Chances are, you’ve probably seen a wide range of green-colored sodas in the soft drink aisle of a grocery store. And if you’re anything like us, those are the ones you gravitate toward first.
No offense to Coke and Pepsi, but we can consume only so many of those. It’s time for something a little different, don’t you think? If you’re an avid fizzy drink consumer, we recommend grabbing one of these colorful treats for a unique and flavorful journey.
Lucky for you, these beverages come in several fascinating flavors, ranging from lime to tarragon to green apple. Simply put, there’s a whole world of possibilities, and it’s all yours to explore.
If you’re eager to learn more about these exciting beverages, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading for the 411 on green sodas.
What Soda is Green?
You’ll be happy to know that several green sodas are available in stores!Though the variety is endless, three of our favorites include Green River Soda, Chernogolovka Tarhun Soda, and Jones Green Apple Soda.
Below, we’ve discussed a few of our top picks for you.
Green River Soda
To start, let’s talk about the awesomeness that is Green River Soda. Believe us when we say the hype surrounding it is more than justified.
Arguably one of the most popular green-colored sodas in the world, this lime-flavored soft drink is a Midwestern classic, and it’s been around for over 100 years. Can you believe that?
We can all thank Richard C. Jones for inventing this beverage in 1916. As the owner of a soda fountain and ice cream shop in Davenport, Iowa, he launched the tasty treat in hopes of gaining more customers.
Then, in 1919, he sold the recipe to Schoenhofen Edelweiss Brewery in Chicago. Because Prohibition banned alcohol around the same time, Green River instantly became a hit for those looking for a nonalcoholic alternative. And the rest is history.
Lucky for you, the drink is still widely available today! The beautiful green color and the citrusy flavor have turned it into an American staple, and honestly, we think that’s beautiful. Hop over to Sprecher’s website to learn more or place an order.
Chernogolovka Tarhun Soda
Next, let’s talk about one of the most unique sodas you’ll ever come across. Oh, yeah. We’re willing to bet this one is beyond your wildest expectations.
Meet than, a light green herb of the family Asteraceae. If you’ve ever heard of something called tarragon, that’s what we’re talking about! These leaves are globally recognized for their culinary and medicinal benefits and are a significant component of Georgian cuisine.
So, how did this herb end up making its way into soda? It’s a great question, really, and we’re going to tell you all about it.
Let’s take a moment to thank Georgian pharmacist Mitrofan Lagidze for coming up with this genius invention in 1887. If you think about it, what he did was simple but groundbreaking at the same time: mix tarragon syrup with carbonated water.
Though the idea originated in 1887, it didn’t succeed until the 1980s. Yes, you heard that right! This was when the drink became a fan favorite in the Soviet Union. And from that point onward, there was no looking back.
Today, the drink is still mass-produced by reputable companies and consumed by eager customers in Eurasia. One brand that creates possibly the most delicious tarhun soda you’ll ever find is Chernogolovka.
Founded in 1998, Chernogolovka is one of Russia’s most prominent local snacks and drinks makers. Adored by millions nationwide, this company sells a wide range of products, including snacks, energy drinks, bottled water, and (of course) tarhun soda.
Honestly, the flavor is so distinct that words can’t even do it justice. It’s sweet, herbal, and fragrant all at the same time! Plus, it reminds us of black licorice, which is automatically a good sign. In short, it has our vote for the most distinctive soda flavor in town.
If you want to get your hands on this drink, Amazon is your new best friend. We promise the taste is unmatched.
Jones Green Apple Soda
Do we have any apple lovers over here? This flavorful, nutritious fruit is already excellent on its own, so imagine how great it would taste in a glass of soda.
But hey, why imagine when you can have it? That’s right! Thanks to Jones Green Apple Soda, you can have the best of both worlds. This delicious beverage combines the carbonated goodness of soda with the delightful sweetness of green apples to create something extraordinary.
Founded in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1995 by Peter Van Stolk, Jones Soda provides its customers with countless premium soda options. Today, the company prides itself on its bold taste and eye-catching packaging, and we’re so here for it.
Though Jones Soda has an array of traditional soda flavors, some of which include cola and root beer, our personal favorite has to be green apple (and understandably so). Oh, and did we mention that it’s made using pure cane sugar?
It doesn’t get any better than that, does it? Visit their website to place an order right now! You know you want to.
What Does Green Soda Taste Like?
To put it plainly, the exact taste depends on the particular brand and product. For example, Green River Soda tastes citrusy, while Chernogolovka Tarhun Soda is reminiscent of licorice. So, as you can see, the possibilities are endless!
Is There a Green Coke?
In simple words, the answer is no! If you’ve always been curious about the possibility of a green Coke, the company confirmed that the color has been the same since its launch in 1886.
Are Green Sodas Healthy for You?
As beautiful as these drinks are, they’re sadly not on the healthier side. Like the vast majority of commercial sodas, these also fall prey to excessive sugar and calories alongside other harmful ingredients.
We know it stings, but we owe it to you to tell you the truth. As much as we love these delicious drinks, green-colored sodas are still sodas at the end of the day, which means they’re automatically bad for your health.
Remember Green River? Let’s take a look at the ingredients of a 12-ounce bottle:
- Carbonated Water
- Sugar
- Natural Flavors (Natural Lime & Lemon Flavors)
- Citric Acid
- Sodium Benzoate
- Potassium Sorbate
- Yellow #5
- Blue #1
And, of course, let’s not forget the nutritional value:
- 165 calories
- 44 grams of sugar
We’re sure you can tell what’s wrong with these numbers just by looking at them, but let us tell you anyway.
Unfortunately, excessive consumption of sugar can have pretty disastrous consequences. Studies indicate that it can increase your chances of having diabetes, heart disease, and tooth decay significantly. Ouch.
Plus, liquid sugar doesn’t make you feel full, no matter how hard you try. As you consume more beverages to stimulate fullness, you’ll also gain more weight in the process. And naturally, this will lead to an increased risk of obesity.
Because one bottle of the beverage already has 165 calories, the last thing we need is more calories on top of that. One too many drinks will have terrible effects on your body, which is just about the last thing we’d ever want for you. See our point?
Now, let’s talk about the ingredients we listed above. Hint: they’re bad news.
Do you see a little something called yellow #5 up there? Well, studies show that this food dye is a potential carcinogen, a substance that can cause cancer. To make matters worse, it can also catalyze allergic reactions like asthma and urticaria.
Sodium benzoate, too, does not come without its fair share of risks. Studies indicate that this preservative can lead to ADHD, allergies, and inflammation. Concerning, right?
Unfortunately, Chernogolovka Tarhun Soda and Jones Green Apple Soda also have the same downsides. They’re too high in sugar and calories and even contain yellow #5 and sodium benzoate.
That’s the thing about all of these traditional sodas. As appealing as they are on the surface, they’re also just as unhealthy. The excessive sugar, calories, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners are all one big health hazard.
So, even though it pains us to say this, green soda might not be such a green flag after all. But, of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a guilty pleasure now and then! Occasional consumption won’t do much damage, so feel free to grab a bottle if you’re just really craving that fizz. As long as you limit your intake, it’s all good.
Conclusion
Is anyone else just really craving a can of pop now? We know we sure are!
Ah, living in a world with endless soda varieties feels so incredible. Just think about how fun you’ll have as you broaden your horizons and try out exciting new flavors.
Let’s face it: green-colored sodas are the new wave. There’s just something about the unmissable green color that’s just too striking to resist. Plus, they taste incredible as well, so it’s a win-win.
Ready to hop on the bandwagon and try them out yourself? Visit your nearest grocery store, or hop on the Internet to place an order. We promise you won’t regret it!
