Category Report
Ultra-Processing in Soda
Analysis of 6,795 products: how processed is soda?
Written by UPFL Editorial Team
Soda is one of the most recognizable ultra-processed food categories, but not all sodas are created equal. We analyzed over 6,000 soda products to understand the full range of processing levels and what separates a simple sparkling water from a heavily engineered soft drink.
Key Findings
- 36% ultra-processed 36% of soda products in our database are classified as Level 4 (ultra-processed), higher than the overall 27.8% rate across all food categories.
- 9 ingredients on average per product in this category, with ultra-processed products averaging 12.4 ingredients.
- Water is the most common ingredient appearing in 97.4% of all soda products in our database.
- 826 brands analyzed across 6,795 products, representing a comprehensive view of the soda market.
Soda at a Glance
Processing Level Distribution
How soda products break down across our four processing levels.
Most Common Ingredients
The most frequently occurring ingredients across all 6,795 soda products (excluding added vitamins and minerals).
Nutrition by Processing Level
Average nutritional composition of soda products at each processing level. These are observational averages, not causal claims.
| Level | Classification | Avg Calories | Avg Sodium (mg) | Avg Sugar (g) | Avg Protein (g) | Avg Fiber (g) | Avg Sat Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minimally Processed | 44 | 4 | 10.2 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| 2 | Processed | 38 | 49 | 8.9 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| 3 | Highly Processed | 43 | 77 | 10.7 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| 4 | Ultra-Processed | 42 | 68 | 10.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 |
How Soda Compares
Across our full database of 448,423 food products, 27.8% are classified as ultra-processed. For soda products, that rate is 36%, 8.2 percentage points above the overall average. For the full cross-category analysis, see our flagship research page.
Methodology
This analysis covers 6,795 soda products from USDA FoodData Central and Open Food Facts. Each product receives a Processing Score based on ingredient analysis, then is classified into one of four levels. For full methodology details, see our research methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all soda ultra-processed?
Not all products in the soda category are ultra-processed. Simple sparkling waters and naturally flavored seltzers can score at Level 1 or 2, while traditional sodas with artificial sweeteners and colors score at Level 4.
What makes soda ultra-processed?
Key ultra-processing markers in soda include high fructose corn syrup, phosphoric acid, caramel color, artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame K), and artificial flavors.
Which soda brands are the least processed?
Our analysis ranks soda brands by their average processing scores. Brands focused on simple sparkling water or naturally flavored beverages tend to score significantly lower.
Explore Further
About our scores and this content
Processing and Nutrition Scores reflect the ingredient lists and nutrient data we observe; they are our analysis, not absolute measures of health. Read the full methodology. This information is provided for general nutrition education and is not medical, health, or dietary advice. Product formulations change often, so check the actual label before purchasing, and consult a registered dietitian or your physician for personal guidance.