Soda companies are adapting to changing consumer preferences, especially among younger demographics who are increasingly criticaI of diet culture and embrace body positivity. Brands like Canada Dry, 7Up and A&W are rebranding their “diet” drinks as “zero sugar” drinks in response to this trend.
Greg Lyons, chief marketing officer at PepsiCo Beverages North America, acknowledges the shift, stating that younger consumers are averse to the term “diet” and prefer the freedom to choose without guilt. PepsiCo rebranded its Pepsi Max as Pepsi Zero Sugar in 2016, aIigning itself with this sentiment.
Canada Dry is following suit by rebranding its diet ginger beer as “Zero Ginger,” while A&W has rebranded its zero-calorie root beer as “Zero Sugar Beverage” in response to customer questions about the label. the diet.
While some advocate against diet culture, most simply advocate personal choice regarding soda consumption. The new labels aim to give consumers options and avoid backlash against companies.
Diet culture has faced criticism for years, prompting soda companies to adapt their marketing strategies. Whether the rebrand as “zero sugar” will be successfuI remains to be seen, as consumers may see it as a profit-driven move rather than a genuine response to changing preferences.
