Is the TikTok Healthy Coke Recipe Worth the Hype?
The drink taking TikTok by storm right now, here's our take on "healthy coke".
Whether you’re at a barbecue or packing your beach cooler, many people turn to an ice-cold glass of soda as their summer drink of choice. And while Coca-Cola may hit the spot on a hot day, it’s not scoring you any points in the health and nutrition department.
If you’re searching for a healthier alternative, you may have come across the latest trend on TikTok called “healthy coke”. As the name suggests, this drink is said to be a more nutritious version of Coca-Cola that tastes like the real thing.
But is this coke actually healthy? We spoke to several health experts to find out—here's what you need to know.
How to Make the Healthy Coke Balsamic Vinegar Recipe
Here's the recipe for healthy coke with balsamic vinegar, crafted by TikTok user @mandyvjones:
Fill a tall glass with ice
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar
Pour in a sparkling beverage of your choice
Stir until blended
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Related: Sip Your Way to a Healthier Gut With These Sweet Summer Iced Tea Makeovers
The Health Benefits
According to nutritionists, there are, in fact, some benefits of this beverage. They include:
1. It's sugar and calorie-free
“This TikTok healthy coke alternative is considered a healthier alternative because it is virtually sugar and calorie-free compared with regular coke," says Holly Klamer, MS, RDN. "A 12-ounce can of soda can provide 39 grams of sugar, but this drink is virtually free of sugar if you use calorie-free sparkling water with balsamic vinegar."
2. It's caffeine-free
Another major difference between this healthy coke version and regular soda is the lack of caffeine.
“Unlike regular soda, this healthy coke won't provide caffeine. So, if you are trying to cut down on caffeine and looking for a soda alternative, this could be a good option if you like the taste,” Klamer states.
3. It's more hydrating
Drinking a caffeine-free, water-based drink in place of soda can hydrate the body more effectively, Klamer explains.
Related: Eat Your Way to Better Hydration! Try These 7 Fresh and Hydrating Foods
The Downsides
While healthy coke is indeed healthier than regular coke, experts agree it’s not a drink you should have every day. Here's why:
1. It can damage teeth enamel and cause staining
The acid in this beverage can erode enamel over time and as such, it can be very harmful to your teeth in the long run, Dr. Jeffrey Sulitzer, DMD, explains. One of the ingredients in the “healthy coke” is balsamic vinegar, which is highly acidic in nature and can result in erosion at the gum line, which can create a breeding ground for cavities.
2. It can cause heartburn or stomach pain
Similar to the acid in regular coke, balsamic vinegar can potentially be damaging to the body. “The balsamic vinegar can increase heartburn or stomach pain from an ulcer,” says Klamer.
3. The flavor may disappoint
“I'm all about healthy swaps like peanut butter-stuffed dates for Snickers or monk fruit-coated frozen grapes for Sour Patch–but unfortunately, this healthy coke swap may have fallen short,” Mackenzie Burgess, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices, explains.
You may find the flavor disappointing as it tastes more like fruity, tart, carbonated water rather than fizzy coke. If you're a fan of sparkling water, it can be a fun spin on your typical beverage.
However, if you're craving the flavor and sweetness of coke without all the junk and sugar, you may be better off reaching for something like Olipop. These drinks taste just like soda, plus they're filled with beneficial nutrients like fiber and prebiotics to support a healthy gut, Burgess adds.
Next up: 42 Healthy Summer Recipes You'll Actually Want to Eat on Repeat
Sources
Holly Klamer, MS, RDN
Mackenzie Burgess, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices
