As the cola battle intensifies, with Reliance’s Campa Cola making waves, a parallel revolution is brewing—one centered around health-focused drinks. Even traditional cola giants are witnessing a surge in demand for their no-sugar variants.
With wellness at the forefront, brands are crafting innovative beverages, from flavored tonic waters to sugar-free sodas and juices. Homegrown sparkling water brand Polka Pop, founded in 2021, is anticipating a fivefold growth by 2025, riding on this shift. Mumbai-based Habhit Wellness is also expanding its range with basil seed drinks and tender coconut water.
Paper Boat has entered the zero-sugar sparkling water market, while Gujarat-based Dadu Fresh is rolling out exotic fruit juices like mangosteen, lychee, and jamun. Thailand’s Mogu Mogu is making waves with its flavored coconut water, reflecting a rising preference for natural hydration.
The no-added sugar juice segment has seen 110% growth, with India’s market doubling to ₹700-750 crore in 2024. PepsiCo eyes this trend with its bid for Poppi, a prebiotic soda brand, while Coca-Cola is expanding its Simply line. Meanwhile, Dabur and Barista are tweaking their portfolios to meet the demand for reduced-sugar options.
Experts caution against artificial additives, yet the movement toward clean-label, low-calorie drinks is gaining momentum. With soaring temperatures, the thirst for healthier alternatives is only set to grow.