Cola is one of the world’s most popular soft drinks. However, although originally designed to be a healthy caffeinated beverage with natural ingredients (the name comes from the kola nut), today the two big brands have their own ethical issues. Coca-Cola is owned by a company that funds cruel rodeos, and Pepsi is the world’s largest user of palm oil (its unsustainable use is decimating populations of orangutans and other endangered creatures worldwide). Also, most major brands contain artificial ingredients like caramel (colour) and high fructose corn syrup (not good for your health). Avoid caffeine for pregnancy/nursing.
If you enjoy a cool glass of cola, there are much better brands. And also they tend to be packed in cardboard over plastic rings (these harm wildlife if they fall in water – if you see any, tear them up and dispose of securely in a bin). Avoid brands containing refined sugar or xylitol (a sweetener that is not good for your gut, and lethal to pets, if they accidentally ingest it).
Square Root Cola is made in small batches in East London, by a company founded by a biologist and chemist. This tastes like natural cola sweets, and uses fresh squeezed lime and lemon juice, raw cane sugar and organic essential oils. Sold in glass bottles and cans.
Fentimans Curiosity Cola is made to a traditionally recipe, and uses a unique botanical brewing process. Made with sweet cinnamon for depth of flavour, it’s sold in glass bottles or metal tins.
Gusto Real Cola is made with real cola nuts, along with Fair Trade blue agave (a sweetener related to cactus) and Madagascan vanilla. Sold in glass bottles with metal lids.
Karma Cola uses profits to fund communities in Sierra Leone, that grow cola nuts. The sugar-free version is sweetened naturally with stevia.
Inspiring Colas from Abroad
Ollypop Vintage Cola has natural notes of vanilla, cinnamon and caramel. A small-batch prebiotic cola, with the same traditional taste you know.
Phoenix Organics Cola is made with real cola nut, sold in a glass bottle. The light version is naturally sweetened with stevia and organic erythritol (a sugar alcohol).
