03/20/2026
Sugar-sweetened beverages are one of the largest sources of added sugar in the American diet, especially for kids and teens.
Regular soda alone can contain 35–40 grams of sugar in a single can, which is more than most children should consume in an entire day.
Over time, consistently high sugar intake is linked to increased risk of insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. In fact, about 1 in 3 American adults has prediabetes, and many don’t even know it.
For families who enjoy the occasional fizzy drink, being mindful of ingredients and overall sugar intake can make a difference. Some newer beverage options are experimenting with different sweeteners and simpler ingredient lists, which reflects a growing awareness around how much sugar we consume daily.
One example is a local brand, , which uses honey instead of high fructose corn syrup and focuses on simpler ingredients.
Conversations like this are a good reminder to pay attention to what’s in our drinks and how often we’re consuming them. Small changes over time can make a meaningful impact on long-term health.
What are your favorite lower-sugar drink options when you want something fizzy? 🐝