The UK soft drinks market is shifting as consumers prioritise health, natural ingredients and functionality. From kombucha to energy drinks, discover what’s driving growth in 2025 — and how UF International can support your global beverage range.

The soft drinks category is undergoing a notable shift as health-conscious consumers turn away from traditional colas and sugary sodas in favour of more functional, clean-label alternatives. While total soft drinks sales in the UK have dipped slightly by 0.1%, key subcategories such as bottled water, energy drinks, and kombucha are showing strong signs of growth.

At UF International, we supply a comprehensive range of soft drinks that align with emerging shopper preferences - including healthier formats, global flavours and reduced-sugar offerings.

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Changing Habits: From Cola to Kombucha

Young consumers in particular are reassessing their beverage choices. Health, flavour and sustainability now dominate the decision-making process.

• High-sugar and artificially sweetened fizzy drinks are increasingly viewed as inconsistent with well-being goals.

• Natural ingredients are the most sought-after attribute for soft drinks, cited by 40.1% of consumers.

• Gut-friendly ingredients, vitamins, and minerals are also rising in importance.

Functional formats like kombucha and sparkling flavoured water without sweeteners are growing in popularity. Lipton’s recent kombucha launch (in partnership with Carlsberg Britvic) reflects this trend, with kombucha value sales rising 39% since the pandemic.

Hydration tablets, used with refillable water bottles, are another growing category - offering both flavour and function in a low-impact, low-calorie format.

Winners and Losers: What’s Driving Growth?

Sodas and traditional squashes are in decline, while water and energy drinks remain robust performers.

• Branded cola sales are softening, with Coca-Cola selling 23.1 million fewer units, despite a small value uptick of 0.5%.

• Fanta has fallen 5.5% in volume and 3.7% in value, showing younger shoppers are turning away from legacy fizzy drinks.

• Energy drinks remain strong, led by Monster (+17.8%) and Red Bull (+12.4%).

Top-Performing Subcategories

Bottled Water (+12.3% value / +7.1% volume)

• Highland Spring +15.9%

• Buxton +17.5%

• San Pellegrino +14.4%

• White Rock +16.4%

Squash & Cordials (+1.9% value / -0.9% volume)

• Belvoir Fruit Farms +14.7%

• Bottlegreen +8.4%

• Ribena +7.4%

Carbonates (+2.2% value / -1.5% volume)

• Irn-Bru +5.6%

• Dr Pepper +9.2%

• Tango +8.9%

• Pepsi +4.4%

Sports & Energy Drinks (+6.0% value / +0.8% volume)

• Boost +15.7%

• Lucozade +2.7%

• Prime down significantly (-46.2%) due to post-hype corrections

Innovation and New Product Development

NPD in 2025 is focused on lighter, functional and experiential products:

• Belvoir Paloma (non-alcoholic) - A grapefruit and lime soft drink inspired by the Mexican cocktail, made with agave

• 7UP Pink Lemonade - A citrus-raspberry blend aimed at refreshment seekers

• Lipton Kombucha - Low sugar, fermented tea with fruit flavours

• Irn-Bru Xtra - Limited editions with mystery flavours (Nessie & Unicorn Tears)

• Pepsi Strawberries ‘N’ Cream & Cream Soda - Flavoured cola extensions

• Red Bull White Peach (Summer Edition) - Citrus-enhanced peach energy drink

• Lucozade Ice Kick - Football-themed variant in partnership with Jude Bellingham

Flavour innovation is being used not just to refresh product portfolios, but to reposition brands as modern and relevant to Gen Z and health-driven shoppers.

What This Means for Global Buyers

As attitudes towards sugar, additives and processing evolve, the beverage landscape is being redefined. At UF International, we help buyers access a wide variety of on-trend soft drinks that reflect both consumer demand and commercial performance.

Our portfolio includes:

• Premium bottled waters and sparkling flavoured waters

• Low- and no-sugar carbonates

• Functional drinks including kombucha and vitamin-enhanced sodas

• Sports and energy drinks with NPD support and market appeal

• Seasonal and limited-edition variants for fast-turn retail

We work with both established and emerging brands to ensure a competitive, compliant and globally relevant soft drinks range.

Speak to UF International

To discover our latest soft drinks offering or explore distribution opportunities in your market, contact the UF International team. We’ll help you stock the drinks today’s customers are asking for.

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Category Report

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