Diet Soft Drinks Market Size, Share, and Growth Forecast for 2024 - 2031

Diet Soft Drinks Market Size and Share Analysis

The global diet soft drinks market is estimated to reach a size of US$ 10.49 Bn in 2024. It is predicted to rise at a CAGR of 14.4% through the assessment period to attain a value of US$ 26.91 Bn by 2031.

The market is rising rapidly as more people are caring about their health and changing what they want to drink. Millennials and Gen Z are leading such change as they prefer wellness and low-calorie options. In 2024, the market saw the launch of several new products. For instance,

• In January 2024, Coca-Cola added more zero-sugar drinks to its line to meet the needs of health-focused consumers and follow new sugar rules.

The market is also rising in emerging economies like India and China, where high disposable income is leading people to choose natural flavors over artificial ones. Natural flavors are set to record a CAGR of 9.1% in the projected period. Diet soft drinks are gaining traction among fitness enthusiasts as hydration options align with their active lifestyles.

• In the U.S., for instance, 40% of consumers identify as ‘low-calorie seekers,’ influencing the adoption of these beverages.

The evolving regulatory landscape, such as the European Union’s (EU) revised sugar tax introduced in March 2024, supports market growth by steering consumers toward healthy choices.

Key Highlights of the Market

• Consumers are increasingly seeking low-calorie alternatives to their favorite drinks, as they need ways to enjoy them without added calories.
• Innovations in artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and stevia have enabled the creation of diet drinks that taste like their sugary counterparts.
• Increasing obesity rate has led several people to seek healthy alternatives, such as diet soft drinks, to manage their weight.
• Consumers are becoming more health-conscious about the risks of high sugar intake, leading to a preference for low-calorie and sugar-free beverages.
• In 2024, carbonates are estimated to attain a market share of 42% due to rising consumption.
• Based on distribution channels, the supermarket/hypermarket segment is projected to account for a share of 45% in 2024 due to convenience and variety of drinks available.
• Owing to the trend of consuming healthy beverages, North America is estimated to hold a market share of 35% in 2024. 
• Europe is anticipated to attain a market share of 24% in 2024 with launch of low- or zero-calorie beverages.

Market Attributes	Key Insights
Diet Soft Drinks Market Size (2024E)	US$ 10.49 Bn
Projected Market Value (2031F)	US$ 26.91 Bn
Global Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2024 to 2031)	14.4%
Historical Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2019 to 2023)	10.4%

North America Sees Robust Growth Amid Shift toward Healthy Drinks

In 2024, North America maintained its leading position in the diet soft drinks market, accounting for 35% of share. This leadership stems from a blend of health awareness and a focus on weight management and low-calorie beverage options. The region benefits from extensive distribution networks, high purchasing power, and a strong focus on innovation by market leaders.

The introduction of healthy choices like Coke Zero Sugar and Pepsi Zero is propelling development in the beverage sector in the U.S. These are being promoted for their less sugar content and zero artificial ingredients.

Regulatory restrictions and growing awareness of the harmful effects of high-sugar beverages are driving growth of the diet soft drink industry in North America. The industry is anticipated to stay strong due to ongoing taste variety and accessibility through supermarkets, internet platforms, and convenience shops.

Demand for Low- or Zero-calorie Beverages Skyrockets in Europe

The market for diet soft drinks in Europe is rising significantly due to growing health consciousness and consumer demand for low- or zero-calorie beverages. The region's share in the global market was 24% in 2024.

Market growth has been impacted by taste innovation and a variety of product types, including yuzu and floral-infused varieties, underscoring the trend for distinctive drinking experiences. For example,

• Efforts from regulators like the Union of European Beverage Associations (UNESDA) to reduce added sugars by 10% by 2025 have helped more people choose healthy soft drinks.

In response to customer worries about the environment, companies in Europe are giving sustainable packaging and ingredient sourcing top priority. By enhancing taste without adding sugar, innovations like Kerry's Tastesense showcase Europe's influence on the worldwide market for diet soft drinks. 

Carbonated Drinks Gain Traction Amid Launch of Innovative Products

The carbonates segment is likely to gain impetus and account for 42% of the total share in 2024 due to surging demand worldwide.

• Manufacturers like Coca-Cola are introducing innovative flavors to meet evolving consumer preferences, such as their space-inspired Coca-Cola Starlight in February 2024.
• PepsiCo extended its Pepsi Zero Sugar line in March 2024, adding a citrus flavor to attract health-conscious consumers seeking bold, sugar-free options.

While non-carbonated segments trail in taste diversity, demand for carbonated diet drinks is rising with innovations in carbonation technology. Businesses prioritize innovation to draw in and keep clients.

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets to Provide a Wide Variety of Diet Drinks

In 2024, supermarkets and hypermarkets held a 45% share of the global diet soft drinks market. It was driven by their extensive product selection. These also help in enhancing the shopping experience and allowing customers to compare different options from various brands.

The organized retail industry has increased the visibility of diet soft drinks, with supermarkets offering promotions and deals. For instance,

• Walmart's nationwide promotional campaign in February 2024 saw a 25% increase in sales during the promotional period, showcasing the rising trend in the industry.

Due to their competitive pricing and rapid product turnover, retail chains are essential for large beverage firms since they serve a wide range of customers looking for value and convenience.

Diet Soft Drinks Market Introduction and Trend Analysis

Demand for diet soft drinks is rising owing to consumer choices and increased health consciousness, especially among Gen Z and millennials. In line with wellness trends, these demographics opt for beverages with less sugar and artificial ingredients.

Manufacturers like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are offering products with natural sweeteners like stevia in response to this demand, which is spurring innovation. Coca-Cola Life and Pepsi Next, for instance, have become popular by catering to consumers' need for naturally sweetened, low-calorie drinks.

Fitness and active lifestyle trends also contribute significantly to market growth. Functional beverages, which combine low-calorie bases with added health benefits like vitamins and electrolytes, are becoming a dominant segment. Brands like Olipop and Poppi are leading such niches with prebiotic sodas aimed at promoting gut health.

The regulatory landscape further fuels this shift. Strict sugar guidelines and taxes in countries like the U.K. and Mexico push consumers toward diet soft drinks. In 2024, new regulations require clear labeling of artificial additives, challenging manufacturers to innovate with cleaner, more transparent formulations.

Historical Growth and Course Ahead

The global diet soft drinks market recorded a CAGR of 10.4% in the historical period from 2019 to 2023.

• According to WHO and NIH estimates, 1 in 8 people globally will be obese in 2021, while 38.4 million people will have diabetes.

Businesses are tackling artificial sweeteners and aftertastes in diet drinks. Environmentally friendly products and sustainable packaging are becoming increasingly important to satisfy customer preferences.

The industry offers a variety of beverages, including fruit-infused options, to cater to diverse consumer preferences. Customization options are being explored to meet the nutritional needs and health goals. Demand for diet soft drinks is estimated to record a prosperous CAGR of 14.4% during the forecast period between 2024 and 2031.

Market Growth Drivers

Consumer Preference for Low-calorie Alternatives to Foster Demand

Growing awareness of the negative health effects of sugar intake is fueling the market for low- and zero-calorie drinks. As obesity and other health-related problems increase globally, consumers are looking for better options to regulate their calorie consumption and weight. Diet soft drinks are viewed as fun and useful remedies.

• In Europe, the zero and low-calorie category made up 41% of the beverage market in 2024, compared to 26% five years prior. This increase is ascribed to health consciousness and legislative actions such as sugar levies in the U.K., which have encouraged the use of low-sugar beverages. 
• In response to Denmark's increasing demand for sugar-free goods, Carlsberg Denmark launched a 52% calorie-reduced Somersby Apple Lite in May 2023.

Health concerns, changing consumer preferences, sustainable packaging, and eco-friendly product sourcing have an impact on the industry. Organic solutions are becoming immensely popular as consumers look for products with strong, exotic flavors and less impact on the environment.

Innovations in Artificial Sweeteners to Fizz up the Industry

Artificial sweeteners such as stevia, sucralose, and aspartame have shaken up the diet beverage segment by increasing customer interest in low-calorie beverages. Manufacturers may use lesser amounts of aspartame since it is 200 times sweeter than sugar.

Sucralose has no calories and tastes like sugar without being broken down by the body. The plant stevia rebaudiana is the source of stevia, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.

Diet beverages have been improved by artificial sweeteners like aspartame, which improve flavor while following international sugar reduction recommendations. Since 2000, aspartame has been the subject of more than 1,000 research articles, demonstrating its safety and effectiveness.

In 2024, new formulas will likely strive to strike a balance between safety, flavor, and health advantages. These are set to make diet beverages a popular option among the world's health-conscious consumer base.

Market Restraining Factors

Rising Prevalence of Health Issues to Hamper Demand for Diet Drinks

The usage of artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin in more than 6,000 products worldwide has raised health concerns for the diet drink business. Research indicates that 40% of heavy users have gut microbiota changes and are at risk for insulin resistance.

• A WHO report in July 2023 classified aspartame as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans,’ influencing consumer trust and prompting regulatory reviews worldwide. This has led to a 15% drop in sales of diet drinks containing aspartame in key markets like the U.S. and Europe.

Sales of stevia have been rising 18% a year since 2020, indicating that businesses are moving toward natural sweeteners. These tastes are supported by PepsiCo's investments in monk fruit-sweetened products and Coca-Cola's Coke Life. Pepsi's revised product labels are a key example of a transparency campaign that aims to inform customers about the safety of sweeteners. For instance,

• To satisfy changing customer expectations and ensure regulatory compliance, the industry is spending more than US$ 1 Bn a year on research and development to create safe formulations and substitute components.

Key Market Opportunities

Emergence of Functional Drinks Presents Growth Prospects

Growing demand for health-promoting drinks, especially among Gen Z and millennials, is predicted to fuel growth of the diet soft drink industry. According to a survey conducted in 2023, around 65% of customers prefer beverages that boost immunity, energy, or hydration. Commonly used functional ingredients include probiotics, antioxidants, and vitamin D.

• PepsiCo launched Driftwell in February 2024, a functional water beverage infused with L-theanine to promote relaxation and sleep.
• Coca-Cola followed suit with Minute Maid+, which is fortified with zinc and vitamins C and D to boost immunity.
• Compared to non-functional launches, consumer trials for functional launches grew by 22% in the first quarter. Due to their ability to reduce stress and increase energy, herbal extracts like ginseng and ashwagandha became increasingly popular, surging by 18% in 2024.

The functional drinks business is growing to meet the needs of health-conscious people who want convenience and health benefits. This expansion helps manufacturers broaden their product offerings and attracts a wide audience in the competitive beverage industry.

Creative Marketing Campaigns and Product Diversification to Offer Avenues 

To adapt to altering consumer palates, key beverage corporations like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola are investing capital in promotional campaigns. They are also developing an extensive range of diet drink variants. For instance,

• Since rebranding in January 2023, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar has experienced a 14% increase in sales.
• PepsiCo has added berry and tropical tastes to its Pepsi Max lineup to appeal to a younger demographic.

• Coca-Cola launched its global ‘Real Magic’ campaign in March 2024. The campaign focuses on the brand's commitment to offering healthier and more enjoyable drinks. It has reached over 80 million consumers through digital platforms.
• PepsiCo has worked with fitness influencers and used social media ads for its diet products. This strategy has led to a 20% increase in online engagement in Q3 2024.

To meet the demand for tasty, low-calorie drinks, the beverage industry is responding to health-conscious trends. Key players are launching creative tastes, successful marketing campaigns, and market research.

Competitive Landscape for the Diet Soft Drinks Market

Large corporations like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Keurig Dr. Pepper, Inc., and Nestlé control a large portion of the diet soft drink industry. These businesses are leaders in the industry because of their creative marketing, wide range of products, brand partnerships, and distribution plans. Their success is a result of their distinctive brand partnerships and varied beverage portfolios.

Businesses like Cott Corporation and Polar Beverages are concentrating on regional tastes and specialty markets. Unilever is utilizing its experience in consumer products to investigate prospects in the zero-sugar soda segment. It is also emphasizing better alternatives for health-conscious consumers.

Key players are extending their customer base in a competitive market by implementing strategic initiatives like redesigning existing product lines and introducing innovative beverages. This approach not only fosters brand loyalty but also better positions companies to meet the evolving tastes and preferences of consumers. They are now seeking healthier, low-calorie alternatives.

Recent Industry Developments

• In October 2024, U.K.-based XOXO Soda introduced its first prebiotic fizzy drink, XOXO Soda, with Ocado. It offers a gut-healthy, vegan-friendly, low-calorie, low-sugar alternative with six flavors.
• In July 2024, The Coca-Cola Company, based in the U.S., launched a promotional campaign from July to September. It offered personalized Diet Coke packs, QR codes for winning cans, and an experiential relaxation zone in London and Manchester.
• In June 2024, Nixie, an organic sparkling water brand from Massachusetts, introduced its Organic Zero Sugar Soda line. It aims to eliminate sugar, single-use plastic bottles, and toxic chemicals from the beverage industry.
• In April 2023, Grace Foods, based in Jamaica, introduced the Grace Island Soda range, featuring three tropically inspired sodas: Kola Champagne, Pineapple Island Soda, and Cream Soda. These are set to be popular during the British summer and barbecue season.
• In March 2024, Washington-based PLEZi Nutrition, co-founded by Michelle Obama, introduced PLEZi FiZZ, a carbonated fruit drink with 70% less sugar, no added sugar, and 2g fiber, promoting healthy drinks for kids.

Diet Soft Drinks Industry Report Scope

Attributes	Details
Forecast Period	2024 to 2031
Historical Data Available for	2019 to 2023
Market Analysis	US$ Billion for Value
Key Regions Covered	North America Europe East Asia South Asia and Oceania Middle East and Africa Latin America
Key Market Segments Covered	Type Flavor Distribution Channel Region
Key Companies Profiled in the Report	The Coca-Cola Company PepsiCo, Inc.  Keurig Dr Pepper  Nestlé S.A.  National Beverage Corp.  Red Bull GmbH  Monster Beverage Corporation  Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.  Britvic plc  Suntory Beverage and Food Limited  Danone S.A.  The Kraft Heinz Company  Unilever  Jones Soda Co.  Others
Report Coverage	Market Forecast and Trends Company Share Analysis Competitive Intelligence DROT Analysis Market Dynamics and Challenges Strategic Growth Initiatives
Customization and Pricing	Available upon request

Diet Soft Drinks Industry Segmentation

By Type

• Carbonates
• Dilutables
• Flavored Water
• Still and Juice Drinks
• Sports and Energy Drinks
• Fruit Juice 

By Flavor

• Natural
• Artificial

By Distribution Channel  

• HoReCa 
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets 
• Convenience Stores 
• Specialty Stores 
• Online Retail 
• Others 

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia and Oceania
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

To know more about delivery timeline for this report Contact Sales