Probiotic Pepsi

Make this healthy cola with probiotic compounds and the distinct flavor notes of Pepsi without the sugar. Get the recipe and start sipping to good health.

Dr. Gundry's viral healthy Coke recipe broke the internet. His features sulfur-rich Pellegrino and balsamic vinegar. It's refreshing! But, when I tried it, I was left wanting a bit sweeter soft drink with more cola flavor. This is my Lectin Free Gourmet answer to Gundry's original. We use Italian sparkling mineral water from Trader Joe's, balsamic vinegar and stevia drops with the familiar flavor notes of Pepsi. Would you believe this healthy cola triggers a good digestive hormone response? It's true! Read on for the recipe.

No Coke, PEPSI! Who remembers the Olympia Restaurant skit from classic 1970s SNL? The skit stars the original cast members Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd and John Belushi as Greek cousins, who speak very little English, running a New York diner. But, the only items on the menu are cheeseburgers, chips and Pepsi. Things go awry when customers, played by Gilda Radner, Garret Morris, Jane Curtain and Robert Klein deviate from what's cooking. "No tuna! Cheeseburger, cheeseburger, cheeseburger! No fries, CHIP! No Coke, PEPSI!"

Back in my soda drinking days, I was a no Coke, Pepsi person. I definitely detected the distinction in flavors. Coke had a certain dry feel and notes of cinnamon and vanilla. Pepsi felt slightly wetter in the mouth, with a sweeter taste. Although the cola profile of Pepsi is similar to Coke, I remember more caramel flavor with a minty, pepsin snap. Interestingly, Pepsi was named after the digestive enzyme, pepsin.

That's not coincidence here. The healthy cola we're making contains balsamic vinegar. The main active compound in good balsamic vinegar is acetic acid and probiotics that aid in digestions. The dark, slightly syrupy vinegar also activates pepsin enzymes, which break down proteins into their amino acid building blocks. Amino acids are great for cell repair. So, one probiotic Pepsi daily is not a bad idea.

We'll use flavored stevia drops to get the Pepsi profile just right. Now that we've had a little fun and we know a bit of the health benefits of balsamic vinegar, let's make this delicious and healthy soft drink.

LFG Probiotic Pepsi

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The Recipe

1 Cup Crushed Ice

1-2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar

3 Drops Caramel Stevia

2 Drops Vanilla Stevia

2 Drops Cinnamon Stevia

1 Drop Peppermint Stevia

8 oz Trader Joe's Italian Sparkling Mineral Water

Step 1:

Add ice vinegar and stevia to tall glass.

Step 2:

Fill glass to the top with sparkling mineral water.

Add a straw, sip and digest! ENJOY!