Guest Author - Denise Oliveri

Every soda we drink, on average, contains about 14 cups of sugar. That is an unbelievable amount of empty calories. They are empty calories because they help fatten us up, but offer us no nutritional value, whatsoever. Parents are getting wise about this fact, and often limit or totally ban their child's consumption of soda products.

With soda companies realizing that less kids are able to enjoy soda on a regular basis because of the more health-conscious environment we live in, plus based on other factors, they have launched new beverage products that claim to be healthier because of adding vitamins and minerals to soda. But, will this really help their sales? Maybe some folks will buy it because of the claim of being a more nutritious beverage choice. Others may be skeptical that just by adding vitamins and minerals to a beverage will not necessarily make it any healthier to consume. The verdict is still out on how well these products will do in convincing us that they are now healthy.

Coca-Cola introduced Diet Coke Plus, which came on the U.S. market in April 2007. It is enriched with vitamin B3, B6, and B12. It also contains zinc and magnesium. Coca-Cola feels good about the product they have introduced and stands their ground that this is a healthy alternative to regular sodas.

Will it affect the taste that we have come to know and expect in our favorite soda products? Coca-Cola is not too concerned because they will still offer the same line of beverages that they have all along. Diet Coke will not change. Diet Coke Plus is an addition to their line, not a replacement.

So, how is the competition taking the news of Coca-Cola trying a new healthier beverage for consumers? Pepsi responds with Tava, their version of a vitamin-enriched soda. Their variation of a healthy alternative will include vitamins B3, B6, and E as well as chromium, which is an essential mineral that our bodies need, but has to be obtained through food consumption. Our bodies cannot make it.

I believe that the tried-and-true method of eating your fruits and vegetables is the #1 way to make sure you are eating a healthy diet and getting the nutrients that your body needs to stay strong. While I like to splurge on a soda now-and-then, I don't think I will be going out of my way any time soon to try a vitamin-packed soda because I think it will improve my lifestyle. Soda is just a fun beverage for me and my family. How about you?

Have you tried Diet Coke Plus or Tava? I would love to hear your opinions of these two new products.