The Rise of “Dirty Soda”: A Trend to Watch
A new beverage craze called “dirty soda” is gaining attention, but health experts are raising concerns about its impact on wellness.
What is Dirty Soda?
Dirty soda is not your ordinary soft drink. It combines soda with extras like flavored syrups, cream, fruit juices, and other toppings. The mix creates a sweet drink that resembles a soft drink, mocktail, and dessert rolled into one.
These drinks can pack a hefty punch, delivering between 250 to 400 calories and a startling 55 to 70 grams of sugar in just one serving. This amount often exceeds the daily added sugar limit recommended by health authorities, as noted by Erin Palinski-Wade, a registered dietitian from New Jersey.
Palinski-Wade described dirty sodas as more dessert-like than traditional soft drinks, even when starting with diet soda. She also cautioned that these drinks can be especially risky for people with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or diabetes. The combination of quickly absorbed sugars and cream can lead to sudden spikes and drops in blood sugar levels, resulting in increased hunger and fatigue.
Origin and Popularity
The dirty soda trend started in Utah at a soda shop known as Swig. This shift was partly because many individuals in the Mormon community sought alternatives to coffee. Social media and popular television shows helped boost their popularity.
Today, dirty sodas are popping up everywhere—from restaurant menus to grocery stores. Major brands like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have jumped on the trend, introducing unique variations like Coca-Cola Cherry Float and Dirty Mountain Dew Cream Soda. Fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Dunkin’ also feature these drinks.
One notable entry into the market is from Crumbl, a cookie shop, which has introduced its version of dirty soda. However, Dr. Mark Hyman has criticized Crumbl’s drink for containing a staggering 186 grams of sugar—equivalent to eating 19 Krispy Kreme donuts. He warned that such high sugar levels could have severe health consequences.
Health Risks Ahead
Experts are voicing serious concerns about the health implications of dirty sodas. Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst, labeled these drinks as “very unhealthy,” highlighting their high sugar, empty calories, and saturated fats. He warns that regular consumption could lead to harmful patterns, potentially increasing the risks of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
Dietitian Tanya Freirich echoed these warnings, explaining that excess sugar boosts the likelihood of various serious health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. She suggested healthier alternatives, like sparkling water mixed with fruits, for those craving a sweet, non-alcoholic drink.
Dr. Kenneth J. Perry emphasized that sugary drinks like dirty sodas could lead to a cycle of overconsumption due to their low nutritional value and high sugar content. He highlighted that each additional sugary beverage increases the risk of developing serious health problems.
Conclusion
While dirty soda may be a fun indulgence for some, experts advise keeping an eye on consumption due to its potential health risks. Limiting these beverages and treating them as an occasional treat could be a wise choice for maintaining a balanced diet.
