14 Top Grape Soda Brands Ranked Worst to Best
The Case for Grape Soda: A Comprehensive Ranking
Grape-flavored things often get a bad rap. From the purple Skittles to grape lollipops, they’re frequently overlooked in favor of more vibrant flavors. But it’s time to give grape soda its due. It deserves as much recognition as any other fruit flavor, especially when it comes to soda.
To highlight this, I embarked on a mission to rank every grape soda I could find. I visited local grocers and even checked out a shop with vintage soda bottles. My main focus was the flavor, though secondary factors like probiotic content also played a role in the final ranking.
14. Whirly Pop
Whirly Pop didn’t start off well. Its lollipop-themed label was visually appealing, but the soda inside left much to be desired. The flavor was vague and artificial, with an overwhelming sweetness that felt like drinking liquified candy. I couldn’t get past the melted-lollipop vibe and barely managed a single sip.
13. Spindrift
Spindrift’s grape soda surprised me with how much I disliked it. While it had four ingredients — carbonated water, concord grape juice, apple juice, and lemon juice — the citrus-forward flavor made it hard to identify as grape. The combination of citrus and grape wasn’t palatable, and I wouldn’t drink it again.
12. Nehi
Nehi is a vintage brand, and while it’s transparent about being artificially flavored, the taste didn’t live up to expectations. The grape notes were weak, and it felt like drinking thin grape syrup. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t my favorite either.
11. Culture Pop
Culture Pop’s probiotic soda was underwhelming. The inclusion of lemon juice and elderflower made it tart and unbalanced. While it had some health benefits, the flavor fell short compared to others on the list.
10. Zotz
Zotz’s grape soda had a potent grape flavor, but it leaned heavily on artificial notes, reminiscent of Jolly Ranchers. It wasn’t the worst, but it still didn’t win me over.
9. Fanta
Fanta’s grape soda was mediocre at best. It had a subtle, natural flavor but lacked the punch of other options. It was sweet, but not overly so, and it earned a solid ninth spot.
8. Frostie
Frostie stood out for its real grape flavor and balanced sweetness. It had a depth of flavor similar to vintage Coca-Cola, though the sugar content kept it from higher placement.
7. Olipop
Olipop’s herbal, tea-like flavor didn’t appeal to me. While it had health benefits, the botanicals and plant fiber detracted from the overall experience.
6. Ramuné
Ramuné impressed with its natural, juicy grape flavor. It was slightly less sweet than others, making it a refreshing choice.
5. Simple Truth Organic
Simple Truth Organic offered a subtle yet distinct grape flavor with added gut benefits. It was a pleasant, gentle soda that I’d enjoy at gatherings.
4. Cove
Cove’s probiotic soda was neutral but flavorful. It struck a good balance between sweetness and grape flavor without introducing other elements.
3. Zevia
Zevia’s zero-calorie grape soda was a standout. It had a natural, non-artificial flavor and was just sweet enough. Though it didn’t have gut benefits, its taste alone earned it a top-three spot.
2. Poppi
Poppi’s grape soda was a pleasant surprise. The addition of apple juice gave it a well-rounded body, and it avoided the citrus-heavy approach of some competitors.
1. Slice
Slice took the top spot with its pure, potent grape flavor and gut-friendly ingredients. It was natural, juicy, and free of artificial additives. It hit all the right notes and was an easy choice for the number one spot.
Methodology
I compiled the list by visiting multiple grocery stores and gathering a variety of grape sodas. Flavor was the primary factor, with considerations for sweetness, authenticity, and additional flavor notes. Vintage sodas generally ranked lower due to their high sugar content and less appealing taste profiles. The top contenders had a natural, fruity, and punchy grape flavor that I truly enjoyed.