Buzz
As summer quickly approaches, TikTok users are on the hunt for a new drink that's both refreshing and relatively healthy. Enter the 'healthy Coke.' Marketed as a more nutritious take on the beloved Coca-Cola, this drink has taken the platform by storm. But does it actually live up to the hype? We decided to give it a try and find out.
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According to TikTok user @mandyvjones, who is credited with bringing 'healthy Coke' into the TikTok limelight, the idea for the drink came from her pilates instructor, who enjoys it daily. She claims the beverage tastes just like the original Coca-Cola.
To begin crafting a 'healthy Coke,' the first thing you need is a tall glass filled with ice. Then, add a 'splash' of balsamic vinegar. Jones opted for a balsamic vinegar from Modena, the rich, dark variety typically used to drizzle over salads or fresh mozzarella. Although she didn't give exact measurements, it appears that her splash was about two tablespoons of the sweet and tangy vinegar.
Next, Jones reached for her preferred sparkling beverage, Guava Sao Paulo La Croix, and topped off the ice and balsamic vinegar. While she chose this particular brand and flavor, she assured her audience that any sparkling drink would work just as well. 'It honestly already looks like a Coke,' she said while pouring the seltzer into the glass and stirring. 'I swear to God, it tastes like a Coke, and it's healthy, and it's good for you.'
Out of the over 6.3 million viewers who watched Jones' initial TikTok, some found the drink 'refreshing,' but many commented that, although not terrible, it didn't taste anything like Coke. One commenter humorously remarked, 'Brown and bubbly does not equal Coke.'
With several cans of La Croix and a fresh batch of delicious dark balsamic vinegar from The Blue Olive on hand, I figured I'd give this TikTok trend a shot. After all, TikTok had previously introduced me to baked feta pasta and pesto eggs, both of which I still make regularly. Armed with my balsamic vinegar and a Passionfruit La Croix, I braced myself for what promised to be a burst of potent flavors.
I'll admit, while the drink wasn’t as off-putting as I had anticipated, I certainly wasn’t tricked into thinking I was drinking a sweet, satisfying Coke. It tasted exactly as you’d expect: a mixture of tangy, slightly sweet balsamic vinegar with fruity seltzer. There was one moment when the fruitiness of the seltzer seemed to complement the vinegar, but I definitely didn't get any Coca-Cola vibes. Despite Jones' assurance, my creation lacked the familiar cinnamon and vanilla notes that make Coke one of the world's most popular drinks. Just as lettuce chips aren't a true replacement for potato chips, 'healthy Coke' doesn't quite stand in for the real thing.
As many TikTok users pointed out in the comments, Jones' 'healthy Coke' is closer to a shrub, which is another term for drinking vinegar. A shrub is essentially a concentrated syrup that combines fruit, sugar, and vinegar. Apple cider vinegar, for instance, is a popular base for shrubs, and that could explain why several commenters compared 'healthy Coke' to drinks made with ACV. Others suggested that, while it doesn’t taste like Coke, the drink is best made with a fruity balsamic vinegar rather than one that's too tangy.
In the end, I won’t be making 'healthy Coke' again, but if you're curious, there's no harm in giving it a try. Just remember, your balsamic vinegar and La Croix have much better uses. Use the vinegar to dress a salad or flavor grilled meats, and enjoy the La Croix when plain water feels too dull. And if you’re craving a Coke, go ahead and have one! If you’re worried about sugar, opt for naturally sugar-free alternatives like freshly brewed iced tea or other no-sweetener sparkling water options.
