Soda Nutrition Facts
There are different varieties of soda, like washing soda, baking soda, cooking soda, carbonated water (soda water) and caustic soda, out of which carbonated water, baking soda and cooking soda are edible sodas. Each type of soda contains different quantities of sodium and carbonates.
Interesting Soda Trivia: Did you know that the first ever drinkable soda (Carbonated Water) was made in 1767, by Dr. Joseph Priestley?
Soda: What is it made of?
Soda is a chemical compound containing sodium and carbonates. Sodium bicarbonate also known as sodium hydrogen carbonate, is a widely used form of soda in all soft drinks, cocktails and alcoholic beverages as well.
The basic form of sodium bicarbonate is white, soluble, solid and the crystalline powder which is mixed with water, is used to make soda water, widely used in soft drinks and other alcoholic beverages and drinks. Conversationally, sodium bicarbonate is called sodium bicarb, bicarb soda or merely bicarb. It is mildly alkaline in taste.
Soda Applications
Soda is most synonymous with Soda water and is a commonly used ingredient of soft drinks, soda fountain, Pepsi Soda, Coca Cola and Diet Coke. Undoubtedly, the most important application of soda is in the soft drinks industry. The other areas of application include cooking, medicine, personal hygiene and as a cleansing agent. Sodium bicarbonate (Soda) acts as a neutralizer for acids and bases. It is amphoteric in nature and thus, it is used in maintaining the pH balance of water and blood.
Interesting Soda Trivia: Did you know that the soft drink and soda industry is a yearly $68 billion business?
Nutrition Facts of Soda
We have heard of the cons of soda a zillion times from dietitians. Every time we visit a dentist, he is almost ready with a "fire speech" for us, for consuming that one can of our favorite soda!
Well, there for sure, are no vitamins, proteins or fiber in soda. It has a high water, mineral and sugar content. Although they cannot be called the healthiest ingredients of all, they definitely are good for our body for a few reasons. If you think soda is only meant to harm your health, think again!
- Soda has high water content which means, if consumed optimally, soda will hydrate your body.
- Soda is not exactly an energy drink, it contains sugar, which energizes your body.
- Regular Pepsi and Coke sodas contain about 90% water and Diet Coke contains about 99% water which is definitely not bad for your body.
- Diet Coke Soda contains zero calories which makes it impossible for a person to gain weight through its consumption. But if Diet Coke is consumed regularly, your body may get accustomed to zero calories that come from artificial sweeteners. This will desensitize your body from zero calories and the next time you have regular sugar, it may cause a sudden weight gain, no matter how less calories you consume.
- Soda is the best acidity regulator. It helps in neutralizing acidity problems in the body.
- Soda contains phosphate stripping ingredients that are not good for your teeth and causes tooth decay, if consumed in large amounts.
- A can of regular soda may contain about 100-150 calories. When you drink a can of soda, you are taking empty calories as these calories are not mixed with any nutrients. The empty calories get directly infused in your blood which might increase blood sugar level and harm your health.
- Soda also contains caffeine and its content is not printed on a soft drink can. Caffeine may energize you temporarily, but in the long run it may cause high blood pressure and migraine.
Soda Nutritional Value
Knowing the these facts is not enough. You should also know the nutritional value of soda. This table will guide you on choosing the right type for soda. It promises something for all!
| Soda Type | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Caffeine(mg) |
| Pepsi (240ml) | 100 | 0 | 28g | 25 |
| Diet Pepsi | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| Coca-Cola Classic | 97 | 0 | 27 | 23 |
| Diet Coke | 1.0 | 0 | 0.1 | 31 |
| Orange Soda | 120 | 0 | 32 | 0 |
| Lime Soda | 110 | 0 | 31 | 36 |
| Soda water | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Health Benefits of Soda
After the facts on nutrition, now here's a list of the health benefits of soda.
- Soda is used in the medical domain. Sodium bicarbonate is a well-known antacid, which means it neutralizes acidity problems in our digestive system.
- Soda is also used in maintaining the pH balance of blood.
- Soda also acts as an antiseptic cleanser when used in mouthwash and toothpastes.
- Soda has antiseptic properties. A paste of sodium bicarbonate is used as an antiseptic to cure insect bites.
Is Soda Good or Bad: The Verdict
Let us admit that the nutritional value of soda is low. But if I had to decide whether it is good or bad for our health, I would say, neither. Soda is neither good nor bad for your health; the amount in which it is consumed is. As far as tooth decay is concerned, you can always brush your teeth after consuming that favorite soft drink. You can switch to Diet Coke if you are a fitness freak but always remember not to make it an addictive habit. Any substance, not just soda, if consumed in excessive amounts, could prove harmful to your health. Besides, what harms your body is replacing your natural diet with soda and soft drinks. Always remember to have soda in an optimum quantity. You should never skip your regular meals for soda. So the next time you eat out in a junk food-joint, grab a bite and sip a lil' soda. After all, soda also acts as an acidity regulator!
Go ahead, sip a glass of soda, but remember the dangers of its excessive consumption. Enjoy the fizz!
