The women behind "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" aren't afraid to get dirty - at least when it comes to soda. After going viral in 2022 for a "soft swinging" scandal, #MomTok is back for a second season . . . and they brought their polarizing beverages with them. In case you missed it, Hulu's juicy docu-series shines a spotlight on a group of popular Mormon mom-fluencers, bringing plenty of drama, and shedding light on at least one questionable dietary choice: drinking over 44 ounces of soda a day.
The trend, often referred to as "dirty soda," combines classic fountain drinks with flavored syrups and creams over ice. It may sound strange to some, but it's proven to be incredibly popular in states like Utah, where Mormons are advised to avoid alcohol, coffee, and other "hot drinks." After all, what's life without the occasional fun bev?
Understandably, people have lots of questions about dirty soda. (Namely: is it really that bad for you?) Ahead, experts explain the overall impact, including how drinking that much soda could affect your body in the long run. Read on to get their honest thoughts on dirty soda, plus a quick breakdown of the go-to drinks from the cast of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives."
Experts Featured in This Article
Kimberly Gomer, RD, LDN, is a registered dietitian and director of nutrition at Pritikin Longevity Center.
Leah Tsui, RDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist at Ciba Health.
Thara Vayali, ND, is a naturopathic doctor, nutritionist, and co-founder of Hey Freya.
What Is Dirty Soda?
Dirty sodas combine fountain drinks (like Dr. Pepper or Diet Coke) with various creams, syrups, and even frozen fruits. "The cream is what makes the soda look 'dirty' and gives a unique texture," says nutritionist Thara Vayali, ND. "It's often used as a fun alternative to alcoholic beverages." At Swig - one of the most popular destinations for dirty sodas - you can also make a dirty drink with sparkling or still water.
While we won't deny anyone a sweet treat, some members of the #MomTok crew have admitted to drinking up to 44 ounces (around 1.3 liters) of dirty soda a day. For reference, the uber-popular Stanley tumbler only holds 40 ounces of liquid. That's a lot of soda . . . and people have plenty to say about how it. But is a 44-ounces-of-soda-a-day habit really that bad for you?
Is Dirty Soda Bad For You?
Spoiler alert: it's really not great to drink over a liter of soda a day. "Forty-four ounces of soda is a large quantity for any drink aside from water," Vayali says, explaining that you're consuming calories without many additional nutrients, vitamins, or minerals. Leah Tsui RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist, agrees that if soda is your primary beverage, you may be missing out on key nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.
So what about diet soda? Sugar-free sodas are typically made with artificial sweeteners, which may diminish the metabolic risk, but according to a 2023 review, the acidity and phosphoric acid can still negatively affect your oral health. According to dietitian Kimberly Gomer, RD, studies also suggest that artificial sweeteners may negatively affect the gut microbiome, leading to metabolic issues and increased cravings. Here's a quick breakdown of how dirty soda can impact the body:
Diabetes: Regularly drinking sugary sodas increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, Tsui says. This is because the large amount of rapidly absorbed sugar in soda causes repeated blood sugar spikes, which can lead to insulin resistance over time. "For those who are already insulin resistant, the soda would also further aggravate and contribute to escalating the insulin resistance which is the cause of diabetes," Gomer says. Tooth decay: The acidity of soda erodes the tooth enamel (which can cause tooth sensitivity and pain), but the sugar also feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth, which can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease, Gomer says. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: "Most soda contains more than half of its sugar from fructose, and fructose is stored in the liver," Gomer says. "As those levels build up, fatty liver disease may develop." Consuming large amounts of soda daily can also cause insulin resistance and inflammation, which can contribute to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as well, she says. Decreased metabolism: Drinking lots of sugary soda can add a caloric load that's not nutrient dense. Over time, this may can slow your metabolism, Gomer says. "That hit of sugar leads to a spike in insulin which elevates blood sugar and can lead to excessive hunger," she explains. Diet soda has less of a metabolic effect, but studies show that artificial sweeteners in diet soda can alter the gut microbiome, increasing your chances of poor metabolic health.Mormon Wives Go-To Drinks
Now that you know how these drinks can affect you - what exactly are the Mormon Wives drinking? In a May 9 interview with E! News, the cast of season two shared their current favorite Swig orders. Some of the stand-outs included Diet Dr. Pepper with coconut cream, vanilla cream, and lime, and Diet Coke with fresh lemon and lime. Interestingly, some of the women said they also like water-based bevs (called "refreshers") with additives like raspberry purée, sugar-free syrups, and frozen fruit. But don't be fooled - these "dirty waters" can be just as sugary and disruptive to your overall health.
From a nutritional perspective, Tsui says the sugar in soda presents a unique risk since there's a strong correlation between sugary drinks and diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cavities. A full 44 ounces of cola has over 140 grams of sugar (even more if you add in syrups and creamer).
It might be tempting to judge, but a super-sweet coffee drink can carry similar risks, Tsui says. A large flavored latte, for instance, may contain around 50 grams of sugar. And while alcohol on its own (like wine, beer, and spirits) is relatively low in sugar, cocktails can get sweet, fast: a single Aperol spritz contains 36 grams of sugar. Don't even get us started on espresso martinis.
When it comes to your health, the best thing you can do is choose water more often. "Infusing water with a variety of fruits, veggies, or herbs, such as limes, mint, watermelon, and cucumber offers a refreshing sugar-free alternative that people can explore consuming in lieu of soda," Tsui says. Note that coconut cream is not on that list. Sparkling water is another great option, Gomer says.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, we're not here to soda shame. And truthfully, if you have to pick a vice, dirty soda is not the worst thing in the world. The most important factor to keep in mind is moderation - Vayali suggests limiting your dirty soda intake to around eight ounces a day. Also, consider how these drinks are prepared, since excessive mixers, syrups, and creams can tip your bev into the realm of health concern, Gomer says. Opting for lower-sugar options (water-based drinks, sugar-free syrups) can be a good place to start.
With that in mind, you shouldn't feel guilty for indulging in the occasional dirty soda, Tsui says. If it's a daily habit and you are interested in improving your health, there are plenty of ways to dial it back without going cold turkey. "Rather than thinking of it as 'dirty soda,' maybe we can think of it as a fun drink that we can have from time to time," Tsui says. Someone let #MomTok know.
Related: Khloé Kardashian's Protein Popcorn Is . . . Surprisingly Good- Additional reporting by Chandler Plante
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women's Health, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere. Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. Read More Details
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