Organic drinks, natural ingredients, less sugar, colorful packaging and influencers in charge… In recent months, new brands of sparkling drinks have been hitting the shelves. Their promise: to offer a healthier alternative to consumers. But are these products really better for your health? A dietitian-nutritionist answers us.
Leamo: simple recipes, which contrast with those of sodas
Faced with criticism of classic sodas, some brands are focusing on shorter ingredient lists and more natural positioning. This is the case of Leamo, which offers lemonades and orangeades made from fruits and vegetables.
“These are lemonades and orangeades made from organic fruits and vegetables. For example, we find an infusion of organic green tea enhanced with organic agave syrup. Why not!“, admits Pauline Pied, who considers that these drinks remain an interesting option for those who wish to abandon traditional sodas.
These recipes are in fact based on relatively simple ingredients: sparkling water, citrus fruits, cucumber… or even green tea. A composition that contrasts with that of certain ultra-processed sodas, as it could… be produced at home.
“These are ultimately things that we could very well do at home,” specifies the expert.
A homemade iced tea prepared the day before or sparkling water with lemon and mint can indeed achieve the same result.
Ciao Energy: an energy drink above all
Another brand that’s getting people talking: Ciao Energy, a product launched by Squeezie (already known for Ciao Kombucha), as well as the influencers Léna Situations and Inoxtag. Sold for 1.49 euros for 250 ml, this can is available in all stores and promises to be 2.7 times less sweet than its competitors. But unlike Leamo, it is not a soda or lemonade. The drink belongs to the category of energy drinks.
An important nuance, believes Pauline Pied.
“For now, we have to make the distinction”,
explains the expert.
Indeed, if the brand highlights its reduced sugar content thanks to stevia, as well as the presence of B group vitamins (B3, B6 and B8), these arguments are not enough to make this drink a health ally.
“These are vitamins that are already found in meat and cereals. So this does not mean that the product is better for your health,” reminds the nutritionist.
Beware of the trap of “natural” marketing
Organic, natural, plant-based… These terms often reassure consumers. Worse still, they seduce them. However, none of these terms guarantee that this or that product is good for your health.
This is particularly true for energy drinks, including the one sold by the trio of influencers. Rich in caffeine, Ciao Energy does not necessarily do the body any good.
“Consumption of energy drinks carries certain risks. Caffeine can disrupt sleep, increase nervousness and, in some people, cause palpitations and even tachycardia,” warns the expert.
According to her, the main risk is to see certain consumers wrongly associate the natural image of the product with an absence of danger.
“I’m a little afraid that younger people will say: ‘It’s natural, it’s sold by our favorite YouTube influencers, so it’s better for your health.’ But that’s not the case.”
Ultimately, these new drinks respond to a growing demand for more natural products (or perceived as such). And if some can constitute a one-off alternative to classic sodas, they should not make us forget the essential: an organic, plant-based drink or one worn by influencers is not automatically better for your health. And above all: they should never replace water!