2026
10
A Year of Innovation in Carbonated Soft Drinks 2026
2026-08-10T00:01:43+00:00
REP3F71F15E_5F38_448A_B1F1_5E5F38248A3B
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Report
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Carbonated soft drink innovation continues to focus on functionality, sugar reduction and sensory enhancement. Amrin Walji, Senior Innovation Analyst…
Global
Carbonated Soft Drinks
simple

A Year of Innovation in Carbonated Soft Drinks 2026

Carbonated soft drink innovation continues to focus on functionality, sugar reduction and sensory enhancement.

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  1. INTRODUCTION

    • What we’ve seen
    • Our pick of the most innovative launches in this review
    • Other innovative launches
    • Global spotlight: sugar-free claims gain ground in CSD launches despite white sugar’s dominance
    • Graph 1: carbonated soft drink launches, by select minus claims, 2021-26
    • The Future of Carbonated Soft Drinks: 2026
  2. EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA)

    • Europe: carbonated soft drink brands tap into functional health benefits
    • Consumers are more likely to try soft drinks with added health benefits
    • Functional health claims remain underdeveloped in CSDs
    • Graph 2: carbonated soft drink launches, by select functional and plus claims, 2024-26
    • Rising gut health trends open new doors for apple cider vinegar in the carbonated soft drink market
    • Recently launched carbonated soft drinks providing functional health benefits
    • Europe: CSD launches focus on reducing sugar content
    • Artificial sweetener concerns impact carbonated soft drink consumption
    • Low-calorie and sugar-free claims are steadily growing among CSD launches in Europe
    • Graph 3: carbonated soft drink launches, by select minus claims, 2021-26
    • CSD launches highlight sugar- and calorie-free recipes
    • The Middle East & Africa (MEA)
    • Sophisticated cocktail-inspired alternatives gain momentum in the Middle East
  3. ASIA PACIFIC (APAC)

    • Asia: functional hydration is a growing focus in CSDs
    • Consumers seek drinks that help them stay hydrated
    • Soft drink brands deliver functional hydration
    • Asia: CSD brands enhance refreshment through texture and mouthfeel
    • Consumers look beyond flavour for multi-sensory refreshment
    • Brands are elevating the sensory appeal of carbonated soft drinks through carbonation, texture and aroma
    • Australia & New Zealand
    • Australian soft drink brands are increasingly launching limited-edition products
  4. THE AMERICAS

    • North America: the rise of protein claims in carbonated soft drink innovation
    • Consumers embrace functional innovation in carbonated soft drinks
    • Protein-fortified carbonated soft drinks take off in North America
    • Brand renovation/innovation: SkyPop brings protein to the soda aisle
    • North America: digestive health continues to be a growing focus of CSD launches
    • Consumers prioritise digestive health in food and drink choices
    • Growing appetite for gut health accelerates prebiotic soda launches
    • Graph 4: carbonated soft drink launches by select functional claims, 2021-26
    • Brands accelerate innovation around digestive health claims
    • Latin America: brands add vitamins and minerals to elevate functionality in carbonated soft drinks
    • Vitamin-/mineral-fortified claims more than double in launch activity
    • Carbonated soft drink brands fortify products with vitamins and minerals to deliver added wellness benefits
Download Report Summary

"Carbonated soft drink innovation continues to focus on functionality, sugar reduction and sensory enhancement."

Amrin Walji, Senior Innovation Analyst

Amrin Walji, Senior Innovation Analyst

Explore the latest innovation in the carbonated soft drinks in 2026 with Mintel’s global innovation report. The report identifies the major launch activities, pivotal consumer attitudes and most important product development of the year across regions EMEA, APAC, and the Americas.

Key innovation trends in the carbonated soft drinks market are analysed and succinctly presented alongside Mintel’s consumer data and insights. So you can understand changing consumer demands and identify future growth opportunities.

This report also presents Mintel’s analysts’ pick of the most innovative launches in the global soft drinks market. Understanding innovation in carbonated soft drinks has never been so easy.

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