The World Health Organization has recently declared that aspartame, an artificial sweetener, is “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” This places it in the same risk category as other hazardous activities like inhaling engine exhaust, working in dry-cleaning, and consuming certain pickled vegetables. To put yourself at risk, you would need to consume a significant amount of aspartame, such as drinking a dozen cans of diet soda in a day, based on the new safe consumption guideline of 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
While this news may concern devoted diet-drink enthusiasts, there are plenty of aspartame-free alternatives available. Here are 11 options to consider:
1. Iced Tea: Although it doesn’t resemble or taste exactly like diet cola, iced tea contains tannins that mimic some of the complexities of Diet Coke. It also provides a caffeine boost, keeping you awake and focused.
2. Kombucha: This lightly caffeinated beverage is made from fermented black or green tea. It offers a gentle effervescence, a touch of sweetness, and potential benefits for your gut microbiome.
3. Sparkling Water: Choose any brand or flavor of sparkling water. It provides the fizziness you desire and comes in convenient cans, offering a satisfying experience when opened.
4. Seltzer and Bitters: A favorite among pregnant women and non-alcoholic drinkers, this zippy combination is both sophisticated and refreshing.
5. Pomegranate Juice and Club Soda: This mixture delivers the bright and tangy qualities reminiscent of a refreshing Diet Coke, complete with a perky pink foam.
6. Prosecco: Considered the soda pop of sparkling wines, Prosecco may not be low-calorie, and alcohol itself is deemed carcinogenic. However, it can be your chosen indulgence if you’re willing to accept the trade-offs.
7. Shrubs: These locally sourced, hipster-inspired concoctions consist of fruit-infused vinegar and bubbly water. They come in various flavors like rhubarb-beet and turmeric-cucumber, adding a unique twist to your beverage options.
8. ‘Healthy Coke’: A TikTok sensation, this drink combines seltzer and balsamic vinegar. It offers the bubbles and mahogany hue of diet cola, with some claiming it tastes almost identical. Plus, you can repurpose it as a salad dressing when vinaigrette ingredients are scarce.
9. D.I.Y. Cola: Andrew Schloss’s book, “Homemade Soda,” provides a recipe for a natural cola made with fresh and dried citrus zest, coriander, nutmeg, and Kitchen Bouquet browning sauce. It offers a complex, amaro-like flavor profile and can be carbonated using a CO2 siphon for frothy perfection. Only for the most devoted enthusiasts.
10. Sugared Soft Drinks: If you’re feeling nostalgic, these are the versions you initially fell in love with. However, be mindful of the health risks associated with excessive sugar or corn syrup consumption. Enjoy them occasionally.
11. Water: This is the simplest solution – sugarless, easily accessible, and free. However, even water has its risks. Drinking more than a quart per hour, especially during strenuous activities, can lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances. It’s crucial to moderate your intake of any beverage to maintain good health.
Remember, moderation is key when consuming any beverage. Choose what you drink wisely and enjoy it responsibly.
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