On a recent weekend getaway, I tried Fresca for the very first time and immediately became hooked on its tart and refreshing taste.
However, as someone trying to cap their daily caffeine intake, I had one question on my mind while ordering a pack online - does Fresca have caffeine?
Take a sip of your own refreshing can of Fresca while I break down the caffeine content of this iconic beverage.
Does Fresca Contain Caffeine? (Flavors Compared Per 12oz Can)
The answer to "Does Fresca have caffeine" is no!
Fresca has been around since the 60s and, like many other popular soft drinks and brands, is currently owned by the Coca-Cola Company.
Its four flavors are caffeine-free and available in 12 fl oz cans (or larger bottles) for your next picnic or cocktail hour.
Flavor | Caffeine (mg) | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
Grapefruit Citrus | 0mg | 12oz |
Blackberry Cherry Citrus | 0mg | 12oz |
Peach Citrus | 0mg | 12oz |
Blackberry Citrus | 0mg | 12oz |
It is great to know that each Fresca flavor is caffeine-free, but what do they taste like?
Grapefruit Citrus
The original Fresca from the 60s, the concentrated grapefruit juice gives such a tart and tangy taste. The bold citrus flavor is balanced and light, leaving you feeling refreshed with each sip.
Since I ordered some, this refreshing grapefruit Fresca has been a crowd favorite at dinner parties.[1]
Black Cherry Citrus
Black Cherry Citrus is my favorite of the bunch.[2] I love how fruity and sweet it is combined with the light citrus aftertaste.
If you are looking for a caffeine-free fruity drink, the black cherry Fresca soda is a great option.
Peach Citrus
I adore peach-flavored things, and the peach citrus Fresca immediately shot to second place of all the Fresca soft drink flavors. It has a real fruity kick with a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
I especially love adding a few fresh peach slices and ice for a summery treat.[3]
Blackberry Citrus
The blackberry Fresca is a unique flavor that is full-bodied and fruity.
Once again, this Fresca soda gives a perfect blend of tart and sweet. I highly recommend a sip of this sparkling beverage while having some fruity sorbet or other sweet food.[4]
The only thing that could make Fresca better is if the drinks came in a bottle and maybe a couple more flavors.
What Exactly Is Fresca and Is It Healthy For You?
Ingredients In Fresca Drinks
Even though there are different flavors of Fresca, the ingredients in Fresca will mostly be the same across the line of beverages.
As you can see, there is a lot that goes into the unique taste and bold citrus flavors of a caffeine-free Fresca sparkling beverage.
Nutrition
The citrus soft drink is a no calories beverage and an excellent alternative to other popular soft drinks like Coca-Cola. Fresca products are caffeine-free, calorie-free, fat-free, and sugar-free.
Most of the flavors have no carbs except the grapefruit, which has one gram of carbs - talk about guilt-free sipping!
Taste
In terms of taste, there are currently four flavors to choose from: grapefruit citrus, peach citrus, black cherry citrus, and blackberry citrus.
Each Fresca carbonated water beverage is sweet and tart with plenty of punch to stand alone or be mixed with mocktails and cocktails.
With a sip, you can really see why this has been a staple of fridges across the US since the 60s.
What Can You Mix With Fresca? (Cocktails & Mocktails)
Vodka
Vodka is a great base for many iconic cocktails - now we blend it with another iconic low-calorie sparkling beverage.
I recommend adding ice to a glass and adding a shot of vodka before topping off with a can of grapefruit Fresca soda and some lime juice.
Top with a little concentrated grapefruit juice or some Chambord if you are feeling fancy.
Tequila
Tequila is a spirit that goes well with a few different fruits. For me, I love mixing it with blackberry or black cherry before topping it with lime juice and ice.
Try adding some fresh or frozen blackberries for even more natural flavors in your drink.
Rum
Rum is my personal spirit of choice when making cocktails. I tried mixing it with blackberry and cherry Frescas for my partner and me before adding ice and simple syrup - delicious!
Orange Juice
If mocktails are your preference, I highly recommend mixing some orange juice with your peach citrus beverage before adding ice and sliced peaches for a summery treat.
Ginger
My partner gave this a go last night and was raving until bed.
Try adding a ginger shot or ginger slices to your peach soda and adding ice. If you are a ginger ale fan, this cold beverage could be a great alternative to ginger beer or Coke.
Fresca Sparkling Soda Water Vs Other Beverages
Fresca Vs LaCroix
Consumers of many low-calorie beverages are quick to compare these two soda titans. LaCroix is a highly popular flavored seltzer that gets a pleasant subtle taste from over 30 natural flavors.
It is also a no-calorie or additive drink. Fresca, on the other hand, is a sparkling soda in only four flavors and features artificial sweeteners alongside natural flavors.
Fresca Vs Squirt Soda
Squirt soda is another titan that Fresca gets compared to often. Squirt has a much stronger flavor with an edge of grapefruit.
It features more calories and is more sour overall, like a watery homemade lemonade.
Fresca Vs 7-Up
7-Up is a guilty pleasure of mine - I love its sweet lemon-lime taste but not its high-calorie and sugar elements. Fresca has been a great alternative due to its tart taste and healthier ingredients.
Related Fresca Sparkling Soda Water Questions
Are there any risks associated with consuming too much Fresca?
There are risks associated with drinking too much Fresca. While Fresca is a healthy alternative, it is still a carbonated beverage - this means that it runs the risk of tooth decay, upset stomachs, bloating, or digestive issues. Like many other popular soft drinks, it is important to drink your Fresca in moderation.[5][6]
What makes Fresca different from other sodas or soft drinks?
Fresca’s flavor balance is what makes it different from other sodas and soft drinks on the market. Fresca is a vintage yet refreshing soda that combines the taste of soda with the hydration and freshness of sparkling water for a unique citrus flavor.
Is Fresca good for weight loss?
Fresca is a popular drink for short-term weight loss as it hydrates you and cuts extra calories. However, for long-term results, it is important to eat well and exercise regularly while sticking to a calorie deficit. However, you could do worse than a no-sugar, no-calorie beverage drink with your meal.[7][8]
Conclusion
I am officially hooked on Fresca's low-calorie, caffeine-free citrus soft drink.
If you are curious, give it a try instead of ordering the usual Coke. Try it straight or get experimental with other juices or spirits - you may even find your new favorite combination.
References:
1. https://www.fresca.com/products/original-citrus
2. https://www.fresca.com/products/black-cherry-citrus
3. https://www.fresca.com/products/peach-citrus
4. https://www.fresca.com/products/blackberry-citrus
5. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/drinking-soda-linked-to-many-adverse-health-conditions
6. https://www.beaumont.org/health-wellness/blogs/6-reasons-to-stop-drinking-soda
7. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/zero-weight-loss-from-zero-calorie-drinks-say-it-aint-so-2021032222204
8. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/calorie-deficit
