The Best Sugar-Free Sodas & Sparkling Drinks in South Africa (from Our Taste Tests)

Are you looking to cut sugary drinks from your diet without having to drink plain old water all the time? And, what about that braai with your mates on the weekend? If you’re trying to avoid alcohol too, you’re likely looking for a low or no-sugar, alcohol-free drink that is in keeping with the festive vibe. Many of us want the fizz, but without the buzz.

The best sugar-free and low-sugar sparkling drinks and sodas quench your thirst for something sweet and bubbly, without being loaded with calories. But, that doesn’t mean all sugar-free drinks are worth the squeeze. Many sugar-free soda and sparkling drinks options on the market have that crummy fake-sugar aftertaste that’ll have us reaching for the sugar-laden version faster than you can say sugar crash.

Here at WomenStuff, we’ve set out to find the best zero-sugar and low-sugar sodas and sparkling drink alternatives. Here are our picks for the best tasting sugar-free soadas and sparkling drinks we’ve found so far. These are sure to be a great thirst quencher for those trying to consume less sugar on a daily basis.

PURA Soda

This locally grown brand is famous for its original health-forward alternatives to traditional soda. PURA launched in 2017, but has since grown into an internationally celebrated business with a full range of better-for-you drinks to enjoy. The soda range offers fruit flavoured, low-calorie, naturally sweetened drinks free from artificial ingredients.

With its subtle fizz and heightened flavours, such as Seville Orange and Pomegranate, PURA Soda is a clean and conscious choice when you’re choosing something to sip on.

Plus, with its sleek, minimalist can design, PURA is as at home sitting next to a Balenciaga bag than your beach towel. Refreshment that looks just as good as it quenches? Say no more.

PURA Soda is available from Takealot, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, and Checkers. Visit the PURA website for more details and a full list of stockists.

Sanpellegrino Zero

Discover the lighter side of indulgence with Sanpellegrino. The iconic Italian sparkling drink is now available with zero grams added sugar. Sanpellegrino fans can now experience the authentic taste of Italy with Sanpellegrino Zero, the new guilt-free sparkling drink range that captures the essence of the Italian ‘dolce vita’ now with zero grams added sugar and irresistibly refreshing flavour.

Crafted with the juice of sun-ripened Italian fruits and only 15 to 20 calories per can, these beverages offer a sparkling drink perfect for health-conscious consumers who refuse to compromise on taste.

Sanpellegrino lovers can discover the Zero range in four flavours including Lemonade (with a refreshingly light tangy citrus flavour),
Peach & Clementine (a delicate blend of sun-ripened Italian peaches and clementines), Blood Orange (with bold, complex flavours of Italian blood oranges), and Pomegranate & Orange (a vibrant fusion of tangy pomegranates and sweet Mediterranean oranges).

The Sanpellegrino Zero range is now available at Woolworths stores and online at Italian Deli Online.

Van Loveren Absolute Zero

For those special occasions when you need to call in something a little more festive, reach for Van Loveren Absolute Zero bubbly. Forget the hangovers, it’s time to toast to nourished bodies, calm minds, and guilt-free sips! Wellness starts with what we pour into our glasses, so why not celebrate the big moments in life with Absolute Zero de-alcoholised sparkling wines?

With Absolute Zero zero alcohol sparkling wines you can look forward to deeper, more restful sleep, glowing, hydrated skin, a natural boost in energy… and zero hangovers, ever.

This exciting sparkling wine comes in two varietals, Dry and Nectar. Absolute Zero Dry offers crisp tropical flavours on the palate. It’s a well balanced non-alcoholic wine with a smooth finish. It’s a de-alcoholised 100% Sauvignon Blanc Sparkling wine with 0% Alcohol. With just 1.3. grams of sugar and 3.15 grams of carbohydrates per 100ml, it’s the perfect sip when you want to celebrate without loading up on calories.

Absolute Zero Nectar offers luscious rich honey, fresh fruit and nougat on the palate. This well balanced, delicate de-alcoholised sparkling wine has a smooth finish for a celebrations with a sweet note. With just 116 kJ, 6.7 g of carbohydrates and 5.05 g of sugar per 100ml, it’s a great bubbly for those who prefer a sweeter wine.

Shop online with Van Loveren.

Theonista Soda

The Theonista soda range features a Cream Soda and Ginger Beer alternative to the sugar-laden options loved by many South Africans. The brand offers worthy alternatives to alcoholic and traditional soda drinks.

Theonista is an independent, female-owned small craft beverage company located in Woodstock, Cape Town. The brand makes everything in small batches using whole ingredients rather than artificial anything, and cherishes organic and indigenous botanicals.

Theonista Ginger Beer is a deliciously healthy twist on a classic. This 100% natural ginger beer is brewed in small batches and infused with organic rooibos. Theonista Cream Soda is truly clean with a cheekily “green” hit of no-nasties nostalgia. Made with prebiotic-rich organic baobab and green rooibos, this unique rendition of a childhood favourite is a properly grown-up treat. Plus, they’re both much lower in sugar and taste absolutely amazing!