Soda is already one of the least healthy beverages you can drink, but some generic brands take it to the next level. While store-brand sodas may seem like a budget-friendly alternative to Coca-Cola, Pepsi, or Dr Pepper, many contain even more sugar, calories, and questionable additives. Excessive soda consumption has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, making it essential to know what you’re drinking. Here are nine of the worst generic soda brands based on their nutritional value, sugar content, and ingredients.
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1. Great Value Cola (Walmart)
Walmart’s Great Value Cola may be easy on the wallet, but it’s terrible for your health. A 12-ounce can contains 160 calories and 44 grams of sugar, making it even sweeter than classic Coca-Cola. It’s sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, a processed sugar linked to weight gain and insulin resistance. Additionally, it contains caramel color, which has been associated with potential carcinogenic properties. If you’re looking for a budget soda, this one might not be worth the health risks.
2. Sam’s Cola (Walmart)
Another Walmart brand, Sam’s Cola, is just as unhealthy as its Great Value counterpart. It is better on calories and sugar with 150 calories and 21 grams of sugar per can. The ingredient list includes phosphoric acid, which can weaken bones and contribute to kidney problems over time. Sam’s Cola also contains caffeine, which may lead to dehydration and energy crashes when consumed frequently.
3. Big K Citrus Drop (Kroger)
Designed to mimic Mountain Dew, Big K Citrus Drop is packed with high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and yellow dye #5. A 12-ounce can has 190 calories and 47 grams of sugar, making it one of the worst offenders on this list. The high sugar and caffeine content creates an energy spike followed by a crash, making it an unhealthy choice for daily consumption. The artificial colors and flavors only add to its poor nutritional value.
4. Mountain Lightning (Walmart)
Mountain Lightning is Walmart’s version of Mountain Dew, but it’s even worse in terms of sugar content. A 12-ounce serving has 190 calories and 50 grams of sugar, pushing it well beyond the recommended daily sugar intake in just one can. It’s loaded with artificial colors, caffeine, and preservatives, making it a terrible choice for those looking to cut back on sugar or avoid unnecessary additives. Regular consumption can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.
5. Dr. Thunder (Walmart)
As a generic version of Dr Pepper, Dr. Thunder contains high levels of high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and phosphoric acid. Each 12-ounce can has 160 calories and 43 grams of sugar, putting it on par with its brand-name counterpart in terms of sugar content. The combination of excessive sugar and acidity can erode tooth enamel and lead to long-term health issues. Dr. Thunder also includes sodium benzoate, a preservative that may contribute to inflammation when consumed in high amounts.
6. Food Lion Mountain Lion
Food Lion’s Mountain Lion is another citrus soda that packs a sugar punch. With 180 calories and 49 grams of sugar per can, it’s one of the worst choices for those watching their sugar intake. It contains brominated vegetable oil, a controversial ingredient that has been banned in some countries due to its potential health risks. Over time, consuming sodas with BVO may lead to thyroid problems and neurological issues.
7. Shasta Tiki Punch
Shasta’s Tiki Punch may seem like a fun and fruity soda, but it’s packed with artificial colors, synthetic flavors, and a shocking amount of sugar. A single 12-ounce can has 150 calories and 39 grams of sugar, making it just as bad—if not worse—than leading sodas like Fanta. The bright red color comes from Red 40, a food dye that has been linked to hyperactivity in children and possible long-term health effects.
8. Chek Cola (Winn-Dixie)
Winn-Dixie’s Chek Cola is a generic cola that contains high amounts of high-fructose corn syrup, caffeine, and artificial caramel coloring. A 12-ounce can contains 155 calories and 42 grams of sugar, making it a heavy source of empty calories. Like other generic sodas, it lacks any nutritional value and contributes to sugar addiction, weight gain, and metabolic disorders.
9. Refreshe Cola (Safeway)
Refreshe Cola, a Safeway brand, contains the typical high-fructose corn syrup, phosphoric acid, and caffeine found in most sodas. A 12-ounce can contain 150 calories and 40 grams of sugar, contributing to excessive daily sugar consumption. The acidity level is particularly concerning, as phosphoric acid can weaken teeth and bones over time. While it’s an affordable alternative to Coca-Cola or Pepsi, the negative health effects make it a poor choice overall.
Generic sodas may be cheaper than name-brand alternatives, but they often contain just as much—if not more—sugar, artificial ingredients, and preservatives. Many of these sodas exceed the recommended daily sugar intake in just one can. This leads to serious health risks like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease over time. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider sparkling water, unsweetened iced tea, or naturally flavored beverages. Cutting back on soda is one of the easiest ways to improve your diet and reduce unnecessary sugar consumption.
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