PepsiCo is changing the recipe of Pepsi Zero Sugar to more closely mirror the taste of its signature cola with sugar, and compared to the previous version of its Pepsi Zero Sugar, the soda maker said it made the caffeine level the same as regular Pepsi and removed the ginseng, which is not in the sugar version of the beverage.
The change to Pepsi Zero Sugar comes as shoppers look for ways to curtail their sugar intake. So sugar-free colas are one channel beverage makers are turning to for growth. The global sugar-free carbonated drinks market was valued at $125.3 billion in 2020 and is forecast to reach $243.5 billion by 2030, a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%, according to data from Allied Market Research.
The goal for PepsiCo and others is to create an offering that tastes as close to or the same as the original cola in order to give hesitant consumers a reason to make the switch.
PepsiCo said consumer testing has shown the new Pepsi Zero Sugar formula beats the old one, including in key metrics such as liking and purchase intent. In a comprehensive assessment study, consumers preferred the new Pepsi Zero Sugar, the company said, considering it more refreshing, tasty, and having a real cola taste.
The reformulation of the zero-sugar beverage line is just the beginning. Mango and wild cherry flavours also will be reformulated and arrive on shelves this spring, the company said.