Cost: $1.99 for one 12-ounce can
Calories: 70 calories
Protein: 15 grams
Added sugar: 0 grams
I love Aldi’s wide selection of products, so I wasn’t surprised to see it offers its own take on protein drinks through its private label, Summit Popz.
It’s labeled a “sparkling beverage” rather than a soda, but I included it in this ranking because it met my criteria: It has added protein and is carbonated and sweetened.
It had a clearer cherry-and-lime flavor that made it seem more authentic to its label, and wasn’t too sweet despite the use of sucralose.
I appreciate the price, too, as it was the most affordable of the five I tried. However, it can’t rank higher because the carbonation felt severely lacking. It’s almost like I opened a soda, left it in the fridge for a few hours, and came back to it.
Perhaps I just got a dud of a can, but I felt this needed considerably more effervescence for it to live up to the “sparkling” part of its name.
I would, however, get it again based on price and protein content, which help boost the overall rating.