The debate regarding the safety of diet soda consumption rages on, but the general consensus is that moderate or occasional diet soda consumption is fine for most individuals. According to MedLine Plus, some diet sodas may actually provide benefits, such as preventing kidney stones. Just remember, regular or daily diet soda consumption increases your risk of obesity and metabolic disease, so drink in moderation.
Colas
Cola drinks generally come in a brown color and include additives like caffeine. Cola drinkers usually identify a slight cinnamon or vanilla flavor. You can choose name-brand diet colas like Coke, Pepsi or RC Cola, or you can choose store-brand colas. Taste test several varieties to find the version you like best. You may find that you prefer one flavor of artificial sweetener over another. For instance, Diet Coke uses more aspartame than Coke Zero, giving it a different flavor.
Citrus Sodas
When thinking of citrus sodas, brand names like 7Up, Sprite and Sunkist come to mind. You can also choose citrus sodas in store-brand varieties for a lower cost and nearly identical taste. Citrus sodas flavored with lemon or lime are often clear, while orange-flavored sodas appear...orange. Unlike other brands of diet sodas, citrus sodas are often caffeine-free. And, according to the MedlinePlus website, diet citrus sodas may help prevent kidney stones because of the high level of citrate in their formulas.
Other Diet Sodas
Other diet sodas come in a variety of flavors and styles. If you like artificially flavored fruit drinks, you can choose from grape, cherry or even watermelon-flavored soda. Other options include root beer, ginger ale or cream soda, all of which come in diet varieties and branded or store brand options.
If you don't care for flavor but still want the fizz of carbonation, consider club soda. You can drink it straight or add sliced fruit to give it a hint of flavor.
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