Remember when alternatives to Coca Cola were impossible to find? Even the Halal restaurants only sold Coca Cola or Pepsico branded drinks.
But, things change!
With a growing focus on supporting ethical brands among Muslims and non-Muslims, alternatives to Coca-Cola, such as Salaam Cola, Zanti Cola, and Vive, are gaining popularity.
This review will assist you in selecting the best ethical cola.
Steer Clear: These Brands Are “On the List”
Several online lists identify brands to avoid, and you might be surprised to learn that soft drinks like Sprite, 7up, Dr Pepper, and Fanta are owned by companies on these lists.
Furthermore, Schweppes, a popular lemonade brand, is also under Coca-Cola’s ownership.
If you’re searching for alternatives to Coca-Cola or Coca-Cola substitutes, it’s essential to avoid these beverages.
But, Why Boycott?
Coca Cola made the list because it has a factory located in Israel’s illegal settlement of Atarot in the West Bank.
Settlers are slowly taking over parts of the West Bank, and the government are putting up security fences around many Palestinian towns, making it difficult for people to move around freely.
Not to mention the war.
Alternatives to Coca Cola
Here’s a list of drinks that are not ‘on the list’ – confusing right?
The brands below operate in the UK and their drinks are available on the high street or online.
Other alternative Colas have come and gone in the past. Who remembers Qibla Cola? Comment at the bottom.
Salaam Cola
Official Website | Buy on Amazon
One of the most popular alternatives to Coca Cola.
Salaam Cola is a fantastic tasting alternative that resembles Coca Cola in colour and branding. Many Halal takeaways have already switched to this particular alternative, making it easy to find.
Salaam Cola has some unique features that make it stand out:
- The can is slim and tall rather than short and fat – we all prefer that
- Colours of the Palestine flag are present on the rim of the can
- A percentage of the proceeds go towards causes that the brand cares about. Right now this is Palestine but by keeping the wording generic they stay open to other potential Muslim causes in the future
Salaam Cola has a familiar cola taste but is slightly less sweet than Coca-Cola, which might appeal to those who prefer a less sugary drink. Plus, a diet version is available.
Below are my ratings on Salaam Cola:
Taste: 8/10
Branding: 9/10
Availability: 7/10
Brand Ethics: 10/10
Total: 34/40
Vive Cola (Aldi)
Official Website | Buy at Aldi
Looks like Coca Cola, Cheaper than Coca Cola & tastes exactly the same – Vive is the perfect alternative.
As far as i’m aware this product has no connection with the Coca-Cola company, making it an amazing alternative to Coca Cola. However, it is not 100% clear who makes it and which factories are used in production. The can simply says ‘Produced for Aldi’.
If you have any additional information please email.
You can purchase this as a multipack in Aldi stores. There is also a diet version which tastes just as good.
The branding, can style and font are clearly designed to mimic Coca Cola.
Taste: 9/10
Branding: 9/10
Availability: 10/10
Brand Ethics: 5/10 (due to unclarity)
Total: 33/40
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Zanti Cola
Official Website | Buy on Amazon
The ‘Chaiiwala Cola’.
This is one fantastic tasting drink. It has an after taste that resembles Irn Bru, but the drink itself is delicious.
Zanti Cola offers a bold, robust flavor with a slightly more natural taste compared to Coca-Cola. It doesn’t have the same level of carbonation, which some might find refreshing while others might miss the familiar fizz.
Zanti have made no attempts at copying the original Coca Cola branding. Rather, they have created a unique, darker design that looks great.
The product is available in both can and glass bottle form. However, there is no diet version at this moment in time.
Taste: 8/10
Branding: 10/10
Availability: 7/10
Brand Ethics: 10/10
Total: 35/40
Sultan Cola
Cola with Black Seeds – Got to keep on the Sunnah right?
Some may not like the idea of Black Seeds mixed into a cola drink, while others will love it. The taste is not bad. Although, it’s far from the taste of a traditional Coca Cola or Pepsi drink.
It is difficult to describe the taste in words. The initial sip tastes similar to Coca Cola however the aftertaste soon kicks in, again Irn Bru comes to mind here. The inclusion of black seeds adds a subtle, earthy undertone to Sultan Cola, setting it apart from conventional cola drinks. This unique flavour may appeal to those looking for a distinctive taste experience.
No attempt has been made to resemble Coca Cola in branding or flavour. Everything here is unique.
Black Seed makes it unique.
According to one Hadith:
(Sayidah) Aishah narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said, ‘Indeed this black seed is a cure for every illness, except for al-Saam.’ I (Aishah) said, ‘What is al-Saam?’ He ﷺ said, ‘Death.’
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 5687).
Remember the below ratings are my personal opinion only. Please do try this one as you may love it more than I did.
Taste: 5/10
Branding: 7/10
Availability: 5/10
Brand Ethics: 10/10
Total: 27/40
Barr Cola
Official Website | Buy on Amazon
The same company that makes Irn Bru, Barr is a Scottish brand and a popular one. Therefore, the cola is easily available in places where you would usually purchase Coca Cola such as supermarkets and corner shops.
However, this Cola doesnt quite taste the same as Coca Cola or Pepsi.
Why?
Perhaps this is because the drink is not designed as a replacement for Coca Cola, and therefore they needed to make it different.
According to one website, Barr cola is considered Mushbooh (doubtful) due to an ingredient used. However, other websites class it as Halal. Please do your own research.
Taste: 6/10
Branding: 7/10
Availability: 9/10
Brand Ethics: 6/10
Total: 28/40
Karma Cola
Official Website | Buy on Amazon
I first tried Karma Cola at a takeaway called ‘Five Akhis’ in my hometown of Milton Keynes, a shop that has been selling Coca Cola alternatives since before October 2023. The famous Chaiiwala also sells this drink (at least the Luton branch definitely does).
I was intrigued by the cluttered branding and organic label, so I gave it a go.
The taste was great and it’s something I can drink over and over again. Although, i’ve not had a chance to try it since that day.
A little hippy
Karma is all about protecting trees and the environment. In fact, 1% of their revenue goes to their Cola nut grower communities in Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa.
Taste: 7/10
Branding: 9/10
Availability: 6/10
Brand Ethics: 10/10
Total: 32/40
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Labbaik Cola
Official Website | Buy on Amazon
Tried this one the other day, and I was pleasantly surprised.
Labbaik Cola has many similarities with Salaam Cola:
- They both contain the colours of the Palestine flag
- They both mimic Coca Cola in font and can colour
- They have similar websites
- They have similar names
Labbaik Cola has a sweet caramel taste, making it stand out above the rest. However, the can states that it is not suitable for young children or pregnant women.
Furthermore, the CEO is just 12 years old!
Taste: 7/10
Branding: 7/10
Availability: 5/10
Brand Ethics: 9/10
Total: 28/40
Curiosity Cola
Official Website | Buy on Amazon
Curiosity Cola looks and tastes nothing like the Cola drinks above. In fact, it looks like a bottle of beer and the taste is extremely bitter.
Try this cola if you enjoy bitter drinks and are looking for an alternative tasting cola rather than a substitute.
Taste: 3/10
Branding: 7/10
Availability: 8/10
Brand Ethics: 6/10
Total: 24/40
Radnor Water
Official Website | Buy on Amazon
Now, this might sounds like a silly idea. But, why not purchase a can of still water instead of Cola?
What are the benefits?
- It’s far far more healthy
- It’s cheaper
- The can gives that same chilled, refreshing taste
Sometimes we buy fizzy drinks when all we really need is a chilled drink.
Switching to canned water instead of Coca-Cola is a simple yet impactful choice that benefits both your health and the environment.
Unlike sugary fizzy drinks, canned water is free from artificial additives and unnecessary calories, making it a healthier option.
Additionally, aluminium cans are more sustainable and easier to recycle than plastic bottles, helping to reduce waste.
By choosing canned water, you’re not only making a positive impact on your well-being but also supporting a more sustainable future. It’s a small change that can lead to significant benefits for you, Palestine and the planet.
I recently purchased a can of Radnor and loved the taste. The only disadvantage was not being able to close the lid.
Taste: 9/10 – there’s no taste like cold water!
Branding: 7/10
Availability: 5/10
Brand Ethics: 7/10
Total: 28/40
Now, start your Cola journey
I’m sure there are plenty of brands that I have not included in the above. I want to make sure I try every drink I review. Furthermore, if you have a recomendation for me, please email or write a comment below.
There are lots of small businesses who could make a huge impact by switching from Coca Cola or Pepsico products to one of the alternatives above.
Please help spread this blog to any business owners you know, especially if they are using the blacklisted drink suppliers.
Spread on Whatsapp, or via email or social media. Lets show what impact the British Muslim community can have.
Written by Faisal. Founder of Islamic Music Hub and Marble Videos – Hire me as your UK Wedding Videographer. Visit Marble Videos for more information. Also, view my prayer room maps.
