All natural sodas provide refreshment without refined sugar
Soda is widely popular beverage option for many students, but there are other soft drink options out there for those who are more health conscious.
Soda is sold in vending machines on campus and is present in all of the main dining halls. Some students drink it out of habit without considering its nutritional value.
“It’s kind of addicting. I drink a lot of diet coke. I usually drink two cans a day,” said Shannon Colt, a junior English major.
Many students opt for diet versions of their favorite soda because the lack of nutritional value in regular soda. A can of Coke has 140 calories, 39 grams of carbohydrates and 39 grams of sugar with no significant vitamins or minerals.
While diet sodas may have fewer calories, carbohydrates and sugar than regular soda, diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners. Among experts, there are mixed viewpoints on the safety of these artificial sweeteners.
Anne Schuster, the special coordinator in the community health department of Wardenburg, said she believes artificial sweeteners do not harm humans. But Schuster said she always advises students to consume things as close to nature as possible.
Some students agree with Schuster in that consuming things more natural is better. Acacia De Vinck, a sophomore sociology major, said she prefers water to soda.
“I don’t like the fake sugar taste,” De Vinck said.
Emily Reeves, a 19-year-old sophomore integrative physiology major, said she would rather avoid soda because of the excessive sugar. She drinks soda once in a while when she craves it.
“It’s too sweet and filling, I feel uncomfortable after,” Reeves said.
For students who want a more natural choice, IZZE sodas provide a solution.
Meg Heitlinger, the PR manager of IZZE Beverage Co. Heitlinger said IZZE sodas are a smart soda option.
“IZZE is a great better for your beverage option because it is a blend of pure fruit juice and sparkling water with nothing artificial,” Heitlinger said.
To ensure customers have variety, IZZE makes many different flavors, which includes Sparkling Apple, Blackberry, Blueberry, Clementine, Grapefruit, Pear and Pomegranate.
Another all natural option students can choose is Hansen’s soda. Both Hansen’s and IZZE are available on campus.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Jennifer Jacobs at Jennifer.jacobs@thecampuspress.com
