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When you’re parched on a hot summer day, there are few things as satisfying as popping open an ice-cold can of seltzer or soda and taking those first sips. For those who love to drink a carbonated beverage daily, myself included, this experience isn’t limited to the warmer months — it’s something that’s enjoyed year-round.Â
My afternoon ritual has required a fizzy beverage of some sort for decades. When I was younger, it was a sweet and refreshing root beer. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve had to cut back on the sugary drinks and stick with citrus-flavored sparkling water. In previous years, it was affordable enough to stock up my pantry with my go-to cans, but grocery prices are increasing faster than they have in the past 20 years, making it a bit harder on the monthly budget. The USDA found prices for non-alcoholic beverages are growing even faster, predicted to rise by 5.8% in 2026, so it will be an even bigger burden for consumers. The easiest solution to avoid these rising costs is to invest in a SodaStream.
What is a SodaStream?
A SodaStream carbonates ordinary tap water with the pull of a lever, transforming it into sparkling water. It uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) cylinder to release gas and add fizz to flat water. The compact appliance, smaller than your average coffee maker, easily fits on the kitchen countertop. Most models don’t even require electricity, so they won’t require an outlet or increase your electric bill.Â
This is the case for the SodaStream Art Sparkling Water Maker Starter Kit, which is currently $82 with a special deal for Amazon Prime members. The kit includes everything you need to get started creating carbonated drink concoctions at home, including the machine, a 60-liter CO2 cylinder, and two sizes of reusable bottles.Â
SodaStream Art Sparkling Water Maker Starter Kit
Courtesy of Amazon
What drinks can you make with a SodaStream?
Along with the sparkling water makers, SodaStream also offers 40 different flavors to add to your creations. These are concentrated mixes of the sodas you know and love, with multiple variations of Mountain Dew, Pepsi, Mug, and Starry offerings. For example, when it comes to Mountain Dew, you could get concentrates for the regular formula, Code Red, or Zero Sugar.Â
If you don’t want anything sweet, my favorite choice is the Bubly drops. Bubly is my preferred brand of sparkling water, and by using the natural flavor essence drops, I can create the same lime, grapefruit, and blackberry drinks at home. Each of the small 40-milliliter, palm-sized bottles goes a long way too, making an equivalent of around 33 cans.
Sodastream Pepsi Variety Pack
Courtesy of Amazon
SodaStream Bubly Fruit Drops
Courtesy of Amazon
How much can you save with a SodaStream?
The amount of money you can save with a SodaStream depends on how many carbonated beverages you consume on average. People who drink canned and bottled beverages multiple times a day will find the SodaStream most cost-effective. Even if you’re not a heavy seltzer drinker, it’s still generally more affordable to go with a SodaStream.Â
The average cost of a bottle of soda is around $2. When you factor in the cost of a SodaStream machine, cylinders, and flavors, it costs about .50 cents to make each bottle of sparkling water. Your standard personal-sized soda bottle is around 20 ounces, while the regular SodaStream bottle is 32 ounces, so you’re also getting a larger quantity. Additionally, SodaStream has an exchange program for its CO2 cylinders, and by utilizing this service, you’ll reduce the cost to .25 cents per bottle. This can equate to hundreds of dollars in savings per year for people who drink multiple cans a day.
Other benefits of investing in a SodaStream
The benefits of a sparkling water maker go beyond saving money on your grocery costs. It’s a more sustainable solution for the environment compared to buying a bottle of pop or a can of soda. Each time you use the machine, you’ve saved a single-use container from entering the landfill.Â
There are also the little bonuses you’ll get from using a SodaStream. Sparkling water is a great way to stay hydrated for those who don’t like the taste of plain water. Having sparkling water available on demand also comes in handy for cleaning tough stains off clothing or whipping up fluffier pancakes for breakfast. All in all, a SodaStream is a smart investment that can help you save money in the long run while serving up fizzy drinks whenever your heart desires.
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