New Soda is Not Just Healthy; Fans Say it's the 'Flavor of Your Dreams"

WCTU CLEVELAND 13 — Culture Pop, a probiotic soda brand known for its health-focused beverages, has launched a new Grape Soda flavor, now available nationwide at retailers such as Target, Whole Foods, and Amazon. The release, announced on April 22, 2025, seeks to offer a "grown-up" take on the classic grape sodas that defined many childhoods in the 1990s.

"Growing up doesn't mean letting go of what you loved—it means finding a version that's grown with you," Culture Pop said in its official product announcement. True to this philosophy, the new soda blends white grape juice, Concord grape juice, and lemon juice, amounting to 20% real fruit juice per can. The soda contains no refined sugars or artificial sweeteners and includes live probiotics aimed at supporting gut health.

Culture Pop introduced the Grape Soda through an Instagram post featuring a purple can paired with a nostalgic juice box-style straw. The caption read, "GRAPE SODA GREW UP... and it tastes even better than you remember.” Fans quickly responded with enthusiasm, calling the new beverage a "masterpiece" and "the best flavor yet."

Multiple outlets, including Allrecipes and Irishstar.com, reported that early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Customers praised the soda's lightly sweet flavor and health-forward ingredients. One Instagram user shared, "I have had one can and can tell you it’s my favorite and I now crave it! So good," while another stated, "This is the perfect flavor for those who love grape soda but don't want all the sugar. 10/10!"

The release comes amid a broader national conversation around soda consumption and health risks. The Cleveland Clinic has consistently warned about the dangers associated with traditional sodas and diet sodas. In a 2019 statement, Dr. Mark Hyman emphasized that both sugary and artificially sweetened beverages negatively impact metabolism and gut microbiomes. A 2020 Cleveland Clinic report by Dr. Irina Todorov reinforced these concerns, linking even moderate soda consumption to higher risks of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

With increasing awareness about these health risks, brands like Culture Pop, Poppi, and Olipop have seen growing popularity. Their mission to create healthier soda alternatives aligns with broader public health efforts, including the Trump administration's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which has encouraged legislative proposals to limit processed foods high in sugar.

Priced at $32.99 for a 12-pack, Culture Pop's Grape Soda enters a competitive market segment alongside Olipop's Classic Grape ($35.99/12-pack) and Poppi's Prebiotic Soda Grape ($23.19/12-pack).

Culture Pop's new offering taps deeply into '90s nostalgia, using imagery of iconic decade staples like Tamagotchis and the Olsen twins to resonate with millennials now seeking healthier lifestyle choices. As the brand puts it, "We've curated an honest blend of ingredients to create a drink unlike any others in your fridge."

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