Huge change coming to Pepsi drink
PepsiCo has reduced the amount of sugar in its Pepsi and Mountain Dew brands - with each now containing about 35 and 40 per cent less sugar.
The sugar content has been replaced with artificial sweeteners instead.
Popular Aussie food influencer Russ Eats first noticed the change on Pepsi's packaging after its health star rating went from 0.5 stars to 1.5 stars and shared the news on his social media page.
He said the packaging still looked the same, with the only notable difference being the nutritional ranking.
'Full sugar Pepsi and Mountain Dew are gone,' he said in a TikTok.
'Now the packaging looks the same, that's what's so sneaky, but the health star went up, and guess what?
'They've taken out some of the sugar and added … sweetener.
'Have a look at the Mountain Dew, there was sugar now there's sweetener.'
PepsiCo have been contacted for comment but in a statement confirmed they reduced the sugar content in Pepsi and Mountain Dew in response to consumers who were looking for products with less sugar.
'The new formulas contain low-calorie sweeteners and a lower sugar content,' a spokesman told 9honey Kitchen.
'We've also undertaken extensive sensory research to ensure we're still delivering the same great taste consumers know and love.'
The news has outraged some social media users, who quickly shared their disappointment online.
'Daughter is a type 1 diabetic. Mountain Dew literally saved her life a number of times,' one commented.
Another said her friend relied on the sugar content in Pepsi as she was allergic to sweeteners, while another said the company needed to put out a warning the new product was 'dangerous for diabetics'.
A third said: 'I'm outraged! I'd get angry and riot but my energy levels have dropped.'
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Let's distill that down into a checklist you can use as you shop for a healthy alternative to soda: Less than 5 grams of sugar Four or more grams of fiber, ideally with the specific types of fiber listed No artificial sweeteners No artificial coloring No preservatives No phosphoric acid "Prebiotic sodas can be a fun and refreshing way to support gut health, but let's keep it in perspective -- they're not a replacement for a high-fiber diet or a panacea for digestion," Kaliga says. "Enjoy them as an occasional addition to your routine, but don't rely on them as your primary strategy for improving digestion." How to make a healthy soda at homeThat prebiotic soda you were thinking about picking up might not work wonders for your gut health. If you're still searching for a better option, you can whip one up on your own. We tapped the experts to come up with some ingredients you can mix together to make a good alternative at home. Soda water Lee suggests starting with a base of soda water, to which you can add natural flavors. Since water is one of the nutrients the body critically needs, this helps your hydration levels. Clarke also points out that using unflavored sparkling water helps you avoid excess sodium and additives. Prebiotic fibers If you're looking to make a gut-healthy soda, add prebiotic fibers. Eloheim suggests chicory or acacia fiber. Cuomo also recommends chicory root and says inulin works. Clark says resistant potato starch can also mimic commercial prebiotics. If you don't have any of those specific kinds of fiber on hand, Kaliga says you can use a bit of blended fiber-rich fruit like kiwi or banana. Add enough to bring your homemade healthy soda to a meaningful amount of prebiotics. Aim for 5 grams or more. Natural sweeteners Plenty of natural sugar alternatives can sweeten your soda without harming your health. "Opt for 1 to 2 teaspoons of raw honey or maple syrup, which provide antioxidants and trace minerals without spiking glycemic levels," Clarke suggests. Citrus juice Some fresh citrus juice, like lemon or lime juice, can flavor your healthy soda and deliver benefits. Cuomo says these introduce some antioxidants, which protect your cells. Herbs and spices Eloheim suggests adding herbs and spices like cinnamon or mint "to enhance flavor and digestion." This can make your health soda taste more interesting without adding any excess sugar. Kombucha If you want to get some probiotic benefits with your prebiotic, Eloheim recommends adding a splash of kombucha to your drink. This introduces more "good" bacteria to support your gut health. Roots Several of our experts recommended adding ginger or turmeric. Cuomo says these ingredients will not only flavor your healthy soda but also deliver anti-inflammatory effects. A sample healthy soda recipe Clarke provided us with a sample recipe you can use to make a healthy alternative to soda at home. He says to combine: 8 ounces sparkling water 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon honey A pinch of sea salt He recommends a final step for added health benefits: "Ferment for 12 to 24 hours to cultivate probiotics." The bottom line FrancescoHealthy soda brands' claims might be overhyped, especially when it comes to gut health. While prebiotic drinks can introduce some of these nutrients, they can't compete with whole foods. You might still want to enjoy prebiotic soda as a little treat -- and a healthier alternative to traditional soda. To find the best one, make sure you read the label carefully. You want to see a lot of fiber and only a little bit of sugar. But remember, as Clarke says, "Consumers should view these products as occasional supplements rather than substitutes for fiber-rich diets."
