Building a strong low and no sugar range
Low and no sugar is no longer a niche corner of the fridge. For many venues it is now half the soft drinks fixture, so it pays to stock the range properly rather than carrying one or two token lines. Below is a quick, practical guide to what the terms mean, why demand keeps climbing, and how to choose cases that sell.
What "low sugar" and "no sugar" actually mean
A no-sugar or zero-sugar drink contains virtually no sugar and is sweetened without it, which is why cans are usually labelled "zero", "sugar free" or "diet". Under Great Britain front-of-pack guidance, a drink is generally classed as low sugar when it contains 5g of sugar or less per 100ml. "Diet" and "zero" drinks are very similar, both sweetened without sugar and low in calories; the "zero" versions are simply formulated to taste closer to the original full-sugar recipe, while "diet" lines have their own long-established flavour. Always check the individual can for exact figures before you print menus or shelf labels.
What's driving demand: the sugar tax and reformulation
Since the UK Soft Drinks Industry Levy (widely known as the "sugar tax") came into effect on 6 April 2018, most major brands have reformulated recipes or launched no-sugar versions, and shoppers have grown used to reaching for them. The levy applies to added-sugar soft drinks above set thresholds, so no-sugar and low-sugar drinks generally sit outside it, which is one reason the zero-sugar range has expanded so quickly. Stocking these lines alongside the full-sugar originals lets you meet demand without narrowing choice at the till.
What to stock, and who buys it
Build the core around zero-sugar colas, then add sugar-free fruit flavours (orange, lemon-lime, cherry and the classic British favourites), sugar-free energy for the grab-and-go crowd, and a lighter option or two such as Rio Tropical Light. Gyms and leisure centres lean towards sugar-free energy and flavoured lines; schools and colleges want compliant, lower-sugar choices for vending; offices and cafés do well with a broad zero-sugar cola and flavour mix. To round out the shelf, browse the energy drinks, iced tea and kombucha and health drinks ranges, or see current favourites in best-selling drinks.
Product availability, recipes and allergen information can change, so please check the live product page and on-pack labelling for the latest stock, ingredients and nutrition before ordering or reselling.