Soda is a popular beverage in the U.S. According to the American Beverage Association, Americans spent nearly $65.9 billion on carbonated soft drinks in 2004.

That's about 52 gallons of soda per person. With almost 450 brands/flavors, we have quite a variety to choose from. In 2003, diet sodas made up about 20 percent of the market share. However, their sales are increasing at a much faster pace (up 7.5 percent) than that for regular sodas (up only 2.1 percent).

The first carbonated soft drink was Vernors(r), a ginger-flavor soda developed in 1866. Hires(r) Root Beer came on the market ten years later, in 1876. Nearly another decade went by until Moxie(r) was introduced (1884). Some of the brands that are still familiar today were introduced more than 100 years ago - Dr. Pepper(r) in 1885, Coca-Cola(r) in 1886 and Pepsi-Cola(r) in 1898. Several brands have come and gone since then, but the old brands continue to maintain their popularity, with Coke(r) and Pepsi(r) leading the market share of carbonated soft drinks.

Diet soda first made a debut in 1952 with a brand called "No Cal" (produced by Kirsch Bottling in Brooklyn). Other brands soon followed. Many diet sodas are sweetened with aspartame, which is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. Some diet soft drinks are made with the newer low-calorie sweetener, sucralose, which is about 600 times sweeter than sugar.

The Diet Soda Study

Many people drink diet sodas to avoid gaining weight or to help them lose weight. Researchers at the University of Texas Health Center in San Antonio wanted to look at the real effectiveness of diet soda in the weight loss battle. Data about weight and soft drink consumption was taken from the San Antonio Heart Study, a 25-year study following local residents. The results of the investigation were completely unexpected. About 7 to 8 years after entering the study, participants who drank diet soft drinks were more likely to have gained weight than those who drank regular (non-diet) soft drinks.

Researchers aren't certain why diet soda drinkers were more likely to gain weight than regular soda drinkers. Several factors may be responsible. There is a possibility diet soda drinkers may not feel as full as regular soda or water drinkers, and so, have more of a tendency to overeat. Diet sodas may also make some people feel more fatigued and less likely to exercise.

Another possible reason for the findings is the food trade off used by some diet soda drinkers. The diet soda may be paired with high calorie foods (like donuts or cookies) to "off-set" the extra calories in the snack. However, many people don't realize they may be consuming more calories in their "treat" than they would if they had a regular soda and a sensible snack, like low-fat yogurt. Poor diet choices and a lack of physical activity can quickly lead to weight gain.

Health experts say the results of the study are not definitive. Diet soda drinkers as well as regular soda drinkers need to be more aware of the types of foods they eat. A healthy diet paired with regular physical exercise is the real key to weight loss.

SOURCES

International Food and Nutrition Information Council, . 450-453.