I’ve blogged in the past about some of the traditionally made, fermented sodas I make in my home. Such drinks like kombucha, kvass, and homemade root beer are loaded with probiotics, are delicious to drink, and greatly assist digestion and nutrient absorption when sipped with meals.
What to do if you are temporarily out of these homemade creations and the kids really are wanting something “soda like”? My son came up with this creation and it pleases not only my kids, but other children as well who have visited our home for parties and the like.
First, you will need a bottle of liquid stevia. Stevia is a South American herb that is up to 300 times sweeter than sugar yet does not have a marked effect on blood sugar. It is also extremely low calorie. It is the safest way to get the sweet taste with no negative effects. I prefer to use liquid stevia which is available in the sweetener section of most healthfood stores. Make sure you don’t buy any of the genetically modified versions of stevia like “Truvia” manufactured by Cargill and Coca-Cola. It always amuses me when companies try to take something completely natural, like stevia, and warp it into something that is patentable so they can make money on it. Just use the real thing and boycott the stevia counterfits. There isn’t anything “true” about “Truvia”. It is all marketing hype and not a healthy substitute for sugar. Only use the real thing: 100% stevia marketed by no other name.
The second thing you will need is some sort of chilled seltzer water. Seltzer water from a natural source such as Perrier or Pellagrino is best, but plain seltzers made with carbonated and purified water like Syfo are fine too. Try to buy your seltzer in glass bottles if possible.
Once you have seltzer and real stevia on hand, pour some chilled seltzer into a glass and add either a spritz of fresh juice or a few drops of pure orange or lemon-lime extract. Flavorganics has a nice line of natural flavor extractives. Another option would be to buy a naturally flavored seltzer like Syfo cherry and then add a few drops of kola nut extract to make a natural cola flavor. Finish off with a few drops of stevia, stir, taste, and add more flavor if desired. You now have a mildly flavored cherry cola soda that will quench your kids’ thirst for a treat!
Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree. Truvia is not honest. But they are not the only ones. Most "stevia products" contain maltodextrin, dextrose, sugar alcohols, or a combination of them, and some in high concentrations to where the product really is just a sugar product, Truvia included.
I use SweetLeaf Stevia. It is a very pure form of stevia extract and retains all three of stevia leaf's natural 0 claorie, 0 carb, and 0 glycemic index properties. Their powder contains inulin fiber, which feeds the good bacteria, which in turn, strengethen the immune system.
I had no idea about Truvia. I just bought some at Nutrition Smart today. I always wondered about how healthy it truly is though. Thanks for letting us know about the deception of this so called healthy product.
Wow, what a great idea for when that old soda craving hits! This sounds YUMMY. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for posting the link to this particular topic from the ‘sugar’ blog. I had ‘suspected’ something was amiss when ‘truvia’ is being sold in the baking aisle at Whole Foods! Next purchase will be back in the vitamin supplements aisle. I will be using it for coffee consumption only. Is it best to purchase the liquid?
I do something like this too but with Pellagrino and unsweetened black cherry concentrate and a few drops of stevia. So tasty and a nice change from all the water I drink. I think the black cherry concentrate is supposed to be good for arthritis too.
Hi Sarah! I’ve been getting so much out of your collection of info ever since the post about healing your son’s cavity with nutrition. I downloaded Ramiel’s Cure Tooth Decay book on my phone, and just read that “extracts of stevia will likely cause significant imbalances to your glandular system. Likewise, do not use the stevia that is stored in glycerin.” Yikes! It’s been my go to sweetener for years. I haven’t been able to find anything online about this, so I’m wondering if you have a different perspective since posting this recipe last year. Thanks a million!
Liquid stevia on occasion is not a problem. I agree not to get the one in glycerin. Of course, overdoing it as with anything else can cause issues. I only allow my kids to have this treat once in while. It’s certainly not an everyday thing.
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Can you please elaborate on what the possible issues would be in regard to consuming stevia regularly? I am trying to use it as my primary sweetener as I’ve continually decreased sugar consumption to the point where now I use raw honey and coconut sugar in small amounts and try to defer to stevia where possible. Just wondering what the concerns would be.
I call “soda” pop, your suggestions are invalid.
I love this post! I like making “soda” with sparkling water, fresh lemon juice/orange juice and stevia. It’s so yummy and very refreshing! My kids will drink the “lemonade” with water in place of sparkling water (they’re young and my son tells me the fizziness is too “spicy,” ha). It’s a treat they’re always asking for.
I like your suggestions to use the flavorings. Thank you so much!
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What do you think of the Sweetleaf Liquid Stevia that is flavored? It comes in Vanilla Creme and
and several other flavors. I’ve always wondered about those.
Soda Stream has a simple machine for “carbonating” soda – can a person use that for the carbonation and then use real flavors like you suggested in the article? I guess what I am asking is: carbonating your water isn’t what is bad is it? I imagine Soda Streams “flavors” aren’t truly healthy but I have yet to check them out. Maybe you can do an article on this simple machine some time?? !!