While I agree wholeheartedly that we can all do better by avoiding many of the products of the beverage industry entirely, some of the health drinks are at least better than the pure sodas by way of reduced sugar and removal of the phosphoric acid. Looking at a can of pop with 160 calories vs a green tea drink of 90 calories, that sort of reduction can add up with people drinking multiple cans in a day. Even if we get none of the benefits of green tea, I would argue that we are still better off.

It would be nice to think that everyone would begin cooking their own food from fresh ingredients and making their own drinks directly, but it is really not likely to happen. Convenience and pleasure will always win out over healthy so the wins that are made in getting people to eat and drink better have to be considered within this context of society and human behavior. They will also be incremental.

(Pop is especially not affordable in the United States, where obesity is rampant and healthcare for all is being stymied by fearmongerers. I’m a Canadian, we are not a socialist state but a democratic nation with many health related businesses, insurers, and doctors making a great living. I love our health care system. It’s not the very best system, but it’s a darn good one)

Also, your last line, “Yes! Drink water! Preferably out of a tap!” – also brilliant. That’s why you’re my fav.

Wellescent – the “health” drinks are no better–most are sweetened and the so-called health claims of the “supplement” drinks are the latest scam to hedge their losses in the traditional soda market. If you are really concerned about health, heed Marion’s advice. If you want tea, make a cup of tea–what’s with putting it in an artful bottle, adding some “nutrient” and a dose of sweetener, calling it “Zen” and pretending it has any more value than a Coke?

I’m with Cindy on this. It all reminds me of that old cereal slogan, “part of this nutritious breakfast”. As someone said, “yeah, so is the box–which has more fiber than the cereal”.