Let me tell you a true story. I'll make it quick. I received a Sodastream as a gift last year. I loved it, and used it constantly. I made all kinds of sodas (diet only!). However, after several months of drinking way too much of the stuff, I started to get very dizzy, once even falling into the door of the Radiologist's reading room! Um, embarrassing. My hands were abnormally shaky (even for me) and I started getting regular headaches.
It got so debilitating that I finally had to drag myself in to see my primary care doctor. God forbid I had some sort of mysterious disease, people! She took a bunch of blood and asked me question after question and finally when my appointment was almost over she asked if I drank diet soda. I said, "Yes." She asked, "How much?" I said, "Um...a lot." I told her it didn't really count since it was diet Sodastream. She told me that it did infact count and that I was to stop drinking diet soda, or at least so much, and see if my condition improved. I thought it was very interesting to hear that she said she'd been seeing many patients with neurological issues linked to artificial sweeteners .
So, I packed up my Sodastream (not really, I just stopped using the syrups) and after a few days I felt completely better. All skeptical, like I am, I thought that it wouldn't last, but it did! I haven't had any issues at all and it was such a stark contrast to really having some pretty intense side effects.
This brings me to the topic of my post today. You see, I love sweets. Anything sweet! "But Katie, you rarely post any desserts here on Produce On Parade." Yes, and there is a reason for that. It's the same reason I can't have Oreo's, Reese's Puffs Cereal or chocolate bars in the house.
Anyway, most everyone agrees that soda is okay to have in moderation, I realize this not only because my doctor told me so. Yet, I still couldn't bring myself to feeling okay making a Sodastream drink with the syrup or buying a diet soda from the store. However, one day whilst strolling through the hippie section in our local store, as I do, I discovered Zevia! What is Zevia you ask?
Well, it's an all natural, zero calorie soda made primarily of erythritol! Remember our little chat about erythritol? If not check out this video. Seriously, check it out. If you want to learn more about the only soda I ever buy now that I am older and wiser...check out my review below and enter to win four coupons for up 40% off Zevia. Three lucky people will win four coupons each!
What: Zevia is an all natural soda that has zero calories, only natural flavors and no dyes. They have 15 flavors too! How awesome is that!? There are a few flavors with caffeine, but most do not have caffeine.
The flavors available are as follows: Cola, Lime Cola, Cherry Cola, Caffeine Free Cola, Lemon Lime Twist, Cream Soda, Orange, Grapefruit Citrus, Dr. Zevia, Black Cherry, Strawberry, Grape, Mountain Zevia, Ginger Ale and Ginger Root Beer.
Why: Because children, diabetics and pregnant women want soda too! And some of us just need to start saying no to artificial flavors, dyes and sweeteners...just ask your physician. Although really, do we need to be told? Apparently, yes. I'm not saying anyone should pound Zevia, but a healthy soda alternative in moderation is much better than what comes in that bottle of Coke or Coke Zero.
How: Zevia is made without artificial sweeteners, is GMO-Free, Kosher, gluten free, vegan and free from dyes as well. Zevia is made with stevia and erythritol which is derived from fruits and actually contains antioxidants! They implement natural flavors like nutmeg, wintergreen, and lemon oil, ginger extract, and cherry essence, as well as many others to obtain natural, wholesome soda flavors.
Where: Zevia can be found in the United States and Canada at stores such as Safeway, Whole Foods, Target, Albertsons, Giant Eagle, Walgreens, and many more. To see if a store in your area carries Zevia look here.
Cost: The cost of a 6-pack of Zevia ranges from $4.99 - $5.99
Recurrence: Like I said before, Zevia really is the only soda I buy now. I haven't tasted all the flavors as our local store doesn't carry all 15, but my favorites are Cherry Cola, Dr. Zevia, Grape and my most favorite is Strawberry. I love how crisp and fresh they taste! If you're used to a sugar laden soda or aspartame, Zevia might take a little getting used to depending on your palate. Some of the flavors are an acquired taste, but if you're used to stevia or erythritol then you should be used to that unique flavor stevia can impart.
Enter below to win four 40% off coupons! Three different lucky people will win!
Congratulations to Alison, Brandi and Ann! They are our winners!
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*DISCLAIMER* PRODUCE ON PARADE IS A PERSONAL BLOG WRITTEN AND EDITED BY MYSELF AND TODD ONLY, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. OUR REVIEWS ARE COMPLETELY BASED ON OUR OWN OPINIONS OF THE PRODUCT REVIEWED. WE ARE NOT PAID TO WRITE POSTS. THIS PRODUCT WAS SUPPLIED TO US AS A GIFT BY THE COMPANY TO TEST AND REVIEW. OTHERWISE, IF WE MENTION A COMPANY BY NAME AND THERE IS NO DISCLAIMER AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST, WE ARE MERELY WRITING ABOUT SOMETHING WE LIKE, PURCHASE AND/OR USE. THE FACT THAT WE DO RECEIVE A PRODUCT AS A GIFT TO TEST AND REVIEW, WILL NEVER POSITIVELY INFLUENCE THE CONTENT MADE IN OUR POST.
