A Definitive Ranking of Every OLIPOP Flavor
As someone who unapologetically loves soda, I was very excited to discover a healthy alternative to my usual can of Sprite or Coca-Cola: OLIPOP. It has the carbonation that I constantly crave but also contains gut health-improving ingredients, like prebiotics, botanicals and plant fiber. It's a great way to get my sweet beverage fix for every meal without additional harmful ingredients.
I have a few favorite flavors I have consistently drank for the past couple of years, but the brand was kind enough to send even more of its offerings. Now that I have tried each one, I have opinions. Below, check out my definitive ranking of every OLIPOP can (excluding the limited edition flavors).
17. Ginger Lemon
Ugh. I almost always despise ginger. The spicy flavor doesn't appeal to my taste buds, and when I tried Ginger Lemon, I instantly thought of Starbucks' "Medicine Ball" tea. Ginger Lemon has that earthy taste that I only crave when I'm sick, and the combination of both flavors makes it hard to distinguish whether it wants to be a Sprite or Ginger Ale alternative—or neither?
Also read about: A Definitive Ranking of Fast Food Tacos
16. Watermelon Lime
Similar to ginger, there's rarely a day that I like watermelon. There's something about melon that doesn't sit well with me. Thankfully, this can didn't have a rich watermelon flavor. I can understand why someone would like it (especially if they like watermelon and lime), but I'd reach for another flavor any other day.
15. Banana Cream
Some people view the Minions as cringe, but I think they are adorable, so I was excited to see they unveiled this flavor in collaboration with the Despicable Me franchise. Overall, it's not bad. I don't typically reach for bananas because I prefer other notes more. However, as I said, it receives extra points for creative marketing.
14. Ridge Rush
Ridge Rush is a unique drink that combines classic citrus flavors: lemon, lime and orange. I have to give it to them because it has a great flavor. However, I'm someone who likes to keep my caffeine intake at a low, and it's one of the few cans that includes it (and my least favorite of the caffeinated bunch).
13. Doctor Goodwin
Slowly but surely, I've become more of a fan of Dr. Pepper. Occasionally, I'll crave it. But most days, it doesn't cross my mind. It's the same with Dr. Goodwin. It's not like I dislike it, but I'll only enjoy it when it is at the top of my mind.
12. Cherry Cola
Like Dr. Pepper, I want a Cherry Coca-Cola once every blue moon, so naturally, I will rarely think of drinking a can of OLIPOP's Cherry Cola. However, it is pretty delicious. The cherry flavoring doesn't overpower the cola. And it doesn't have a syrupy aftertaste like most healthy colas I've tried.
11. Ginger Ale
So, as I mentioned earlier, I'm not a fan of ginger, but I do love ginger ale. The initial flavor from OLIPOP's version is nearly identical to the classic soda. However, it does have that mild aftertaste that is slightly off-putting. However, it's so good that I can ignore it.
10. Vintage Cola
Coca-Cola is in my top three all-time favorite sodas, so I'm always looking forward to finding an alternative that measures up to the iconic drink. Vintage Cola might be the best alternative version. However, my standards are so high that I'm always slightly disappointed that it's not the actual product.
9. Lemon Lime
My favorite soda is Sprite. I have the same issue with Lemon Lime that I do with Vintage Cola: nothing will satisfy me like a true ice-cold can of Sprite. That said, it's a solid alternative—especially because I've tried other healthy soda brands' takes on Sprite, and they completely missed the mark.
Also read about: 6 Caffeinated Snacks for a Quick Middle-of-the-Day Pick-Me-Up
8. Orange Squeeze
Orange sodas are growing on me. I'm glad I'm not married to Orange Fanta because it wouldn't allow me to appreciate Orange Squeeze the way I do. OLIPOP shines the most in its fruity flavors. It's spot on, and they seem to lack the aftertaste I keep mentioning. Orange, in general, just isn't one of my favorite fruit flavors.
7. Cherry Vanilla
Typically, I always run to cherry-flavored anything. However, I wish the cherry in this can could be a bit stronger, and it would rank higher on my list. It'll make more sense later, but they have another vanilla combination that is much more irresistible.
6. Cream Soda
I had low expectations from Cream Soda. As I have alluded to, I feel like healthy soda brands typically don't level up when they attempt to recreate iconic sodas. However, OLIPOP really impressed me. The creamy flavor was front-and-center, and it wasn't too sweet. And again, there was no aftertaste!
5. Fresh Apple
As someone who's always looking for a sparkling apple beverage, warm spiced apple cider or a traditional glass of juice, Fresh Apple is right up my alley. Compared to the more sugary aforementioned flavor, OLIPOP's version tastes like the ripe apple you pick from your local cider mill. It's really the perfect drink for fall.
4. Classic Grape
More recently, I have strayed away from grape soda, so I didn't think I would enjoy Classic Grape. OLIPOP's take has a slightly more tart flavor than the usual sweet taste of grape flavor. I loved it a lot more for this reason, and I would be happy to see this can anywhere in the wild.
Also read about: The 5 Best Flavors to Add to Your Matcha
3. Classic Root Beer
I can't ever turn down a can of root beer. Thankfully, OLIPOP's Classic Root Beer was equally delicious as a can of A&W, Barq's and any other brand you know and love. Of all the soda replacements, Classic Root Beer is the closest to its origins. Honestly, I'd probably opt for their version of the sugary soda pop because there's zero difference with better health benefits.
2. Tropical Punch
Tropical punch is one of those flavors that gets buried under more popular picks, but it is oh-so-good. After tasting OLIPOP's blend, I will never let it go unnoticed again. It has everything you'd love—pineapple, passionfruit, apple juice and more to create the fruity flavor of your dreams. It truly is "reminiscent of your favorite childhood fruit punch," but better.
1. Strawberry Vanilla
Finally, our No. 1 winner: Strawberry Vanilla! When you drink it, you'll forget that it is supposed to be a "healthy" drink. It deserves to be amongst the most popular sodas. It has the perfect balance of strawberry and vanilla—and they complement each other so well. It's like the peanut butter and jelly of OLIPOP. Then, you add carbonation, and it becomes even better. Literally chef's kiss!
Curious to learn more about healthy sodas? Read HERE to discover six that we love.