Key Development

Indian consumers are actively cutting back on sugar by choosing soft drinks with little or no added sugar. In the first half of 2025, over 55% of total beverage sales came from low-sugar or sugar-free products like Pepsi Black, 7Up (no sugar), and Gatorade (no sugar), according to Varun Beverages, PepsiCo’s Indian bottling partner. This marks a steady rise from 44.4% in 2024 and 40.2% in 2023.

Food Safety and Health at the Forefront

By choosing these alternatives, consumers are reducing their risk of obesity, diabetes, and other lifestyle diseases. Food safety experts view this trend as a major improvement in dietary behaviour, especially since sugar intake often exceeds recommended limits in many processed beverages. Urban and younger populations are driving this change. With increased access to health information, they now associate high-sugar drinks with long-term health risks. As a result, they’re reading labels more carefully and opting for beverages that support their wellness goals.

Companies Respond to Demand

In response, companies like Varun Beverages are reformulating existing products and launching new sugar-free variants to match consumer expectations. Experts believe that this transition is a critical step in aligning food industry practices with public health priorities. Food safety no longer just concerns contamination or adulteration—it also includes the long-term impact of ingredients like added sugar. Choosing sugar-free drinks shows how consumers are making smarter, safer decisions for their health.

Source: FoodTech News