Fair Trade Colas (alternatives to the big brands)

Cola is one of the world’s most popular  drinks. If you like it, then search out for alternate brands, which  are made with more natural ingredients, support artisan brands and also taste nicer!

If drinking from cans, always pop the ring-pulls over the holes before recycling, to avoid wildlife getting trapped.

Natural brands are made with real sugar, so don’t leave them around, or you’ll get bees and ants swarming around!

Karma Cola

Karma Cola is the main brand which you’ll find in many indie shops and cafes, and it’s even sold in train stations. This brand pays a premium price for kola nuts to farmers in Sierra Leone, to ensure good welfare and income.

It also comes in a light version (still made with natural ingredients, and sweetened with stevia).

Like cocoa beans for chocolate, most cola beans are bought in bulk by big companies for low prices, which means that despite huge profits for industry, the farmers see very little financial benefits.

This brand does things differently. And also makes raspberry lemonade, orangeade and other fizzy drinks, ideal for those who like sodas, but also helping to support farmers abroad.

Fentimans Curiosity Cola

Fentimans Curiosity Cola is botanically brewed in Northumberland, and has cinnamon undertones. It’s popular in artisan bars and hotels, and tastes more like proper cola used to taste, when it first was invented.

This brand was founded by someone who was given a recipe (instead of money) to pay back a loan! The company dog used to look after staff over 100 years ago, and his face still appears on all the bottles!

You’ll also find traditional lemonades and rose lemonades, as well as ginger beer and other goodies, along with a range of natural tonic waters (avoid for pregnancy/nursing, due to quinine).