SodaStream ~ Review ~

Where do you sit on the Pop vs. Soda debate?  I am a born and bred Texan and I say Soda.  I grew up saying Coke in the generic sense, but since I can't stand and have not actually consumed coca-cola since I was in intermediate school... While living in Washington DC during grad school, I found a more suitable moniker for the fizzy sweet stuff that has become a ubiquitous part of our every day existence.    While in DC, I also gave up Caffeine completely (yes you read that write, I have not consumed Caffeinated beverages since 2004).   Unfortunately, giving up caffeine can put quite the damper on your soda consumption... especially when you aren't a huge fan of Sprite (again I use that in the generic sense).   As such I have slowly given up Soda over the years.  I still enjoy a good Root Beer now and again (as long as it isn't Barq's... they sneak Caffeine in there, sadly), and I will indulge in a caffeine free Dr. Pepper when I manage to find some, but those are few and far between.

My husband, however, has not lost his lust for fizzy, caffeinated, syrupy goodness (his words), so he was suitably excited when the new SodaStream landed on the Carpenter doorstep.  He was itching to try it out, he even got my 4.5 year old in on the act... which is saying something since she has never had soda before.

Here is what you will find in a normal SodaStream box:



The box contains:

• SodaSream Taste Sampler Pack - contains a 1 time use packet of 6 of the most popular flavors


• CO2 Cartridge


• SodaStream Machine with Bottle and Cap

There are over 50 flavors available, including many made with all-natural Cane Sugar (I don't care what you say YES you can taste the difference and YES it is WAY better than stuff made with High-Fructose Corn Syrup). For the Review I also received a nice assortment of  Syrups to try. We tried the Black Currant and Pear.







If you are like me and aren't into a full-on Soda, there is also a set of syrups for flavored sparkling waters (meant to me lighter in flavor than a full on soda).



Hubby and I were a bit worried about the water situation because we don't have the best tap water, but even our tap water worked just fine... though this does give us another excuse to get that Reverse Osmosis system for the house we have been tossing around for about 2 years... The system was easy to set up and with the directions were straight-forward and easy to follow. The result was a suitably tasty Cherry/Pear flavored soda.

SodaStream has some advantages... first of all it is just plain fun to make your own soda.  You could also make your own syrups for your own soda.  There is far, far less waste.  If you are a loyal SodaStream user you will eventually start seeing the savings on your grocery bill as well.

You can get your own SodaStream and many fine retailers including Costco, Kohl's, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Target, Williams-Sonoma, and more

Note: I received the product discussed for free for purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.