Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Gen Z Prefers Zero Sugar Over Diet Soda
Big soda companies like Pepsi and Dr Pepper are focusing more on Zero Sugar sodas instead of Diet sodas.
This is because younger people, like Gen Z, prefer Zero Sugar drinks.
They think these drinks are healthier and taste more like regular soda.
Companies are spending a lot of money on ads and new flavors to attract these younger drinkers.
Even though Diet sodas have been around for a long time, the new Zero Sugar drinks are becoming more popular.
This change is helping soda companies sell more drinks, even though overall soda sales have been going down.
PepsiCo is heavily promoting Pepsi Zero Sugar, spending most of its marketing budget on it.
Zero Sugar sodas accounted for 52% of the category's sales growth in 2023.
Keurig Dr Pepper has introduced over 40 Zero Sugar offerings, replacing many Diet versions.
Gen Z consumers prefer Zero Sugar sodas for their perceived health benefits and taste.
Companies are introducing new flavors and limited-edition drinks to attract younger consumers.
- Who
- PepsiCo, Keurig Dr Pepper, Gen Z consumers
- What
- Shift from Diet to Zero Sugar sodas
- When
- Recent years, with significant changes in 2023-2025
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Gen Z prefers Zero Sugar for its perceived health benefits and closer taste to regular soda
- Pepsi Zero Sugar
- Major focus of PepsiCo's marketing
- Super Bowl Ad
- Pepsi Zero Sugar featured in 30-second spot
- Pepsi Challenge
- Blind taste test between Pepsi and Coke Zero Sugar
- Keurig Dr Pepper
- Over 40 Zero Sugar offerings now
- Zero Sugar Sales
- 52% of category's sales growth in 2023
- Gen Z Preferences
- 72% try new beverages monthly
- Limited-Edition Success
- Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut top-performing