5 Canadian Soft Drinks to Sip on This Summer

Last spring, I attended the Canadian Health Food Association trade show and discovered some incredible ready-to-drink non-alcoholic beverages with different properties. Some drinks are low sugar, some inspire gut health, some invite sleep and much more. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during these hot days when many of us are on the dehyd-side. Here are five Canadian soft drink brands to buy, sip and enjoy. 

5 Canadian Soft Drink Brands to Sip This Summer

1. Clarity Kombucha

“Booch Please“—perhaps the best brand catchphrase ever and I wish I’d written it. However, credit goes to the owners of Clarity Kombucha, born on Vancouver Island and made in East Vancouver. Sharing a passion for gut health, lifelong best friends Shasta and India created their initial recipe for this kombucha in their home kitchen. It has since grown to become a notable brand in the kombucha market. Using delicious combos of local fruits, herbs and natural fermentation, this probiotic comes in a variety of flavours that are fresh and tasty. Clarity is kombucha for the non-kombucha lover, and I’m so in. 

2. Ideally

B.C.-based Ideally’s Straight Zzzs for sleep is a bedtime bevvie I like to sip while reading my book or sneaking in that last episode on Netflix before bed. This drink is low-sugar and made with a lovely blend of lavender and chamomile, ingredients both known for their relaxing properties. It also contains 100 mg of magnesium and 23 mg of L-theanine, which naturopaths often suggest for those who struggle with falling asleep and staying asleep. Rest assured (get it?) this drink is mild and doesn’t come with a side of morning grogginess like a strong sleep aid might.  

3. Partake Brewing‘s Hop Twist

Partake’s Hop Twist is a refreshing, citrusy zero-alcohol sipper. Made with hops that deliver a very slight beery taste, these brews are ideal for the gluten-free (like me) among us. When you crave a summertime beer without the buzz (and can’t have it because even zero alcohol beers contain gluten) this is a satisfying alternative. Keep a six-pack of this Calgary-based brand in the fridge for your next barbecue or picnic. 

4. Say It Ain’t Soda

Say It Ain’t Soda’s drinks have natural fruit juice and botanicals with no added flavours, and are low in sugar. It’s the sophisticated flavour combos from this Vancouver brand that got me, like the Blossoming Orchard with lime, pear and lavender or the Trip to the Tropics with grapefruit, guava and hibiscus. These drinks are pretty enough to pour into a cocktail glass for at-home happy hour, or just drink it from the can at your desk like a fancy pop.

5. Gingerbug

Gingerbug’s prebiotic soda comes in three flavours made with organic ginger juice, which is nice and easy on the gut. This drink is calming, soothing and downright healthy for digestion because ginger is a prebiotic. Some of the flavours include Smooth, Dry/Low Sugar and Spicy, which has a serious ginger kick. You’ll ditch traditional ginger ale once you find your favourite Gingerbug flavour.