FDA recalls nearly 30 beverages in 2024: Here's the List

While FDA oversight is often absent, neglectful, or misguided, the agency occasionally does what it is supposed to do. In 2024, it has tested hundreds of beverages and drink products, looking for undeclared ingredients like banned food dyes, toxic levels of heavy metals, and pharmaceuticals.

Given the lack of quality control, and the large number of untested products reaching the market, consumers need to be aware of the extent to which even this amount of oversight, does not address the widespread fraud in the industry. Not only does the FDA allow numerous ingredients that are toxic, either cumulatively, or cause allergies in far too many people, but they do not even attempt to test the vast majority of products on the market. The responsibility lies with the manufacturers, who often have a high incentive to skirt regulations to save on costs. The following beverages may have done just that, with some using undisclosed ingredients like pharamceuticals to enhance the effects of their products, a practice also seen widely in the supplement industry. 

List of recalled beverages

• Schweppes Zero Sugar Gingerale
• PepsiCo’s Mug Root Beer
• Martinelli’s Apple Juice (contains arsenic)
• Natural Waters of Viti Limited’s Fiji Water
• Charles Boggini Company’s Cola Flavoring Base (contains undeclared sulfites)
• Charles Boggini Company’s Pink Lemonade (contain food dyes like benzidine linked to cancer)
• Charles Boggini Company’s Yellow Lemonade (contain food dyes linked to cancer)
• Charles Boggini Company’s Yellow Lemonade X (contain food dyes linked to cancer)
• The Wiedemann Company’s Tapee Tea
• Rise Brewing Organic Original Oat Milk
• Rise Brewing Organic Vanilla Oat Milk
• Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3 Liquid
• Barsotti Organic Carrot Juice
• Trader Joe’s 100% Juice Organic Carrot Juice
• Powerade Zero Mixed Berry
• Powerade Zero Fruit Punch
• Powerade Mountain Berry Blast
• Waiakea Hawaiin Volcanic Water
• Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder
• House of Coffee Beans bags
• Longreen Reishi Coffee
• Longreen Cordyceps coffee
• Xlim Express Coffee
• Yogi Echinacea Immune Support Tea
• Sammy’s Milk Goat Milk Toddler Formula
• Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder
• Crecelac Powdered Goat Milk Infant Formula
• Mt.Capra Goat Milk Formula Recipe Kit

5 Healthy Alternatives to Soda You’ll Love

Soda might be refreshing, but it's no secret that it's packed with sugar, artificial flavors, and a host of other unhealthy ingredients. If you're looking to cut down on soda, there are plenty of tasty and healthier alternatives that you can enjoy. Here are five of our favorites, complete with DIY recipes to get you started.

1. Sparkling Water with Fruit 

Sparkling water is a great soda alternative because it provides the bubbly sensation you love without any of the sugar or calories. Add a splash of natural flavor by infusing your sparkling water with fresh fruit.

DIY Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of sparkling water
• Fresh fruits (sliced strawberries, lemon wedges, or cucumber slices)
• Fresh herbs (mint or basil, optional)

Instructions:

1. Pour the sparkling water into a pitcher.
2. Add the sliced fruit and herbs.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve over ice and enjoy!

2. Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea that's rich in probiotics, which can aid digestion and improve gut health. It comes in a variety of flavors and can be a delightful alternative to soda.

DIY Recipe:

      Ingredients:

• 1 gallon of water
• 8 black or green tea bags
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast)

      Instructions:

1. Boil the water and add the tea bags. Steep for about 15 minutes.
2. Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar until it dissolves.
3. Allow the sweetened tea to cool to room temperature.
4. Pour the tea into a large glass jar and add the SCOBY.
5. Cover with a cloth and ferment for 7-10 days.
6. Once fermented, remove the SCOBY and bottle the kombucha. Add fruit juice for flavor if desired.

3. Kefir Beverages - Using Water Kefir Grains

One of the best probiotics out there, kefir is most common in milk form, but also comes in a water variety. Sparkling kefir beverages offer a delightful and nutritious way to enjoy probiotics. The fermentation process starts by placing kefir grains—a unique symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts—in a high-sugar fruit juice like grape, apple, or a blend. These grains, which are complex ecosystems of probiotic bacteria, yeasts, and polysaccharides, work their magic over 24 hours. This not only naturally carbonates the beverage but also enriches it with a diverse array of beneficial microorganisms and a wonderfully complex flavor. Once the fermentation is complete, the drink is refrigerated to maintain its sparkling freshness. Consuming sparkling kefir beverages is not just a refreshing experience; it’s also one of the best ways to introduce a high count and variety of probiotics into your diet, promoting gut health and overall well-being.

4. Infused Water

Infused water is another simple yet delicious way to stay hydrated without reaching for a sugary soda. The options for flavors are endless!

DIY Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of water
• Fresh citrus fruits (orange slices, lime wedges)
• Fresh herbs (mint or rosemary)
• Berries (blueberries, raspberries)

Instructions:

1. Fill a pitcher with water.
2. Add your choice of sliced fruits, herbs, and berries.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
4. Serve cold and enjoy throughout the day.

5. Soda Machine with Natural Ingredients

If you love the fizz of soda but want to avoid the unhealthy additives, consider investing in a soda machine. You can create your own carbonated drinks using natural ingredients.

DIY Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of water
• Fresh fruit juice (like pomegranate or orange)
• Herbs (like mint or basil)

Instructions:

1. Fill the soda machine bottle with water and carbonate it according to the machine's instructions.
2. Add your desired amount of fresh fruit juice for flavor.
3. Mix in some fresh herbs for added taste.
4. Pour over ice and enjoy your homemade soda!

Making the switch from soda to healthier alternatives doesn't have to be difficult. With these five refreshing options, you can enjoy delicious beverages that are both satisfying and good for you. Happy sipping!