Taste-Off: The best (and worst) pre- and probiotic sodas in local markets

Lose weight, cut sugar, drink healthy, exercise more … The list of possible New Year’s resolutions is endless. But if a few of these happen to be on your list, it may be time to stock up on cans of soda infused with pre- and probiotics.

Minimally sweet, refreshing and gut-friendly, these sodas come in a vast range of styles, usually made without refined sugar or artificial flavors, which makes them perfect for those craving a crisp, fizzy, low-calorie swap for old school soda pop or alcoholic beverages.

Before popping open a can, it’s best to know a a bit about these drink additives. Prebiotics are a type of fiber believed to help with digestion, absorption and immune function. Probiotics, on the other hand, help balance the bacteria in the gut and quash inflammation. Live cultures are found in fermented foods such as kefir, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar and even pickles.

While store shelves are crowded with options in at least a dozen different flavors, we narrowed the focus to those flavored with lemon and berry. We picked up every brand we could find in stores for a taste-off. (We went local, in other words, but note that nearly a dozen more are available for shipping online.)

Good pre- and probiotic sodas sparkle and fizz as they are poured into the glass. They have bold aromas and flavors that are fresh and quenching, never cloying. The bad ones put function over flavor, delivering off-putting sips that are too disgusting to swallow.

Here are details on the best gut-friendly sparkling sodas and the flat, gross cans that will send you in search of tap water. Nutrition info refers to one can or 12 ounces.

De La Calle! Tepache Modern Mexican Soda Pineapple Spice

Made with fermented pineapple, pepper and rosemary, this probiotic soda is a showstopper. It’s every bit as good as an artisan cocktail. 50 calories, 35 mg sodium, 6 g fiber, 8 g sugar. $3.19 for 12 ounces at Raley’s. (4 stars)

Poppi Raspberry Rose Prebiotic Soda

A perfect balance of fruity sweetness and aromatic rose essence make this a beautiful sip. It’s also very pretty in the glass. 25 calories, no sodium, 2 g fiber, 4 g sugar. $2.49 for 12 ounces at Safeway. (4 stars)

Trader Joe’s Ginger Lemon Probiotic Sparkling Beverage

This tart, spicy sparkler is bold and refreshing. It’s a great choice for those who like a big sour kick, but it’s not likely to please young ones who expect sodas to be sugary sweet. 30 calories, 15 mg sodium, 5 g sugar. $1.99 for 12 ounces. (3½ stars)

Culture Pop Ginger Lemon & Turmeric Probiotic Soda

A punch of lemon plus a dash of ginger and spice make this a fun libation. It’s extra fizzy, and since it’s not extreme, it’s likely to be a crowd-pleaser. 45 calories, 50 mg sodium, 8 g sugar. $2.69 for 12 ounces at Raley’s. (3½ stars)

KeVita Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade with Prebiotics

Fans of lemonade will enjoy this bright, quenching pour. It starts out sweet, but finishes a bit sour. It could use a bit more effervescence. 60 calories, 25 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 9 g sugar. $2.69 for 12 ounces at Safeway. (3 stars)

Wildwonder Sparkling Strawberry Passion Prebiotic + Probiotic

While this features lots of strawberry and a hint of passion fruit, it is notably flat. Give it some fizz, and it would score much higher. 40 calories, no sodium, 5 g fiber, 6 g sugar. $3.49 for 12 ounces at Safeway. (2½ stars)

Evolution Strawberry Vanilla

Those who prefer an extra sweet drink and don’t mind stevia may enjoy this juicy, flavorful drink. Both the strawberry and the vanilla shine through, plus it delivers 1 billion CFU probiotics. 45 calories, 15 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 5 g sugar. $2.99 for 12 ounces at Safeway. (2 stars)

Olipop Prebiotic Ginger Lemon

Luscious herbs, bright lemon and spicy ginger are a winning combo, but the lack of fizz plus too much stevia make for a disappointing finish. It’s drinkable, but not a standout. 35 calories, 25 mg sodium, 9 g fiber, 3 g sugar. $2.99 for 12 ounces at Safeway. (2 stars)

Sun Sip Strawberry Vanilla Soda with Benefits

Ripe strawberries laced with vanilla make a great start, but the addition of monk fruit as the sweetener is a huge mistake. 25 calories, no sodium, 5 g sugar. $2.99 for 11.5 ounces at Safeway. (1 star)

Trader Joe’s Organic Sparkling Lemon + Strawberry Apple Cider Vinegar

Yikes! This is wickedly sour due to far too much vinegar. This recipe needs an overhaul. 35 calories, 15 mg sodium, 8 g sugar. $1.99 for 12 ounces. (½ a star)

Daytrip Berry Citrus Prebiotic Soda

This boasts herbal aromatics and berries, but it tastes like … moldy water. 30 calories, 10 mg sodium, 7 g fiber, 5 g sugar. $2.95 for 12 ounces at Raley’s. (No stars)

Reviews are based on product samples purchased by this newspaper or provided by manufacturers. Contact Jolene Thym at timespickyeater@gmail.com. Read more Taste-off columns at www.mercurynews.com/tag/taste-off.