7 Healthy Alternatives To Fizzy Drinks Every Nigerian Can Enjoy

With the way the heatwave has been suffocating us these days, I’m sure your trips to the fridge have become more frequent. If you’re not taking 13 showers a day, you’re hunting for cold drinks to quench your thirst. 

Now, what’s your go-to drink? For many of us, it’s sodas also known as fizzy drinks. This can also be any drink that makes that pfffft! sound when you open it. In Naija, it is often referred to as soft drinks. When you consider the health risks though, these drinks are not so soft if you ask me.

Fizzy drinks, or carbonated beverages, are often loaded with sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. For example, a can of soda can have up to 40 grams of sugar, which is more than the recommended daily intake. Sugar is linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

In addition to sugar, many fizzy drinks contain artificial sweeteners and other additives. These ingredients can cause digestive issues, headaches, and other health problems. Therefore, fizzy drinks are not the healthiest choice for your body. 

I’m not trying to scare you but to bring to your attention healthy alternatives to fizzy drinks that are worth trying out. Let’s start with the OG of them all. 

Hint: Fela said it doesn’t have an enemy.

Water

Disclaimer: Aproko Doctor didn’t send me.

As a refreshing drink, water is hard to beat! It’s clean, calorie-free, and naturally hydrating. It’s also very versatile. You can drink it plain, add flavorings like lemon or cucumber, or even make it into sparkling water. And best of all, it’s readily available! 

To make flavored water, start with a pitcher or bottle of plain water. Then, add your desired flavorings. You can use fresh fruits like lemon, lime, orange, or berries. Or you can try herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary. You can also use cucumber or ginger for a spicy kick. Once you’ve added your flavorings, let the water sit for a few hours to allow the flavors to infuse. And voila – you have your very own flavored water! 

You can also try adding frozen fruits like strawberries or blueberries to your water for a refreshing, icy twist.  And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even add some fruit-infused simple syrup for extra sweetness. The possibilities are endless! So feel free to experiment and find a combination you enjoy so much! It is definitely the most healthy alternatives to fizzy drinks you can think of.

Soya Milk Drink

Soya milk (also known as soy milk) is a plant-based milk made from soybeans. It’s a nutritious drink that’s high in protein and low in saturated fat. It’s also a good source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A and D. Soya milk is also a good option for those with lactose intolerance or who are looking for a dairy-free alternative.

And, because it’s plant-based, soya milk is cholesterol-free. So, it’s not only refreshing, it’s also a heart-healthy choice and one of the most healthy alternatives to fizzy drinks.

You can enjoy soya milk over ice, or you can add it to coffee or tea. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in all sorts of recipes, from smoothies to baked goods, sauces, soups, and more! 

Soya milk is high in protein which makes it a great post-workout drink. It can help you refuel and recover after a tough workout. So, whether you’re looking for a refreshing drink or a nutritious ingredient for your recipes, soya milk is a great option. 

Chapman

Chapman is believed to have originated in Nigeria, specifically in the city of Lagos. The drink was created by a hotelier in Lagos named Mr. Sam Alamutu. He was trying to create a new drink that would appeal to the local residents, and he hit upon the idea of combining fruit juices with bitters. 

Here are a few fun facts about Chapman:

– Chapman is sometimes referred to as “Nigerian Sangria” because of its fruity flavor and similarity to the Spanish drink.

– The original recipe for Chapman called for adding a splash of gin to the drink, but most modern versions do not include gin.

– There are many variations of Chapman, including “Virgin Chapman” (which is non-alcoholic), “Fruit Punch Chapman,” and “Mixed-Fruit Chapman.”

To make chapman, you slice your apples, oranges, lemons, limes and grapes (the citrus grapes). Put all of it in a jug. Add mint leaf, cranberry juice, sparkling water, grenadine syrup, angostura bitters, orange juice. Stir and mix well. Pour into a cup and add some ice to chill. 

Garnish with a thrush of mint leaf and orange slices.

Zobo

Zobo is a delicious drink made from hibiscus flowers! It’s also known as “hibiscus tea” or “bissap.” The drink is popular in West Africa, where it’s enjoyed both hot and cold. Zobo has a beautiful red colour and a tart, slightly sweet flavour. The drink is often made with sugar or honey, and it can be flavoured with ginger, cloves, and other spices. 

Making zobo is easy! First, you place the dried hibiscus flowers in a pot and pour in the water. Then you bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the pineapple peels, ginger peels, cloves, cinnamon stick and stir well. Simmer for another 5 minutes, Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool. 

Add the blended pineapple juice when it’s cool. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids. Transfer the liquid to a pitcher and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Serve the zobo over ice and enjoy! 

If you want to add a bit of extra flavour, you can also garnish the drink with fresh mint, lemon, or lime. You can also make zobo with different flavours of tea, like jasmine or earl grey. Have fun experimenting with different combinations!

Tigernut Drink

Tigernut milk is a drink made from tiger nuts, which are a type of root vegetable. It is naturally sweet and creamy, and it’s packed with nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium. It’s also a good source of fibre and healthy fats. And, like soya milk, it’s a dairy-free option that’s suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance. 

The process of making tigernut milk is very similar to making soya milk, but there are a few differences. First, start by soaking the tiger nuts in water overnight. Then, rinse and drain the tiger nuts. Next, place the soaked tiger nuts, dates, coconut and ginger in a blender with 4 cups of fresh water. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Finally, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag. And that’s it! You now have delicious, homemade tigernut milk. 

And you can also add sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to taste. It’s great in smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods. It’s a versatile and delicious drink with many uses! 

Milkshake 

There are a few things that make milkshakes special! First, they’re very versatile. You can make them with any flavour of ice cream you want, and you can add any toppings you like. They’re also easy to make, and you don’t need any special equipment. All you need is a blender!

Finally, milkshakes are perfect for any time of day. You can enjoy them as a dessert, a snack, or even a breakfast treat. So no matter what you’re in the mood for, a milkshake is sure to hit the spot! 

Making a delicious milkshake is easy! To start, you’ll need milk, ice cream,  your favourite flavour of syrup, like chocolate, strawberry, or caramel, sugar (optional) and ice cubes (optional).

Simply combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. If you want a thicker shake, add more ice cream. If you want a thinner shake, add more milk. And if you want to make your milkshake extra special, try topping it with whipped cream, a drizzle of syrup.

Tamarind Juice

Tamarind juice is also known as Tsamiya juice in the Northern part of Nigeria. The tamarind fruit belongs to the same family as the black velvet tamarind which we fondly refer to as likki-likki.  

Tamarind juice is very popular in Nigeria, where it’s known as “tamarind drink” or “tamarind water.” To make tamarind juice, the dried tamarind is soaked in water to soften it, and then it’s mashed or blended with sugar, water, and sometimes spices like cloves and cinnamon. 

The resulting juice is typically served chilled and is a popular drink for quenching thirst. The tamarind fruit has a sour taste, but when it’s mixed with water and sugar, it becomes a refreshing and delicious drink. It’s a great beverage to enjoy on a hot day! 

A drink doesn’t have to be carbonated for you to find it refreshing. You may argue that these healthy alternatives to fizzy drinks take time to prepare while sodas can be consumed on the go. You don’t have to worry about preparing it yourself though. There are many vendors online whom you could purchase these healthy alternatives from at affordable prices. Which of these drinks will you be trying? 

PS: If you’re not in the Food and Drinks community on Fusion, you’re missing out.