Disclaimer: The information in this article does not constitute medical or nutritional advice. It is recommended for readers to consult their general practitioners for any health and dietary concerns.

Navigating the beverage aisle can be daunting, with an overwhelming array of choices that promise everything from energy boosts to health benefits.

However, not all drinks are created equal and some can do more harm than good.

Sally O'Neil, a renowned nutritionist with a significant social media following, has shared her insights and spilled the seven beverages she would never drink, along with some surprising reasons.


Ocean Spray’s ‘Cranberry Classic’ juice ($5/1.5L bottle)

Often lauded for its vitamin C content and urinary tract benefits, Ocean Spray’s beloved take on cranberry juice is a sugar bomb in disguise.

With a staggering 70g of sugar per cup, it's equivalent to consuming 17.5 teaspoons of sugar.

Sally suggests considering D-mannose supplements as a healthier alternative for urinary tract support.

Mother Energy Drink ($3.15/500mL can)

The energy drinks from Mother are notorious for their high sugar content and artificial additives.

With 74g of sugar and 305 calories, Sally says they're far from a healthy pick-me-up.

The added preservatives, colours, and flavours are additional red flags for anyone mindful of their dietary intake.


Nestle Instant Coffee & Milk ($5/395g tin)

Coffee lovers might be disheartened to learn that their flavoured coffee fix comes with ‘weird additives’ and unnecessary sugar.

Sally points out that each cup contains three and a half teaspoons of sugar, making it a less-than-ideal choice for your morning routine.

V8 Vegetable Drink ($2/300mL bottle)

While vegetable juice sounds healthy, the process of reconstituting tomato juice diminishes its nutritional value.

Plus, the added sugar, 'natural' flavours, and salt make it less beneficial than one might think.


Bickford’s Iced Coffee Syrup ($7/500mL bottle)

With 45 calories and 10g of sugar per serving, this syrup turns your iced coffee into a sugary treat.

‘Tastes like poison’, one review about the syrup read.

It's best to enjoy this one sparingly or seek out sugar-free alternatives.

Ovaltine ($6.50/480g tin)

The beloved choc-malt drink sadly makes it on Sally’s list.

Despite the antioxidant-rich barley malt, the added milk solids, sugar, and processed maltodextrin place this drink in the 'occasional indulgence' category rather than a daily staple.

Nesquik Chocolate Milk ($5.35/500g tin)

A childhood favourite for many, this chocolatey delight is not as innocent as it seems.

With 80 calories and 8.8g of sugar per serving, it contributes to tooth decay among children.


Sally's breakdown of these beverages has sparked a conversation among her followers, with many expressing gratitude for her insights, reminding people that marketing can often mask the less-than-healthy aspects of products.

It's important to make informed choices about what we consume.

Beverages with high sugar content and artificial ingredients can have a detrimental impact on our health.

So the next time you reach for a refreshing drink, read the label carefully and keep her list in mind.
Have you swapped out any of these beverages for healthier options? What are your go-to drinks for staying hydrated and healthy? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!