The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Soft drinks have long been a playground for flavour innovation, with brands constantly experimenting to keep consumers engaged. While some trends come and go, one tactic remains a staple – giving classic products a fresh twist. From nostalgic throwbacks to unexpected pairings, these innovations tap into evolving consumer preferences, whether that is for bold, indulgent flavours or lighter, fruiter refreshes.

That said, these new flavours are not just about novelty; they reflect a deeper shift in the market. Consumers are often drawn to flavours that offer a sense of indulgence without the guilt, tapping into trends like dessert-inspired drinks, fruity blends and unexpected mash-ups. At the same time, health-conscious shoppers are pushing brands to innovate with lower-sugar or functional ingredients, creating a balance between excitement and better-for-you choices.

As the soft drinks landscape evolves, mainstream brands are turning to bold new flavours to stay relevant. By reimagining familiar products, they can appeal to both loyal customers and a new generation of adventurous drinkers seeking something different.

With that in mind, we take a look at some of the latest soft drink brands putting a new spin on familiar favourites...

Keurig Dr Pepper's new flavour innovations

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) is unveiling a series of new flavour innovations across its US soft drinks portfolio.

Dr Pepper Blackberry is the newest permanent variety to be unveiled from the iconic Dr Pepper brand, combining the drink’s original 23 flavours with the ‘rich sweetness’ of blackberry.

The launch follows recent Circana data revealing high consumer interest in the flavour, with blackberry-flavoured CSDs growing more than two times faster than the CSD category in dollar sales last year.

Dr Pepper Blackberry is now available nationwide in regular and zero-sugar varieties, across a range of pack sizes plus fountain and frozen dispensed formats.

The company has also launched 7Up Tropical, blending the classic lemon-lime flavoured drink with tropical hints of mango and peach, launching as a permanent addition to the 7Up portfolio this month and available in regular and zero-sugar variants.

Meanwhile, a new Snapple Peach Tea and Lemonade product combines the brand’s peach tea flavour with a citrusy lemonade, launching in March nationwide and available in various sizes.

KDP’s Bai line-up also features two new flavour innovations: Bai Simbu Strawberry and Bai Shala Coconut Strawberry. These permanent additions, sweetened with plant-based stevia, will launch later this month. According to KDP, both varieties support a healthy immune system, with Simbu Strawberry providing a good source of vitamin C and Shala Coconut Strawberry a good source of vitamin E and zinc.

Elsewhere, it’s A&W root beer brand is launching a new Ice Cream Sundae flavour, designed to provide a ‘nostalgic treat’ inspired by the combined flavours of sweet vanilla ice cream with indulgent fudge. It will be available in regular and zero-sugar options, for a limited time starting in August.

Finally, its RC Cola Zero Sugar brings the iconic cola taste with zero sugar, launching nationally this month in both 12-packs and 2 litre options.

Fanta’s fruity zero-sugar flavours

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has added three new fruity flavours to its Fanta zero-sugar line-up in the UK.

Two brand-new permanent additions, Fanta Zero Apple and Fanta Zero Raspberry, has rolled out in stores this month, available in 330ml cans, 500ml rPET bottles, 2L rPET bottles and multipacks.

Additionally, a limited-edition Fanta Tutti Frutti Zero Sugar will launch from mid-March in a ‘sleek’ can format with a bright and colourful design, aiming to ‘transport shoppers back to their teen years’ with a mixture of peach, pineapple and banana flavours.

Carlsberg Britvic's Tango Strawberry Smash

Carlsberg Britvic-owned UK soft drink brand, Tango, has launched its latest rotational flavour, Strawberry Smash, as part of its annual ‘Editions’ series.

Strawberry Smash combines the familiar taste of strawberry with a hint of pineapple, designed to appeal to a broad demographic while reinforcing Tango’s brand identity.

Available in various formats, including 330ml cans, 500ml bottles and multipacks, the new flavour follows the success of Tango’s Mango variant, which recorded £12.7 million in retail sales value shortly after its 2024 launch.

Coca-Cola's Simply Pop prebiotic soda

Coca-Cola is set to launch its new prebiotic soda brand, Simply Pop, in a bid to capture a share of the rapidly growing market for health-oriented beverages.

This move positions the beverage giant against established players like Olipop, SunSip and Poppi, who have successfully carved out niches in the prebiotic soda segment.

The initial product line-up features fruity flavours such as pineapple mango, lime, strawberry, fruit punch and citrus punch, reflecting Coca-Cola's existing Simply juice brand.

The new beverages are touted as having no added sugar and containing 25% to 30% real fruit juice, alongside added vitamin C and zinc. Each serving also includes 6g of prebiotic fibre.

Pepsi's indulgent cola flavours

In January, Pepsi added a new permanent flavour to its portfolio: Wild Cherry & Cream.

Available in both original and zero sugar formats, the new flavour combines the bold, citrus-forward taste of Pepsi with a smooth blend of sweet wild cherry and creamy vanilla.

The new drink offers an initial burst of sweet cherry, followed by a creamy vanilla finish, providing a satisfying and silky mouthfeel.

Additionally, earlier this month, Pepsi expanded its range with the launch of two new zero-sugar drinks: Strawberries ‘N’ Cream and Cream Soda

The launch caters to the rising demand for flavoured cola, which, according to the company, is growing three times faster than unflavoured cola, particularly among Gen Z shoppers. To appeal to this demographic, the pack designs are bold, and the launch is supported by a comprehensive communications plan targeting Gen Z consumers.

Dr Pepper's zero-sugar Cherry Crush

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has unveiled a limited-edition variant of its popular Dr Pepper Zero Sugar line, named Dr Pepper Zero Sugar Cherry Crush.

Dr Pepper Zero Sugar Cherry Crush combines the brand's existing zero sugar formula with a vibrant cherry flavour, a combination that has proven popular among consumers. The product is available in various packaging sizes, including 330ml, 500ml and 2l options.

SunSip's Dr Bubbles and Cream Soda flavours

Health-Ade is expanding its SunSip prebiotic soda line with two new flavours: Dr Bubbles and Cream Soda.

These options join the existing line-up of gut-healthy sodas that are sweetened naturally with fruit juice, monk fruit and organic cane sugar. With 6g or less of sugar per can and 40 calories, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional sugary sodas.

Dr Bubbles reimagines the classic Doctor soda with a black cherry base and subtle spices, while Cream Soda offers a nostalgic creamy vanilla flavour with caramelised notes. SunSip’s sodas are designed to support gut health with added prebiotics and vitamins such as C, B6 and B12, as well as minerals like zinc and selenium.

The Dr Bubbles and Cream Soda flavours have been designed without the aftertaste often associated with stevia, which makes them an appealing option for consumers seeking a better-for-you soda.

Coca-Cola's orange cream variant

Coca-Cola has unveiled a brand-new flavour innovation in the US and Canada: Coca-Cola Orange Cream, available in both full-sugar and zero-sugar formats.

The NPD aims to provide a ‘tasty, modern twist on Coca-Cola and nostalgic orange cream,’ infusing the classic taste of Coca-Cola with orange and creamy vanilla flavours. Coca-Cola Orange Cream has 140 calories and 39g of sugar per 12 oz serving, while the zero-sugar variant is sweetened with zero-calorie sugar alternatives.

The packaging features the classic Coke trademark red, supplemented with an overlay of citrus-inspired orange colour.

Clean Simple Eats' protein soda

Clean Simple Eats (CSE) has launched its first protein-packed carbonated soda, Frosted Lemonade Clear Protein Soda.

The new product, which contains 20g of ultra-filtered whey protein isolate per can, will debut at Expo West, a trade show for the natural and organic industry. The caffeine-free soda is positioned as a protein-enhanced alternative to traditional fizzy drinks, with no artificial ingredients or added sugars.

CSE claims the drink is low-lactose and designed to be easy on digestion, catering to health-conscious consumers looking to increase their protein intake.

CSE’s ready-to-drink​ Frosted Lemonade Clear Protein Soda is available now for a limited time only. It’s bursting with tart and juicy lemon - a sunshine sipper with a creamy vanilla finish. The brand will launch three more refreshing and bubbly Clear Protein Soda flavours in the coming months.

Bloom Pop's functional soda

Bloom Nutrition has launched a new functional soda designed to cater to health-conscious consumers: Bloom Pop.

Announced at the recent Expo West 2025, Bloom Pop will debut in five flavours, including Shirley Temple, Raspberry Lemon and Orange.

With only 20 calories and 4g of sugar or less per serving, the beverage is formulated with a proprietary prebiotic designed to support gut health, reflecting a growing consumer demand for functional beverages that prioritise wellness without sacrificing flavour.