The Best Grapefruit Soda to Refresh You

The best grapefruit soda is light, citrusy, and refreshing. I wasn’t well-versed in grapefruit soda before this taste test, but now I’m a pro and a superfan.

Grapefruit soda is so delicious and we should all be drinking it more regularly. The sweet yet tart flavor mixed with carbonation is incredible. It’s great on its own or mixed into a cocktail (Paloma gang, stand up!). Whether you’re a grapefruit soda novice or a longtime fan, you should be buying these grapefruit soda brands when you head to the grocery store. Here we have  the best grapefruit soda for Palomas, the best diet grapefruit soda, and so much more.

grapefruit soda

Best Bottled

Izze Sparkling Grapefruit

You’ve seen Izze behind the counter at Chipotle, but have you actually tried it? You should. It’s good! It’s fizzy and light and not super sweet. The prominent flavor is citrus, so it makes sense that they stock it at America’s favorite burrito chain. That zesty brightness is perfect for cutting through fatty meats and rich dairy. This is the best grapefruit soda to pair with a fat burrito. You’ll be glad you did.

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

8.5/10

Sporks

best grapefruit soda brand

Best Real Sugar

Jarritos Grapefruit

Jarritos are good in general, so it’s no surprise that they make one of the best grapefruit soda options you can buy. In fact, this is the second-best Jarritos flavor of all their flavors. It’s also on the more mild side in terms of citrus and carbonation. If you can’t take a ton of flavor or bubbles, this is a good option for you. Heartburn, who???

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

8.5/10

Sporks

best grapefruit soda

Best Sugar Free

Fresca Original Citrus

I cannot believe I’m saying this, but I love a sugar free soda. That sugar free soda is Fresca. Fresca is so damn delicious! Somehow the citrus taste manages to mask any weird fake sugar flavor that plagues most sugar free sodas. Plus, it genuinely tastes like grapefruit and not just citrus. Don’t sleep on Fresca. Go buy some immediately! It’s not just the best diet grapefruit soda, it’s one of the best diet sodas, period.

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

9/10

Sporks

best grapefruit soda

Best Italian

Whole Foods Organic Pink Grapefruit Italian Soda

I tried a few versions of “Italian” soda (aka soda made with natural flavors) and this version from Whole Foods is definitely the best grapefruit soda when it comes to Italian sodas. It’s also just one of the best grapefruit soda choices in general. It tastes wonderful. It’s sweeter than most of the other grapefruit sodas we tried. That being said, it still has a tart citrusy kick. Plus, the pretty packaging makes this feel fancy and perfect for sitting on a bar cart.

Credit: Merc / Whole Foods

Rating:

9.5/10

Sporks

best grapefruit soda

Best of the Best

Squirt

Squirt is the best grapefruit soda because it actually tastes like grapefruit. It’s bright and citrusy. It’s crisp and super carbonated. It’s super sweet. And while I’ve suggested using many of these for Palomas, the classic Paloma is literally made with Squirt, specifically. Squirt is a classic for a reason. It is the best grapefruit soda money can buy.

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

10/10

Sporks

Other grapefruit soda we tried: Sprouts Italian Soda, Squirt Zero Sugar, Betty Buzz, Ting


About the Author

Jordan Myrick

Jordan is an L.A.-based writer and comedian who believes all food should come with extra sauce. When they're not writing for Sporked, Jordan is at the movies or sharing an order of french fries with their elderly chihuahua.

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  • I am a huge fan of Fresca, and have been since I was a young girl in the 60s, sneaking a sip from my mom’s bottle. Now, I’m an even bigger than of Jim Beam & Fresca! I love bourbon, and find that Fresca makes the best mixer, to round out the “sweetness” of bourbon. So refreshing!

    Reply
  • Love the pronouns Jordan! I thought you were two people there for a minute.

    Reply
  • I was shocked that the Sanpellegrino soda wasn’t number one or even tested. I love grapefruit soda, especially Squirt, and I drank my fair share of Fresca as a kid amongst others. The Sanpellegrino tastes like Squirt taken upscale. However, if you go on a Sanpellegrino journey then I will warn you about the lemon mint. It is sort of intense and seems like something one would mix with tea or a cocktail.

    Reply
  • I LOVED Canfield’s 50/50. It was a combination of grapefruit and lime. The grapefruit flavor was so poppin’

    Reply