Yes, several soda brands now use stevia as a sweetener, including Zevia (stevia extract alone) and Coca-Cola Life (a stevia-and-sugar blend).
The soda aisle can feel like a minefield. On one side, sugary drinks that spike blood sugar; on the other, diet sodas packed with artificial sweeteners that some people prefer to avoid. Stevia-sweetened sodas try to split the difference — zero calories from the sweetener itself but no aspartame or sucralose.
The short answer is yes, they exist, and the list is growing. Which brands carry them and how they taste depends on the sweetener blend and the specific product line.
Why Stevia Sodas Exist
Most people look for stevia-sweetened sodas because they want to cut sugar without switching to artificial sweeteners. Health agencies including the Mayo Clinic have clarified that sugar substitutes like stevia do not cause serious health problems and are not linked to a higher risk of cancer, which gives many people peace of mind.
Stevia comes from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, which makes it a natural option rather than a lab-created one. Consumer Reports notes that because stevia is plant-derived, some consider it a natural sweetener rather than an artificial one.
The catch is taste. Stevia is about 200 to 400 times sweeter than table sugar, and its aftertaste is noticeable to many people. Soda makers often blend stevia with other sweeteners or sugar to mask that finish.
Why People Seek Out Stevia Sodas
People reach for stevia-sweetened sodas for several practical reasons. The biggest drivers tend to be health goals, taste preferences, and ingredient philosophy.
- Zero calories from sweetener: Stevia is a non-nutritive sweetener, meaning it has almost no calories or carbohydrates. That makes it attractive for anyone watching their daily calorie intake.
- No artificial ingredients: Because stevia is derived from a plant, many people see it as a more natural choice than aspartame, saccharin, or sucralose.
- Dental health: The NHS notes that using no-calorie sweeteners in food and drink, as long as the product contains no sugars, can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
- Blood sugar management: Since stevia doesn’t contain sugar or carbs, it doesn’t raise blood glucose in the same way that regular soda does.
- Weight management: Replacing a full-sugar soda with a stevia-sweetened version trims out roughly 150 calories per can — a swap that can add up over time.
Stevia isn’t the only option; monk fruit and allulose are also popular natural sweeteners. But stevia has the widest availability in mainstream soda brands right now.
Which Brands Offer Stevia Sodas
The number of stevia-sweetened sodas has grown in recent years, though they still make up a small slice of the shelf. Zevia is the most well-known brand — its products contain water, stevia extract, and natural flavors, with no other sweeteners. Coca-Cola Life uses a blend of sugar and stevia leaf extract, which gives it roughly 35% fewer calories per fluid ounce compared to standard cola, according to the brand’s product information.
WebMD explains that stevia is about 200 to 400 times sweeter than table sugar, which is why only a tiny amount is needed to sweeten a 12-ounce can. The table below compares the main stevia-soda options on the market.
| Brand | Sweetener Used | Calories per 12 oz | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zevia | Stevia extract only | 0 | Widest flavor range; no sugar or artificial sweeteners |
| Coca-Cola Life | Stevia leaf extract + sugar | ~90 | Reduced-calorie blend; tastes closer to regular cola |
| Pepsi True (discontinued in many regions) | Stevia + sugar | ~90 | Mid-calorie option; limited availability |
| Virgil’s Zero Sugar | Stevia + erythritol | 0 | Uses a stevia blend; natural flavors |
| Blue Sky Zero Sugar | Stevia leaf extract | 0 | Part of Coca‑Cola portfolio; fewer flavors |
Availability varies by region. Zevia is the most widely distributed, and Coca-Cola Life has been more common internationally (Mexico, Europe) than in the U.S. during recent years.
How to Pick a Stevia Soda You’ll Actually Like
Taste is the main hurdle with stevia. The aftertaste — often described as licorice-like or metallic — turns some people off. Here are a few factors that make a difference.
- Look for blends. A stevia-and-sugar blend (like Coca-Cola Life) mutes the aftertaste significantly. Pure stevia sodas like Zevia have a stronger finish that some people adapt to over time.
- Check the flavor lineup. Fruit-flavored stevia sodas (orange, lemon-lime, grape) tend to mask the aftertaste better than cola or root beer, where the sweetness is more exposed.
- Try it cold. Many people find that stevia’s aftertaste is less noticeable when the soda is ice-cold. Pour it over a full glass of ice.
- Give your palate time. Regular soda drinkers often notice the difference strongly at first. After a week or two of drinking stevia-sweetened sodas, many people report the aftertaste fades or becomes unnoticeable.
If you’re switching from diet soda, stevia may taste more natural right away. If you’re coming from regular sugar soda, a stevia-sugar blend is probably the smoother transition.
Are Stevia Sodas a Healthy Choice?
Stevia is classified as a non-nutritive sweetener, meaning it adds nearly zero calories to your diet. Healthline’s overview notes that stevia is a non-nutritive sweetener with almost no calories, which is one reason it’s popular among people trying to reduce sugar intake.
Health authorities broadly agree that stevia is safe at typical consumption levels. The Mayo Clinic and NHS both support its use. However, the overall healthiness of a stevia soda still depends on what else is in the can — some contain phosphoric acid, caffeine, or preservatives that may be less ideal in large amounts.
One area of ongoing research is stevia’s effect on hormones. Steviol glycosides share a structural similarity to steroids, and one study suggests that stevia use can increase progesterone levels. This research is limited, and major health agencies have not flagged it as a safety concern, but it’s worth noting if you’re pregnant or have hormone-sensitive conditions. The table below summarizes the key health characteristics of stevia compared to other sweeteners.
| Sweetener Type | Calories per Serving | Effect on Blood Sugar | General Safety Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stevia | 0 | No effect | Recognized as safe by major health agencies |
| Sugar (sucrose) | ~49 (per 12 oz can) | Raises blood sugar | Safe in moderation; excess linked to metabolic issues |
| Aspartame | 0 | No effect | FDA-approved but controversial; some people report sensitivity |
| Sucralose (Splenda) | 0 | Minimal effect | Generally considered safe; some studies question long-term effect |
Ultimately, the healthiest soda is the one you drink least — but if you’re looking for a middle ground between sugary sodas and artificial sweeteners, stevia-sweetened options are a reasonable choice supported by health authority safety reviews.
The Bottom Line
Yes, stevia-sweetened sodas exist, with Zevia and Coca-Cola Life being the most recognizable brands. Stevia provides sweetness without calories or artificial ingredients, making it a practical swap for anyone cutting back on sugar. Taste takes some getting used to, especially with pure-stevia options, but blends and cold serving temperature can help.
If you’re managing blood sugar, weight, or overall sugar intake, a stevia soda could fit into your routine — but it’s still a processed beverage. Your registered dietitian or doctor can help you decide whether stevia-sweetened drinks align with your specific health goals, especially if you have any concerns about hormone balance or are on a specialized diet.
References & Sources
- WebMD. “What Is Stevia” Stevia is about 200 to 400 times sweeter than table sugar.
- Healthline. “Stevia Side Effects” Stevia is a non-nutritive sweetener, meaning it has almost no calories or carbohydrates.