The updated Ninja Thirsti makes it easy to customize low-sugar carbonated drinks.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Learn more.
Ninja gave its fan-favorite Thirsti soda machine a glow-up, and even as a non-soda drinker, I’m impressed.
Blame the dirty soda craze, but the Thirsti pulled me right in. It lets you whip up low-calorie, fully customizable sodas at home without the sugar overload, high-fructose corn syrup or extra calories.
And if you’re wondering what actually sets the Thirsti apart from every other at-home soda maker, there are a few standout features worth calling out. Here’s my full review, and why I ended up liking the Ninja Thirsti way more than I thought I would.
An at-home soda machine with single-serve options
What is the Ninja Thirsti?
The Ninja Thirsti is a customizable, automated carbonated drink machine that turns cold water into flavored soda using a CO2 canister.
It offers three levels of carbonation, two drink sizes and adjustable flavor intensity, plus the option to mix flavors. To use it, you simply insert flavor cartridges into the two available slots, choose your preferred strength for each, and press a button. In seconds, the cold water in the canister transforms into a fountain-style drink.
And just like that, the Thirsti offers a fizzy pick-me-up within seconds, any time you wish. Mix in your favorite add-ins (fruit, cream, syrup, etc.), and you’ve got a delightful, sweet soda drink. “‘Little treat’ culture, as we like to call it at Monin, has taken off in recent years, offering consumers a small escape from the day-to-day with a sweet treat to look forward to,” says Michael Moberly, Beverage Innovation Manager at Monin.
What is a dirty soda anyway?
“Dirty sodas are creamy soda blends that incorporate flavored syrups, fruit juices and non-dairy creamers,” says Moberly. “The original recipe called for a combination of cola, coconut syrup, lime juice and non-dairy creamer. Today, consumers are pursuing their wildest drink dreams with endless combinations of bold flavors and creamy textures.”
What makes dirty sodas so popular, Moberly explains, is their endless customizability. From sugar-free creamers to protein cold foams—and even swapping the soda base for a natural energy drink—there are plenty of ways to lighten things up.
The Thirsti takes that flexibility even further, letting you fine-tune both flavor intensity and carbonation levels to create a drink that’s exactly how you want it.
How We Tested It
Truthfully, I’m not much of a soda person. I mostly stick to coffee and water, but I’ll admit, I can’t always resist a Swig drive-thru. Sometimes, nothing hits like a cold, crisp, dirty soda.
But they’re not exactly the healthiest choice. Between the soda, sugary syrups and calorie-dense creamy add-ins, what starts as a treat quickly turns into a full-on sugar rush.
So, when I spotted the updated Ninja Thirsti online, I was intrigued for two reasons: Could I recreate a “healthier” dirty soda at home, and how is the Thirsti actually different from other soda makers like SodaStream?
Setup
Setup was easier than I expected. I unboxed the machine, rinsed the water tank, installed the CO2 canister and picked out my flavor pods. From there, it was as simple as filling the tank with ice water, popping in two flavors and pressing a button—crisp soda in seconds.
I’ve seen some users mention issues like a leaky water tank or messy pods, but I didn’t run into either. My experience was smooth (and mess-free) from the start.
Use
The Thirsti keeps things simple with five buttons on the front. The top two control your flavor pods (which one you use and how strong you want it). You’ve got two options when it comes to flavor strength: classic or bold. Personally, I almost always went bold for a more true-to-soda taste. You can also mix flavors if you’re feeling creative.
The middle buttons handle carbonation (low, medium or high) and drink size (12 or 24 ounces). Then there’s the bottom button that delivers your custom soda in seconds.
If I’m being picky, I wouldn’t mind an extra-strong carbonation option. Even at max, I found it slightly less fizzy than a typical fountain drink. A third size option would be nice, too, maybe an 8-ounce mini or a 32-ounce gas-station-style cup. That said, the flavor controls felt right.
Cleaning
I also appreciated the removable drip tray, which makes cleanup easy, especially since the machine can create some splashback while dispensing. The adjustable drink platform is another nice touch, letting you fit everything from smaller glasses to taller cups.
Maintenance has been minimal so far. Aside from the occasional wipe-down, emptying the drip tray and rinsing the water tank every few uses, there’s not much to it. And as mentioned, the pods have been surprisingly mess-free, no sticky residue or extra cleanup required. Eventually, I’ll have to replace and recycle the CO2 canister, but that shouldn’t be a concern for a while.
Flavor Pods
The Ninja Thirsti uses its own proprietary flavor pods, so don’t expect official name-brand options like Dr. Pepper. That said, you can get “Dr. Thirsti,” and honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by the taste.
Flavor choices are somewhat limited, though. On the soda side, you’re working with the basics: Dr. Thirsti, Lemon Lime, Cola, and Orange, plus a few zero-calorie options like Root Beer.
Beyond soda, there are also pods for iced tea, fruit drinks, caffeinated options and seltzers, which helps mix things up. Each pod makes about seventeen 12-ounce drinks and costs around $7, typically cheaper than buying a case of soda.
Taste
As someone who doesn’t usually drink soda, I was genuinely surprised by how crisp and refreshing the Ninja Thirsti flavors are. They have that familiar zip of a diet soda, but without the lingering aftertaste. I also liked knowing my drink was mostly carbonated, filtered water, and it didn’t leave my stomach feeling off the way canned soda sometimes does.
That said, when I had a friend (who drinks soda daily) try it, their take was a little different. They agreed it tasted good, but it didn’t quite hit the same as a full-sugar soda. If you’re used to multiple cans a day, the Thirsti might not fully satisfy that craving.
Still, it could be a solid way to cut back on traditional soda without feeling like you’re missing out entirely.
Size
The machine itself weighs under five pounds, so it’s easy to shift around on the counter when needed. At under 16 inches tall, it also fits comfortably beneath standard kitchen cabinets and stays fairly low-profile.
It does extend a little over a foot from the wall, but it’s still relatively slim compared to other countertop appliances, like a coffee maker.
If you’re tight on counter space, you likely won’t have much trouble finding room for it.
Pros
- Simple, intuitive setup and five-button controls
- Customizable drinks (flavor strength, carbonation and size)
- Option to mix flavors for more variety
- Quick, fountain-style dispensing
- Adjustable cup platform
- Removable drip tray for easy cleaning
- Compact, lightweight design fits easily on most countertops
- Typically, more cost-efficient than buying soda by the case
- Crisp, refreshing taste with no heavy artificial aftertaste
Cons
- Requires proprietary flavor pods (no name-brand soda options)
- Limited core soda flavor selection
- May not satisfy heavy soda drinkers used to full-sugar options
- Carbonation doesn’t fully match the intensity of fountain or canned soda
- A bit noisy during use
Ninja Thirsti vs. SodaStream
The main difference between the Ninja Thirsti and SodaStream is that the Thirsti delivers automated, single-serve drinks directly into your cup, while SodaStream makes larger batches of traditional soda in reusable bottles. Beyond that, there are a few other key differences worth considering.
One major distinction is that most SodaStream models are fully manual and don’t require electricity, whereas the Thirsti must be plugged in to operate. The Thirsti also features a dual-pod system that lets you customize flavor intensity, mix flavors and adjust carbonation at the push of a button. With SodaStream, you carbonate first, then manually add syrups afterward. Each machine offers more flexibility in how much flavoring you use. A quick pro hack with the Thirsti: you can also manually dispense flavor from the pods by squeezing them with your hand for even more control.
The Thirsti can also dispense still, flavored water for a non-carbonated option. On the other hand, SodaStream offers advantages in bulk volume and access to officially licensed name-brand flavors like Pepsi, Mountain Dew and Starry, along with a wider variety of flavors that are more widely available in stores.
Overall, SodaStream syrups tend to focus on classic soda profiles with regular and diet options for a more traditional taste. Ninja Thirsti pods, by contrast, are often designed as low- or zero-sugar options with added functionality, such as hydration, energy or vitamins.
Final Verdict
If you want individual fizzy drinks at the press of a button, the Thirsti delivers. It’s convenient, easy to use and consistent. You do need to make sure the water tank is cold (with ice) for the best carbonation results, but for me, that was a non-issue. I’m adding ice anyway because I like my drinks extra cold.
The machine itself is relatively small, lightweight and easy to clean. While you’re sacrificing some of the broader, name-brand soda options offered by other machines, the Thirsti still covers the essentials: core soda flavors plus teas, lemonade, seltzers, fruit drinks and caffeinated beverages.
All in all, it’s a strong contender in the single-serve soda machine category.
Where to Buy
An automatic soda maker that dispenses single-serve drinks straight into your cup
The Ninja Thirsti retails for $180 at SharkNinja and Walmart. Pair it with the GE Opal Ice Maker, and you’ve got all your summer drink cravings covered.
FAQ
Is the Ninja Thirsti worth it?
Yes, if you want a convenient at-home soda maker that makes single-serve drinks with low- or zero-calorie options. It has fewer additives than traditional canned soda and eliminates the need to store and wash bottles.
What’s the difference between Ninja Thirsti and SodaStream?
Most SodaStream models are manual. You carbonate water in a bottle, then add syrup. The SodaStream system is designed for batch carbonation. The Ninja Thirsti is an automated machine that carbonates and mixes flavors directly into your cup.
Is the Ninja Thirsti healthy?
It’s generally a healthier alternative to traditional pop because it dispenses water with optional carbonation and zero-sugar or zero-calorie flavor options.
Why Trust Us
Mary Henn has been testing products in the beverage appliance category for years. For this review, she used the Ninja Thirsti in her kitchen daily for more than a month. We also spoke with Michael Moberly, Beverage Innovation Manager at Monin Americas, about growing trends in the dirty soda category.
