Not Too Sweet: How Reckon Stacks Up Against Cola and Sparkling Water

Reckon variety pack of tart cherry and apricot craft soda

Reckon has 12–15g of sugar per 12oz can — less than half a typical cola’s ~39g — while still tasting like a real soda. Sparkling water has zero sugar but almost no flavor. Tart craft soda sits in between: bright, fruit-forward taste without the sugar crash.

The sugar question, answered

Most sodas are built sweetness-first. A standard 12oz cola lands around 39 grams of sugar — roughly ten teaspoons. Reckon Cherry is 15g; Reckon Apricot is 12g. Same satisfying fizz, a fraction of the sugar, because we let tart real fruit carry the flavor instead of a wall of syrup.

Reckon vs. cola vs. sparkling water

Reckon Typical cola Sparkling water
Flavor Tart, real fruit, crisp finish Sweetness first Barely there
Sugar / 12oz 12–15g ~39g 0g
Calories 80–90 ~140 0
Caffeine None Usually None
Colors Real fruit & veg Caramel color

Per 12oz can. Cherry: 90 cal / 15g sugar. Apricot: 80 cal / 12g sugar.

“Not too sweet” is a flavor decision, not a diet claim

We’re not here to sell you on a number. Reckon isn’t diet soda and isn’t trying to be. “Not too sweet” is about taste: sweet enough to be a treat, dry enough that you actually want another. We don’t shame. We satisfy.

When to reach for each

  • Want a treat that stays crisp? Reckon.
  • Want dessert in a can? That’s a cola day.
  • Just want water with bubbles? Seltzer’s right there.

Most people who like Reckon were already drifting away from sugary soda but found sparkling water boring. This is the drink for that exact spot.

Taste the difference

Start with the variety pack — six Cherry, six Apricot — or shop all the fizz. Buy 2+ packs and 10% comes off automatically.

Not too sweet. On purpose.