The UK’s soft drinks market is undergoing a dynamic transformation, with a range of UK drinks brands poised to make their mark in 2025. From carbonated classics to innovative functional beverages, the industry is evolving to cater to health-conscious consumers and shifting flavour preferences.
Key Takeaways:
- Soft drinks market growth: The UK soft drinks market is forecasted to reach £40.77 billion by 2034, driven by demand for low-calorie and functional beverages.
- Dominance of carbonated brands: Coca-Cola and Pepsi Max remain the top-selling carbonated drink brands, with a focus on no-sugar and low-calorie variants.
- Evolving flavour trends: Consumers are gravitating towards less sweet, more savoury and umami-driven flavour profiles, including functional drinks like kombucha and ginger/turmeric shots.
- Dairy and alternative drinks: The market is seeing growth in flavoured milk, ready-to-drink cold brew coffee, and plant-based dairy alternatives.
The UK Soft Drinks Market in 2025
The UK soft drinks market has experienced significant growth in recent years, reaching a value of £25.32 billion in 2024 and projected to reach £40.77 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.88%[1][3]. This expansion is driven by a range of factors, including the increasing demand for low-calorie and functional beverages among health-conscious consumers, as well as the industry’s focus on sustainability through eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing[3].
In 2025, the volume for at-home consumption is expected to reach 7.48 billion liters, while out-of-home volumes are projected at 953.34 million liters[6]. This growth in both on-the-go and in-home consumption underscores the diverse and evolving preferences of UK consumers.
Dominance of Carbonated Soft Drink Brands
Despite the industry’s shifts, carbonated soft drinks remain a dominant force in the UK market. Coca-Cola continues to be the leading brand by sales revenue, generating around £311 million in 2024[7]. Pepsi Max is the second-highest-selling brand, with strong performance in the no-sugar and low-calorie segments.
The top-selling retail products in the UK in 2025 include Pepsi Max No Sugar Cola (24 x 330ml), Coca-Cola Zero Sugar (24 x 330ml), Coca-Cola Original Taste (24 x 330ml), Fanta Orange Cans (24 x 330ml), and Dr Pepper Strawberry & Cream (12 x 355ml)[3]. This data highlights the enduring popularity of these iconic UK drinks brands, as they invest heavily in promotions, particularly in the no-sugar segment[4].
Evolving Flavour and Health Trends
The UK soft drinks market is experiencing a shift in consumer preferences, moving away from sweet, fruit-heavy drinks toward more sophisticated, less sugary options. Consumers are gravitating towards earthier, saltier, umami, roasted, smoky, and bitter/herbal flavours[2].
Simultaneously, the demand for functional beverages is on the rise, with categories like kombucha (+30% YoY) and ginger/turmeric shots (+92% YoY) driving significant growth[4]. The market for juice and functional shots is valued at £37 million, as consumers seek out products that offer digestive health benefits and a less sugary profile[4].
Dairy-Based and Alternative Drinks
The UK soft drinks market is also witnessing a surge in dairy-based and alternative drink options. Flavoured milk, for instance, has experienced a 49% value increase and a 62% volume increase year-over-year, with price increases failing to curb consumer demand[4].
Additionally, the ready-to-drink (RTD) cold brew coffee segment has seen a 38% value increase and a 26% volume increase, appealing to convenience-focused and younger demographics[4]. The market is also innovating with plant-based and dairy alternatives, catering to health, sustainability, and dietary preferences.
Conclusion
The UK soft drinks market is undergoing a dynamic transformation, with a range of UK drinks brands poised to make their mark in 2025. From the continued dominance of carbonated classics to the rise of innovative functional and dairy-based beverages, the industry is adapting to meet the evolving preferences of health-conscious consumers. As the market continues to evolve, these trends will shape the landscape of the UK’s thriving soft drinks sector in the years to come.
Sources:
Coca-Cola
Pepsi Max
[1], [3], [4], [6], [7]
