15 Popular Lemon Lime Sodas Ranked from Worst to Best

Lemon lime sodas may seem similar at first sip, but the differences between them can be surprisingly dramatic. Some deliver sharp citrus, lively carbonation, and a clean finish that instantly refreshes. Others fall flat with muted flavors, syrupy sweetness, or artificial notes that linger a little too long. Taste testers across multiple reviews have compared the most widely available options on the market, from nostalgic classics to modern health-focused blends. When you put them side by side, a clear hierarchy emerges. This ranking takes an honest look at the lemon lime sodas people drink every day, revealing which ones truly sparkle and which ones are better left on the shelf.

1. Culture Pop Lemon Lime & Cardamom

Culture Pop’s lemon lime and cardamom flavor aims for a craft soda feel, but many drinkers find the blend more confusing than refreshing. The cardamom adds a sharp herbal note that overpowers the citrus, creating a flavor profile that doesn’t resemble the crisp, clean taste people expect from lemon lime soda. The low sweetness and probiotic base further distance it from classic sodas, resulting in something closer to a spiced seltzer. For traditional soda fans, this makes it difficult to enjoy, placing it firmly at the bottom of most rankings.

2. Zevia Lemon Lime Twist

Zevia’s lemon lime twist uses stevia for sweetness, which gives the soda a noticeably different finish compared to traditional sugar-sweetened drinks. While it offers a zero-calorie option, the stevia aftertaste often feels sharp and lingering, making the citrus appear muted. The carbonation is lighter as well, which contributes to the perception of flatness. Because the citrus flavor lacks brightness and the sweetener profile is polarizing, many tasters find it unsatisfying as a lemon lime soda, despite its health-focused positioning.

3. 365 Lemon Lime Soda

Whole Foods’ 365 lemon lime soda aims to offer an affordable, natural-leaning option, but it tends to deliver a soft, watered-down citrus experience. The lemon and lime flavors are present but mild, and the soda lacks the biting sharpness that defines this category. With lighter carbonation and a sweetness profile that leans generic, it struggles to stand out against stronger competitors. While drinkable, it often feels more like a basic store-brand alternative than a lively lemon lime classic, keeping it low on most rankings.

4. Signature Select Lemon Lime Soda

Signature Select’s lemon lime soda, sold in many grocery chains, provides a budget-friendly option but often falls short in taste tests. The sweetness comes through more strongly than the citrus, creating a syrupy profile that lacks the refreshing lift associated with lemon lime beverages. Carbonation levels vary, sometimes resulting in a fizzy drink and other times a flat sip. Because consistency plays a major role in soda enjoyment, this unpredictability, paired with its gentle citrus flavor, often places it near the bottom of ranked lists.

5. Twist Up Lemon Lime Soda

Twist Up, Walmart’s store-brand lemon lime soda, is known for its extremely low cost but not for its intensity of flavor. The lemon lime notes are very soft, leaning more toward sweetness than tang. Many reviewers describe it as tasting diluted, with carbonation that dissipates quickly. While it works well as a mixer or a casual drink, it rarely satisfies those seeking the crisp punch expected from the category. The overall mildness keeps it ranked below most name brands and even some competing store-brand sodas.

6. Mountain Dew Ice

Mountain Dew Ice entered the lemon lime arena with the promise of combining classic citrus flavors with the brand’s signature boldness. The result was a soda that leaned sweeter and heavier than established options like Sprite or 7 Up. While the lemon lime notes were present, they often sat behind a sugary profile that lacked the crisp snap people expect from this category. Its carbonation was energetic but the overall flavor felt closer to a lighter Mountain Dew than a true lemon lime soda. This identity conflict earned mixed reactions and kept it from climbing high in most rankings.

7. Starry

Starry, which replaced Sierra Mist, markets itself as a modern, brighter take on lemon lime soda. However, tasters often describe it as overly sweet, with less lime bite than Sprite and less lemon clarity than 7 Up. The softer carbonation also contributes to a smoother but less invigorating sip. While it is an improvement over Sierra Mist for some drinkers, it still lacks the sharp, refreshing acidity that defines top performers. As a result, it tends to settle in the middle of ranked lists rather than breaking into the upper tier.

8. Olipop Lemon Lime

Olipop’s lemon lime flavor aims to be a healthier alternative with prebiotics and reduced sugar, but it doesn’t mimic the traditional soda experience. The drink has a creamy, almost botanical undertone that overshadows the citrus. Because the sweetness comes from natural sources and is far lighter than standard soda, the expected bright lemon lime pop is missing. While appealing to health-minded consumers, it doesn’t satisfy cravings for a crisp, classic soda, which places it squarely in the middle of rankings.

9. Citrus Twist

Aldi’s Citrus Twist surprises many tasters by offering a clean, lively flavor that punches above store-brand expectations. The lemon and lime components are balanced and noticeably sharper than many competing private labels. Its carbonation is also stronger, which helps deliver the refreshing snap people seek in this category. Although it lacks the depth of top national brands, its affordability and unexpectedly strong citrus profile earn it steady praise. It frequently lands higher on ranked lists for offering standout value and better flavor than similar off-brand sodas.

10. Fit Soda

Functional lemon lime sodas like Fit Soda appeal to drinkers who want added electrolytes or amino acids, but they often sacrifice classic flavor in the process. These drinks tend to use alternative sweeteners, giving them a noticeably different finish. Their lemon lime profiles are mild, making them more refreshing than soda. While they provide benefits like low sugar and added nutrients, they rarely compare to true sodas in terms of sharp citrus and lively carbonation. This puts them at a mid-tier ranking overall.

11. Slice Lemon Lime

Slice was once a major player in the lemon lime world, remembered fondly for its fuller fruit content and brighter citrus profile. Although not as widely available today, taste tests that revisit the brand often point out how its milder sweetness and natural-leaning flavor set it apart from many modern sodas. Its carbonation delivered a clean lift, and the citrus tasted notably rounder than several store-brand alternatives. Even though it’s harder to find now, nostalgia and its balanced flavor keep it well-ranked among lemon lime fans who compare it to today’s options.

12. Barr Lemonade Soda

Barr’s lemonade soda offers a distinctly British take on citrus carbonation, using a tangy lemon profile with a sweetness that hits quickly but doesn’t linger too long. While not a traditional lemon lime combination, it frequently appears in rankings due to its zesty, refreshing character and strong carbonation. Drinkers appreciate its sharp lemon kick, especially compared to softer American store brands. The flavor can feel slightly candied, but its bright acidity and lively fizz place it above several mid-tier sodas in overall appeal.

13. 7 Up

7 Up remains a long-standing staple thanks to its clean, crisp flavor that favors lemon slightly more than lime. The soda delivers a refreshing sharpness without overwhelming sweetness, offering a balanced profile that appeals to a wide range of drinkers. Its carbonation is firm and consistent, contributing to the bright, uplifting sip that has kept it relevant for decades. While it doesn’t always surpass Sprite in blind taste tests, it consistently ranks well because of its steady reliability and classic citrus clarity.

14. Sprite

Sprite is often praised for its bold, unmistakable citrus presence and energetic carbonation. The drink achieves a bright balance of lemon and lime flavors, supported by a sweetness level that enhances rather than masks the citrus. Its lively bubbles create an immediately refreshing experience, making it a favorite among casual drinkers and mixologists alike. Sprite’s widespread availability and consistent taste contribute to its high placement in most rankings, where it often competes directly with 7 Up for the top classic soda spot.

15. 7 Up Zero Sugar

7 Up Zero Sugar frequently emerges as the best-performing diet option in the lemon lime category. Its flavor stays close to classic 7 Up, maintaining strong citrus notes without the heavy aftertaste that plagues many diet sodas. The carbonation is bright, and the sweetness level feels balanced despite having no sugar. This makes it appealing to both diet soda fans and those who normally avoid zero-sugar drinks. Its ability to preserve crispness and freshness gives it a solid position among top ranked lemon lime sodas.