I can name dozens of reasons why the ‘ber months are the best part of the year. The decorations, the traditions, the desserts. Let’s face it—there’s a lot to love, especially if you’re a foodie.

And while I appreciate a good pumpkin spice or apple-flavored product, there’s one seasonal flavor that has stolen my heart. I’m a cranberry girl, through and through. This tart, ruby-hued fruit is a serious underdog in the “best seasonal ingredients” lineup, but it adds a vibrant flavor to sweet and savory dishes alike.

When I heard that my favorite healthy soda brand, Poppi, was bringing back their cult-favorite Cranberry Fizz flavor, I had to give it a try. Here’s my honest review of this pricey cranberry soda.

What is Poppi Cranberry Fizz?

People Are Obsessed With This Cranberry SodaKATIE BANDURSKI/TASTE OF HOME

First things first—what is Poppi? If you’re not already familiar, this brand is looking to take soda from sugary treat to better-for-you sipper—while still tasting delicious. Poppi uses apple cider vinegar and prebiotics to support a healthy gut. Each can has fewer than five grams of sugar and a mere 25 calories. We named Poppi the “best prebiotic” option in our healthy soda showdown, and I can personally vouch for its taste. While not identical in flavor to full-calorie soda, it comes pretty close! Plus, it’s less artificial tasting than diet soda.

Cranberry Fizz is Poppi’s holiday flavor. It’s sweet and sparkly—with a hint of tangy cranberry. It comes on the market at a time when soda is having a major moment—from Shirley Temple 7Up to protein Diet Coke.

Poppi Cranberry FizzCOURTESY DRINKPOPPI.COM COURTESY DRINKPOPPI.COM

We Tried It

Poppi Cranberry Fizz

Is cranberry Poppi that good?

People Are Obsessed With This Cranberry Soda KATIE BANDURSKI/TASTE OF HOME

To say I was excited to try Poppi Cranberry Fizz is an understatement. I couldn’t even wait for samples from the brand to arrive; when I saw it at my local Costco I jumped at the chance to buy a case (or two). And I’m not alone! There were less than 10 boxes left on the pallet after I added the cranberry Poppi to my cart.

I cracked open a can as soon as I got home and poured it into a pint glass over ice. Right away, I was surprised by the color. This is one pretty soda! It has a faint blush color, which is a stark distinction from other cranberry sodas I’ve tried. The darling from childhood, aka the now-discontinued Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash soda, was bright red and contained red 40. I love that Poppi doesn’t have any dyes or additives.

Now for the true test: taste! I took a sip and was met with the fresh, fizzy bubbles I’ve come to expect from lemon-lime Poppi—but with a subtle twist. The cranberry flavor hits you on the back end of your palate and adds a subtle twang to a standard white soda. As a cranberry die-hard, I could have gone for a more prominent flavor. But for the masses, it’s the ideal balance between sweet and tart.

I look forward to enjoying Poppi Cranberry Fizz with popcorn during holiday movie nights, as an afternoon pick-me-up or as a nonalcoholic option at holiday get-togethers. It’s a well-balanced beverage that I can feel good about drinking.

Where to Buy Poppi Cranberry Fizz

Pick up Cranberry Fizz anywhere you buy Poppi, including Amazon, Walmart and select Costco locations. Prices start at around $2.50 a can. Act fast, though! This seasonal soda is already selling out.