When I heard a young woman on TikTok refer to her Diet Coke as a “fridge cigarette,” I didn’t need an explanation — the metaphor spoke for itself.
The way I reach for an ice-cold soda every day is nearly as compulsive as a smoking addiction. Sometimes, I look forward to the mid-day soda more than my morning coffee.
On tough days, I find myself taking multiple breaks just to savor a sip of that sweet-fizzy-perfectly-carbonated-artificial-goodness. The crack of the can, the rush of that first sip, the stress instantly melting away.
I’m a victim of this trend, and I am completely aware of all the health risks.
A 2019 study published in the American Heart Association journal found that people who consumed one or more diet sodas per day were at a higher risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events. New research has also revealed that drinking just one artificially sweetened soda a day can raise your risk of type 2 diabetes by 38%.
What I didn’t realize (and I suspect many others don’t either) is how easy it can be to quit when you find the right replacement.
When I saw Bloom Nutrition launch Bloom Pop prebiotic soda, I was intrigued. Sure, I was still skeptical it could curb my cravings for the real thing, but I was open to the idea of a better-for-you soda.
As a health and wellness writer, I’ve also witnessed the growing interest in gut health pervade social media.
Along with awareness of unhealthy habits like the “fridge cigarette,” more people are looking to repair and strengthen their gut with probiotics and prebiotics, understanding the gut’s impact on digestion, immunity, physical health, brain function, and mental well-being.
I’ve seen plenty of wellness enthusiasts crafting their own prebiotic concoctions, while others rely on various supplements to fill dietary gaps. More brands are now also creating tasty, gut-friendly drinks.
In my opinion, Bloom is just one of the first brands to get it right.
What is Bloom Pop?
Bloom Pop Prebiotic Soda
While I wouldn’t go so far as to call Bloom Pop a health drink, it’s definitely not your typical soda either. Each fizzy 12-ounce can is made with simple, clean ingredients and contains no artificial flavors, preservatives or colors. They’re also beautifully packaged in bright, easy-to-read packaging.
With just a few grams of sugar and only 20 calories per serving, Bloom Pop offers a lighter alternative to traditional soft drinks. And since it’s completely caffeine-free, it’s safe for kids to enjoy, too. Currently, Bloom Pop comes in five feel-good flavors: Shirley Temple, Strawberry Cream, Raspberry Lemonade, Classic Orange and Watermelon Lime.
What really sets Bloom Pop apart isn’t just what’s left out of the ingredients list; it’s what’s packed into each can. Every Bloom Pop is made with fruit juice, organic apple cider vinegar, and gut-healthy, clinically backed prebiotics designed to support digestion and overall wellness.
Is probiotic soda actually good for you?
Most people are familiar with probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that naturally live in your gut.
However, fewer people are aware of prebiotics, the nutrients that these beneficial bacteria require to thrive. Prebiotics are specialized fibers or carbohydrates that help nourish and strengthen the probiotics already in your digestive system.
Prebiotics are found naturally in foods like kimchi, yogurt, and kefir — but they’re also added to drinks and supplements designed to support gut health.
Personally, I know how tough it can be to maintain a consistently gut-friendly diet without some extra help, which is exactly why prebiotic soda is such a convenient option for someone like me.
Bloom Pop is developed with PreticX (xylooligosaccharide), a cutting-edge patented prebiotic that is highly effective at low doses, according to the brand. The brand also claims that this signature prebiotic formula delivers noticeable gut-balancing and metabolism benefits, without the common digestive side effects, such as bloating and gas.
Taste
When Bloom Nutrition launched Bloom Pop, customers couldn’t stop raving about its nostalgic, indulgent flavors. Reviews of the Shirley Temple flavor, for example, have gone viral on TikTok, racking up millions of views. On the brand’s website, the drinks boast an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
One reviewer shared that just one sip “instantly transported [her] back to being a kid at the ice cream parlor.” Another claimed Bloom tasted better than the cult-favorite Poppi. Across the board, people seem to agree that these drinks were perfectly balanced, “crisp, refreshing, and not overly sugary.”
Francesca Farago, former “Too Hot to Handle” star and new mom-of-two, raved that the Strawberry Cream flavor was “the best probiotic soda [she’s] ever had,” adding that the caffeine-free formula makes it a breastfeeding-safe option as well.
My review: Bloom Pop
I’ve spent the past week swapping my daily Diet Pepsi for a can of Bloom Pop, and I’m pretty confident this is a habit that’s going to stick around. Here’s why:
Bloom Pop is sweet, but instead of relying on artificial sweeteners, the company uses Stevia leaf extract and organic cane sugar for flavor. Some reviewers have suggested these ingredients give the drink a more natural taste compared to regular soda.
I ordered the variety pack to sample all the flavors, and I have to agree with most of the reviews. These drinks are both crave-worthy and refreshing. They’re just fizzy enough to tingle on your tongue with the first sip, and they bubble and foam satisfyingly when poured into a glass.
Fortunately, they’re also shelf-stable, which is great news for those of us with fridges already packed to the brim. I actually don’t mind sipping Bloom Pop at room temperature, though I know that might be taken as a major offense to those who swear by their soda ice-cold.
Don’t get me wrong: The flavor is definitely sweet, but Bloom Pop doesn’t have the artificial, chemical profile of regular soda. It also contains less sugar than other leading prebiotic sodas. I actually enjoy the aftertaste too; it’s smooth, balanced, and leaves you wanting more. It tastes clean enough that you can finish a can feeling guilt-free.
Unlike some soft drinks, I can actually taste the difference in every flavor. As I expected, the Shirley Temple is easily my favorite; the cherry-citrus combo sends you right back to childhood. The slightly tart Raspberry Lemonade claims second, and the vanilla notes in the Strawberry Cream are growing on me.
If you like to stack your wellness routine into a single drink, Bloom Pop makes a surprisingly flavorful and functional base. Throw in some ice cubes and a lemon wedge, and you have yourself a healthy mocktail. Not to mention, at just 20 calories per can, it barely makes a dent in my daily intake.
I’ve been experimenting by mixing in a few of my go-to supplements — collagen, colostrum, and even my greens powder. The collagen blends in barely detectable, while the colostrum and greens actually become a lot more palatable thanks to Bloom Pop’s bold flavor.
Final verdict: Is it worth it?
I haven’t been drinking Bloom Pop long enough to notice any dramatic changes to my gut health, weight, or physical well-being. However, after finishing my daily pop, my stomach feels a little more settled, and I’m far less tempted to reach for the usual unhealthy snacks that used to go hand-in-hand with my previous fridge cigarettes. Typical cravings — averted.
Maybe it’s a placebo effect, but the small amount of added sugar gives me just enough of a lift to power through the next block of work. No second coffee or full-sugar soda needed. It’s just enough, without being too much.
The fact that Bloom Pop does not use some of those questionable ingredients listed on the back of my Diet Pepsi (like caramel color, phosphoric acid, aspartame, and potassium benzoate) makes me feel a lot better about what I’m putting into my body.
The best part about Bloom Pop, in my opinion? I haven’t even thought about reaching for a “fridge cigarette” in days. Maybe I wasn’t truly addicted to regular soda; I just needed something better, healthier, and equally satisfying. That something was Bloom Pop.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
