How to Choose Your First OLIPOP Flavor: A Beginner's Taste Guide

Quick answer

If you're trying OLIPOP for the first time, start with Strawberry Vanilla or Orange Squeeze—they're approachable, familiar flavors that showcase the brand's balance of sweetness and fizz. For a mixed tasting experience, the Fruity Fun Variety Pack is the easiest way to sample multiple flavors without committing to a full case.

Walking into the world of prebiotic soda can feel like standing in front of a candy shop with too many choices. OLIPOP offers a range of flavors from fruity to creamy, and if you're new to the brand, you might wonder where to begin. The good news? Most flavors are designed to be approachable, but a few stand out for beginners because they're less polarizing and more universally liked.

This guide breaks down how to pick your first OLIPOP flavor based on your usual soda preferences, sweetness tolerance, and whether you want a single flavor or a variety pack. We'll give you concrete decision rules, not just a list of flavors, so you can feel confident about your first sip.

Know your baseline: what do you usually drink?

Your current soda or juice preferences are the best starting point. If you typically reach for cola or root beer, you might enjoy Cream Soda's smooth, vanilla-forward profile. If you're more of a citrus person, Orange Squeeze delivers a bright, tangy kick. For those who love fruity, berry-flavored drinks, Raspberry Sherbet is a playful option.

The key is to pick a flavor that matches your comfort zone. OLIPOP's flavors are not exact replicas of traditional sodas, but they capture the essence. For example, Strawberry Vanilla tastes like a creamy strawberry soda, not a diet strawberry soda, so it's sweeter and more dessert-like. Knowing your baseline helps narrow the field.

• Prefer cola or root beer? Try Cream Soda.
• Love citrus? Orange Squeeze is your entry point.
• Crave berry flavors? Raspberry Sherbet is a fun start.

Sweetness and fizz: what to expect

OLIPOP sodas are sweetened with a mix of plant fiber, stevia, and fruit juice, which creates a different sweetness than traditional high-fructose corn syrup. The sweetness is present but not cloying, and the fizz is moderate—not as sharp as a typical cola. If you're sensitive to sweeteners, start with a flavor that balances sweetness with tartness, like Orange Squeeze or Crisp Apple.

Crisp Apple, available in the MINIs format, is a great low-commitment way to test the waters. Its flavor is reminiscent of sparkling apple juice with a candy-like twist, making it approachable for almost anyone. The smaller can size also means you can try it without finishing a full 12-ounce serving if you're unsure.

• If you dislike overly sweet drinks, choose a tart flavor like Orange Squeeze.
• MINIs are perfect for sampling—try Crisp Apple as a first taste.

Variety packs: the smart starter move

If you're truly undecided, a variety pack removes the pressure of picking one flavor. The Fruity Fun Variety Pack includes Strawberry Vanilla, Classic Grape, Cherry Cola, and Lemon Lime—four distinct profiles that cover fruity, cola, and citrus bases. This is arguably the best way to discover which flavor family you like best before committing to a full case.

Variety packs also let you share with friends or family, making the tasting experience social. You can compare notes and find your favorites together. And since the cans are shelf-stable, you can store them anywhere cool and dry until you're ready to chill and sip.

• Choose a variety pack if you want to explore multiple flavors at once.
• The Fruity Fun Variety Pack offers a balanced mix of sweet, tart, and cola-like options.

Your first OLIPOP flavor: decision rules

• Rule 1: Match your usual soda style: If you drink cola or root beer, choose Cream Soda. If you prefer fruity sodas, go with Strawberry Vanilla or Raspberry Sherbet. If you're a citrus fan, Orange Squeeze is your match. Pick a flavor that feels familiar to your palate.
• Rule 2: Consider sweetness tolerance: If you like sweet, dessert-like drinks, Strawberry Vanilla or Cream Soda will satisfy. If you prefer less sweet, more tart options, Orange Squeeze or Crisp Apple are better choices. Tart flavors are a good fallback if you're unsure about sweetness.
• Rule 3: When in doubt, go for variety: The Fruity Fun Variety Pack lets you sample four flavors in one purchase, reducing the risk of buying a case you don't love. It's the lowest-commitment way to find your favorite. Variety packs are the best first purchase for true beginners.

Starter flavors to consider

• Strawberry Vanilla: It’s like the creamiest, fruitiest strawberry sundae you’ve ever tasted, only in a soda. Strawberry Vanilla blends sweet strawberry juice, rich vanilla, and a dash of tangy lemon for a soda that quenches thirst in the most delightful way. This is a safe bet for beginners who enjoy dessert-like flavors without being overpowering. The vanilla softens the tartness, making it smooth and easy to drink.
• Orange Squeeze: Clementine and mandarin juices mingle with a splash of lemon for a bold, vitamin C–rich burst of citrus. Orange Squeeze is the sunny, nostalgic flavor you love, made refreshingly crisp. If you like orange soda or citrus juice, this is a familiar yet elevated choice. The lemon adds a tang that keeps it from being too sweet, ideal for those who prefer a sharper taste.
• Fruity Fun Variety Pack: Strawberry Vanilla, Classic Grape, Cherry Cola, and Lemon Lime team up for flavor-packed sipping from start to finish. As part of our 6g Fiber Line, this Variety Pack is shelf-stable and can be stored anywhere cool and dry. Just chill before enjoying! This pack is the ultimate starter kit because it covers multiple flavor profiles. You can taste-test and identify your favorite without buying four separate cases.

Which starter flavor fits you?

Best for

• First-time OLIPOP drinkers who want a safe, crowd-pleasing flavor like Strawberry Vanilla.
• Citrus lovers who enjoy a tangy, refreshing soda—Orange Squeeze is ideal.
• Anyone who wants to explore multiple flavors without commitment—the Fruity Fun Variety Pack is perfect.

Not for

• Those who dislike sweet, dessert-like flavors should avoid Cream Soda and Raspberry Sherbet.
• If you're watching portion sizes, a full 12-ounce can might be too much—consider MINIs like Crisp Apple instead.

Choosing your first OLIPOP flavor doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start with a flavor that matches your usual preferences, or grab a variety pack to explore. Remember, the goal is to enjoy a healthier soda that still tastes great, so trust your taste buds and have fun with the process.