While I may not be a full-blooded Juggalo covered in gray body paint, I do have an above-average appreciation for Faygo. Red Pop is an all-timer when it comes to fruit sodas, and Faygo’s wide range of flavors at super-low prices is unmatched if you’re looking for bulk mixers. I also find myself in Michigan pretty frequently for work, so I’m never too far from the Faygo homeland. So, when I found three new zero sugar versions of classic Faygo flavors (Red Pop, Creme Soda, and Rock’n’Rye), it was a no-brainer.
Per my fellow Sporked-contributing soda special interest holder Tyler, Faygo has also launched zero sugar variants of their fan-favorite Cotton Candy and Firework sodas. I’ve yet to see these in stores, but considering Faygo Firework is one of my favorite sodas released in the past few years, I’m keeping my head on a swivel. When I do get my hands on them, I’ll be sure to pop in with an update.
- Faygo Red Pop Zero Sugar
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Pros: The sticky, strawberry-candy smell is perfect, but the flavor is just a little too “fake sugar” for me, personally. That said, if you are unable to drink a full-sugar Red Pop, this is a satisfactory replacement. Of the three new zero sugar Faygos I tried, this was definitely my favorite.
Cons: I haven’t had a full sugar Red Pop in a while, and drinking this zero sugar version did not fully scratch that itch. Red Pop is practically candy, and there’s a reason you don’t grab Zero Sugar Jolly Ranchers at the store if you don’t have to.
Credit: Liv Averett / Faygo
- Faygo Creme Soda Zero Sugar
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Pros: As I opened the bottle (and immediately closed it before it exploded, you know how creme soda is), I was hit with the perfect vanilla soda aroma. Before even tasting this, I knew they got the smell right.
Cons: Sadly, the smell is the only thing they got right! You can hide the sins of fake vanilla if it’s in recipes with other flavors, but not here. This is exclusively fake vanilla flavored. Faygo Creme Soda is one of my favorite cream sodas, but this did not live up to any of my expectations.
Credit: Liv Averett / Faygo
- Faygo Rock’n’Rye Zero Sugar
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Pros: I hadn’t had a regular Rock’n’Rye before trying this zero sugar variant, so I was confused at first sip. Rock’n’Rye is some mystical combination of cherry, vanilla, cream, and cola. After tracking down a regular R+R for comparison’s sake, I was a fan—of the full sugar version.
Cons: As a whole, the entire Faygo zero sugar line is very heavy on the fake sweetener taste. I’m not usually someone who gets bothered by that, but it’s just too much in this case. I’m glad Faygo is entering the zero sugar soda cold war, but I’d like to see them go back to the lab a little while longer.
Credit: Liv Averett / Faygo
