First about the laying off.. I have been laying off the soda. Still every so often, but hey! I just started.
I am drinking more milk again. When I drink liquids I don't just have a glass, I have like 32 ounces. Since I'm not too fond of plain water (unless I have just worked out, mind you) drinking that amount of water just isn't appealing. Now Milk is great, I could drink that all day until my stomache says "too much" which I have done.
I would just like to be able to be able to have my carbonated fill when I want one without the caffiene. Sure there is caffiene free soda.. but I remember carbonated water when it first came out and that stuff was great! I'd prefer to just drink one of those when I get the craving than a soda. Thus this is why i'm looking for one that uses real sugar.
as for kool-aid.. its not carbonated. and the taste is sweet, not quite what i'm looking for. Maybe I've been out of the loop for too long, but I remember all of these types of flavored water not having any color to them. I haven't had any Propel yet, I might have to try that.