Can Soda be Healthy?

Over the last several years, the soda industry has taken a large hit. Studies have shown sodas to be a black hole of nutrition, and the cause of many health woes. Parents have begun to force public schools to do away with soda machines. Fast food chains have been forced to provide healthier alternatives the sugary sin drink. So what are soda companies to do in the face of mounted opposition? Get healthy.

Many of the major soda producers have begun to implement vitamins and minerals into their carbonated drink, turning peoples guilty pleasure, into a healthy way of life. According to an report by HealthDay News, “This month, Coke is set to launch Diet Coke Plus, a zero-calorie cola with a sprinkling of nutrients mixed in. According to the company, one 8-ounce serving of the soda will provide 15 percent of the daily value (DV) of niacin, vitamins B6 and B12, and 10 percent of the DV for zinc and magnesium. And in the fall, Pepsi will roll out Tava, a line of zero-calorie sparkling beverages in flavors like Tropical Berry Blend and Passion Fruit Lime. Each 8-ounce serving of Tava will deliver 10 percent of the DV of vitamins B3, B6 and E.

Lynn Dornblaser, director of Mintel Custom Solutions, a market research firm said, “The biggest thing in every industry right now is health and wellness. Even companies that never had that as a primary focus are now trying to adapt their product lines to fit what’s important today.”

So will soda be able to make the leap from liquid candy to a healthy beverage? Experts believe its all in the marketing. While a soda is still not a viable source for nutritional value, Kristine Clark, director of sports nutrition at Penn State University says, “If you’re drinking these because of their nutrients, that’s not a valid reason, but if you’re going to be drinking soda anyway, you’re at least getting something extra. Just don’t kid yourself that soda is a health drink.”