Even though soda companies are making their cans smaller, children should not be allowed to drink soda. the companies that make the product claim that because smaller cans have fewer calories, soda is now a "healthy option." but research by the national science university has shown that all soda calories are unhealthy because they bring calorie consumption above the amount recommended for children to maintain a healthy weight. what claim is the author making in this passage? a. soda, drunk in moderation, is healthy. b. soda contains many unhealthy ingredients. c. children should avoid drinking soda. d. many children in the united states drink soda.

Let's look at teach of the options.
1. Soda, drunk in moderation, is healthy.
Actually, the author is saying the opposite. They're saying that any amount of soda is bad for the child.

2. Soda contains many unhealthy ingredients.
While this is true, the passage doesn't reflect it. Mainly, it's trying to communicate that the calories push the child's consumption over the recommended intake. The writing doesn't really mention the ingredients.

3. Children should avoid drinking soda.
This is both true, and reflected in the passage. It reflects on the unhealthy nature of soda, and suggests that children should avoid it altogether.

4. Many children in the United States drink soda.
The passage neither directly states this, nor implies it either.

Most likely, 3 is the correct choice.