Best Sodas to Drink in 2025

Whether you’re chasing a nostalgic fizz or reaching for something bold and refreshing, soda is more than just a drink — it’s a cultural icon. In 2025, soda brands are blending timeless taste with modern flair, evolving to meet new generations of fans while staying true to what made them classics in the first place.

In this guide, we’re ranking the best soda brands you can crack open right now — based on flavor, branding, availability, and overall vibe.

Or if you are looking for a zero-calorie option, you can check out the best diet sodas.

Table of Contents - Best Sodas

1. Coca-Cola

2. Pepsi

3. Dr. Pepper

4. Mountain Dew

5. A&W Root Beer

Best Sodas FAQ

Best Sodas

1. Coca-Cola

Best For: Timeless refreshment and global appeal

Why We Love It: There’s nothing quite like an ice-cold Coke. With its signature balance of sweetness and acidity, Coca-Cola remains the undisputed king of soda.

Flavors: Original, Cherry, Vanilla, Coke Zero, and more

Taste Test Verdict: Crisp and satisfying with just the right bite. The gold standard for cola flavor.

Packaging: Iconic red cans and bottles

Vibe: Classic, confident, and universally recognized

Calories: 140 (12 oz)

Sugar: 39g

Sweetener (Diet Varieties): Aspartame

Origin: USA

Coca-Cola isn’t just a soda — it’s a symbol. From vintage diners to high-tech vending machines, Coke is always in style.

2. Pepsi

Best For: Sweet cola lovers and bold branding

Why We Love It: Sweeter than Coke and proudly different, Pepsi has built a passionate following over the decades with its smoother finish and marketing edge.

Flavors: Original, Wild Cherry, Mango, Zero Sugar

Taste Test Verdict: Bold and smooth with an upfront sweetness that’s easy to love.

Packaging: Vibrant blue and silver branding

Vibe: Youthful, competitive, and pop-culture savvy

Calories: 150 (12 oz)

Sugar: 41g

Sweetener (Diet Varieties): Aspartame or sucralose

Origin: USA

Whether you’re team Coke or team Pepsi, there’s no denying Pepsi knows how to make a statement — in flavor and advertising.

3. Dr. Pepper

Best For: Complex flavor fans and soda nerds

Why We Love It: With its 23-flavor blend, Dr. Pepper delivers a taste unlike anything else. It’s a little cherry, a little spice, and all attitude.

Flavors: Original, Cherry, Cream Soda, Diet, Strawberries & Cream

Taste Test Verdict: Rich, spicy, and totally addictive. A deep, unique soda experience.

Packaging: Burgundy, bold, and retro-cool

Vibe: Quirky, rebellious, and full of personality

Calories: 150 (12 oz)

Sugar: 41g

Sweetener (Diet Varieties): Aspartame

Origin: USA (Texas-born)

Dr. Pepper doesn’t follow soda rules — it writes its own. A go-to for those who like their drinks a little different.

4. Mountain Dew

Best For: Gamers, thrill-seekers, and neon lovers

Why We Love It: Mountain Dew’s high-energy vibe and intense citrus punch have made it a cult favorite, especially with younger fans and extreme sports lovers.

Flavors: Original, Code Red, Baja Blast, Voltage, Zero Sugar options

Taste Test Verdict: Sweet, tangy, and buzzing with caffeine. A drink that dares you to keep up.

Packaging: Electric colors and bold fonts

Vibe: Extreme, energized, and unapologetic

Calories: 170 (12 oz)

Sugar: 46g

Caffeine: 54 mg

Origin: USA

Mountain Dew is more than a soda — it’s a movement. If you like living on the edge, Dew’s your ride-or-die.

5. A&W Root Beer

Best For: Smooth sipping and nostalgic floats

Why We Love It: Rich and creamy with notes of vanilla and spice, A&W delivers that old-school root beer experience in every sip. Perfect over ice — or vanilla ice cream.

Flavors: Classic Root Beer, Cream Soda

Taste Test Verdict: Mellow and creamy with a natural sassafras profile.

Packaging: Brown tones and vintage design

Vibe: Americana, diner-style, and chill

Calories: 160 (12 oz)

Sugar: 44g

Sweetener (Diet Varieties): Aspartame

Origin: USA (founded in California, 1919)

From drive-ins to backyard BBQs, A&W brings comfort and cool with its frothy, old-fashioned charm.

Best Sodas FAQ

Which soda is the most popular in the world?

Coca-Cola holds the crown globally, with billions of servings consumed daily.

What’s the difference between Coke and Pepsi?

Coke is slightly more acidic and less sweet, while Pepsi has a smoother, sweeter taste profile.

Is soda still popular in 2025?

Yes! While sparkling water is on the rise, soda remains a favorite indulgence, with brands evolving to offer more diet and zero-sugar options.

Which soda has the most caffeine?

Mountain Dew typically packs the most punch, with 54mg of caffeine per can.

Can soda be part of a healthy diet?

Yes, in moderation. Many brands now offer zero-calorie and diet versions for those looking to cut sugar without sacrificing fizz.