Japanese Kids Love This Soda Alternative — Find Out What It Is!

Denying a child a soda or sugary drink often turns into a conflict. These beverages are prominently featured everywhere: in advertisements, supermarkets, and even at birthday parties, making them hard to avoid. When a child wants one, they can become persistent, bargaining, or sometimes even angry. Faced with exhaustion or the fear of seeming too strict, many parents relent. This is especially the case as many believe that a soda is “not that big a deal.” However, regular consumption can seriously harm a child’s health. So, what could be a better alternative?

In Japan, most young children do not grow up holding sodas. Instead, according to Japanese journalist and mother Yuko Tamura, not all kids are fond of these overly sweet drinks. Her daughter finds them “disgusting,” as she noted in an article featured on CNBC Make It about Japanese parental habits. Generally, in the Land of the Rising Sun, children “prefer drinking water or tea over soda.” But it’s not just any tea.

Yuko Tamura introduced her daughter to barley tea at an early age. “It’s a popular choice among Japanese people of all ages and a great substitute for sugary teas and commercially flavored drinks. It also helps in reducing daily caloric intake,” she explained. Known also as mugicha, this tea is loaded with minerals and is completely caffeine-free, making it perfect for children.

The popularity of barley tea in Japan isn’t without reason. It boasts numerous health benefits: it’s hydrating and refreshing, making it ideal for summer and suitable for all ages. Also rich in antioxidants, it helps protect the cells in our bodies and supports good digestion. It aids in balancing the body’s acidity and may also help regulate cholesterol levels.