10 Craft Soda Brands Ranked From Worst to Best (According To Data)

Craft soda has experienced a strong resurgence as people seek alternatives to mass-produced soft drinks. Unlike mainstream brands, these sodas often use cane sugar, natural flavors, and small-batch production to offer something unique. Some brands succeed with bold flavors and nostalgic charm, while others struggle to stand out. To help you navigate, we’ve ranked 10 craft soda brands from worst to best, after studying and analyzing market trends and user feedback. Each brings a distinct personality, and while not all are winners, a few have earned a permanent place in American soda culture.

1. Stubborn Soda

Stubborn Soda promotes itself as an edgy alternative to mainstream soda, offering flavors such as black cherry with tarragon, lemon berry acai, and agave vanilla cream. The creative lineup suggests innovation, but many drinkers complain the flavors are too sweet and artificial despite the brand’s natural image. The use of stevia in certain blends also leaves an aftertaste that some find unpleasant. While the packaging and branding are modern, the taste often falls short of expectations. Among craft soda options, Stubborn often ranks lowest because it struggles to balance originality with a consistently enjoyable drinking experience.

2. GuS (Grown-Up Soda)

GuS, short for Grown-Up Soda, was designed for adults seeking a less sugary option. Using cane sugar but keeping the sweetness low, GuS offers flavors like pomegranate, Meyer lemon, and dry cranberry lime. Fans appreciate the lighter profile, but critics argue that the sodas can taste flat or watered down, with carbonation that feels muted compared to rivals. The slim glass bottles look sophisticated, yet in blind taste tests GuS often fails to deliver a memorable punch. It serves a niche audience that values subtlety, but those craving robust flavors may find it underwhelming.

3. Appalachian Craft Soda

Appalachian Craft Soda, brewed in Pennsylvania, delivers familiar flavors like root beer, birch beer, ginger beer, cola, and orange cream. The brand has regional appeal and loyal fans, especially in the Northeast. However, its reach is limited, and reviews often describe the recipes as predictable rather than distinctive. Some batches lack the spice or complexity expected from craft sodas, leaving them tasting closer to generic supermarket brands. For those who want a straightforward, small-batch soda with nostalgic flair, Appalachian delivers, but it doesn’t compete strongly against more creative or adventurous craft soda makers.

4. Boylan Bottling Co.

Boylan Bottling Co. has earned national recognition, with sodas packaged in nostalgic glass bottles and sweetened with cane sugar. The brand offers classics such as root beer, ginger ale, and black cherry, along with seasonal specialties. Its strength is accessibility, as Boylan is more widely available than many smaller brands. However, this broader reach comes with criticism. In taste rankings, Boylan flavors are often described as solid but uninspired, rarely surprising drinkers with boldness or depth. While it satisfies those seeking a cleaner, cane-sugar alternative, Boylan tends to play it safe and lacks the flair of top-tier craft sodas.

5. Dr. Brown’s

Dr. Brown’s has been around since the late 1800s and is especially famous in New York delis. Its flavors include black cherry, cream soda, root beer, and the divisive Cel-Ray, which uses celery seed. Fans love the brand’s heritage and authenticity, while detractors argue that the recipes feel dated compared to newer craft sodas. The carbonation is lighter than many competitors, and some flavors are less sweet, which can polarize opinions. Dr. Brown’s remains iconic thanks to nostalgia and cultural presence, but it sits mid-pack here because it offers tradition rather than bold innovation.

6. Capt’n Eli’s Soda

Capt’n Eli’s, a Maine-based soda, has developed a following for its smooth, balanced classics such as root beer, cream soda, ginger, and orange. The sodas use pure cane sugar, which gives them a clean finish without artificial aftertaste. Fans appreciate the consistency, and the brand is respected for its craftsmanship. Still, some critics feel Capt’n Eli’s plays it safe, sticking to familiar recipes without experimenting with unusual flavor twists. While not the most adventurous brand, it appeals to those who enjoy dependable, traditional craft sodas that are well-executed and true to their roots.

7. Sprecher

Sprecher Brewing Company in Wisconsin is renowned for its fire-brewed sodas, particularly its honey-sweetened root beer. The technique gives it a creamy texture and deep, layered taste that many consider among the best in America. Sprecher also produces orange dream, cola, and ginger ale, all known for rich flavors. Limited distribution and higher prices keep it from broader dominance, but those who try it often become loyal customers. Sprecher demonstrates how artisanal production methods can elevate simple sodas into standout beverages, which is why it earns a strong position in this ranking.

8. Jarritos

Jarritos, originally from Mexico, has become a favorite in the United States thanks to its vibrant fruit flavors and cultural influence. Popular options include tamarind, mandarin, pineapple, and hibiscus, all sweetened with cane sugar. Jarritos pairs especially well with spicy or savory foods, which helps explain its presence in restaurants and grocery stores across the country. Some critics say the sweetness can be overwhelming, making it less suited for daily drinking. Even so, its bold identity and refreshing flavor options make it a standout among imported craft sodas now embraced in American culture.

9. Jones Soda

Jones Soda is known for its creativity and willingness to take risks. Flavors like berry lemonade, cream soda, and root beer anchor the lineup, but seasonal and novelty editions, ranging from green apple to holiday turkey and gravy, showcase its experimental spirit. The brand also features customer-submitted photos on its labels, which adds a personal touch and cult-like following. While not every flavor is a hit, the originality and cane sugar recipes give Jones a strong reputation. For those who like surprise and variety, Jones Soda offers one of the most adventurous experiences in the craft soda world.

10. Maine Root

Maine Root, a fair-trade certified brand, emphasizes organic cane sugar and thoughtful recipes. Its root beer is especially celebrated for its strong spice blend and smooth finish, while its ginger brew and Mexican cola have earned loyal fans. Reviewers praise the consistency, ethical sourcing, and well-balanced carbonation. The only drawback is that some flavors are harder to find outside specialty retailers, limiting their reach. Still, Maine Root stands as one of the best craft soda makers, blending quality, conscience, and flavor in a way that appeals to both traditionalists and adventurous soda lovers.