I tasted and ranked 5 different protein sodas from the grocery store. The best-tasting pick also had the most protein.

I tried sparkling cherry drinks from Summit Popz, Clean Simple Eats, Premier Protein, Proda, and Barebells to find my favorite protein soda.

Carmen Varner I ranked cherry sparkling protein drinks from brands like Summit Popz, Proda, and Barebells.

I wouldn't repurchase the Barebells or Clean Simple Eats sodas I tried, but Proda impressed me.

My favorite is from Premier Protein for its fair price, delicious flavors, and high protein content.

There are so many protein products on the market.

What was once relegated to protein powders has transformed into a huge industry, with everything from protein-infused cookies and pancake mix, and now, soda.

Protein soda is essentially a sparkling, sweetened beverage with added protein — but which ones are really worth drinking? I visited four grocery stores in San Diego County and ultimately found five cherry protein drinks from Summit Popz, Clean Simple Eats, Premier Protein, Proda, and Barebells to review.

For each, the protein source is whey protein isolate, a by-product of cheesemaking that's essentially highly filtered, protein-rich whey with less lactose and fat than typical whey.

In terms of criteria, I was looking for something flavorful and enticing to drink, with a fair amount of carbonation.

I also factored in cost and nutritional value, including calories, sugar, and protein.

Here's how they ranked from my least favorite to my top pick.

5.

Clean Simple Eats cherry-lime clear protein soda Carmen Varner Cost : $3.49 for one 12-ounce can Calories : 60 calories Protein : 10 grams Added sugar : 0 grams The cherry-lime clear protein soda by Clean Simple Eats had a milky aroma from the get-go, likely due to the grass-fed whey protein isolate.

There was a touch of cherry-lime flavor, but the milkiness made this taste more like a cherry cream soda to me.