteurize its product. 

Of all its products, I’ve tried the Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water, Organic Sparkling Coconut Water and Organic Coconut Smoothie. My favorite is its original Organic Coconut Water, which has a lovely, fresh, pure flavor that I love to sip after a workout. 

Who is it best for: Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water is best for someone looking to spend a little more on coconut water, since it’s 100% coconut water with no extra ingredients. It’s great for providing electrolytes before or after a workout, too. 

Who should not get it: People with health conditions sensitive to electrolytes such as potassium should consult their doctor before consuming this beverage.

Why we like it: Vybes is a “mood drink” founded in 2018. It is made with magnesium glycinate, a highly absorbable form of magnesium designed to help the body manage stress and fight fatigue while giving you an energy boost. You may remember that Vybes used to sell CBD drinks, but these have been discontinued due to state regulations. 

I’ve tried both the pineapple passionfruit and blueberry mint flavors, and my body felt more relaxed right after I finished the drink. I also enjoyed the unique flavor combinations and thought they were tasty. Other flavors I haven’t tried include blackberry hibiscus, blood orange lime, peach ginger and strawberry lavender.

Who is it best for: Vybes is great for anyone who wants a drink that helps their body relax and find balance. I like to treat myself to a bottle after a stressful day. 

Who should not get it: If you have a medical condition that makes your body sensitive to magnesium, you may want to avoid this drink. Check with your doctor. It is sweetened with erythritol and stevia (no added sugar), and some people may be more sensitive to certain artificial sweeteners, which can cause GI upset. Also, note that the drink is more expensive, at around $7, making it less budget-friendly.

Why we like it: Founded in 2018 and loved by both Meghan Markle and Oprah, Clevr Blends creates instant plant-based SuperLattes and SuperTeas made with functional ingredients like adaptogens, probiotics, natural electrolytes and superfoods to help with mood, stress, sleep and energy. 

From its SuperLatte line, which can be made hot or iced, I’ve tried the matcha, chai, sleeptime, rose cocoa and golden latte. They also offer honey pistachio matcha, honey lavender matcha, coffee, mocha, London fog and chill chai. SuperTeas come in the flavors strawberry lemonade, yuzu lemonade and mango green. The promised effects of the chai, matcha and sleeptime SuperLattes were assessed during a 12-week, third-party clinical study. 

My number-one favorite is the Golden SuperLatte made with turmeric. It is the best “golden milk” I’ve ever tasted and is a drink I keep repurchasing. My second favorite is the Clevr Blends matcha, but I’m sensitive to caffeine, so don’t repurchase often. 

Who is it best for: Clevr’s SuperLattes are best for people who want an instant hot beverage packed with adaptogens, mushrooms, probiotics and more. 

Who should not get it: If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or a kid, Clevr Blends states that you should consult your healthcare provider before consuming the beverage. If you’re sensitive to monk fruit extract or erythritol, a sugar alcohol, you may also want to avoid this drink. Note that some of the brand’s beverages do contain caffeine.

Why we like it: Moment is one of the few drinks I’ve tried that claim to help calm you and actually delivers. The brand uses adaptogens like L-theanine and ashwagandha to support mindfulness and relaxation. Whenever I reach for one of these drinks, I start to feel calm in about 20 minutes. It also tastes incredibly delicious, almost like a dessert in a can without being overly sweet.

Who is it best for: Anyone who wants a functional drink to unwind, especially in the afternoon or as part of their ritual before bed. I would also recommend it to people looking to cut caffeine or alcohol, as it makes a great mocktail, too.

Who should not get it: If you have a known sensitivity to adaptogens or are already taking supplements that contain ashwagandha, it’s worth checking with your doctor first. Since the purpose of this drink is to help you relax, I also wouldn’t recommend it to anyone looking for a jolt of energy.

Why we like it: Erha is a functional drink that doesn’t just hydrate you, but also supports how you feel. It offers three drinks to support common pain points like restlessness, bloating and allergies. Whether you’re stomach is feeling achey, you’re a little stuffy or overstimulated, Erha’s Intention Set is crafted with plant-based ingredients that support those needs. I tried all three flavors and each one felt like a mini ritual in my daily routine. 

Who is it best for: People looking for relief from stomach issues, allergies or stress. This drink lineup provides everyday support.

Who should not get it: The flavors are subtle and herbal, so if you like bold and sweet flavors, this drink is not for you.

Why we like it: Be Love offers hydration and functionality in a clean and elevated way. Each can delivers electrolytes, while other ingredients like magnesium help support mood and stress. I like that these drinks also help balance blood pH levels. I often reach for these after my workouts or when I need a break from writing, and they help me feel replenished without the sugar rush I feel after having energy drinks. 

Who is it best for: People looking for an electrolyte drink with clean ingredients. Also great for those looking for a post-workout recovery drink.

Who should not get it: If you’re looking for a high-sodium or high-sugar electrolyte drink (the ones you’d use after endurance sports), Be Love may be too light.

Why we like it: I love everything about this beverage’s branding; it really flips the script on what a wellness drink should look like. It’s just water (or flavored still and sparkling water) in a tall can that looks like it belongs at a heavy metal concert. Branding aside, I like to keep these in my fridge for whenever I’m bored with plain water. The flavored options aren’t loaded with added sugars, and the still water version tastes super crisp.

Who is it best for: Ideal for those who want to avoid sugary drinks, or even those who want to limit drinking alcohol but miss the feeling of a tallboy can.

Who should not get it: Not for folks looking to get extra nutritional benefits (like added vitamins or adaptogens).

While everyone should make sure they’re drinking enough water every day, other healthy beverages include green tea, kombucha, kefir, fruit smoothies and coconut water. 

Water is the best liquid to drink every day because it is essential for your body to function.

Drinks high in electrolytes, like coconut water, are great for replenishing your body and helping you rehydrate, especially after a workout.

“‘Unhealthy’ can be subjective since it can be dependent on one’s medical conditions,” says Ti. “Most unhealthy drinks are those high in added sugars, artificial ingredients or stimulants with no nutritional value, like sugary sodas or highly caffeinated energy drinks.”

Signs of dehydration can include dark-colored urine, fatigue, dry mouth, headache, muscle cramps, constipation and dizziness.