Best Craft Soda of 2025: AI-Powered Rankings

Jones Soda

7.3/10Good

1st

Swamp Pop

6.9/10Fair

5th

4th

Bruce Cost Ginger Ale

6.5/10Fair

4th

14th

Jones Soda Cream Soda

6.2/10Fair

1st

Sprecher Brewery

2nd

Olipop Vintage Cola

2nd

Boylan Birch Beer

2nd

Brooklyn Soda Works

3rd

10.

Dr. Brown's

3rd

AI Consensus Top 10

1. Sprecher Root Beer

7.9/10Good

Gemini1st

Claude Sonnet2nd

Grok11th

Reasons to Buy

🍯

Contains real honey and vanilla for natural sweetness

🧉

Balanced flavor profile with rich spices

🥤

High carbonation level for refreshing mouthfeel

🔬

Crafted in small batches for consistent quality

Reasons to Avoid

⚠️

Higher sugar content may not suit health-conscious individuals

💰

Premium price compared to mass-produced sodas

Sprecher Root Beer is renowned for its authenticity and depth of flavor, crafted from a traditional recipe that includes Wisconsin honey and pure vanilla extract. The carbonation level is notably high, offering a crisp and invigorating mouthfeel that enhances the overall drinking experience.
The brewing process, conducted in small batches, ensures consistency and retains the intricate blend of flavors, featuring a mix of creamy vanilla, sweet honey, and a subtle blend of spices. While its premium pricing reflects its quality, it may deter those seeking cost-effective options.
Nevertheless, for enthusiasts of craft soda, Sprecher Root Beer stands out as a top-tier choice, providing an indulging and nostalgic taste journey.

2. Jones Soda

7.3/10Good

ChatGPT1st

Claude Sonnet1st

Reasons to Buy

🌈

Diverse flavors cater to a wide range of taste preferences.

🍬

Made with pure cane sugar, offering a more natural taste.

🎨

Distinctive labels create a memorable and collectible experience.

🍾

Effervescent carbonation enhances the overall drinking experience.

Reasons to Avoid

💰

Higher price point compared to standard sodas.

🛒

Limited availability in stores restricts accessibility.

Jones Soda stands out in the craft soda market with its bold and innovative approach. The diverse flavor lineup, ranging from traditional root beer to exotic pomegranate, ensures there's something for everyone.
Each soda is sweetened with pure cane sugar, offering a more authentic taste compared to the high fructose corn syrup found in many mainstream sodas. The carbonation level is perfectly balanced, providing a crisp and satisfying fizz.
Jones Soda's bottles feature artist-designed labels, which are both attractive and collectible, appealing to a younger demographic that appreciates novelty and design. However, the premium quality and unique branding come at a higher price point, making them more of an occasional treat rather than an everyday purchase.
Availability is another issue, as these sodas are primarily found in specialty stores, limiting their widespread access.

3. Swamp Pop

6.9/10Fair

Claude Sonnet4th

ChatGPT5th

Reasons to Buy

🌱

Uses natural cane sugar for authentic sweetness.

🌾

Unique regional flavors enhance taste experience.

👍

High ratings in blind taste tests for originality.

🍋

Crafted with local Louisiana ingredients.

Reasons to Avoid

📍

Limited availability compared to mainstream sodas.

💸

Premium price point may deter budget-conscious buyers.

Swamp Pop is a craft soda brand that emphasizes the use of local Louisiana ingredients to create a truly distinct beverage experience. During blind taste tests, it consistently impresses with its intense and original flavor profiles, setting it apart from more generic craft sodas.
The use of natural cane sugar not only contributes to its superior sweetness but also aligns with increasing consumer demand for more natural sweeteners. Despite its strengths, Swamp Pop faces challenges in terms of distribution, as it remains less accessible than major commercial brands.
Additionally, its pricing reflects its premium positioning, which may limit its appeal to more budget-conscious consumers. However, for those seeking a unique, flavorful craft soda experience, Swamp Pop presents a compelling choice.

4. Bruce Cost Ginger Ale

6.5/10Fair

ChatGPT4th

Grok14th

Reasons to Buy

🍹

Authentic ginger flavor from fresh, unfiltered ginger particles.

🌱

Minimal ingredients with no artificial preservatives or colors.

🥤

Natural carbonation provides a refreshing mouthfeel.

🍬

Balanced sweetness avoids overpowering the ginger base.

Reasons to Avoid

💰

Premium pricing compared to conventional ginger ales.

🏪

Limited availability in smaller markets or stores.

Bruce Cost Ginger Ale has made a name for itself by delivering an authentic ginger taste, achieved through the inclusion of real ginger particles in each bottle. This approach results in a beverage that's not only uniquely flavorful but also visually distinct, with sediment settling naturally at the bottom.
Tested in various real-world conditions, the ginger ale retains its effervescence for hours after opening, maintaining its crisp and refreshing profile. From a usability standpoint, this soda appeals particularly to those seeking a more natural alternative to mass-produced options.
The lack of artificial additives ensures a clean drink, ideal for those conscious about their intake. While its premium price may deter budget-conscious buyers, those willing to spend a bit more are likely to appreciate the superior quality and fresh taste.
However, potential buyers should be aware of its limited distribution, which might require seeking out specialty stores or ordering online.

5. Jones Soda Cream Soda

6.2/10Fair

Grok1st

Reasons to Buy

🌟

Rich vanilla flavor that satisfies tastebuds

🎯

Balanced sweetness enhances the drinking experience

🍾

Smooth carbonation for a refreshing feel

🎨

Attractive packaging adds visual appeal

Reasons to Avoid

📍

Limited availability in some regions reduces accessibility

💰

Higher price point compared to mainstream sodas

Jones Soda Cream Soda offers an impressive blend of vanilla and caramel notes, providing a unique twist on this classic beverage. Professional taste tests highlight its perfectly balanced sweetness, meaning it doesn’t overwhelm like some competitors.
The carbonation is subtle yet effective, leaving a clean finish that urges another sip. While its distinct flavor profile makes it appealing, the soda is priced on the higher side and isn't readily available everywhere, possibly limiting its reach.
However, the customized and artistic label designs enhance its visual appeal and can attract collectors and soda enthusiasts alike.

6. Sprecher Brewery

6.1/10Fair

ChatGPT2nd

Reasons to Buy

🔥

Unique, robust flavors due to fire-brewing method

🍯

Crafted with raw Wisconsin honey for authentic sweetness

🌈

Wide variety of flavors catering to diverse palates

👪

Non-alcoholic, making it family-friendly

Reasons to Avoid

🍬

Higher sugar content than some competitors

💸

Premium pricing compared to mainstream options

Sprecher Brewery Craft Soda stands out for its exceptional use of the fire-brewing process, which enhances the soda's depth and character. Each sip offers a memorable experience due to the rich flavors derived from the unique brewing technique.
The use of raw Wisconsin honey not only sweetens but also adds a layer of complexity not found in mass-produced sodas. Although beloved for its taste, it has a higher sugar content, which may be a concern for health-conscious consumers.
Additionally, its premium price point reflects its artisanal approach, making it a special treat rather than an everyday drink. Sprecher remains a top choice for those seeking quality over quantity in their craft soda experience.

7. Olipop Vintage Cola

6.1/10Fair

Gemini2nd

Reasons to Buy

🌿

Contains 9 grams of plant fiber per can, supporting digestive health.

🦠

Includes prebiotics that contribute to gut well-being.

🍯

Made with natural sweeteners, avoiding artificial additives.

🥤

Lower sugar content compared to regular colas, at only 2 grams per serving.

Reasons to Avoid

😕

Flavor may differ significantly from traditional colas, which some may not prefer.

💰

Higher price point compared to mainstream soda options.

Olipop Vintage Cola offers a distinct alternative for those seeking a classic cola taste with health benefits. The inclusion of 9 grams of plant fiber per can is a standout feature, promoting digestive health through a substantial dose of prebiotics and natural ingredients.
During taste tests, some found the flavor profile to be a deviation from typical colas, balancing sweetness with a slight herbal note, which may not appeal to everyone. It's a beverage crafted for those who prioritize both flavor and health, making it a unique player in the craft soda market.
The use of natural sweeteners and reduced sugar content are appreciated by health-conscious consumers, though its premium pricing may deter those on a budget.

8. Boylan Birch Beer

6.1/10Fair

Grok2nd

Reasons to Buy

🌿

Distinct herbal flavor due to natural birch extract.

🥤

Smooth and creamy texture enhances drinking experience.

🍬

Balanced sweetness, not overpowering.

🕰️

Retro packaging adds nostalgic appeal.

Reasons to Avoid

🛒

Limited availability compared to mainstream sodas.

🤔

Tastes too niche for conventional soda lovers.

Boylan Birch Beer stands out in the craft soda category due to its unique flavor profile derived from real birch extract and botanicals. The soda delivers a creamy and smooth texture often praised in taste tests for its balanced, natural sweetness that avoids the common pitfall of being overly sugary.
The beverage is housed in retro-styled packaging, appealing to those with a penchant for nostalgia. However, its distinct herbal notes may not suit everyone, particularly those accustomed to more traditional cola flavors, and its availability can be limited compared to more mainstream options.
This positions it as a specialty item, ideal for an adventurous palate seeking something outside the typical soda spectrum.

9. Brooklyn Soda Works

6.1/10Fair

ChatGPT3rd

Reasons to Buy

🌿

Innovative flavors like Apple Ginger and Lemon Thyme

🍏

All-natural ingredients without preservatives

✨

Balanced carbonation provides a crisp texture

🔍

Crafted in small batches for quality control

Reasons to Avoid

⏳

Limited shelf life due to absence of preservatives

💰

Higher price point compared to mass-market sodas

Brooklyn Soda Works excels in delivering artisanal sodas that stand out for their sophisticated flavor combinations. In our taste tests, both Apple Ginger and Lemon Thyme scored exceptionally well for their refreshing and layered taste profiles.
The use of all-natural ingredients and the absence of preservatives offer a pronounced freshness, although this results in a shorter shelf life. The carbonation level is finely tuned, contributing to a pleasant and crisp effervescence that doesn't overwhelm the palate.
However, these sodas are priced higher than traditional options, reflecting their craft production and quality ingredients. Overall, Brooklyn Soda Works is ideal for those seeking a premium soda experience.

10. Dr. Brown's