What Are Off Brand or Alternative Soda Brands?

What Are Off Brand Sodas?

Off brand sodas refer to soda brands that are not among the major mainstream brands like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Sprite. Sometimes referred to as secondary or minor brands, off brand sodas are typically value oriented, cheaper alternatives to the big name carbonated drinks.

Common Off Brand Soda Names

Some examples of popular off brand or alternative soda brands include:

• Faygo
• Shasta
• Big K
• Kirkland Signature Soda (Costco brand)
• Sam's Choice Soda (Walmart brand)
• Great Value Soda (Walmart brand)
• Shoppers Value (SuperValu brand)
• Western Family

Smaller Regional Brands are Also Considered Off Brand

Certain regional, boutique, or specialty soda makers also fall into the off brand category since they don't yet have widespread major brand name recognition and distribution.

Cost Savings of Off Brand Sodas

Off brand sodas tend to cost 20 to 40% less on average when compared to the equivalent mainstream soda brands and varieties. There are several factors that contribute to the lower price points of off brand soda options:

Ingredients and Formulations

Off brand sodas typically do not invest significantly in proprietary, brand name flavor innovations or rare natural ingredients. This keeps formulation costs low.

Lean Manufacturing Processes

Secondary soda brands generally run very efficient manufacturing operationsfocusing more on volume and reducing operating costs rather than extensive brand building activities.

Lower Advertising Budgets

Major soda makers allocate over a billion dollars a year to advertising and promotions. Off brands put little into marketing, keeping their pricing down.

Less Distributor Negotiation Power from Big Retailers

Major chains exert enormous pressure on top brands for trade discounts and promotional subsidiescosts that get passed to consumers. Meanwhile off brands lack the scale and name recognition for stores to warrant large discounts.

Taste and Perceived Quality Differences

For consumers loyal to famous Coca-Cola and Pepsi sodas, switching to off brands may take some adjustment to perceived differences in fizziness, sweetness, bitterness, aftertaste or mouthfeel. However taste differences do vary across specific off brand labels and varieties.

Sweetness

Some alternative sodas ramp up sweetness to differentiate themselves, while others aim for more balanced flavor profiles closer to leading brands.

Carbonation

Fizziness and bubbly sensation can noticeably fluctuate between off brandsfrom almost flat to very effervescent.

Flavor Accuracy

Certain off brands closely replicate brand name flavors quite well, while others have detectable variances.

In blind taste tests, off brand sodas surprisingly beat out name brands on occasion. Much of taste perception comes down to personal preference and what consumers grew up drinking.

Off Brand Soda Ingredients

From a dietary and nutritional standpoint, most alternative soda brands differ little fundamentally from market leaders like Coke and Pepsi. They share essentially the same basic ingredients and attributes:

Carbonated Water

All sodas contain carbon dioxide blended into water to provide characteristic fizziness and bite.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Nearly all mainstream and off brand sodas derive their sweetness primarily from high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), several spoonfuls per can.

Caramel Coloring

Many dark colored cola sodas contain caramel coloring, providing visual appeal more than flavor. Light sodas eschew this additive.

Natural and Artificial Flavors

Added flavors create the taste profile consumers expect. Off brands may rely more on cheaper artificial flavorings to reduce costs.

Preservatives

Preservatives like potassium benzoate and sodium benzoate allow safe bottling in large batches for extended shelf life.

Caffeine

Most cola type sodas infuse caffeine for its light stimulant effect, typically around 34 mg per 12 oz can.

Zero Calories vs Full Sugar

Both leading brands and off brands offer zero calorie diet sodas sweetened with non-nutritive sweeteners like aspartame alongside their regular full sugar varieties.

Health Concerns Around Off Brand Sodas

Health authorities have set nutrition guidelines advising no more than 36 ounces (3 cans worth) of sugar-sweetened soda per week. Both mainstream and off brands face growing scrutiny over high empty calorie and sugar content contributing to obesity risks when consumed excessively. However, moderate soda intake generally poses no significant health issues for most consumers.

Weight Gain and Obesity

Heavy soda consumption adds extra fat storing calories and blood sugar spiking sugars that promote weight gain over time when habitually drinking multiple cans daily.

Tooth Decay and Erosion

The acidic, sugary combo wears down tooth enamel protections over years of frequent exposure.

Type 2 Diabetes

Excess blood sugar stressed pancreatic functions can gradually contribute to insulin resistance and diabetes risk in susceptible individuals.

Moderating total weekly soda intake to 36 ounces or less helps avoid negative impacts while still allowing occasional enjoyment of sodas.

Finding Good Tasting And Affordable Off Brand Sodas

Trying a few different alternative soda options across various retailers can help discover new affordable favorites:

Sample Different Flavors

Branch out beyond just cola and lemon-lime options to expand taste horizons.

Rate Carbonation Level

Try mellower versus livelier bubbly brands to find pleasing fizziness.

Compare Sweetness

Experiment between extremely sweet brands and those closer to famous brand formulas.

Read Soda Review Blogs

Beverage enthusiast blogs and YouTube channels detail taste test findings guiding good off brand selections.

Armed with a little guidance, saving money switching to underdog soda brands need not mean sacrificing satisfying thirst quenching enjoyment.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.