Many people savor the refreshing lime flavor of Sprite, a lemon-lime flavored soft drink made by The Coca-Cola Company. Since some similar sodas have high caffeine levels, one might wonder whether the same holds for Sprite.
Those keeping a watch on their caffeine intake would be pleased to know that Sprite is indeed caffeine-free. With that said, Sprite contains high levels of sugar and could boost one’s energy levels the way caffeine does.
A 375ml can of the soda contains 140 calories with carbs and 38 grams coming from added sugar. Even though Sprite is caffeine-free, if consumed in excess, people can experience an immediate increase in blood sugar levels, consequently increasing energy, which may result in jitters or anxiety, similar to those who consume high amounts of caffeine.
Also, consuming excessive added sugar can lead to weight gain and other health conditions, such as diabetes.
According to the American Heart Association, adult men and women can consume a maximum of 36 grams and 25 grams of added sugars, respectively, whereas a 375ml can of Sprite contains 38 grams, easily exceeding these suggestions.
Therefore, one should limit Sprite’s daily intake and other soft drinks as much as possible, especially for those who suffer from underlying health issues such as diabetes.
One might question whether Sprite Zero is a healthier alternative than the regular sugar-loaded Sprite, as it does not have any added sugar. While it also does not contain caffeine like its traditional counterpart, it does have artificial sweetener aspartame in place of sugar.
Since there is no conclusive evidence of artificial sweeteners’ long term safety as yet, extensive research will be needed to recommend Sprite Zero as a healthier and safer substitute.
However, there are various healthier alternatives one could consider in place of Sprite. You could make a similar drink by combining club soda with lemons and lime juice.
Another choice could be drinks made from natural flavors, like La Croix. Also, tea or coffee is a good choice for those not keeping a watch on their caffeine intake. Ask nutritionists and doctors and do research before having La Croix.
To conclude, Sprite might be a caffeine-free drink that provides you with a sudden boost of energy; however, it should be consumed at a minimum level due to its sugary content. While Sprite Zero might seem like a healthier alternative, it contains artificial sweetener, which requires more research before it could be termed as a safe substitute for sugar.
Therefore, one should consider relatively healthier options such as lemon-lime sparkling water or sugar-free coffee and tea.
