Soda Showdown: German Sodas vs. American Sodas – Why the Authentic Taste Wins Every Time at Franzel in Goshen

Hey friends! If you’ve ever cracked open a soda and thought, “This just doesn’t hit the same,” you’re not imagining things. Here at Franzel

(your go-to spot for modern German cuisine and an incredible German Market at 47 West Main Street in Goshen, NY), we’re all about bringing you the real deal from across the pond. Today we’re breaking down the big differences between classic German sodas and their American cousins—and spotlighting four fan-favorite imports you can grab right here in our market: Fanta, Mezzo Mix, Almdudler, and the refreshing Eichbaum Radler 0,0% lineup (Lemon, Elderberry, and Grapefruit).

The Big Picture: What Makes German Sodas Different?

American sodas are famous for that bold, candy-like sweetness. Most are sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, packed with artificial colors and flavors, and designed to deliver an intense sugar rush. German (and Austrian) sodas? They play by different rules:

- Sweetened with real beet sugar or cane sugar for a cleaner, smoother finish

- Often include **real fruit juice** or natural herbal extracts

- Use vegetable-based colors (think carrots and pumpkins) instead of neon dyes

- Taste lighter, more balanced, and way less “cloying”

- Come in glass bottles that feel premium (and better for the planet!)

The result? Drinks that actually taste like what they’re supposed to be—whether it’s orange, herbs, or a crisp radler—without the artificial aftertaste.

1. Fanta – The Real Orange Experience

You know that bright neon-orange American Fanta? It’s basically carbonated sugar water with artificial dyes (Yellow 6 and Red 40) and zero real fruit juice.

Now meet the German Fanta we stock at Franzel: pale golden-orange, made with real orange juice from concentrate, natural colors from carrots and pumpkins, and good old-fashioned sugar. It tastes like sparkling orange juice—bright, tangy, and refreshing instead of syrupy. One sip and you’ll never go back to the fluorescent stuff. Perfect with a pretzel or just on its own on a hot Goshen afternoon!

2. Mezzo Mix – “Cola Kisses Orange”

This one doesn’t even exist in regular American grocery stores—and once you try it, you’ll understand why Germans and Austrians are obsessed.

Mezzo Mix (made by Coca-Cola in Germany) is a perfect 50/50 blend of cola and orange soda. It has a splash of real orange juice (about 1.5%), real sugar, and just the right amount of caffeine. Think of it as Spezi—the unofficial national drink of German-speaking countries. Sweet, citrusy, and bubbly with a cola backbone that somehow works perfectly. Ice-cold Mezzo Mix + a sunny day on the Hudson Valley = pure happiness.

3. Almdudler – The Taste of the Austrian Alps

If you’ve never had Almdudler, you’re in for a treat. This iconic Austrian herbal lemonade has been the national soft drink since the 1950s.

Made with 32 natural alpine herbs (lemon balm, sage, elderflower, and more), beet sugar, and sparkling water—no artificial preservatives or weird colors. It’s lightly tangy, gently sweet, and has this beautiful herbal finish that feels like a walk in the mountains. Americans often describe it as “ginger ale meets lemonade meets something magical.” We can’t keep it in stock—locals are hooked!

4. Eichbaum Radler 0,0% – Lemon, Elderberry & Grapefruit

Why choose between beer and soda when you can have both… without the alcohol? Eichbaum’s non-alcoholic Radlers are the ultimate German refreshment.

A traditional Radler is half beer, half lemonade. The **0,0% versions** from Eichbaum use a special malt brew base mixed with real fruit lemonade:

- Lemon – Crisp, zesty, classic summer vibes

- Elderberry (Holunder) – Slightly floral and berry-sweet, super unique

- Grapefruit – Tart, bitter-sweet, and incredibly thirst-quenching

All three are lightly carbonated, low-calorie compared to regular sodas, and taste like a proper German beer garden experience—minus the buzz. Perfect for designated drivers, families, or anyone who just wants something different.

Ready to Taste the Difference?

These aren’t just “imported sodas”—they’re little slices of European summer you can enjoy right here in the Hudson Valley. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, stocking up for a road trip, or just treating yourself after dinner at Franzel, our German Market has them all chilled and ready to go.

And we even use some of these in our craft cocktails—so if you’re joining us in the restaurant, ask your server about the signature mixes that bring an authentic German twist to every sip!

Stop by 47 West Main Street, Goshen, NY, browse our full selection of imported German goodies (chocolates, snacks, mustards, and more!), and take home a six-pack of something new.

Pro tip from Chef Franz: Pair the Elderberry Radler with our house-made schnitzel or grab a cold Fanta for the kids—they’ll actually thank you.

See you at the restaurant or the market—Prost and happy sipping!

Franzel – Modern German Cuisine & Oma's Laden - German Market

47 West Main Street, Goshen, NY

Open Tuesday–Sunday | Order online or swing by today!

What’s your favorite German soda so far? Tag us on social when you try one—we’d love to see! 🍊🥤