Why Customers Are Choosing Healthy Alternatives
Traditional sodas are losing favor. A growing wave of health-conscious consumers — especially Millennials and Gen Z — are seeking beverages that deliver flavor without excess sugar or calories. In fact, non-alcoholic beverage spending grew 6.2% last year, outpacing the modest 2.4% growth seen in alcoholic drinks.
Markets reflect this shift. The zero-sugar beverages market is booming, from $4.3 billion in 2025, it's projected to reach a staggering $17.1 billion by 2035 at a 14.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). And don't overlook sparkling options: The global sparkling water market is expected to more than double, from $47.8 billion in 2025 to over $108 billion by 2032.
These figures clearly signal a major restaurant beverage trend: diners favor refreshment that aligns with wellness — zero sugar, low-calorie, and natural-forward.
Top Zero-Sugar & Sparkling Water Brands as Soda Substitutes
Bernick’s portfolio features a wide variety of healthy beverage alternatives designed to meet different needs, from sparkling hydration to gut health support. Some of today’s standout products include:
- Uffda Kombucha – A refreshing, probiotic-rich beverage that supports gut health and delivers tangy flavor with a functional twist.
- Daytrip – A sparkling beverage infused with CBD for stress relief and balance, offering a mindful alternative to soda.
- Culture Pop – A prebiotic soda made with live probiotics and natural ingredients, blending nostalgic fizz with digestive support.
- Shine Water – A nutrient-infused water featuring electrolytes and essential vitamins, designed for hydration with purpose.
- Bubbl’r – A sparkling antioxidant water with natural flavors, zero sugar, and a fun, vibrant brand personality that resonates with Gen Z.
- Propel – A fitness-friendly, electrolyte-infused water perfect for post-workout hydration.
- Poppi – A prebiotic soda leader made with apple cider vinegar and trendy flavors, delivering gut health and buzzworthy appeal.
These options let operators satisfy soda cravings while offering wellness-forward beverages that drive both sales and customer satisfaction.
4 Benefits of Offering Alternative Beverages
- Appeal to health-conscious diners: Customers increasingly value natural flavors, transparent labels, and reduced sugar.
- Increase beverage margins: Premium functional sodas and sparkling waters often carry higher price points and better margins than generic sodas.
- Boost perception of brand innovation: Offering up-to-date, curated drink choices positions your business as modern, mindful, and responsive to consumer trends.
- Reduce sugary consumption: Help guests meet their wellness goals by reducing calories, sugar, and artificial sweeteners.
Server Tips: How to Promote Alternatives Effectively
Turning a casual water order into a memorable beverage moment is easy when servers are empowered with thoughtful strategies:
- Lead with curiosity: Customer: “Just water.” Server: “Great—would you like to try our refreshing sparkling water or a zero-calorie soda instead today?”
- Highlight the benefits: Point out features like “zero sugar,” “all-natural flavors,” or “lightly caffeinated iced tea” to spark interest.
- Offer samples or “sips”: A quick taste of sparkling tea or a fizzy flavored water can convert on the spot.
- Use descriptive language: “This lemon-herb sparkling water is crisp, clean, and sugar-free—perfect for a midday lift.” This is standard dialogue for bartenders or servers regarding beer and other alcoholic beverages, and it makes sense for non-alcoholic inquiries as well.
- Tie into dietary needs: For guests avoiding sugar or following specific diets, these options are thoughtful and inclusive.
Bernick’s can offer support with menu signage, staff training, and beverage placement strategies to make those healthy upsells seamless.
Refresh Your Menu, Delight Guests
The trend toward healthy beverage alternatives is no flash in the pan—it’s backed by robust consumer behavior and market growth. By offering zero-sugar drinks, sparkling water substitutes, and other functional alternatives, you’re delivering on both taste and wellness.
Bernick’s is here to help you stock, promote, and educate—ensuring that when someone says “just water,” your happy, healthy option is waiting to delight them.
