Most people buy a soda maker for plain sparkling water. But SodaStream sells dozens of flavoring options — syrups, drops, and concentrates. Are they any good? Here's our honest take.
Our Honest Take
Most SodaStream syrups are mediocre at best. They taste artificial compared to real soda, and they're expensive. If you want flavored sparkling water, we recommend fruit slices, flavor drops (not syrups), or just drinking it plain.
Contents
Types of Flavoring Options
1. Classic Syrups (Pepsi, 7UP, etc.)
SodaStream has licensing deals to make "official" Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and 7UP syrups. These aim to recreate the taste of popular sodas at home.
2. Fruit Flavors
Orange, lemon-lime, grapefruit, and other fruit-flavored syrups. Generally less artificial-tasting than the cola varieties.
3. Zero/Diet Drops
Concentrated drops with no sugar or calories. A few drops per bottle. Less sweet, more like flavored sparkling water than soda.
4. Bubly/Other Brands
SodaStream also sells Bubly-branded drops for a more subtle fruit flavor, similar to store-bought Bubly or LaCroix.
SodaStream Syrups: The Verdict
Let's be direct: SodaStream syrups are disappointing.
The Problems
- Taste: "Pepsi" syrup tastes like diet Pepsi mixed with cough syrup. It's recognizably Pepsi-adjacent but not good.
- Cost: $6-8 per bottle, makes about 9 liters. That's $0.70-0.90 per liter before CO2 — approaching store-bought soda prices.
- Ingredients: Lots of artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame K) even in "regular" versions.
- Carbonation: You add syrup after carbonating, which means slightly flat results.
When They're OK
- Kids who want "soda" but you want to control portions
- Reducing sugar intake (less than regular soda)
- Convenience of not buying bottles
Bottom line: If you want Pepsi, just buy Pepsi. The syrup version is a compromise that satisfies no one.
Zero-Calorie Drops: Better Option
The concentrated drops (like SodaStream Fruit Drops or Bubly drops) are more successful:
- Subtle flavor: More like LaCroix than soda — light hint of fruit
- No sugar: Zero calories, no weird aftertaste
- Economical: ~$5 for 40+ servings
- Easy: 1-2 drops per glass
SodaStream Bubly Drops
Best of the SodaStream flavor options. Light fruit essence without artificial sweetness. Mango and Cherry are standouts.
Check Price →Natural Alternatives (Our Preference)
Skip the SodaStream products entirely and try these:
Fruit Slices
- Lemon/lime wedges: Classic, refreshing, zero cost
- Cucumber slices: Spa-water vibes
- Orange segments: Subtle sweetness
- Berries: Muddle for more flavor
Fresh Herbs
- Mint leaves: Add 2-3 leaves, muddle lightly
- Basil: Surprisingly good with lemon
- Rosemary: Earthy, sophisticated
Other Options
- Splash of juice: 1-2 tablespoons of fruit juice per glass
- Bitters: Cocktail bitters add complexity (Angostura, etc.)
- Fresh ginger: Grate a small amount for spicy ginger ale
Our Recommendations
What We Recommend
- Drink it plain — Most people find they prefer unflavored sparkling water once they get used to it
- Add fresh fruit — Lemon or lime wedges are simple and satisfying
- Try Bubly drops — If you want convenience, these are the best SodaStream option
- Skip the syrups — They don't taste good enough to justify the cost
Want Real Flavored Sodas?
If you want to carbonate actual juice or create real cocktails, consider the DrinkMate OmniFizz. Unlike SodaStream, it can carbonate any cold beverage — not just water.
This means you can make:
- Sparkling orange juice (like Orangina)
- Sparkling lemonade
- Fizzy wine
- Carbonated cocktails
Results are much better than adding syrup to carbonated water.
See also: Best Soda Makers 2026 · DrinkMate Review · Is It Worth It?