If you're drinking it, know what's in it

Story time: For the past month, every Monday or Tuesday, I’ve been on a side quest: hunting for low- and no-sugar drinks for my latest content series “Sweet Enough”.

I’ve been scanning the drink options at Publix, Sprouts, Kroger — and honestly? It’s amazed me just how many low/no sugar drink options there really are out there compared to what we had years ago.

Like remember when the only “healthy” option would be some drink in a diet version? And even that was questionable. 😅 

Recently, I visited a specialty non-alcoholic bottle shop here in Atlanta. While browsing, a sales associate asked if I needed help.

Usually in typical Angela fashion I prefer to just be unbothered. I like to roam, take in my environment and options, and keep it pushing.

But this wasn’t the case for that, I did have a specific brand in mind.

I asked for what I thought was a no sugar drink.

She told me they actually stopped carrying it because customers complained…about the sugar content.

I can’t lie — that caught me off guard. I thought I had vetted that brand already.

Which made me ask myself:

Are we actually good at checking what’s in our drinks — or are we just trusting the marketing of it all?

So, here’s what I’ve learned: vetting your drinks isn’t about paranoia — it’s about awareness.

If you’re drinking it, you should know what’s in it. I call that ✨ sipping savvy ✨ 

Here’s four simple ways to do that.

1️⃣ Read the ingredient list (not just the front label)
The key idea here: Ingredient order matters.

Ingredients are listed by weight — the first few make up the majority of what you’re consuming.

Things to watch:

• Long ingredient lists

• Multiple forms of sugar

• Ingredients you can’t pronounce or recognize

A good rule of thumb? Shorter list = fewer surprises.

2️⃣ Google what you don’t recognize
The key idea here: curiosity > blind trust

I’m trying to be better about this. If you don’t know what something is — look it up. And I beg you — use credible sources, not random blogs.

Sites like:

• nutritionfacts.org

• PubMed summaries

• Registered dietitian sources

Listen friend, you don’t need a PhD. You just need 60 seconds and intention.

3️⃣ Use tools like the Yuka app
The key idea here: Let tech help you.

If you’re not familiar with the Yuka app, I would get familiar REAL quick! The app is free (unless you choose to go with their Premium version, but in my opinion you only need the free version) and what it does is scan products and gives them a quality score based on ingredients.

Some pros:

• Quick rating system

• Flags potentially problematic ingredients

• Independent rating system

Remember, it’s not the final authority — but in my opinion? A very powerful second opinion. Use it intentionally.

4️⃣ Taste — and ask your questions.
Key idea: Vet with your senses + conversation.

If tastings are available to you where you shop, use them! It saves money and helps you gauge flavor vs marketing hype.

If not, ask store reps questions — but filter their answers. They can be helpful, but not always nutrition experts.

Now I have a challenge for you. 😏 

The next time you go to buy a so-called “healthy” drink, flip it over and read the first 3 ingredients.

If sugar (or one of its cousins) is in the top spots…you’ve got your answer.

Awareness first, always!

Angie’s Corner:

Y’all I have to give myself a moment of claps for my first video of my series “Sweet Enough”. Like do y’all see them views??

Granted, these views are inflated by the brand I mentioned in this displaying it as an ad, but this is BIG to me! Especially for the fact this is on TikTok!

When I was originally concepting the idea for this series, I knew I wanted the main platform I promote it to be on Instagram, but MAN did I sell myself short with how I thought it would do on TikTok!

Every time I open up my TikTok — more notifications, more comments, even MORE followers.

As a content creator, the old age advice is not to always look at the numbers or the vanity metrics, but this is enough proof for me that I’m on the right path. And even better yet? Brands are noticing ya girl’s work. 😏 

If you aren’t caught up with the latest episodes, check them out on my Insta & TT. They drop every Friday.

Before You Go, Let’s Catch You Up…

• Made some Black history content -

  • Black History & Mixology 

  • Black History & Cognac

• Last post about my intentions for this space 

In the meantime - protect your mental, go touch grass, and love the HELL out of yourself!

Until next time — Angela 🤎