A moderate amount of buzz has been generated on social media apps like TikTok surrounding the trend of “heavy sodas,” which are offered in various convenience stores across the Midwest.
What Is a Heavy Soda?
Heavy sodas are fountain sodas that have a higher ratio of syrup to water than normal. In other words, they contain more of the stuff that makes them sodas than average, hence the name.
Outside of the initial novelty, many people praise these modified drinks for their enhanced flavor. Many have compared heavy sodas to the Coke served at McDonald’s, which is known for its supposedly better taste due to higher syrup concentration.
Another reason for the popularity of these unique drinks is that they could be considered more cost-effective than normal sodas. According to Fortune, many people enjoy heavy sodas, as the increased syrup allows them to maintain flavor without getting diluted when the ice in them melts.
Fortune also notes that this allows consumers to water down their beverage when they start to run out to make it last longer, without losing as much flavor as they would if they did this with a normal soda.
Could This Be a Bad Thing?
Just because a trend seems fun doesn’t mean that it couldn’t have severe implications for your health.
It’s no secret that soda isn’t exactly a healthy food, but many experts warn that “heavy sodas” amplify what is already a harmful snack, according to Fox.
Soda often has extremely high amounts of sugar, and when consumed in abundance, it can cause all sorts of health problems ranging from obesity to tooth decay. To put things in perspective, the New York Post reports that every can of Coke someone consumes takes an estimated 12 minutes off their life.
So, if soda is already very bad for you, the idea of people selling soda that has even more sugar and calories should be a cause for concern. The harms could multiply quickly, given that these drinks are often served in places that will sell extra-large fountain drinks for only a couple of dollars.
In particular, the idea that the “meme status” of heavy sodas will attract young customers is concerning. This concern is amplified by sources like JAMA Network, which show that unmodified sugary soda is already a major contributor to childhood obesity.
Is It Okay to Try One?
Ultimately, heavy sodas should be seen as one of the various things that can be okay in moderation. If you are truly curious what one might taste like while in proximity to one of the places that serves them, don’t feel bad for giving it a try. That being said, it would probably be a bad idea to make picking one up a regular part of your morning commute.
Editorial Note: Portions of this article were reviewed and refined using AI-assisted editing tools to support grammar, clarity, and style. All content has been fact-checked and approved by our editorial team.
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